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There is a whole variety of fruitful certifications in various industries.
There are certifications that are suitable for both students and experienced workers who just want to boost their skills.
You can get one of those quick certifications in different spheres such as healthcare, administration, accountants, management, and so on.
One of the most well-paid options is the healthcare sphere and you can easily get a related certification.
The reason is that this sphere has numerous short-term training programs that allow you to obtain various entry-level positions with a good salary.
One other sphere that offers a bunch of certifications is a sphere of information technologies.
In fact, it is only the two most popular options but there are many more options in almost any sphere.
If you want to learn more about all the available options then this article is for you.
Here, we’ve gathered a list of different certifications in various spheres you may be interested in.
You can for sure find the one that suits your preferences, experience, and education.
Article Table of Contents
Certificate Programs That Pay Well
There are many more jobs that require a certificate that you can imagine.
In fact, after obtaining one of those quick certificates, you usually need to complete some on-the-job training.
It is a great way to get the required knowledge and develop some useful skills.
The greatest thing is that you can find certification options almost in any sphere including such options as a business, healthcare, media arts, and even the legal sphere.
Below, there are some of the most amazing certificate options that can lead you to a high-paying job in a different field.
Bookkeeper
Bookkeepers are specialists that maintain financial accounts and related aspects of any company or organization.
There is a whole bunch of bookkeeping certificates that can be completed as fast as just within a year.
During your training, you will be able to learn about such issues as payroll processing and computerized accounting.
As soon as you get some real working experience, you may be able to get certified through the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB).
Median pay—$40,240
Top pay—$61,650 or more
Average annual job openings—188,500
Court Reporter
Court reporters should record everything that is said or gestured during trials.
It is important as different law professionals need to have access to this information and should be able to read it easily.
It is one another great certification that can guarantee you a pretty high salary in the future.
According to the research, less than half of court recorders actually have any other training than just some post-secondary education.
Median pay—$57,150
Top pay—$104,460 or more
Average annual job openings—1,600
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Diagnostic medical sonography is one another well-paid certification and it is related to the healthcare sphere.
It may be surprising that it is possible to get such a great job with so little training but the research shows that 1/5 of specialists in this sphere have just a certificate.
If you want to perform ultrasound scanning to help doctors reveal various conditions and diseases, you may be obliged to obtain a certification as an addition to your post-secondary training.
The most popular option is the Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS).
Median pay—$72,510
Top pay—$100,480 or more
Average annual job openings—5,800
Event Planner
An event planner is a qualified person that is responsible for the planning of different events.
Numerous schools all over the country offer training courses for people who want to become event planners.
Usually, they can be completed in just a year and there are even diploma programs that will take the same time.
During your training, you will learn how to perform different tasks when planning weddings, birthdays, presentations, and so on.
Median pay—$49,370
Top pay—$84,900 or more
Average annual job openings—16,800
Occupational Therapy Aide
As an occupational therapy aid, you are going to support occupational therapy specialists who help patients to deal with different movement and mobility problems.
Usually, these specialists are responsible for helping with forms completion, cleaning treatment areas, dealing with administrative routine.
According to the research, about 30% of these specialists just have a high-school diploma.
If you decide to obtain a certification, you will be able to get a job that will provide you with a higher salary and more benefits.
Median pay—$28,160
Top pay—$58,660 or more
Average annual job openings—1,100
Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy technicians support pharmacists helping them with prescriptions, administrative tasks, and customer services.
Most certification programs in this sphere can be completed in less than 1 year.
It is a great opportunity to get a certificate that leads to a well-paid job.
Just keep in mind that in some states, you may be obliged to get some extra certification, registration, or licensing through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or other related organizations.
However, it is a simple process if you studied well during your training.
Median pay—$32,700
Top pay—$48,010 or more
Average annual job openings—38,300
Physical Therapy Aide
As a physical therapy aid, you are going to work under the command of physical therapists or their assistants.
Usually, they are responsible for tasks that don’t involve working with patients.
The list may include such tasks as handling administrative tasks, helping patients to get from one place to another, making sure areas are ready for treatments.
According to the data, more than half of these specialists have no degree which means that you can easily get a job with good certification.
Median pay—$26,240
Top pay—$39,230 or more
Average annual job openings—8,000
Restaurant Manager
Restaurant managers control everything that happens within a restaurant including the quality of food and services, level of customers’ satisfaction, atmosphere inside a facility, and so on.
It is one of the most fruitful, well-paid, and satisfying certificate jobs that you may get.
According to the data, 9 out of 10 restaurant managers have no degree in the sphere.
Just keep in mind that in most cases you need to start with some lower positions to be able to become a manager.
It means that your experience is the most important thing in this sphere.
Median pay—$54,240
Top pay—$92,410 or more
Average annual job openings—46,500
Travel Agent
Travel agents help people decide on their vacation destinations, find a perfect tour, hotel, flight, transport, and so on.
After obtaining a certification in the sphere, you can get not only a well-paid job but a bunch of great benefits as well.
For example, you may have travel discounts, the possibility to work from home, and so on.
After completing your training, you should consider becoming a Certified Travel Associate (CTA) or Certified Travel Counselor (CTC).
Median pay—$38,700
Top pay—$66,080 or more
Average annual job openings—9,700
Web Designer or Developer
If you are interested in web development, it is a great opportunity to use both your creative and tech skills.
In fact, you can become a web designer after completing some short certificate training programs.
About 15% of web designers claim that they were able to get a job in the field with just as much as post-secondary education.
The point is that most employers prefer specialists that have just a little training and lots of practical experience.
The reason is that you can easily and fast evolve those skills you need to be able to work in the sphere.
Median pay—$69,430
Top pay—$124,480 or more
Average annual job openings—15,100
Industry Certification Programs That Pay Well
There is a variety of training programs that lead to certification, diploma, or a degree in different industry-related spheres.
In some cases, after obtaining your certificate, you can be legally obliged to work in the related sphere.
Also, there are certifications that are highly appreciated by employers especially if most candidates have no certification.
Below, there is a list of highly-demanded and well-paid certifications.
Auto Mechanic
In fact, you can start working in this sphere right after graduating from high school.
However, if you decide to obtain an auto mechanic certification, you will be able to get a higher salary and more benefits than others.
While not legally required, Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification is known as a standard option in the sphere.
After obtaining 1-year experience, you can sit for a first-level test that will lead you to your certification.
Median pay—$40,710
Top pay—$66,950 or more
Average annual job openings—74,000
Commercial Diver
If you an adventurous person that is ready to work under the water all over the world than a career of a commercial diver is a perfect option for you.
In order to get your certification, you need to complete training offered by one of the commercial diving schools.
After it, you will be able to perform different tasks while working in rivers, lakes, seas, and even oceans all over the world.
Usually, these specialists help to create underwater constructions, taking photos, and filming videos.
Just keep in mind that you may need to complete several levels of scuba diving training before applying for this certification.
Median pay—$49,140
Top pay—$108,170 or more
Average annual job openings—500
Commercial Truck Driver
If you like driving and can enjoy it for hours and even days while driving a huge truck through the country, a commercial truck driver is your perfect career.
The greatest thing about this option is that you need just several weeks to complete your certification training.
Also, you can find schools that have inclusive tuition that already includes all the supplies and fees that may be required.
As soon as you complete your training, you will be provided with a commercial driver’s license and related endorsements.
Median pay—$43,680
Top pay—$65,260 or more
Average annual job openings—238,400
Cosmetologist
A cosmetologist is one of the highly-demanded and most fruitful careers in the modern world.
According to the data, about 80% of specialists in this sphere have related post-secondary education and all of them need a license according to the states’ laws.
The great thing is that you can get your license really fast that is no longer than 1 year.
As soon as you complete your training, you need to sit for a licensing exam.
After it, you can start your own business or work as one of the salons, spas, and other beauty establishments in your area.
Median pay—$24,730
Top pay—$50,110 or more
Average annual job openings—94,600
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
If you want to work as an EMT, you need to know that there are three different levels of certification in this sphere.
The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) offers certifications for EMT-Basics, EMT-Intermediates, or Paramedics.
The first training option involves about 150 hours of training and after completing it, you can sit for an exam.
After completing it, you will be able to help sick and injured people.
Median pay—$34,320
Top pay—$58,640 or more
Average annual job openings—19,900
Massage Therapist
Just in a year, you can learn how to be a spa massage therapist.
Most schools in this sphere offer a variety of short-term training programs and lots of them allow you to become a registered specialist.
After some training, you have an opportunity to become a registered massage therapist (RMT) that guarantees you some good income and lots of career options.
Median pay—$41,420
Top pay—$78,280 or more
Average annual job openings—24,200
Medical Transcriptionist
In order to get certification through the Association of Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDI) as a Registered or Certified Healthcare Documentation Specialist (RHDS/CHDS), you need to complete a short training program beforehand.
Of course, you aren’t obliged to get certified however, it can offer you better career options, higher salary, and more benefits.
In such a way, you will be able to show that you have all the required skills and to know how to perform your work properly.
Median pay—$34,770
Top pay—$51,780 or more
Average annual job openings—7,700
Nurse
If you want to get an LPN certificate, you need to complete a one-year training program and pass a licensing exam in your state.
In fact, the research shows that about 80% of LPNs have a certificate or a degree so it is the most common option to enroll in the sphere.
Also, it will help you advance in your sphere easily as after it, it will be easier and faster to apply for a training program that will lead you to the career of a registered nurse.
The median pay for LPNs—$46,240
Top pay for LPNs—$62,160 or more
Average annual job openings for LPNs—66,300
The median pay for RNs—$71,730
Top pay for RNs—$106,530 or more
Average annual job openings for RNs—210,400
Real Estate Agent
Real estate agent certification is one other option that can help you get a job with a high salary.
While you need just a little time to get your certification, it will for sure provide you with a bunch of amazing options.
Usually, you need about 200 hours of pre-licensing training in order to get your certification but it may vary from one state to another.
After it, you just need to get licensed by addressing your local real estate board and after it, you can start working.
Median pay—$48,690
Top pay—$112,610 or more
Average annual job openings—38,900
Best Certifications to Get for IT Professionals
If you are interested or skillful in the IT-sphere, you will likely want to have a job in this sphere.
In such a case, you can get some post-secondary education and get a certification so you can easily find a rewarding job in the sphere.
The truth is that this sphere is known for its highly-paid job options, especially for those who have some training and certifications.
In some cases, you won’t even be able to have a job of you have no credentials in the sphere.
To resolve the issue, after completing your main training, you may look for related certifications that suit your needs best of all.
Below, we’ve gathered some of the best certification options for IT specialists.
Cloud Computing
The Cloud computing sphere became really popular recently so it develops really fast and offers lots of amazing jobs for qualified specialists.
To be able to show your skills and knowledge, you may get a whole variety of certifications.
For example, the most popular option for specialists that work with cloud computing is an Amazon Web Services (AWS) certification.
Among other options, there are those related to services offered by companies like Google and CompTIA.
As a cloud computing specialist, you have an opportunity to apply for a whole variety of positions such as systems analysts or programmers, server administrators, and network managers.
In fact, your choice depends significantly on your education and experience.
Median pay—$88,740
Top pay—$142,220 or more
Average annual job openings—53,400
Computer Forensics
Computer forensics sphere is considered as one of the most interesting, exciting, and intriguing branches of the IT sector.
Working in this sphere, you are going to gather, analyze, and present computer data in a court of law.
There are numerous schools that offer training programs in this sphere.
The most common certification options for these specialists are the GIAC Certified Forensic Analyst (GCFA) and EnCase Certified Examiner (EnCE).
When it comes to the first option, there are no specific requirements; however, you need to meet
Median pay—$72,869
Top pay—$117,000 or more1
Average annual job openings for all forensic science technicians—2,400
Computer Networking
If you are a qualified networking specialist, you for sure know that there is a whole bunch of amazing career options.
Moreover, you can find a variety of certifications that may be interesting for these specialists.
In fact, computer networking specialists, as well as any other IT specialist, can enjoy a wide range of job options.
When it comes to certification options, the most popular ones are Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) and Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE)
Both of these options provide multi-level training and cover several areas.
Among other great certifications, there are those offered by CompTIA, SolarWinds, and Wireshark.
Median pay for network systems administrators—$82,050
Top pay for network systems administrators—$130,720 or more
Average annual job openings for network systems administrators—29,300
The median pay for network architects—$109,020
Top pay for network architects—$164,280 or more
Average annual job openings for network architects—12,200
Database Development and Administration
Technologies are one of the most important aspects of modern life especially when it comes to databases.
That is the reason why qualified database professionals are in great demand.
If you are looking for certifications in this sphere, you should consider Microsoft SQL Server certifications as well as those offered by IBM and Oracle.
Median pay—$90,070
Top pay—$138,320 or more
Average annual job openings—9,700
Help Desk
The help desk position is one of the most popular entry-level positions in the IT-sphere.
It is perfect to start your career in the sphere and the best way to increase your chances to get a good job is to obtain a certification.
The most popular and well-known certifications are CompTIA A+ and ITIL Foundation certifications.
The median pay for user support specialists—$50,980
Top pay for user support specialists—$84,510 or more
Average annual job openings for user support specialists—65,100
The median pay for network support specialists—$62,770
Top pay for network support specialists—$105,770 or more
Average annual job openings for network support specialists—17,400
Information Security
Due to the growing popularity and usage of modern technologies, the issue of data security gains a special role in the modern world.
That is the main reason why information security specialists tend to have really high salaries.
The best way to get a better position is to get some extra certifications to boost your resume.
The best certification in this sphere is the Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) that is offered by ISACA.
Among other great options, there are the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) designations.
Learn How to Become an Information Security Analyst >>
Median pay—$98,350
Top pay—$156,580 or more
Average annual job openings—12,800
Programming
Any electronic device we use nowadays uses at least some basic programs which mean that there should be specialists that create these programs.
Programmers are specialists who create programming codes for a different software, mobile apps, computer games, and networks.
According to the latest researches, Java and Python are the most popular programming languages in the IT-sphere nowadays.
It means that the best way to boost your chances to get a job in this sphere is to get a certification in those two specializations.
Median pay—$84,280
Top pay—$134,630 or more
Average annual job openings—15,100
Good Certifications to Have for Business Professionals
If you are a qualified and experienced business specialist with a degree in this sphere, you may think that you already have everything to get your perfect job.
However, the truth is that to be able to get some high-paying jobs with lots of benefits, you should consider obtaining some certifications.
In fact, having a certification in business, you can earn much more than those specialists who have none.
It means that the time and money you may spend on obtaining a certification will absolutely be worth it.
Below, there are some of the best certification options in the business sphere.
Accounting
Obtaining a certification in accounting, you have an opportunity to become a very skillful professional.
The most popular certifications in accounting are Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Management Accountant (CMA).
While it may take lots of your time and affords to get one of those certifications, it is absolutely worth it and really rewarding.
According to the latest research, employees with a CPA certification have a 15% higher salary than their other colleagues.
When it comes to CMS certification, it can add as much as 31% to your salary.
As you can see, a certification in accounting is a great way to boost your earning potential.
Median pay—$70,500
Top pay—$122,840 or more
Average annual job openings—146,000
Actuary
Actuaries are specialists that gather data and make statistics in order to reveal the possible physical, financial and reputational risks.
Using this data, they decide whether a person or a company is qualified for insurance and what rate they can expect.
It is one of the highest-paying certifications that you can get in the business sphere.
To be able to succeed in this sphere, you need to have some good background in math, statistics, finances, and economics.
Using all these skills, you will be able to become a qualified specialist in a risk-management-related field.
If you want to get a certification in this sphere, you should know that the most popular option is the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS) or Society of Actuaries (SOA).
Median pay—$102,880
Top pay—$186,110 or more
Average annual job openings—2,200
Financial Planning
Becoming a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), you have an opportunity to significantly increase your earning potential.
Aite Group recently held a research that showed that after getting a CFP certification, your salary may increase by 26%.
This certification option is for sure the best one offered in this field and it is a perfect way to boost your career.
Median pay—$88,890
Top pay—$208,000 or more
Average annual job openings—23,200
Human Resources
If you are an HR specialist and look for some ways to boost your career, a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification can be exactly what you are looking for.
This certification can be obtained through the HR Certification Institute.
One other option is to obtain a certification as a Certified Professional by applying for a course offered by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM-CP).
In fact, both organizations offer a whole bunch of certifications that can meet any needs.
Of course, certification is not obligatory but you need to remember that it is a perfect way to get a better salary and benefits.
The median pay for specialists—$60,880
Top pay for specialists—$104,390 or more
Average annual job openings for specialists—67,700
The median pay for managers—$113,300
Top pay for managers—$201,380 or more
Average annual job openings for managers—14,400
Project Management
Adding some good certifications to your resume, you have an opportunity to make yourself stand out among other specialists in your sphere.
After obtaining a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, you can prove that you can perform your job on a higher level and increase your salary by about 25%.
Moreover, if you are able to meet some of the prerequisites related to your experience, you will be able to get certified with almost no affords.
Median pay—$73,816
Top pay—$112,000 or more1
Skilled Trades Jobs That Require Certification
If you are interested in some well-paid certifications, you should consider some options related to the skilled trades.
If you want to increase your earning potential in this sphere, you should know that certification is your best bet.
Being a certified journeyman in this sphere means that you can perform a bigger variety of tasks.
If you want to become a journeyman, you can pursue one of the available routes such as a short training program, and an apprenticeship program.
The second option means that you have almost no schooling and have on-the-job training.
Usually, you need about 4-5 years to be qualified as a certified journeyman however it worth your time and affords as your earning potential increases significantly.
Below, there are some of the best certification options in this sphere.
Carpenter
Applying for training at carpeting school, you have an opportunity to develop such skills as designing, planning, building, constructing, renovating, remodeling, and restoring of different buildings.
After gaining and developing some skills, you can decide on your specialization or perform different types of work in the sphere.
Being a certified carpenter means that you can have a meaningful and rewarding career.
Median pay—$46,590
Top pay—$82,750 or more
Average annual job openings—116,300
Electrician
After obtaining certification as an electrician, you can perform such tasks as installing, repair, and maintenance of electrical systems in different settings.
There are numerous short-term training options that allow you to enter the field easily and rather fast.
After it, you can pursue your goal of becoming a licensed electrician.
Median pay—$55,190
Top pay—$94,620 or more
Average annual job openings—94,600
HVAC Mechanic
HVAC specialists are responsible for the installation, maintenance, and repair of heating, cooling, and ventilation systems in different settings.
Obtaining a certification in this sphere, you can get not only a rewarding but also very promising career.
You can apply for an apprenticeship to become a journeyman in this sphere but also there are numerous certifications that may interest you.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations, you need to have at least one certification so you can work as an HVAC specialist.
Consider applying HVAC Excellence or North American Technician Excellence (NATE) in order to get some credentials that will be helpful with your certification and training.
Median pay—$47,610
Top pay—$76,230 or more
Average annual job openings—42,800
Plumber
If you want to be a successful plumber that earns a descend salary, you need to have a set of well-developed skills in the field.
Also, it can be the first step for those who are interested in related spheres such as pipefitting, gas fitting, or steam fitting.
The sphere offers a bunch of amazing job options, good salaries, and a high level of satisfaction.
Median pay—$53,910
Top pay—$93,700 or more
Average annual job openings—66,100
Welder
Applying for welding certification, you have an opportunity to learn how to forge metal in different settings.
Usually, these specialists can find employment in different manufacturing and construction companies.
According to the latest research, the most popular employment options for welders can be found in such spheres as railroad rolling stock manufacture, fabricated metal product manufacture, automobile and trailer manufacture, ship, and boat-building companies, and machinery manufacture.
After becoming a certified and licensed welder, you have an opportunity to apply for one of the numerous great job options that offer a high salary.
Median pay—$41,380
Top pay—$63,740 or more
Average annual job openings—48,800
Conclusion
As you can see, there are numerous certification options for those who want to get a well-paid job.
Some of those options allow you easily get your training and certification in a short period so you can start working fast.
There are also those that require some prior experience and education related to the sphere you are interested in.
If you’ve already decided on a specific certification you are interested in, it is time to look for schools that offer training options that may lead you to this certification.