Don’t worry about needing a college degree—online certifications can be a quick and affordable alternative, potentially leading to six-figure salaries. This blog post provides curated lists of these certifications to help you find the right one for you. Let’s dive in.
Not everyone is suited for the lengthy and expensive process of obtaining a college degree. A bachelor’s degree typically takes four years, while an associate’s degree takes two, which some might find too long and costly. If you’re seeking a faster and more cost-effective option, you’re in the right place.
A great alternative is to pursue a certification in a field you’re interested in, already know something about, or that is currently lucrative.
In today’s dynamic job market, ongoing learning and skill development are crucial. Online certifications have become a popular choice for individuals aiming to improve their skills, switch careers, or increase their earning potential.
These certifications are attractive because they are accessible, flexible, and can often be completed quickly. You can also explore college majors that offer high salaries. This article explores various online certifications that are relatively easy to obtain and can lead to high-paying jobs.
Easy Online Certifications That Pay Well
Here is a list of easily achievable online certifications that offer good salaries:
- 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)
Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
Scrum is an Agile framework for project management focusing on teamwork and iterative progress. Certified ScrumMasters help teams work efficiently within this framework. The CSM certification, offered by the Scrum Alliance, involves a two-day course and an exam with a 74% passing rate. Certified ScrumMasters typically earn around $100,000 annually.
Google IT Support Professional Certificate
This entry-level certification is designed for beginners and covers troubleshooting, customer service, networking, and security. It can be completed through Coursera in about six months of part-time study. Entry-level IT Support Specialists start at about $50,000 per year, potentially rising to over $70,000 with experience.
Certified Digital Marketing Professional (CDMP)
This certification from the Digital Marketing Institute covers key digital marketing areas like SEO, SEM, and social media marketing. It requires about 10 weeks of part-time study. Digital Marketing Specialists earn between $60,000 and $70,000, with senior roles reaching over $100,000.
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
This globally recognized certification from (ISC)² is for high-level security positions and requires five years of experience in cybersecurity. CISSP-certified professionals can earn around $120,000 annually, with senior roles exceeding $200,000.
Project Management Professional (PMP)
Offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), this certification demonstrates your ability to lead projects and requires 35 hours of education and 4,500 hours of experience. PMP-certified Project Managers earn around $110,000 per year, with potential for higher salaries in specific industries.
AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate
This certification from Amazon Web Services (AWS) validates your skills in designing and deploying scalable systems on AWS. Preparation includes passing a single exam. AWS Certified Solutions Architects can earn about $130,000 annually, with potential for higher earnings with experience.
Salesforce Certified Administrator
This certification demonstrates your ability to manage and configure Salesforce CRM. It involves passing a 60-question exam. Salesforce Administrators earn around $80,000 per year, with potential for higher earnings and advanced certifications.
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
Offered by the EC-Council, this certification involves testing and strengthening an organization’s security systems. Certified Ethical Hackers earn approximately $95,000 annually, with potential to exceed $130,000 in high-demand sectors.
HubSpot Content Marketing Certification
This free certification from HubSpot Academy focuses on creating and executing content strategies. It includes several lessons and a final exam. Content Marketing Specialists earn around $60,000, with senior roles making upwards of $90,000.
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
This certification validates your skills in network installation, configuration, and troubleshooting. Cisco CCNA professionals earn around $70,000 per year, with potential for higher salaries and additional certifications.
Conclusion on the Easy Certifications To Get Online That Pay Well
Online certifications provide a convenient and effective way to gain new skills and improve your career prospects. Whether you’re aiming for a new field or advancing in your current role, these certifications offer a path to well-paying jobs across various industries.
Investing in these certifications can be a smart move to boost your professional growth and earning potential.