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Many people in the workforce look for ways to boost their income. Returning to school full-time is an option for some, but not everyone, due to a lack of time and other commitments.
For those looking to climb that ladder at their present job or increase their salary in a new career, there are other paths to success, such as getting a certification in a specialized field. Choosing easy certifications for higher pay can be a great way to enhance job prospects without investing years in formal education.
The best part about getting certified today is that many programs are online, numerous are low-cost or free, and you don’t need a specific educational background to complete them. If you or someone you know is considering a certification to improve their job skills, we’ve listed 15 easy certifications for higher pay to help you decide.
Check out these relatively easy certifications for higher pay if you’re in the market for a higher salary.
1. Apple
If you want to work with products like Macs, MacBooks, iPhones, or iPads, Apple offers certificate courses in app development and information technology. These certifications can make you valuable to companies that utilize the iOS platform.
The courses are free and self-directed, so that you can take them at your own pace. Each certification exam costs $149, but Apple provides scholarships to cover the cost of the exams for applicants experiencing financial hardship.
2. IBM
Another excellent path to a high-paying tech career is through IBM’s online certificate programs offered through Coursera. IBM has self-directed data scientist, data analyst, and cybersecurity analyst certifications available through Coursera for $49 a month.
If you’re not quite ready to commit to a full program with Coursera, IBM offers free online tutorials in multiple IT-related subjects. These can be employed to prepare you for the more comprehensive paid courses.
3. Hubspot
HubSpot Academy offers free online classes and certifications in sales and marketing. Their courses can help elevate or start your digital marketing or sales career or enhance your existing business.
The courses can be taken at your own pace, and organizations worldwide recognize HubSpot’s certifications. They’re also an excellent addition to a resume or LinkedIn profile.
4. Google Analytics
Google offers paid certification programs on Coursera for $49 a month. It also offers a free online Analytics IQ certificate program through Skillshop, including the exam.
Don’t worry if you have no experience working in analytics. The program has beginner courses to help you build a strong foundation in Google Analytics. The company also provides ample online resources in addition to community support.
5. Microsoft
Project management is a valuable skill that can lead to a lucrative career in any industry. Microsoft’s Project Management Professional Certificate program can be completed in as little as ten hours a week for four months. It’s offered through Coursera for $49 a month, but financial assistance is available.
The Project Management Professional (PMP) Certificate program provides the foundational knowledge needed to prepare and take the PMP exam. An entry-level project manager can earn at least $60,427 a year.
6. edX
Massive open online course (MOOC) platform edX offers online certificates in various disciplines, including information technology, engineering, and the humanities. Their Professional Certificate in Strategic Management is ideal if you’re looking for a career in business management.
The certificate is issued from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, one of the most prestigious institutions in the world and a member of the Ivy League. It’s a self-paced program that can be completed in 5 months, working 2 to 4 hours a week. The course costs under $600, but edX offers financial assistance to lower the price of eligible courses.
7. Udemy
Udemy, like Coursera and edX, is a MOOC that offers certificates in multiple fields of study, including nutrition, life coaching, and Python computer language programming. The platform also offers a Professional in Human Resources(PHR) Certification for anyone interested in human resources.
The course prepares learners for the PHR exam and costs less than $50, although Udemy frequently offers discounted rates for many of its programs for new learners. The platform doesn’t provide financial assistance, but the new learner discount can be substantial.
8. Amazon Web Services
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is for learners who want to earn professional credentials in AWS cloud services. There are four levels of study for different levels of AWS cloud knowledge: foundational, associate, experienced, and specialty.
AWS Skills Builder digital training is available at different price points, with hundreds of classes for free. Classroom educational training programs are also available. According to the job site ZipRecruiter, AWS cloud architects, on average, earn $71 an hour.
9. Cisco
Technology company Cisco has different pathways to obtaining certifications in many IT subject matters; Cisco Networking Academy is a platform that provides in-person learning and accessible online, self-directed study.
Cisco U. has three tiers of programming, including a free option. Either pathway prepares learners to take the required core and concentration exams. Tech careers are in high demand, making these certifications vital to a better-paying job.
10. Bookkeeper
Bookkeepers play an essential role in businesses of all sizes. They’re responsible for maintaining the organization’s financial records, including incoming and outgoing monetary transactions, such as accounts receivable, accounts payable, and payroll.
The National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB) certifies bookkeepers after completing the Accounting Fundamentals course or its equivalent. Students also have to pass the Uniform Bookkeeping Certification exam. The median hourly wage for bookkeepers is $22.81 an hour.
11. Technical Writer
One of the most little-known but well-paying careers is technical writing. This fast-growing occupation has a median annual salary of $80,050. Technical writers develop, create, and update documents such as instruction manuals, standard operating procedures, and policy and procedure guides for different industries.
Strong written communication skills are important for technical writers. A certificate in technical writing is a great addition to a resume and gives prospective employers confidence in your skills.
12. Paralegal/Legal Assistant
Paralegals and legal assistants support lawyers by researching cases and case law, conducting witness interviews, and drafting and proofreading documents. They’re an integral part of any legal team.
A paralegal/legal assistant certification isn’t required to enter the field. Still, it lends holders credibility that they have the skills and training needed to perform the job. It also opens a lot more doors than not having one. With a median annual salary of $60,970, it’s worth investing in a certificate.
13. Web Design
Another lucrative tech occupation is web design, which involves creating a website’s appearance, including colors, fonts, and graphics. You don’t need to be artistic to do web design, but you’ll have to learn basic coding.
A certificate in web design provides the education and training prospective employers and clients look for when hiring. Certification is worth the effort: the median annual salary for web designers is $98,540.
14. Computer Support Specialist
More commonly known as help desk technicians, computer support specialists assist individual users with their computers, including network access and troubleshooting problems. They’re the go-to personnel whenever a user is having a computer issue on the job.
A certification in this field, such as CompTIA A+, is highly regarded and lets employers know you’ve completed the necessary technical training and passed the industry’s recognized certification exam.
15. Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager
If you’re already in the real estate industry or have a background in management, becoming a Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager (CRB) is a great way to move up the ladder and take on a more significant role in how a real estate brokerage firm is run. You don’t even need a broker’s license to be certified.
To obtain certification, you must have at least one year of management experience and complete four CRB courses either in-person, virtually, or online. If you complete the courses virtually or online, you must sit for the CRB exam. You must also be a member of the National Association of Realtors.
15 Highest Paying Jobs That Nobody Wants
Truthfully, almost all the best high-paying jobs no one wants to work are blue-collar jobs. Working in the trades can sound intimidating, but it comes with great benefits, high pay, and job security.
Despite the pros, not a lot of people turn to the trades. If you’re feeling stuck, you may want to consider one of these high-paying jobs.
To curate this list, we chose jobs where you could earn at least $25 an hour. These jobs are also high in demand. To find out how in demand, we used Indeed and ZipRecruiter.
Here are 15 high-paying jobs that nobody wants.
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