Technology Skill Certifications

In 2024, acquiring AI skills is more crucial than ever for career advancement, with employers willing to pay a premium for expertise in this area. New research underscores the importance of AI skills for professional success. According to recent studies, employers offer significantly higher salaries to AI-proficiency candidates. As businesses prioritize AI integration, the demand for skilled professionals is outstripping supply, creating a lucrative opportunity for those who can fill this gap. Investing in AI skills can provide a substantial career boost, whether you're currently employed or seeking a job. Here are five online courses with certificates to help you build high-income AI skills this year. 📈 AWS Certified AI Practitioner: Perfect for beginners, this foundational course by Amazon Web Services covers ethical AI usage and generative AI basics. 💼 AWS Certified Machine Learning Engineer—Associate: Aimed at professionals with some experience, this course focuses on building and deploying AI models in real time. 🧠 Google's Machine Learning and AI Learning Path: This comprehensive learning path on Google Cloud includes big data and AI and culminates in a professional certification. 📊 The AI Awakening by Stanford University: This course, available through Coursera, is ideal for leaders and managers and explores AI's economic and societal impacts. 🖥️ IBM AI Developer Professional Certificate: Offered via Coursera, this beginner-friendly certification teaches essential AI skills for job readiness in six months. #AI #AICertification #OnlineCourses #CareerGrowth #TechSkills #AWS #GoogleCloud #StanfordUniversity #IBMCertification #ProfessionalDevelopment #HighIncomeSkills #AITraining

I get asked about what certifications are good to pursue in Controls and Automation.. This isn’t a complete catalog, just a guide to help navigate what’s out there and what’s worth the time. Some will say they went an entire 30yrs without them, well thats great for them, but we're talking about YOU. Udemy can be a great place to start if you’re short on budget, but you should always personally budget for your own development. Don’t wait for a company to invest in you. They should, but if they don’t, you push through then find an employer that does. Certifications carry weight, especially when you don’t yet have a large portfolio of completed projects to stand on. They show initiative, validate skills, and open doors, particularly in competitive or specialized environments. And if someone tries to tell you that certifications don’t matter? Stop listening to them. Return to manufacturer. That one's defective. There are a lot of those out there. So here’s rule #1: learn how to discern. 1. SCADA / HMI / Automation Platforms Ignition SCADA Certification (Core, Gold, Integrator) Aveva (Wonderware) Developer & System Platform Certs FactoryTalk View SE/ME (Rockwell) GE iFIX / Cimplicity 2. PLC / DCS / Industrial Control Systems Rockwell Automation Certifications (ControlLogix, Studio 5000, FT View) Siemens Certifications (TIA Portal, S7-1500/1200, PCS7) Mitsubishi, Omron, Beckhoff, Schneider Electric Certs 3. Networking / Cybersecurity (OT-Focused) Cisco CCNA (or Industrial Networking-specific versions) CompTIA Network+ / Security+ ISA/IEC 62443 Cybersecurity Certificate OPC UA / MQTT Sparkplug B training 4. Programming / Scripting Python Certifications (PCAP, PCEP) PowerShell Training – Critical for Windows-based OT environments Command Prompt (CMD) Scripting MATLAB Training (if you're moving toward modeling or simulation) 5. Server / Systems / Virtualization Microsoft Certifications (Windows Server, SQL Server, Active Directory) VMware Certified Professional (VCP) AWS / Azure Cloud Fundamentals OSIsoft PI System Certification 6. Electrical / Safety NFPA 70E Electrical Safety in the Workplace Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Training TÜV Functional Safety Engineer (SIS or Machinery) Electronics Technician Certification (ETA, IPC, etc.) 7. Design / Drafting / CAD AutoCAD Electrical Certification EPLAN Certification 8. Project / Team Leadership Project Management Professional (PMP) – Gold standard, very useful for large projects Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) – Cheaper, for those with less experience Lean Six Sigma (Green Belt / Yellow Belt) – For process improvement projects 9. General / Cross-Disciplinary Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST - ISA) ISA Certified Automation Professional (CAP) Electronics Systems Technician (EST) OSHA 10/30 Hour General Industry Training NCCER Industrial Instrumentation & Electrical Certifications Robotics Certifications (FANUC, Yaskawa, UR, etc.)

Step 4: Skill Building – Bridge the Gap Between Where You Are and Where You Want to Be In today’s competitive job market, one thing is clear: continuous learning is non-negotiable. As part of my ongoing series about landing a tech role in 2025, let’s dive into skill building, a critical step that can make or break your job search success. Here’s how I approach skill development: 1️⃣ Assess Your Current Skills • Start by comparing your current skill set to the requirements of your target roles. What’s missing? Identifying these gaps is the first step to creating a focused plan to upskill. 2️⃣ Upskill with Online Learning Platforms • Enroll in courses on platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or edX to acquire or sharpen technical skills such as: • Programming languages: Python, JavaScript, Java • Cloud platforms: AWS, Azure, Google Cloud • Data analysis tools: SQL, Tableau, Excel • Many of these platforms offer flexible learning options to fit any schedule. 3️⃣ Earn Certifications • Certifications validate your expertise and increase your credibility with employers. Consider certifications like: • AWS Certified Solutions Architect • CompTIA Security+ • Google Data Analytics Certificate • Research which certifications are highly valued in your target industry or role and start working towards them. 4️⃣ Gain Practical Experience • Apply your skills in real-world projects. For example: • Build personal projects to showcase your knowledge. • Contribute to open-source projects to gain collaborative experience. • Create a portfolio that highlights your skills and accomplishments; whether it’s a GitHub repository, a website, or a blog. Building skills isn’t just about learning; it’s about demonstrating your ability to solve real-world problems. A strong foundation of skills, paired with practical experience, can set you apart from other candidates. Next in this series, I’ll discuss the importance of personal branding and how it can help you stand out to recruiters. Stay tuned! What’s the one skill you’re focusing on mastering in 2025? Share in the comments! #SkillBuilding #JobSearchTips #TechCareers #Upskilling #Certifications #ProgrammingSkills #CloudComputing #DataAnalysis #CareerGrowth #CareerPlanning #JobHunting2025 #LinkedInTips #CareerJourney

IT and Cyber Security are so embedded in the BAS Industry, what should your controls tech know or seek to become certified in? For a midlevel Building Automation System (BAS) technician, having a solid foundation in IT and cybersecurity is crucial due to the increasing integration of BAS with IT networks and the growing cybersecurity threats. Here are some key skills and knowledge areas: IT Skills: Networking Basics: Understanding of TCP/IP, subnetting, VLANs, and routing. Familiarity with network hardware such as switches, routers, and firewalls. Network Configuration and Troubleshooting: Ability to configure and troubleshoot network devices. Knowledge of network protocols (e.g., HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, SSH). Operating Systems: Proficiency in Windows and Linux operating systems. Experience with server administration and maintenance. Virtualization: Understanding of virtualization technologies (e.g., VMware, Hyper-V). Experience with creating and managing virtual machines. Database Management: Basic knowledge of SQL and database management. Familiarity with database backup and recovery procedures. Cloud Computing: Understanding of cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure). Experience with cloud-based services and storage solutions. Cybersecurity Skills: Cybersecurity Fundamentals: Knowledge of basic cybersecurity principles and practices. Understanding of common threats and vulnerabilities. Network Security: Proficiency in configuring and managing firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS), and VPNs. Understanding of network segmentation and access control. Endpoint Security: Experience with antivirus and anti-malware solutions. Knowledge of securing endpoints and mobile devices. Identity and Access Management (IAM): Understanding of user authentication and authorization methods (e.g., LDAP, Active Directory). Experience with multi-factor authentication (MFA) and role-based access control (RBAC). Security Monitoring and Incident Response: Familiarity with security information and event management (SIEM) tools. Experience in detecting and responding to security incidents. Compliance and Regulations: Knowledge of relevant cybersecurity regulations and standards (e.g., NIST, ISO 27001). Understanding of data privacy laws and compliance requirements. Encryption: Understanding of encryption methods and best practices for data protection. Experience with implementing and managing encryption solutions. Continuous Learning: Staying updated with the latest trends and advancements in IT and cybersecurity. Pursuing relevant certifications and training opportunities. Recommended Certifications: CompTIA Network+ CompTIA Security+ Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

Are Cloud Certifications Worth It? Let’s get real. Cloud certifications are a great way to build foundational knowledge and validate your skills. They provide structure, help you learn best practices, and can open doors to new opportunities. But certifications are just one part of the bigger picture. True cloud expertise isn’t gained by passing exams alone. It comes from solving real-world problems, navigating complex pricing, and architecting solutions that actually deliver value. Hands-on experience—across multiple platforms—is where deep understanding really develops. One more thing: Don’t get trapped by vendor tunnel vision. While certifications from AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud are valuable, the goal is to stay adaptable and vendor-neutral. The best cloud professionals leverage what they learn from certifications but focus on practical impact and business outcomes. Bottom line: Use certifications as a stepping stone, not a finish line. Invest in ongoing learning and real-world experience—that’s what really drives success. #Cloud #CloudComputing #Certifications #TechCareers #ProfessionalGrowth