Four reasons you should pursue AWS Certifications, according to 2020 Global Knowledge survey

Each year, Global Knowledge, an AWS Training Partner, conducts a worldwide survey of IT leaders and professionals to share changes and trends within the technology industry. More than 9,500 responded to this year’s survey from the United States (37%), Canada (4%), Latin America (6%), EMEA (34%), and APAC (19%). This year’s results offer insights about the recognized value of certifications, and the benefits of AWS Certifications for organizations and individuals alike.

To learn more about AWS Certifications, visit our website. We invite you to complete the 2021 Global Knowledge IT Skills and Salary Survey, open now through January 31, 2021, and share your perspective on today’s IT landscape.

As organizations rapidly transition their business operations to the cloud, professionals with the necessary training and skills are in high demand. Certifications continue to be the primary tool used to validate cloud skills and one of the many used to help close skills gaps. The 2020 Global Knowledge IT Skills and Salary Report revealed again this year that IT professionals and organizations alike recognize the value of AWS Certifications. The report also shared encouraging trends for IT professionals looking to build their cloud skills, including that cloud computing technologies continue to be a top investment priority, and hiring area, for organizations. Furthermore, the results reveal that organizations are now, more than ever, increasing their investment in upskilling their existing workforce, specifically through the use of IT certifications.

Why should IT professionals invest in AWS Certifications?

1. Cloud computing is a top technology focus area for organizations

It’s no surprise that organizations are continuing to build their cloud infrastructure. In fact, 43% of global IT decision makers agree that cloud computing remains a top investment priority for 2020.  As a result, IT decision makers are proactively addressing ways to upskill their internal workforce to meet their cloud adoption needs. In fact, 56% of IT decision makers say they will attempt to close skills gaps by training their existing staff—a 17% increase over 2019’s survey results. In addition, 80% of IT managers approved training for their staff, as opposed to only 59% last year. This is good news for IT professionals—organizations are placing more value on their internal workforce, and are seeking more opportunities to support their staff’s professional development.

2. Organizations view their certified employees as a competitive advantage

More and more IT leaders are supporting their staff in earning certifications. For example, of the 80% of IT decision makers who approved training, 70% of them did so for their staff to earn a certification or complete a recertification. These encouraging trends suggest that IT leaders see the value that certified staff offer their organizations. A compelling 94% of global IT decision makers agree that certified team members provide added value above and beyond the cost of certification and think their greatest benefit is helping to close skills gaps. To build on the findings from Global Knowledge, according to a recent study completed by Enterprise Strategy Group, an independent analyst firm, 97% of organizations that employ AWS Certified staff say doing so puts their company in a better competitive position to succeed over the next three to five years.

3. AWS Certifications are in high demand

With AWS as a top technology focus area for 2020, not surprisingly, AWS Certifications are in high demand. In fact, four AWS Certifications are in the top 10 IT certifications that IT professionals plan to pursue in 2020. These include AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate (#1), AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional (#3), AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (#5), and AWS Certified Security – Specialty (#10). Furthermore, IT professionals agree that holding one or more IT certifications puts them in a strong professional position, including enhanced job performance. That may be why 87% of IT professionals hold at least one certification—an increase of 2% from last year’s results.

4. Professionals with certifications see increased job effectiveness

If you’re wondering whether IT certifications are worth it, according to respondents from the 2020 Global Knowledge survey, the answer is yes. After earning a certification, IT professionals see an increase in their job effectiveness, including improved quality of work, increased engagement, and faster job performance. IT leaders agree and report that their certified staff have increased productivity, troubleshoot faster, and are more likely to meet client requirements.

The bottom line

Organizations are not slowing down their investment in cloud technologies. In fact, they’re increasing their investment in upskilling their existing staff using certifications to help close skills gaps. IT professionals are also proactively developing their cloud computing skills, and are planning to pursue AWS Certifications more than any other certification this year to build their knowledge and credibility. We’re pleased to see that IT professionals’ hard work to gain new skills and validate their expertise through AWS Certifications continues to be recognized throughout the industry and uniquely positions them, and their organization, for continued innovation.