Okay, so—real talk—every time someone mentions IT certification programs lately, I get that same feeling I got in 8th grade when I realized I wore two different shoes to school. Again. Not in a quirky “fashion statement” kinda way, but in a “I woke up late and grabbed whatever was closest to the bed because I was trying to finish a Pop-Tart while running out the door” kinda way.
That’s how 2025 feels. Chaotic. Rushed. Slightly embarrassing. But also… kinda exciting?
Because if you’re even remotely thinking about leveling up this year (career-wise, life-wise, sanity-wise), these IT certifications are honestly your shortcut. And trust me, as someone who lives in Queens and has seen people study for exams on the subway platform between a mariachi band performance and someone selling bodega roses at 10 AM… anything that gets you ahead is worth considering.
So I figured I’d make this big chaotic list of the IT certification programs you should totally take in 2025, sprinkled with some unsolicited life advice, questionable anecdotes, and the occasional side rant. You know. The usual.
Let the writing breathe. I’m breathing. You breathing? Cool.
Why I Even Care About IT Certifications in 2025 (and why you probably do too)
You ever notice how job descriptions these days look like they were written by someone playing Mad Libs with tech buzzwords?
Like:
“Must have experience with Kubernetes, Terraform, AI Ops, cloud networking, ethical hacking, underwater basket weaving, and preferably 12 years of experience even though the tool came out last April.”
I literally saw one that wanted familiarity with “AI GUIs.” What does that even mean? Like… clicking stuff? I click stuff all the time. Hire me then.
Anyway, in a world where job descriptions sound like fever dreams, it helps to have something official that says:
“Yeah, I know what I’m doing. Here’s a certificate to prove it.”
And IT certification programs are that little golden ticket.
Also, quick side story:
Last month, I was at this friend-of-a-friend’s housewarming in Jackson Heights, and this guy tells me he got a $35k raise JUST because he finished a cloud cert. Thirty-five. Thousand. Dollars. I nearly spit out my samosa.
IT Certification Programs You Seriously Need to Consider in 2025
(And before someone gets picky—no, this is not ranked. My brain is way too messy for that.)
1. CompTIA Security+ (The “You Need This Even If You Don’t Want It” Cert)
You know how every family has that one relative who shows up at every event even when nobody invited them?
That’s Security+.
It’s everywhere.
It’s the base.
It’s the foundation.
It’s the salt and pepper of the IT certification world.
And honestly? It works.
Security+ is still one of the most respected certs because companies are finally realizing, “Oh wow, maybe security IS important,” especially after half the internet went down one random Thursday last year because someone clicked an email that said “URGENT: Cat Pictures.”
If you want a cybersecurity job in 2025, this cert is like showing ID at the club.
2. AWS Solutions Architect Associate (Because Cloud Isn’t Optional Anymore)
I swear every other person in Queens is either a delivery driver, a nurse, or studying for an AWS cert.
There is no in-between.
The funny thing is—cloud isn’t even “new” anymore. It’s like when your friend insists they’re “so into crypto now,” but really they’re just two years late to the party and trying to catch up.
This cert gives you that nice “I know cloud stuff, please hire me” glow.
Plus, AWS jobs pay well enough that you can maybe, MAYBE consider a bigger apartment.
(Okay, let’s not go crazy.)
People love this certification because it actually teaches you useful stuff, not just “theoretical nonsense you’ll never ever use.”
3. Google Cybersecurity Certificate (The New Kid Who’s Actually Cool)
I was skeptical at first.
I mean… it’s Google. These people kill products faster than I kill a box of munchkins.
But the Google Cybersecurity Certificate has been blowing up lately because it’s affordable, beginner-friendly, and doesn’t require you to already be a hacker who types really fast in command prompt like in movies.
If you’re trying to break into security and don’t know where to start? This is literally the perfect starting point.
And the hiring partners list is wild. Companies legit take this seriously now.
4. Cisco CCNA (Networking Warriors Unite)
Let’s be real for a second:
There’s something about CCNA that makes people feel like they unlocked “expert mode” in life.
CCNA is like learning the hidden language of the internet. Suddenly you’re walking around saying things like:
“Well, the subnet mask doesn’t match the IP allocation”
and
“The route’s not propagating.”
And you sound smart as hell.
If you like cables, routers, switches, blinking lights, and the idea of being able to fix your relatives’ internet issues in 30 seconds—this cert is your destiny.
5. Google Cloud Professional Data Engineer (If You Like Big Data and You Cannot Lie)
This certification is basically:
“Hey, you wanna make stupid amounts of money working with data? Cool, here you go.”
Data engineers are like wizards now. Every company wants them.
Even the deli guy on the corner was talking about “data pipelines” the other day. I’m pretty sure he meant plumbing, but still.
The Google Data Engineer cert is tough, but worth it.
Think of it as the boss battle certification.
6. CEH – Certified Ethical Hacker (The Legal Kind)
When I first heard about CEH, I was like:
“Oh wow, so I can hack legally? Like, without getting tackled by FBI agents?”
Kinda, yeah.
This cert teaches you how hackers think so you can stop them.
It’s fun, a little dramatic, slightly overpriced (okay, VERY overpriced), but still super valuable if you want to go into offensive security.
Just be prepared for people to ask you constantly:
“Can you hack my ex’s Instagram?”
(Say no. Always say no.)
7. Microsoft Azure Fundamentals + Administrator (Because Azure Is Sneaking Up on All of Us)
Azure is like that quiet kid in class who suddenly becomes group leader senior year. Nobody saw it coming.
But now?
Half the enterprise world is using Azure and crying over licensing fees.
The Azure Fundamentals and Administrator certifications are perfect if you want a gentle intro to cloud without going full AWS-warrior-mode.
Also, Microsoft exams are somehow nicer than AWS.
Less “we’re trying to trick you” energy.
The Part People Don’t Talk About IT certification programs: Studying in Real Life
Let me say something kinda honest:
Studying for IT certifications looks glamorous on Instagram.
People post aesthetic desk setups, perfect lighting, organized notes…
Meanwhile, here’s what MY study setup looked like for my last cert:
- Half a bagel
- A coffee that went cold 2 hours ago
- Three tabs of YouTube
- A cat sitting directly on my notebook
- A router blinking angrily at me for no reason
And yet… I passed.
So if you’re thinking, “I don’t have the perfect space,” or “I’m too busy,” or “I keep falling asleep watching networking tutorials,”
trust me—everyone’s a mess.
The goal is not perfection.
The goal is progress.
[IMAGE PLACEHOLDER – nyc-subway-studying-it-cert.jpg]
Honestly a perfect place for a GIF of someone studying on the subway while the train performs the loudest brake screech in history.
What’s Actually Worth Your Time in 2025? (Short List If You’re in a Rush)
If you want cybersecurity:
- Security+
- Google Cybersecurity Certificate
- CEH (if you’re spicy)
If you want cloud:
- AWS Solutions Architect
- Azure Fundamentals
- Google Cloud Associate/Professional
If you want networking:
- CCNA
- Cisco DevNet (bonus pick)
If you want data:
- Google Professional Data Engineer
- AWS Data Analytics Specialty
If you want “I just want a job, man”:
- Security+
- AWS Solutions Architect
- Google Cybersecurity Certificate
A Few Unsolicited Tips (Because I Can’t Help Myself)
- Don’t buy every course. Buy ONE. Stick with it. Don’t be like me with 17 Udemy courses I forgot about.
- Practice exams will humble you. They always do. It’s part of the ritual.
- Tell your friends you’re studying. Otherwise they’ll drag you out for late-night dosa or bubble tea and ruin your schedule.
- Failing isn’t the end. It just means you get to complain about it and bond with other tech people, which is half the fun.
Where to Learn More (No, Not Boring Corporate Sites)
Here are a couple of fun, real-world-friendly places to read more (I swear these aren’t boring):
- https://www.reddit.com/r/ITCareerQuestions (chaos but helpful chaos)
- https://pauljerimy.com/security-certification-roadmap/ (famous cert roadmap infographic)
Final Thought
If you’re thinking about getting into tech—or leveling up in it—2025 is actually a great year.
Stuff is changing fast, yes.
Stuff is overwhelming, yes.
Stuff is chaotic, always yes.
But that also means you can jump in anytime and still get ahead.
And once you finish one cert?
You’ll feel like the smartest person on the 7 train.
Which, honestly, on most days… you probably will be.
