The IT market in 2025 continues to grow dynamically, and the demand for skilled professionals shows no sign of slowing down. Employers now expect not only practical experience but also up-to-date knowledge validated by certifications. Skills in cloud computing, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), DevOps, and data analytics are especially valued. For many companies, certifications have become a benchmark of expertise — as many as 97% of IT managers believe certified employees deliver about 50% more value by filling skill gaps and being more productive. It’s no surprise that certificate holders often enjoy higher salaries and faster promotions. According to Pearson VUE, 82% of IT professionals gained more confidence in seeking new opportunities after earning a certification, 63% received (or expect) a promotion, and 32% reported a raise — with 31% of them exceeding 20%.
In the overview below, we present the most valuable IT certifications in 2025 — focusing on those recognized on both the global and Polish markets, highlighting certifications in AI as well as in cloud, security, DevOps, and data analytics. We will also look at what opportunities they open, how they impact salaries, and what is required to earn them.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning
AI and machine learning are no longer just a trendy buzzword — they’ve become the new technological standard and the foundation of innovation. Earning certifications in this field is a real investment in the future, opening the door to the most advanced projects of the 21st century. According to the Microsoft Work Trend Index, as many as 84% of business leaders in Poland plan to implement AI-based solutions within the next 12–18 months to ease the workload on employees. However, the skills gap is widening — demand for AI specialists exceeds supply, which increases the importance of training and certifications. Moreover, 71% of executives globally say they would prefer to hire a less experienced candidate with AI skills over a more experienced one without them.
The most valued AI/ML certifications in 2025 are:
Google Cloud Professional Machine Learning Engineer – proves advanced skills in designing, training, and deploying ML models on Google Cloud. In Poland, this certification significantly boosts competitiveness for Machine Learning Engineer roles. Requires strong ML and GCP knowledge; exam costs about $200 and lasts 2 hours.
AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty – focused on building, training, and deploying ML models on AWS. Considered intermediate-level (AWS ML experience required); the ~$300 exam covers both ML theory and AWS case studies.
Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate – confirms the ability to build AI solutions using Azure services (bots, language analyzers, Vision AI, etc.). Requires passing the AI-102 exam; prior basics like Azure AI Fundamentals (AI-900) are recommended. Particularly valuable for projects running on Azure, which are widely adopted in Poland.
IBM AI Engineering Professional Certificate – available online (e.g. on Coursera), includes hands-on ML/DL projects. Great for career changers, as it teaches end-to-end AI pipelines. Similar in character to DeepLearning.AI’s (Andrew Ng) AI/ML Specialization series.
CertNexus Certified Artificial Intelligence Practitioner (CAIP) – a vendor-neutral, advanced certification covering everything from ML algorithms to AI ethics. Created to meet the demand for non-vendor-specific proof of AI competence.
TensorFlow Developer Certificate – for those focusing on deep learning, proving the ability to build neural network models in TensorFlow. Highly regarded in AI startups and DL-focused companies (exam costs about $100).
It is also worth noting that OpenAI — the creators of ChatGPT — recognize the need for AI skills certification. The company has announced a certification program planned to launch in late 2025. OpenAI’s goal is to train and certify as many as 10 million people in AI by 2030. Partners include Walmart, which plans to use these certificates to upskill its workforce. The certification will confirm so-called “AI fluency” at various levels — from basic use of generative AI tools to advanced model implementation in business. This shows that AI fluency is becoming as crucial as English fluency for gaining a competitive edge on the job market.
Career impact: AI certifications allow entry into the field even without a formal tech degree. They are especially helpful for career changers or those just starting out — they validate practical skills and build trust with employers. As a result, more and more Polish professionals are earning AI certificates, opening doors to global recruitment opportunities. Machine Learning Engineers in Poland already earn 19–30k PLN gross per month, and in R&D projects rates can exceed 30k PLN. Recognized certifications like Google Professional ML Engineer or Azure AI Engineer significantly increase the chances of landing such well-paid roles. In Western markets, AI specialists are paid even more — in Europe, ML Engineer salaries range from $60–130k per year, and in the US often exceed $150k. With a recognizable certification, Polish specialists can more easily secure remote jobs or contracts abroad.
Cloud Computing
Cloud technologies have become the backbone of modern IT infrastructure. The global cloud market is growing at an impressive pace — according to Fitch Solutions, spending on cloud services will reach $903 billion in 2025 (up from $743 billion in 2024). Goldman Sachs even predicts $2 trillion annually by the end of the decade. In practice, this means nearly every large company uses AWS, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud, and cloud skills have become an industry standard. In 2025, employers increasingly require cloud certifications to verify candidates’ ability to design and manage cloud infrastructure.
Key cloud certifications include:
AWS Certified Solutions Architect (Associate / Professional) – the most recognized AWS certification. Confirms proficiency in designing scalable systems on AWS. In Poland, this certification is often listed as a requirement for cloud architect roles and can increase your bargaining position. Associate level (~150 min, ~$150); Professional level is more challenging (~180 min, ~$300) and recommended after several years of experience.
Google Cloud – Professional Cloud Architect – regarded globally as one of the highest-paying certifications. In 2024 it ranked #2 among the highest-paid certifications in North America with an average salary of about $190k/year. Confirms skills in designing end-to-end solutions on GCP. The exam (2 hours, ~$200) requires broad IT architecture and GCP knowledge.
Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert – the highest-level Azure architect certification. Requires passing two exams (AZ-305 plus AZ-104 or older equivalents). Particularly valued by companies using Microsoft’s ecosystem — which are very common in Poland (banking, public sector, corporations). Confirms ability to design secure, cost-effective, and DevOps-friendly solutions on Azure.
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner & Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) – entry-level introductory certifications from AWS and Microsoft. Often listed as prerequisites for junior roles (e.g. junior cloud engineer) or internships. They ensure candidates understand cloud service fundamentals and terminology. They are relatively quick (90 min) and inexpensive ($100–150), and provide a great foundation for further certifications.
Google Associate Cloud Engineer – associate-level GCP certification confirming practical skills in app deployment, instance management, networking, etc. Often required in companies developing software on GCP.
Holding these certifications opens many career opportunities. Cloud architects are among the best-paid IT professionals — in Poland their median salary is 20,000 PLN gross, and in large cities or international projects it can reach 30,000 PLN. Certifications like AWS Solutions Architect or TOGAF (enterprise architecture frameworks) further raise salaries, proving solid expertise. Globally, experienced certified cloud architects can often earn six-figure USD salaries, especially in the US or Switzerland.
Corporate requirements: Many companies have internal policies regarding cloud certifications. Systems integrators and consulting firms often aim for partner statuses with cloud providers (e.g. AWS Advanced Partner, Microsoft Solutions Partner), which requires a certain number of certified employees. This drives demand for AWS, Azure, and GCP-certified specialists. In addition, both private and public tenders often require proof of team certifications in cloud/security. For example, Polish public institutions, following UZP recommendations, may require contractors to show compliance with recognized standards like ISO 27001 or NIST when building IT systems — meaning they must hire certified experts (or implement certified processes).
Cybersecurity – IT Security Certifications
In the digital era, data has become an organization’s most valuable asset, and the growing wave of cyberattacks has made cybersecurity not just an option but a strategic necessity. Securing infrastructure, preventing human errors, and complying with regulations (GDPR, the Polish National Cybersecurity System Act) all require specialized expertise. International security certifications validate these competencies and are highly valued by both employers and clients. Especially in sectors such as finance, public administration, and telecommunications, certified cybersecurity specialists enjoy a clear competitive advantage.
The most important cybersecurity certifications in 2025 include:
CompTIA Security+ – considered the best entry-level cybersecurity certification. Covers the basics of network, system, and operational security. Many government organizations (e.g. in the US) require it as a minimum – in the DoD 8140 framework it maps to IAT Level II. Security+ is relatively attainable (~90 questions, ~$370 exam) and does not require prior experience, yet serves as a gateway to junior roles in SOC teams or security departments. The investment (~$500 including study materials) quickly pays off — as many as 10,000 job offers are open to Sec+ holders, especially with government contractors.
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) – a popular EC-Council certification for penetration testers and offensive security specialists. Proves the ability to “think like a hacker” and conduct controlled attacks to detect vulnerabilities. Requires mastery of a wide range of tools (scanners, exploit kits) and hacking techniques across different layers. In Poland, CEH is highly valued — alongside CISSP and Security+ it is one of the most frequently mentioned security certifications in job postings. The exam (125 questions, 4h, about 1,200 PLN) is usually preceded by official training or extensive self-study.
**Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) **– the “gold standard” of security certifications. Awarded by (ISC)², it confirms expertise in 8 security domains (from cryptography and network security to business continuity). Requires at least 5 years of IT security experience and passing a comprehensive exam (125–175 questions, up to 4 hours, ~$749). CISSP is often mandatory for senior security engineer, auditor, or security manager positions. Holders are among the best-paid in the industry — even back in 2018 they ranked among the top globally, and today it’s a must-have for aspiring CISOs.
Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) – an ISACA certification aimed at managers and those overseeing information security. Focuses on security program management, risk assessment, and governance. Requires 5 years of experience (including 3 in a managerial role). CISM is often listed as a requirement for Security Manager roles, especially in corporations and the financial sector.
Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) – an (ISC)² certification for specialists securing cloud environments. Combines traditional security knowledge with cloud-specific aspects (shared responsibility model, securing cloud data, Zero Trust architectures). As cloud migration accelerates, this certification is gaining importance — organizations want their architects and analysts to be able to deploy cloud solutions securely.
Cybersecurity certifications are often not just an asset but a formal requirement. For example, in the Polish public sector, procurement specifications increasingly require documentation proving security competencies. This may take the form of requiring an ISO/IEC 27001 certificate for the company or proof that staff hold credentials such as CISSP or CEH. Large corporations also audit their suppliers for security certifications.
For individual professionals, this translates into excellent career prospects. In Poland, cybersecurity specialists earn on average 18–28k PLN gross per month, and demand for them is growing at a double-digit rate. Recruiters especially look for candidates with the above certifications — these titles on a CV signal an expert who can be trusted with critical data. Notably, four of the ten highest-paying IT certifications in the world are security-related, reflecting a global trend: cybersecurity is one of the areas where certification significantly increases a specialist’s market value. In the United States, the highest-paid certification in 2023/24 was the AWS Certified Security – Specialty, with an average salary of $203,000 per year. Even though rates are lower in Poland, experts with such credentials often work for foreign clients or international teams, earning multiple times the local average.
New trends are also worth mentioning: in 2025, certifications at the intersection of AI and security are emerging. For example, CompTIA Data+ and Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) expand threat analysis skills, and even “AI Security” — using machine learning to detect incidents — is gaining ground. A good example is the new CompTIA +Cyber AI program, focusing on applying ML to improve SOC operations. Another recent initiative is CompTIA AI Prompting Essentials (launched in August 2025), teaching professionals how to use AI tools (chatbots, generators) effectively at work. While not strictly about cybersecurity, it signals the increasing convergence of IT domains — a security expert who also knows AI will be worth their weight in gold.
DevOps and Automation – Certifications for DevOps Engineers
With the pressure for faster software delivery and high system availability, the DevOps approach has become a cornerstone of modern IT. DevOps is a culture that unites development and operations teams, supporting continuous integration (CI), continuous delivery (CD), and full automation of infrastructure and processes. Research shows that 78% of organizations plan to introduce more specialized DevOps roles by 2025 (e.g. Site Reliability Engineer, DevSecOps). Moreover, as many as 75% of companies expect their partners (e.g. software vendors) to apply Agile/DevOps practices when delivering projects. Mastery of tools like Docker, Kubernetes, Jenkins, Terraform, or Ansible is now a must-have in many job listings. DevOps certifications formally confirm that a candidate not only knows these tools but also understands the philosophy of fast, iterative delivery and automating everything possible.
Notable DevOps/sysops certifications in 2025:
Docker Certified Associate (DCA) – proves practical Docker and containerization skills. A good starting point for DevOps engineers, as containers are the backbone of modern architectures. Exam: 90 min, 55 questions, ~$200.
Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) – one of the most recognized DevOps/Cloud Native certifications, issued by the Cloud Native Computing Foundation. It’s a hands-on exam (2h) involving real tasks in a Kubernetes cluster. Requires strong knowledge of container orchestration, networking, storage, etc. Highly valued in Poland — consistently ranked among top DevOps certifications.
HashiCorp Certified: Terraform Associate – focused on Infrastructure as Code. Terraform has become the standard for defining infrastructure in code, and this certification proves skills in creating and maintaining Terraform modules, managing state, etc. A must-have for companies migrating to IaC.
AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional – an advanced AWS certification for DevOps engineers. Exam (180 min, ~$300) covers deployment automation on AWS, CI/CD pipelines (CodePipeline, Jenkins), monitoring (CloudWatch), containers (ECS/EKS), and autoscaling. Known as one of the hardest AWS exams (requires real experience). Holders signal they can manage the full application lifecycle on AWS.
Microsoft Certified: DevOps Engineer Expert (AZ-400) – the top DevOps certification in Azure. Requires having an Azure Administrator or Developer (Associate) certification first and passing the AZ-400 exam. Covers CI/CD in Azure, managing code repositories (Azure Repos/GitHub), testing, monitoring (Azure Monitor), and infrastructure automation (ARM/Bicep, Azure DevOps). Especially valued in enterprises using Microsoft ecosystems.
Google Cloud – Professional DevOps Engineer – Google’s certification focused on SRE and DevOps in GCP. Covers performance optimization, monitoring (Stackdriver/Operations Suite), incident response, and deployment automation (Cloud Build, Deployment Manager). Ideal for companies building products on GCP and needing confirmed high-availability expertise.
These certifications help DevOps engineers prove their skills in practice — many exams (especially CKA or Terraform) are task-based rather than multiple-choice, which increases their credibility for employers. In Poland, DevOps specialists earn on average 17–26k PLN gross per month, and demand is high both in major tech hubs (Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław) and in smaller cities developing their IT sectors. The right certifications can be a ticket to top product companies and startups (where proficiency in specific tools is often required). Moreover, DevOps thrives on a culture of continuous improvement — obtaining new certifications (e.g. expanding into DevSecOps or cloud-related fields) is welcomed and often sponsored by employers. Many engineers also report that certification motivates them to structure their knowledge and discover new tool features, which translates into better results at work.
Data Analytics and Business Intelligence
Data analytics plays an increasingly important role in business decision-making. The ability to collect, process, and extract insights from data is now essential — companies call data a “strategic asset” comparable to capital. The data analytics and data science sector is growing at about 15% annually, creating demand for many new roles: from data analyst to BI developer, data scientist, and data engineer. Alongside this trend, certifications have emerged to help validate skills to employers — especially useful for people switching careers or seeking to structure their knowledge.
Notable data/BI certifications:
Microsoft Certified: Data Analyst Associate – focuses on Power BI and Azure data analytics services. Tests skills in data preparation, visualization, and dashboard design. Very practical for roles like BI Analyst or Business Analyst in companies using the Microsoft Power Platform.
Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate – part of the Google Career Certificates on Coursera. Includes 8 courses, from Excel basics and SQL to R, data visualization, and presenting results. Designed for beginners — helps gain a first set of data analyst skills. Valued by employers for its practical approach (includes capstone projects).
IBM Data Analyst Professional Certificate – similar to Google’s, offered on e-learning platforms, covering Python (pandas, numpy), SQL, IBM Cognos dashboards, and elements of statistics. Especially useful for aspiring junior data analysts to prove they have completed a comprehensive curriculum.
Certified Analytics Professional (CAP) – an independent industry certification managed by INFORMS. More advanced — requires at least 3 years of analytics experience with a master’s degree (or 7 years without). Tests the full analytics lifecycle: from problem definition and model selection to implementing recommendations. One of the few vendor-neutral credentials proving maturity as an analyst, valued in consulting and large data-driven corporations.
Tableau Certification (e.g. Tableau Desktop Specialist) – for BI specialists, proficiency in visualization tools is key. Tableau offers its own certification path: the Desktop Specialist level requires only basic knowledge, while higher levels like Certified Data Analyst or Tableau Certified Professional are progressively harder. Signals that a candidate can build interactive reports and analyze data effectively — useful in marketing, sales, finance, and any field requiring fast insights.
In Poland, data analysts are seeing improving conditions — companies in e-commerce, banking, and telecommunications are heavily investing in BI/Analytics teams. Certifications can help candidates stand out, especially those starting out or switching from other fields (e.g. finance or logistics). Importantly, Polish analysts often work on international projects thanks to their tool proficiency and English skills. In Western Europe, typical data analyst salaries range from €50–80k annually (depending on the country), while Polish medians are lower — but remote work allows certified Polish analysts to earn competitively compared to peers in London or Munich.
Certifications and Market Demands – Impact on Salary and Career
As the examples above show, IT certifications in 2025 have real market value. Let’s summarize the key benefits of earning them:
Higher chances of employment and promotion: Many job postings explicitly list specific certifications as required or preferred. A certification often serves as a pre-screening filter — for example, a technical recruiter might check whether an architect candidate holds an AWS/Azure certification, which signals a certain level of expertise. For current employees, earning a certification is often tied to promotion or bonuses — according to Pearson VUE statistics, 63% of professionals reported a positive career impact after certification.
Higher salaries: Certifications help negotiate better pay. According to global studies, IT employees with certifications earn on average** 9% more** than their uncertified peers (in North America, the gap reaches 22%). This pattern is also visible in Poland — for example, developers or administrators with certifications often start at the higher end of salary bands. Reports show that some top vendor certifications can boost salaries significantly — for instance, a specialist with an Oracle or Cisco certification at the network architect level (CCAr) can expect earnings well above the median. Certifications in AI and security are especially lucrative, as demand for these skills outpaces supply.
Global recognition: Well-known certifications (especially from AWS, Google, Microsoft, (ISC)², ISACA, Cisco) are understood and valued worldwide. For Polish professionals, this opens the door to international careers — either through remote work for foreign companies or relocation. For example, Poland ranks among the global leaders in the number of AI specialists — according to a CBRE report, Warsaw and Kraków have a combined pool of about 100–150k tech talents, including many AI experts. Armed with certifications, these professionals compete on equal footing in the EU or US markets. Many Western employers value Polish engineers for their strong fundamentals, and certifications help them recognize this talent (providing an objective benchmark during recruitment).
Meeting formal requirements and gaining an edge in tenders: As mentioned earlier, corporate and regulatory requirements often make certifications mandatory for certain projects. Companies bidding for contracts (e.g. implementing a system for a bank or government office) must prove that their staff hold the required qualifications. Having certified specialists on the team can be the decisive factor in winning a contract — this has become standard in public procurement and is increasingly common in the private sector as well.
Costs and prerequisites: Of course, earning certifications requires an investment of time and money. Training courses, study materials, and especially exam fees all need to be factored in. Fortunately, many employers support professional development by funding training and exams. Preparation time depends on the certification level: for entry-level credentials (like CompTIA A+ or AWS Cloud Practitioner), a few weeks of self-study is often enough, while advanced ones (like CISSP or AWS Solutions Architect Professional) require several months of intensive learning plus years of experience. Some certifications have formal prerequisites — for example, CISSP requires five years of professional experience, and PMP (Project Management Professional) requires documented project management experience. In technical fields, however, you can often attempt exams without meeting such prerequisites — though practical experience is recommended to truly benefit from certification.
Breaking into IT through certifications: In Poland, more and more people from outside the industry see certifications as a way to break into IT. And rightly so — with enough motivation, a certification can compensate for the lack of a formal computer science degree. Examples include certifications like Google IT Support Professional (for entry-level support roles) or AWS re/Start, after which graduates often land their first IT jobs. Younger fields like machine learning or data analytics are especially open to people with non-technical backgrounds who switch careers via bootcamps and certifications. Many success stories show, for instance, a marketer becoming a BI Analyst after earning a data analytics certificate, or a biologist becoming a data scientist in a pharmaceutical company after getting a machine learning certification. Certifications provide a framework to organize knowledge and prove your skills to employers.
Summary
The year 2025 is an excellent time to invest in your development through IT certifications. Technology is evolving rapidly — cloud, AI, security, DevOps, and data science are becoming integral to almost every business. Certifications help professionals stay up to date with these trends and stand out in a competitive job market. For employers, they are a guarantee of quality — proof that someone not only “knows” something but has validated it in a standardized way. Reports show that 97% of companies value employees earning new certifications, seeing it as beneficial for the organization.
In short, the best IT certifications in 2025 are those that respond to real market needs — especially in cloud, AI, cybersecurity, DevOps, and data analytics. When choosing a certification path, it’s worth considering both your interests and market signals (job postings, salary reports, tech trends). However, remember that earning the certificate alone isn’t enough — what matters most is applying the knowledge in practice. Certifications can significantly accelerate career growth, opening doors to new roles, higher salaries, and global-scale projects. As many examples show, this is an investment that pays off many times over, giving IT professionals an edge in the demanding yet opportunity-rich 2025 job market.