2026 Value of IT Certification
Employer Report
Discover how IT certification drives workforce readiness, performance, and business impact in an era of rapid technological change.
Based on insights from IT and HR leaders worldwide, the 2026 Value of IT Certification Employer Report explores how certification delivers a return on investment, strengthens talent pipelines, improves productivity, and supports long-term workforce strategy amid AI and emerging technologies.
Why Certification Matters
- Stronger workforce readiness
Understand how certification helps teams adapt to rapidly evolving technology demands. - Measurable performance impact
See how certified employees contribute to quality, productivity, and innovation. - Smarter talent investment
Learn where employers are focusing certification budgets — and why. - Futureproofing skills strategies
Gain insights on AI, emerging tech, and the role of continuous learning in workforce planning.
Key Employer Insights
Certified employees deliver a measurable return on investment.Employers estimate an average of nearly $18,000 in additional annual value for every certified IT employee.
Certified employees deliver higher quality work.Employers report stronger performance outcomes from certified teams.
Certification supports innovation and efficiency.Managers see certification as a catalyst for improved processes and problem solving.
AI is reshaping certification priorities.Employers are increasingly aligning certification strategy with emerging technologies.
Inside the 2026 Employer Report:
- How businesses that require IT certification create a competitive advantage over those that don't
- How employers use certification to close critical skills gaps
- The business impact of certified employees on productivity and quality
- Certification’s role in hiring, retention, and internal mobility
- Employer perspectives on AI, emerging technologies, and skills planning
- Implications for workforce and learning strategy leaders
Read the full report to discover how organizations like yours are using certification to deliver high quality work, enable innovation, invest in their people, and more.
About the Value of IT Certification Research Series
The Value of IT Certification research series examines the impact of certification on individuals, organizations, and the global workforce. Drawing on largescale surveys and employer insights, the series provides datadriven perspectives on the role of certification in a rapidly evolving skills landscape.
Value of IT Certification series
2026 Employer report | 2025 Candidate report | 2024 Employer eBook | 2023 Candidate report