Don’t stress about getting a college degree, you can get a certification online with ease and earn up to six figures annually. Curated lists of these certifications are discussed in this blog post to help you find one that suits you best. Let’s get started.
Not everyone is cut out to earn a college degree especially because of the cost and the duration it takes to earn the degree. A bachelor’s degree takes 4 years while an associate’s takes 2 years but some people find it long and want a faster and cheaper alternative. If you are one of these people, then you have come to the right place.
A better option or route for such persons is to earn a certification in a program relating to a field that they like, have some knowledge of, or are the highest paying ones at that time.
In today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving job market, continuous learning and upskilling are essential. Online certifications have emerged as a popular avenue for individuals seeking to enhance their skills, pivot to new careers, or boost their earning potential.
The allure of these certifications lies in their accessibility, flexibility, and the fact that many can be completed relatively quickly. You can also venture into some college majors that pay well. This article delves into several online certifications that are relatively easy to obtain and can lead to well-paying jobs.
Easy Certifications to Get Online that Pay Well
Here is a list with details of the easy certifications to get online that pay well to help you find one to go for:
- Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
- Google IT Support Professional Certificate
- Certified Digital Marketing Professional (CDMP)
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate
- Salesforce Certified Administrator
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- HubSpot Content Marketing Certification
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
1. Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
Scrum is a framework for Agile project management that emphasizes teamwork, accountability, and iterative progress toward a well-defined goal. A ScrumMaster facilitates the Scrum process, helping teams work together effectively and efficiently.
Certified ScrumMasters are in high demand, especially in tech and software development fields. They help teams operate within the Scrum framework, ensuring projects are completed on time and meet quality standards.
The Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) certification is offered by the Scrum Alliance. It requires the completion of a two-day training course followed by an online exam. The exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions, and a passing score is 74%.
Certified ScrumMasters can earn an average annual salary of around $100,000. Senior ScrumMasters and those working in major tech hubs can earn significantly more.
2. Google IT Support Professional Certificate
IT Support involves assisting users with computer problems, managing networks, and ensuring the smooth operation of an organization’s IT infrastructure.
The Google IT Support Professional Certificate is designed for beginners and does not require any prior experience. It is a comprehensive program that covers key areas like troubleshooting, customer service, networking, operating systems, system administration, and security.
The certification can be completed through Coursera and typically takes about six months if you study part-time. The program consists of six courses, and each course includes hands-on labs and assignments.
Entry-level IT Support Specialists can expect to earn around $50,000 per year. With experience and additional certifications, this can rise to over $70,000.
3. Certified Digital Marketing Professional (CDMP)
Digital marketing involves promoting products or services using digital channels, such as search engines, social media, email, and websites.
Digital marketing skills are in high demand as businesses increasingly rely on online presence to reach customers. A certification demonstrates proficiency in key areas like SEO, SEM, content marketing, social media marketing, and email marketing.
The Digital Marketing Institute offers the Certified Digital Marketing Professional (CDMP) certification. The course can be completed online in about 10 weeks of part-time study. It includes 10 modules covering various aspects of digital marketing, followed by an exam.
Digital Marketing Specialists can earn an average salary of $60,000 to $70,000 per year. Senior roles, such as Digital Marketing Managers, can earn over $100,000 annually.
4. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
Information security involves protecting computer systems and networks from information disclosure, theft, or damage to hardware, software, or data. With the rise in cyber threats, cybersecurity skills are highly sought after. The CISSP certification is recognized globally and is often required for high-level security positions.
The CISSP certification is offered by (ISC)². It requires at least five years of work experience in two or more of the eight domains of the CISSP CBK (Common Body of Knowledge). The certification exam is challenging, consisting of 100-150 questions to be completed in three hours.
CISSP-certified professionals can earn an average annual salary of $120,000. In senior positions, such as Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), salaries can exceed $200,000.
5. Project Management Professional (PMP)
Project management involves planning, initiating, executing, controlling, and closing the work of a team to achieve specific goals within specific parameters. The PMP certification, offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), is recognized globally and demonstrates that you have the experience, education, and competency to lead and direct projects.
The PMP certification requires 35 hours of project management education and at least 4,500 hours of project management experience. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and takes about four hours to complete.
Project Managers with PMP certification can earn an average salary of $110,000 per year. Those with more experience can earn significantly more, particularly in industries like IT, finance, and healthcare.
6. AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate
Cloud architecture involves the components and subcomponents required for cloud computing. These components typically consist of a front-end platform, back-end platforms, cloud-based delivery, and a network.
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is a leading cloud service provider, and the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate certification validates your ability to design and deploy scalable systems on AWS.
This certification requires you to pass a single exam that tests your knowledge of AWS systems and best practices. It is recommended to have some hands-on experience with AWS before taking the exam. There are many online courses and practice exams available to help you prepare.
AWS Certified Solutions Architects can earn an average salary of $130,000 per year. With experience, this can rise significantly, especially in high-demand markets.
7. Salesforce Certified Administrator
Salesforce is a leading customer relationship management (CRM) platform. Salesforce Administrators manage and configure the platform, ensuring it meets their company’s needs.
Salesforce skills are in high demand across various industries. The Salesforce Certified Administrator credential demonstrates your ability to manage the platform effectively.
The certification requires passing a 60-question multiple-choice exam. It is recommended to have some hands-on experience with Salesforce and to take advantage of the numerous online resources available for exam preparation.
Salesforce Administrators can earn an average salary of $80,000 per year. With more experience and advanced certifications, such as the Salesforce Certified Advanced Administrator, earnings can exceed $100,000.
8. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
Ethical hacking involves legally breaking into computers and devices to test an organization’s defenses. It is a proactive measure to protect against malicious hackers.
With the increase in cyber threats, organizations are investing more in security measures. Certified Ethical Hackers are highly sought after to help identify vulnerabilities and strengthen security systems.
The CEH certification is offered by the EC-Council. The exam consists of 125 multiple-choice questions and covers topics like network security, cryptography, and system hacking. It is recommended to have some experience in IT security and to complete a preparatory course.
Certified Ethical Hackers can earn an average salary of $95,000 per year. With experience, this can rise to over $130,000, particularly in high-demand sectors like finance and government.
9. HubSpot Content Marketing Certification
Content marketing involves creating and distributing valuable, relevant content to attract and engage a target audience, ultimately driving profitable customer action.
As businesses increasingly focus on digital marketing, the demand for skilled content marketers is growing. The HubSpot Content Marketing Certification demonstrates your ability to create compelling content and execute content strategies.
The certification is free and can be completed online through HubSpot Academy. It includes several video lessons, quizzes, and a final exam.
Content Marketing Specialists can earn an average salary of $60,000 per year. Senior roles, such as Content Marketing Managers, can earn upwards of $90,000.
10. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
Network administration involves maintaining computer networks, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and intranets.
Cisco is a leading provider of networking equipment, and the CCNA certification is widely recognized in the industry. It validates your ability to install, configure, and troubleshoot networks.
The CCNA certification requires passing a single exam that covers a broad range of networking fundamentals. There are many online courses and resources available to help you prepare.
Network Administrators with a CCNA certification can earn an average salary of $70,000 per year. With experience and additional certifications, such as the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), earnings can rise to over $100,000.
Conclusion
Online certifications offer a convenient and effective way to acquire new skills and boost your career prospects. Whether you’re looking to enter a new field or advance in your current one, numerous certifications are relatively easy to obtain and can lead to well-paying jobs. From project management and digital marketing to IT support and cybersecurity, the opportunities are vast and varied. Investing in one of these certifications can be a strategic move to enhance your professional development and increase your earning potential.