Why are IT certifications important?

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The Power of  IT Certifications

Certifications provide three critical advantages for your career:

1. Prove Your Skills: A certification validates that you possess the up-to-date, hands-on knowledge required to perform specific job functions. It removes the guesswork for potential employers.

2. Unlock Opportunities: Many companies, especially in cybersecurity and cloud computing, require specific certifications for hiring, promotion, or even to bid on government contracts. Certification opens doors to career opportunities and gives you higher earning potential.

3. Establish Immediate Credibility:  An IT certification is a trusted credential. It represents a globally recognized industry standard. By passing the exam, you prove that your skill set meets a verified benchmark, signaling to any employer, anywhere in the world, that you have the standardized expertise and are ready to contribute immediately.

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The Ultimate Career Formula: Degree + Certification

For current college students or graduates, combining your academic degree with an industry-recognized certification is the single most powerful strategy to maximize your employability and long-term earning potential.

As a college professor, the CertPlug founder recognized that while a degree provides a foundation, certifications provide the specific, job-ready skills that employers demand today.

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Don't let your diploma be your only tool in a saturated job market. A degree gets your foot in the door, but a certification tells the hiring manager, "I can start solving your problems today." As certified college graduate you represent the best of both worlds. In a fiercely competitive environment, where many graduates share the same academic pedigree, earning a certification like CompTIA A+ or Security+ while you're still in school reduces your time to market, justifies a higher starting salary, and turns your student loan investment into an immediate professional asset. CertPlug ensures you graduate not just with potential, but with proven technical capability.

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Pivoting Your Career: The IT Certification Advantage

Whether you're looking to escape a stagnant field, land your first role in tech, or solidify your expertise within your current organization, an IT certification is the fastest and most efficient way to demonstrate competence and accelerate your career pivot.

 

We recognize that the world of technology can feel overwhelming, especially when changing careers. CertPlug is designed to meet you exactly where you are and provide a clear, structured path to success:

• "I Don't Know Anything About IT": If the technology landscape seems overwhelming, start with the CompTIA Tech+ (Introduction to Computers). This 16-week course assumes no prior knowledge and builds your confidence by mastering foundational hardware, software, and networking skills. It is the perfect, low-risk entry point to prove you can learn and handle the core technology tasks required for entry-level IT roles.

• "I Want To Advance My Career": If you are an experienced professional looking to strengthen your resume, add a high-demand skill, or protect your role from disruption, a certification sends a powerful signal. Earning your CompTIA Security+ or CISSP proves you are committed to professional development and possess the specialized expertise your organization needs to remain secure, efficient, and competitive in a constantly evolving environment.​

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The Cert Advantage: When Only One is an Option

While the "Degree + Certification" model is the ultimate strategy, we understand that time and financial constraints may force a choice between immediate certification training and a multi-year academic program.

If you can only choose one, here is why a Certification provides the faster, higher-impact route to immediate employment in IT:

• The Job Readiness Gap: A bachelor's degree provides essential theoretical knowledge and critical thinking—skills that pay off in leadership roles 5-10 years down the line. However, a certification like CompTIA Tech+ or Security+ provides the demonstrable, hands-on, current skills that fill an immediate job opening today.

• AI Hiring Filters: Increasingly, HR departments and technical managers use specific certifications as the primary screening filter for entry-level and junior positions. A degree without a relevant certification may land in the 'maybe' pile, but a candidate with a verified, in-demand certification often gets interviewed first.

• Proof vs. Potential: A degree indicates potential—that you can learn. A certification indicates proof—that you have mastered a recognized standard and can perform the job function now. For employers facing skills shortages, immediate capability trumps long-term potential every time.

• A Path to College Credit: Many colleges and universities recognize the rigor of industry certifications. Depending on the institution, a completed certification (like CompTIA Security+) can be used as a substitute for a required IT class or count toward college course credit, meaning you can start your career and potentially shorten your degree timeline later.

Our advice: If you need a job in the next six months, start with a high-value certification through CertPlug. You can always pursue a degree later, but a certification could be an immediate ticket to a stable, high-paying career in technology.

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Supporting Facts and Statistics

Don't just take our word for it—the data confirms that a blended approach offers the greatest competitive edge:

• Employers Value Both Skills and Credentials: While a degree ensures you have a strong academic foundation, a growing number of employers are focused on demonstrable skills. 86% of U.S. employers now view non-degree certificates as indicators of job readiness (Source: Fortune).

• A Direct Path to Employability: Certifications close the gap between classroom theory and real-world application. Among students who earned IT certifications, 93% said they gained skills that increased their employability (Source: Pearson VUE).

• Increased Company Value: Certified employees are a massive asset. 97% of IT decision makers believe that certified staff adds around 50% more value to their organization by bridging skills gaps, boosting productivity, and resolving issues efficiently (Source: Skillsoft).

• The Salary & Promotion Edge: Certification can immediately impact your career trajectory. Industry data shows that 37% of certified professionals received a salary increase and 27% received a job promotion after earning their certification (Source: Pearson VUE).

• Certified Staff Deliver Speed and Quality: Compared to non-certified staff, certified professionals, on average, complete tasks 31% faster, make 29% fewer errors when performing job tasks, and reduce the cost of associated project tasks by 29% (Source: Cisco Learning Network).

By earning your CompTIA Tech+, Security+, or CISSP through CertPlug while pursuing or after completing your degree, you ensure your resume gets past the automated HR filters (due to the degree) and grabs the hiring manager's attention (due to the in-demand certification).

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Choosing the best course for you

Choosing the right certification depends on your experience and goals. Here’s a closer look at what each of our Spring 2026 16-week courses can do for you:

1. CompTIA Tech+ (Introduction to Computers)

This is the perfect starting point for individuals new to the world of IT.

• Who it's for: IT Beginners, High School Students, College Students, and anyone looking to change careers into technology.

• What you gain: You'll build the essential foundation needed for entry-level IT positions. This includes mastering the basics of hardware, operating systems, cloud concepts, and security principles.

2. CompTIA Security+ (Fundamentals of Cybersecurity)

Security+ is the benchmark for foundational knowledge in cybersecurity.

• Who it's for: Individuals new to cybersecurity, including cybersecurity college students and those interested in learning more about the field.

• What you gain: You will learn to implement and monitor security on networks, applications, and devices. This certification is crucial as it covers key concepts like network security, intrusion detection, and risk management. This is a common requirement for many Department of Defense (DoD) related roles, which aligns with the talent pipeline work your founder has done.

3. CISSP (Advanced Cybersecurity)

The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is internationally recognized as the definitive credential for cybersecurity leaders.

• Who it's for: Experienced cybersecurity professionals and master's or bachelor's level cybersecurity college students.

• What you gain: The CISSP validates your ability to design, implement, and manage a best-in-class cybersecurity organization across 8 critical domains. This includes advanced topics like security architecture, risk management, and software development security. Holding this certification demonstrates the expertise needed for senior management and architect roles. The founder of CertPlug is a Certified CISSP Instructor and has experience launching a CISSP training program.​

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Your Journey Starts Now

Whether you are looking for your first job in tech, pivoting your career, or aiming for a leadership position, CertPlug's certified training programs are designed to provide you with the knowledge and confidence to pass your exam and succeed in the industry.

Ready to secure your certification and your future? Explore our 16-week courses today!

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