Top 10 IT Manager Certifications

Certifications are an important way for IT managers to demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in the field. They provide potential employers with evidence that the candidate has taken the initiative to learn and master a particular technology or methodology. Certifications can also give IT managers a competitive edge when looking for new job opportunities, as they signify that the candidate is up-to-date on current trends and best practices in their field. Furthermore, certifications often come with access to exclusive resources and networks, which can help IT managers stay ahead of the curve when it comes to discovering new technologies or solutions.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for IT Managers and explains how they can contribute to an IT Manager's career.

What are IT Manager Certifications?

Manager certification is a type of professional development program designed to help managers develop the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively lead teams and organizations. It often includes courses, workshops, and/or seminars that cover topics such as leadership development, communication, performance management, conflict resolution, decision-making, and more. These programs can be tailored to meet the specific needs of individual managers or organizations.

The benefits of manager certification include improved team collaboration, better employee engagement and job satisfaction, increased productivity and profitability, improved morale among employees, and improved customer service. Additionally, it can help managers identify potential issues within their organization before they become major problems. This can save time and money by avoiding costly mistakes in the future. Manager certification also helps managers stay up-to-date with the latest trends in management practices so they are better equipped to handle any challenges that arise in their workplace. Ultimately, manager certification helps ensure that managers are up-to-date on best practices for leading a successful team or organization.

Pro Tip: When considering an IT Manager Certification program, make sure to research the qualifications of the instructors, the quality of the materials, and the accreditation of the institution. Additionally, it is important to look for programs that offer hands-on experience to ensure you gain real-world knowledge and skills.

Related: What does an IT Manager do?

Top 10 IT Manager Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to IT Managers today.

1. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is an internationally recognized certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and experience in the field of information systems security. It is a vendor-neutral certification and is considered one of the most sought-after credentials for IT professionals in the security industry. The CISSP exam covers a wide range of topics, including access control, cryptography, software development security, operations security, and more.

The CISSP exam consists of 250 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within six hours. To become certified, applicants must pass the exam with a score of 700 or higher on the 1000-point scale. In addition to passing the exam, applicants must also have at least five years of cumulative paid work experience in two or more of the eight domains covered by the CISSP Common Body of Knowledge (CBK).

To get started on your journey to becoming a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), you will need to register for and take an official training course from an accredited provider such as ISC2 or CompTIA. These courses provide comprehensive instruction on all aspects of information systems security and prepare you for taking the CISSP exam. Once you have completed your training course, you can then register for and take the actual CISSP exam at a Pearson VUE testing center near you.

The cost to become certified varies depending on which organization you choose to certify through but typically ranges between $700 - $1,500 USD. This includes registration fees for both the training course and the actual CISSP exam.

2. Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)

Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) is a certification program offered by ISACA, an international professional association for information security, assurance, and governance. It is designed to help IT professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to identify, assess, control, and monitor IT risks. The CRISC certification is intended to provide individuals with the ability to understand business risk related to IT systems and develop strategies to mitigate these risks.

The CRISC exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within four hours. To be eligible for the exam, applicants must have at least three years of cumulative work experience in two or more of the four domains tested on the exam: Risk Identification; Risk Assessment; Risk Response; and Risk Monitoring & Reporting.

To get certified in CRISC, you will need to take an online course from ISACA or an approved training provider. After completing the coursework, you will need to register for the exam through ISACA’s website and pay the associated fee ($595 USD). Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your certificate from ISACA.

The cost of getting certified in CRISC includes registration fees for both the course and exam as well as any additional materials needed for study purposes (such as textbooks). The total cost can vary depending on which training provider you choose but generally ranges between $1,500 - $2,000 USD.

3. Certified Scrum Master (CSM)

Certified Scrum Master (CSM) is a certification offered by the Scrum Alliance, an organization dedicated to advancing the principles and practices of Scrum. It is designed to recognize individuals who have gained an understanding of the core concepts of Scrum and how to apply them in their work. The CSM certification is based on the Scrum Guide, which was written by Ken Schwaber and Jeff Sutherland, two of the original creators of Scrum.

The CSM certification requires a minimum of 14 hours of training from a Certified Scrum Trainer (CST). After completing the training, participants are required to take an online exam, which consists of 50 multiple-choice questions. Once they pass the exam, they receive their certificate and become a Certified Scrum Master.

In order to be eligible for the CSM certification, applicants must have at least one year of experience working with Scrum or another Agile methodology. They must also attend an approved course taught by a Certified Scrum Trainer (CST). The cost for attending such a course varies depending on location and trainer but typically ranges between $1,000-$2,500 USD.

Once you become a Certified Scrum Master (CSM), you will be able to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the core principles and practices of Scrum. You will also be able to provide valuable guidance to organizations looking to implement or improve their use of Agile methods.

4. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a globally recognized certification for project managers. It is awarded by the Project Management Institute (PMI), a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the project management profession. PMP certification demonstrates that an individual has the knowledge and experience to effectively manage projects of any size or complexity.

To become certified, individuals must have at least three years of professional project management experience, with 4,500 hours leading and directing projects, as well as 35 hours of formal project management education. The certification process typically takes between four to six months to complete and involves passing a rigorous exam.

The cost of getting PMP certified varies depending on whether you are an existing PMI member or not. For non-members, the cost is $555 for members and $405 for non-members. Additionally, there are other costs associated with studying for the exam such as books, courses, and practice exams which can range from several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars depending on your learning style and preferences.

5. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE)

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) is a certification program offered by Microsoft to recognize IT professionals who have the skills and knowledge to design and implement solutions based on Microsoft products. The MCSE certification covers a wide range of topics, including networking, security, virtualization, cloud computing, and data management.

It typically takes 6-12 months to obtain an MCSE certification depending on your experience level. To get the MCSE certification you must pass one or more exams that cover the topics related to the certification you are pursuing. Once you have passed all the required exams, you will be awarded with an official Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) certificate.

The cost of obtaining an MCSE certification varies depending on which exam(s) you take and how many times you need to retake them in order to pass. Generally speaking, each exam costs around $165 USD and there may be additional fees for retakes or other services associated with taking the exam(s).

6. Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP)

Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the field of information technology. It is issued by the Institute for Certification of Computing Professionals (ICCP), an international organization that promotes standards in IT education and certification.

The CITP certification requires candidates to demonstrate knowledge and skills in areas such as systems analysis, programming, database design, network administration, security and project management. To become certified, applicants must pass a written exam and complete a minimum of five years of experience in the IT field.

The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as computer architecture, operating systems, networking technologies and software development. The exam fee is $395 USD. Candidates are allowed up to three hours to complete the exam.

To maintain their certification, CITP holders must earn continuing education credits every two years by attending approved courses or workshops related to information technology.

7. CompTIA IT Project+ Certification

CompTIA IT Project+ is a certification program designed to help IT professionals develop the skills and knowledge needed to successfully manage projects. The certification is vendor-neutral, meaning it can be applied to any type of project management software or methodologies. It covers topics such as project initiation, planning, execution, control and closure.

It typically takes 3-6 months to complete the CompTIA IT Project+ certification program. To get started, you must first pass the CompTIA Project+ exam (PK0-004). The exam consists of 90 multiple choice questions and requires a passing score of 750 out of 900 points.

The cost for the CompTIA IT Project+ exam varies depending on your location and testing provider. In the United States, it typically costs around $320 USD. You can also purchase study materials such as books or online courses to help prepare for the exam.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your official CompTIA IT Project+ certification which is valid for three years from the date of completion. After three years, you must retake the exam in order to renew your certification status.

8. ITIL Foundation Certification

ITIL Foundation Certification is an internationally recognized IT Service Management (ITSM) certification that provides a comprehensive understanding of ITIL best practices and processes. It is the entry-level qualification in the ITIL certification scheme, and it is designed to provide individuals with an understanding of how IT services are delivered within an organization.

The ITIL Foundation certification typically takes around two days to complete, depending on the training provider. The exam consists of 40 multiple choice questions and must be completed within 60 minutes. In order to pass the exam, candidates must score at least 65%.

In order to get certified, you must attend a course or self-study using official materials from AXELOS (the owners of ITIL). The cost of the course varies depending on which provider you choose, but generally ranges from $400-$1,000 USD. Additionally, there is a fee for taking the exam ($250 USD for most providers).

Overall, obtaining an ITIL Foundation Certification will cost between $650 - $1,250 USD depending on your chosen training provider.

9. Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA)

Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) is a certification program offered by Red Hat, Inc. It is designed to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge and skills in managing and deploying Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems. The RHCSA certification is one of the most sought-after certifications for system administrators in the IT industry.

The RHCSA exam typically takes about two hours to complete, and it covers topics such as installing and configuring systems, using command line tools, managing users and groups, working with storage devices, configuring network services, securing systems, troubleshooting system issues, and more.

To get certified as a Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA), you must pass the RHCSA Exam EX200. The exam can be taken at any authorized Pearson VUE testing center or online through the Red Hat Learning Subscription platform.

The cost of taking the RHCSA Exam EX200 varies depending on your location but generally ranges from $400 to $500 USD.

10. Oracle Database Administrator Certified Professional (OCP)

Oracle Database Administrator Certified Professional (OCP) is an Oracle certification program designed to recognize professionals who have achieved a level of expertise in the administration of Oracle databases. The OCP certification requires candidates to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in installing, configuring, managing, and troubleshooting Oracle databases.

To become an OCP certified professional, you must first pass two exams: the Oracle Database 12c: Installation and Administration exam (1Z0-062) and the Oracle Database 12c: Advanced Administration exam (1Z0-063). These exams are administered by Pearson VUE, an independent testing provider.

The cost for each exam is $245 USD. You may also be required to pay a non-refundable registration fee when scheduling your exams.

It typically takes several months of study and practice to prepare for these exams. It is recommended that you take advantage of the various study materials available from Oracle University such as courseware, practice tests, and instructor-led training courses.

Once you have passed both exams, you will receive your official OCP certification from Oracle Corporation. This certification will be valid for three years from the date it was issued.

Do You Really Need a IT Manager Certificate?

The short answer is no. An IT Manager Certificate isn't a requirement for IT Manager jobs. That said, it may be beneficial to have one if you are trying to get ahead of the competition when applying for a job.

Having an IT Manager Certificate indicates that you have taken the time and effort to gain additional knowledge in the field of information technology management. It shows potential employers that you are serious about your career and have invested in yourself. Many companies also offer tuition reimbursement or other types of assistance for employees who pursue certifications, so having one could help you stand out from other applicants.

Furthermore, having an IT Manager Certificate can help you stay up-to-date on all the latest technologies, trends, and best practices in managing information technology systems. This can be invaluable when it comes to making decisions and leading teams effectively as an IT Manager.

In conclusion, while an IT Manager Certificate isn't necessary to land a job as an IT Manager, it can certainly give you a competitive edge over other candidates who don't have such credentials.

Related: IT Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About IT Manager Certifications

Q1. What certifications are available for IT Managers?

A1. There are several certifications available for IT Managers, including Certified Information Systems Manager (CISM), Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT), Certified Scrum Master (CSM), Project Management Professional (PMP) and Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL).

Q2. Are there any prerequisites to become an IT Manager?

A2. Generally speaking, yes. Most certification programs require applicants to have a Bachelor’s degree in information technology or a related field, as well as several years of experience working in an IT role.

Q3. How much does it cost to earn an IT Manager certification?

A3. The cost of earning an IT Manager certification can vary widely depending on the type of certification, the provider and other factors. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 - $4,000 for a certification program.

Q4. How long does it take to complete an IT Manager certification program?

A4. The duration of each certification program will depend on the type of certification and the provider offering it, but most programs can be completed within 6 months to 1 year.

Q5. What job opportunities are available for those with an IT Manager certification?

A5: Those who have earned an IT Manager certification may find employment opportunities as system administrators, data analysts, network engineers or project managers in organizations across various industries such as healthcare, finance and government agencies.