The world of IT moves fast, and so do the certifications that validate your skills. Most IT certifications do not last forever, and this can feel frustrating after putting in the effort to study and pass the exams. However, these expiration policies are put in place for a good reason: to ensure professionals remain knowledgeable about the latest technology trends and best practices.
Certifications validate a candidate’s understanding of specific tools, systems, or practices at a given time. Since the industry changes rapidly, continuous learning is essential to maintain expertise. That’s why many IT certification providers require periodic recertification.
This guide will explain how long various IT certifications remain valid and what steps you can take to maintain your credentials in the long term.
Why IT Certifications Expire
Certification expiration might seem like a nuisance, but it serves several key purposes:
- Ensures professionals stay up to date with technological advances
- Maintains the value and credibility of certifications in the job market
- Encourages a culture of lifelong learning
By requiring recertification, organizations help prevent the decay of technical knowledge over time.
Common Expiration Periods
Different vendors have their own rules for certification validity. Some require recertification every year, while others allow longer periods. Here’s a quick overview of common certification lifespans:
- Microsoft Associate, Expert, and Specialty: 1 year
- Microsoft Fundamentals: Lifetime
- VMware: Lifetime
- Cisco CCNA/CCNP/CCIE: 3 years
- Cisco CCar: 5 years
- CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+: 3 years
- CompTIA Linux+, Server+, Project+: Lifetime
- ISC2: 3 years
- AWS: 3 years
Microsoft Certifications
Microsoft has undergone major changes in its certification program over the past few years. As of 2021, the older MCSA, MCSE, and MCSD certifications were retired. Microsoft now offers role-based certifications, aligned with real-world job roles like Azure Administrator and Security Engineer.
Certification Categories
Microsoft offers four main types of certifications:
- Fundamentals (e.g., AZ-900, AI-900)
- Associate (e.g., Azure Administrator Associate)
- Expert (e.g., Azure Solutions Architect Expert)
- Specialty (e.g., Azure AI Engineer Specialty)
Expiration Policy
- Fundamentals certifications do not expire and do not require renewal.
- Associate, Expert, and Specialty certifications expire every year and must be renewed.
Renewing Microsoft Certifications
Microsoft provides a user-friendly renewal process:
- Renewals are free
- They are completed online via Microsoft Learn
- The assessments are open-book and not proctored
- You can retake the assessment as many times as needed within your renewal window
Renewal assessments focus on recent updates to Microsoft technologies, ensuring that certified professionals remain current without repeating the full exam.
VMware Certifications
VMware certification policy has also evolved. Until 2019, VMware required recertification for VCP-level certifications every two years. That is no longer the case.
No More Mandatory Recertification
As of 2019, VMware certifications no longer expire. You do not need to recertify to maintain your status. However, if you’re working with newer versions of VMware products, staying current may require taking newer exams voluntarily.
Versioning System
VMware certifications now use a year-based naming system:
- Previous example: VCP-DCV 6.5
- New versioning: VCP-DCV 2019, VCP-DCV 2020, VCP-DCV 2024
Each version corresponds to a specific release of VMware products. While your certification remains valid, employers may look for the most recent version to match the latest tools and techniques.
When to Consider Updating
Although your VMware cert doesn’t expire, consider updating it if:
- You’re working on new product versions.
- You’re applying for new roles or projects.
- You want to reflect the most up-to-date knowledge in your resume.
ISC2 and AWS Certification Validity
ISC2 Certifications
ISC2 is a leading organization in the cybersecurity certification space. It offers globally recognized credentials, including the CISSP, which is considered a gold standard in the field. Like many professional certifications, ISC2 certifications are not valid indefinitely. Members must maintain their certification status through a renewal process that includes continuing professional education (CPE) and annual membership fees.
Certification Validity Period
ISC2 certifications are valid for three years. During this time, members must earn the required number of CPE credits and pay annual maintenance fees to maintain active certification status.
Why ISC2 Requires Recertification
The primary reason for ISC2’s recertification requirement is to ensure that certified professionals stay current with the rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape. Technology and threats change constantly, and ISC2 believes that ongoing education is essential for maintaining effective security practices.
Membership Requirement
Maintaining an ISC2 certification requires active membership in the organization. Members must:
- Pay annual maintenance fees
- Earn the required number of CPE credits within the three-year certification cycle
CPE Requirements by Certification
Each ISC2 certification has a different CPE requirement based on its complexity and scope. Below is a breakdown of the required CPEs over three years:
- CISSP: 120 CPEs
- CSSLP: 90 CPEs
- CCSP: 90 CPEs
- CGRC: 60 CPEs
- HCISPP: 60 CPEs
- SSCP: 60 CPEs
CPE Activities
ISC2 provides flexibility in how professionals earn CPEs. Qualifying activities include:
- Attending conferences and webinars
- Participating in training and educational programs
- Publishing security-related content
- Teaching security-related courses
- Volunteering in security education or advocacy
It is important to log CPEs in the ISC2 system as they are earned. Failure to meet the CPE requirements or pay maintenance fees may result in suspension or revocation of certification.
Benefits of Maintaining ISC2 Certification
Keeping an ISC2 certification active not only demonstrates an ongoing commitment to professional development but also:
- Enhances job opportunities
- Increases salary potential
- Maintains access to ISC2 resources and community
AWS Certifications
Amazon Web Services (AWS) offers a suite of cloud computing certifications that are highly respected in the industry. These certifications validate expertise in cloud architecture, development, operations, and specialty areas.
Certification Validity Period
All AWS certifications are valid for three years. Professionals must renew their certifications before the expiration date to maintain their credentials.
Why AWS Certifications Expire
The cloud landscape is constantly changing with new services, features, and best practices. AWS certifications expire to ensure that certified individuals maintain current knowledge and skills that align with evolving AWS technologies.
Recertification Options
AWS offers several ways to renew certifications. Candidates can:
- Retake the current version of the certification exam
- Pass a higher-level certification exam within the same path
New Recertification Method: AWS Cloud Quest
AWS introduced Cloud Quest as a novel approach to recertification. This is an interactive, 3D role-playing game that allows professionals to learn practical AWS skills. Completing certain roles within Cloud Quest can count as recertification for specific AWS certifications.
Roles in AWS Cloud Quest include:
- Cloud Practitioner
- Serverless Developer
- Solutions Architect
- Machine Learning Specialist
- Security Specialist
- Data Analytics Specialist
- Networking Specialist
AWS Certification Paths
AWS certifications are categorized into four levels:
Foundational
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
Associate
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate
- AWS Certified Developer – Associate
- AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate
Professional
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional
- AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional
Specialty
- AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty
- AWS Certified Big Data – Specialty (now replaced by Data Analytics – Specialty)
- AWS Certified Security – Specialty
- AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty
- AWS Certified Alexa Skill Builder – Specialty
- AWS Certified Data Analytics – Specialty
Strategies for AWS Recertification
- Plan to renew at least six months before expiration.
- Use AWS Skill Builder and practice exams to prepare.
- Consider pursuing the next level or specialty certification.
Maintaining AWS Certification
Maintaining an active AWS certification demonstrates your continued commitment to cloud technology and provides:
- Increased job opportunities
- Higher salary potential
- Access to exclusive AWS events and materials
Best Practices for Maintaining and Renewing IT Certifications
Keeping Track of Certification Expiry Dates
Keeping certifications valid requires careful attention to expiration dates. Missing a deadline can mean having to retake a full exam or even starting over in some cases. Here are several tips to help you stay organized and avoid letting your credentials lapse:
Use a Centralized Tracking System
Maintain a document or spreadsheet listing all your certifications, their issue dates, and expiration dates. Include fields for:
- Certification provider
- Certification title
- Date earned
- Expiration date
- Renewal method
- Status (active/expired)
There are also professional development platforms and apps that can help track certifications and alert you when renewal windows open.
Set Calendar Reminders
Set recurring calendar alerts six months, three months, and one month before each expiration date. These early warnings give you time to plan for studying, completing continuing education requirements, or taking an assessment.
Sign Up for Provider Notifications
Many certification providers offer email reminders or dashboard alerts. Be sure your contact information is current and subscribe to notifications so you never miss a deadline.
Planning for Recertification
Create a Renewal Plan Early
Whether it’s passing a new exam, completing a course, or logging continuing education credits, most certifications require preparation. Starting early allows you to:
- Distribute study or CE tasks over time
- Avoid stress before deadlines
- Take advantage of free or discounted resources
Choose the Most Efficient Renewal Method
Some certification providers offer multiple paths to renewal. Evaluate each based on your time, budget, and learning goals. For example:
- Microsoft: Take a free online assessment
- Cisco: Earn continuing education credits or take another qualifying exam
- CompTIA: Complete a higher-level cert or online training module
- AWS: Choose between the exam and Cloud Quest gameplay
Selecting the right path depends on how confident you are in your skills, how much time you have, and whether you want to advance to a higher level.
Take Advantage of Employer Support
Many companies reimburse certification renewal costs, training, or exams as part of employee development programs. Speak with your HR or management team to learn if your employer supports this.
Staying Up to Date Between Certifications
Certification alone is not enough to remain competitive in IT. You also need to stay informed about the latest tools, practices, and threats.
Attend Webinars and Conferences
These events are not only great for learning but also often count toward continuing education credits. They also give you a chance to network with other professionals and get insights into how others are applying new technologies in real-world scenarios.
Follow Technology News and Updates
Subscribe to newsletters, follow certification blogs, and stay tuned to vendor updates. Being informed makes it easier to renew certifications and helps in your day-to-day job performance.
Hands-On Practice
Use labs, sandbox environments, or your home lab to try new tools and configurations. Some certifications now incorporate scenario-based renewals, making hands-on experience even more essential.
When to Let a Certification Expire
Not all certifications are worth keeping forever. Sometimes, letting a credential expire can be the right move, depending on career changes or shifts in industry focus.
Evaluate Career Relevance
If a certification is no longer aligned with your current or future goals, it may not be worth renewing. Instead, you could invest your time in learning a new skill or earning a more relevant credential.
Weigh the Cost-Benefit
Before committing to the time, effort, and expense of renewing or acquiring new certifications, IT professionals should carefully weigh the cost-benefit of each credential. While certifications can significantly enhance job opportunities, marketability, and salary potential, they also require an ongoing investment in time, money, and energy. Evaluating whether that investment aligns with your current career path and long-term goals is critical.
Financial Costs and Return on Investment (ROI)
Certification costs can vary widely. For instance, AWS Associate-level exams cost around $150, while Professional and Specialty-level exams can cost up to $300. ISC2’s CISSP exam, meanwhile, costs $749, and additional fees apply for annual membership and continuing education. These costs multiply quickly if you’re maintaining several active certifications.
However, certifications often result in tangible salary increases. According to multiple industry salary surveys, professionals holding certifications like CISSP, AWS Certified Solutions Architect, or CCSP can command salaries well above the industry average. For some, a single raise or job switch enabled by a certification can more than offset the cost of earning it.
It’s also worth considering employer reimbursement. Many companies view certifications as an investment in employee capability and will cover exam fees, training costs, or offer bonuses for earning in-demand credentials. Check your HR or L&D policies to see if certification expenses can be subsidized.
Time and Effort vs. Career Value
Beyond money, there’s a major time investment involved in preparing for exams or earning continuing education credits. Each certification can require 40 to 120 hours of study or professional development activity. Professionals with busy jobs or personal obligations must assess whether that effort is worthwhile based on how the certification will impact their career.
Ask yourself:
- Will this certification help me break into a new role or industry?
- Is it required for advancement in my current company?
- Does it build on my current skillset or introduce something entirely new?
Certifications should support a trajectory. A cloud engineer pursuing a security-focused role might find great value in adding an AWS Security Specialty or CISSP. On the other hand, renewing a legacy certification that’s no longer aligned with your goals may not offer a good return.
Relevance in the Market
Some certifications retain value over decades, like CISSP, while others may become obsolete as technologies evolve. Reviewing job postings in your desired field can reveal which certifications employers truly value. If your target roles list certain credentials as “preferred” or “required,” that’s a good indicator of continuing relevance.
Additionally, keep an eye on trends. For example, demand for cloud, cybersecurity, and AI certifications is growing rapidly. Conversely, certain server or networking certifications may be declining in relevance unless paired with newer skills like automation or cloud infrastructure.
Opportunity Cost
The time you spend renewing one certification is time you’re not spending learning a new technology or pursuing a different credential. As a result, it’s important to regularly audit your certifications and evaluate whether they still serve your future goals. Sometimes letting a certification expire may be the best strategic move, especially if it allows you to focus on a more valuable credential.
Think of your certification portfolio like an investment portfolio: some credentials should be renewed because they continue to yield returns, while others might be better retired to make room for higher-performing assets.
Long-Term Perspective
Finally, remember that certifications are just one part of your career development. Experience, networking, soft skills, and hands-on projects all matter just as much—if not more—in the long run. Certifications validate knowledge, but they shouldn’t come at the cost of actually building it. If you find yourself pursuing credentials for the sake of having them, rather than using them to solve real-world problems or grow your career, it may be time to reassess your strategy.
Strategic Certification Planning
Why Strategic Planning Matters
In today’s fast-evolving tech landscape, earning certifications is not just about acquiring credentials—it’s about ensuring long-term professional growth. A well-thought-out certification strategy helps you align your learning efforts with your career goals, stay ahead of industry trends, and optimize both time and financial investments.
Rather than collecting certifications haphazardly, professionals should map out a learning pathway that builds relevant skills, meets industry standards, and supports job mobility. Strategic certification planning can also help avoid certification overlap, renewal fatigue, or gaps in credential validity.
Define Your Career Goals
The foundation of any certification strategy is a clear understanding of where you want your career to go. Whether you aim to specialize in cybersecurity, cloud architecture, DevOps, or project management, your path should dictate your certification roadmap.
Start by asking:
- What roles or positions am I targeting in the next 1–5 years?
- What certifications are most valued or even required in those roles?
- Do I plan to stay in one domain or pivot into a new technology area?
Answering these questions will help you prioritize certifications that carry weight in your chosen field.
Research Industry Trends
Staying in tune with industry trends is essential for effective certification planning. For example:
- Cloud computing is booming, making AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud certifications highly valuable.
- Cybersecurity threats are increasing, driving demand for credentials like CISSP, CISM, and CompTIA Security+.
- Data analytics and machine learning are reshaping IT, so credentials like the AWS Data Analytics – Specialty or Google’s Professional Data Engineer are in demand.
By tracking what’s growing and what’s declining, you can choose certifications that offer future-proof value.
Build on Foundational Certifications
For those just starting or transitioning into a new IT discipline, begin with foundational certifications to establish core competencies. Examples include:
- CompTIA A+ for general IT knowledge
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
From there, follow a logical progression toward associate, professional, or specialty-level certifications depending on your area of focus. This ensures your knowledge base is strong and aligned with real-world expectations.
Consider Renewal Intervals and Cost
Every certification has a different renewal timeline and cost. Be strategic about how often you’ll need to renew multiple certifications. For example:
- ISC2 and AWS certifications expire every three years
- Microsoft role-based certifications expire annually
- Some CompTIA certifications can be renewed by earning a higher-level certification
Stagger your certifications to avoid clustering renewal dates, which can lead to increased workload and expense. Use a spreadsheet or certification tracking tool to manage these deadlines.
Leverage Cross-Certification Benefits
Some certifications automatically renew others. For instance, achieving CompTIA CASP+ renews Security+, Network+, and A+. This not only saves time and money but also helps maintain multiple credentials without repeating exams or CPE submissions.
When planning your path, look for opportunities to bundle your effort. Earning a higher-level certification may extend or renew several lower-level ones simultaneously.
Align With Employer and Industry Requirements
Some roles or industries have compliance-driven requirements (e.g., DoD 8570). Aligning your certifications with these frameworks can make you eligible for more job opportunities or promotions.
Speak with your manager, HR department, or industry peers to understand what certifications are preferred or required. This way, your investment directly contributes to your current and future employment value.
Strategic certification planning is about more than collecting digital badges, it’s a structured, career-focused approach that maximizes the return on your professional development efforts. By aligning certifications with your goals, industry trends, and employer expectations, you ensure that every exam you pass brings you closer to where you want to be professionally.
Think of certifications as part of your long-term career path. Develop a strategy that includes:
- Entry-level certifications for foundational knowledge
- Mid-level certifications that match current responsibilities
- Advanced or specialty certifications for leadership roles or niche skills
Regularly review your certification portfolio and decide which ones to maintain, update, or retire.
Certification Validity Overview and Final Thoughts
Renewal Hierarchies and Dependencies
Understanding Certification Renewal Hierarchies
When managing multiple IT certifications, it’s important to understand that not all certifications are renewed equally. Some certifications automatically renew others, particularly within certification families like CompTIA. This system, known as a renewal hierarchy, enables professionals to maintain multiple credentials through a single recertification effort.
These hierarchies are designed to simplify the process for professionals who advance to higher-level certifications. Instead of recertifying each one individually, earning or renewing a top-tier certification often extends the validity of all lower-level ones within that certification path.
How Renewal Hierarchies Work
Renewal hierarchies are essentially built-in dependencies between certifications, where the renewal of a higher-level certification can reset the expiration date of others. This is often implemented to:
- Reduce redundancy in certification upkeep
- Encourage professionals to pursue higher levels of expertise
- Ensure that a higher-level credential implies proficiency in prerequisite knowledge
These renewal rules vary by vendor. While CompTIA offers a well-documented hierarchy system, other vendors like Cisco and Microsoft often require separate recertification for each certification level unless specified.
The CompTIA Renewal Hierarchy
CompTIA is one of the best examples of a well-structured renewal hierarchy. Their certifications cover a range of roles from entry-level IT support to advanced cybersecurity and enterprise-level skills. Here’s how their hierarchy generally works:
CompTIA Certification Tiers
- Core – A+, Network+, Security+
- Infrastructure – Linux+, Server+, Cloud+
- Cybersecurity – CySA+, PenTest+, CASP+
- Data and Other – Data+, Project+, DataSys+
Key Renewal Rules
- Higher-level certifications automatically renew lower-level certifications.
- Renewing Security+ will extend the validity of both Network+ and A+.
- CASP+ renews all other CompTIA certifications.
- However, earning a lower-level cert does not renew a higher one.
Examples of Renewal Dependencies
- CASP+ (Advanced Security Practitioner) renews:
- PenTest+
- CySA+
- Security+
- Network+
- A+
- CySA+ or PenTest+ renews:
- Security+
- Network+
- A+
- Security+ renews:
- Network+
- A+
Understanding this hierarchy can help professionals plan more strategically, focusing on higher-level certifications that automatically cover lower ones and reduce the total recertification workload.
Microsoft Certification Dependencies
Microsoft does not follow a traditional renewal hierarchy like CompTIA, but its role-based certifications have their structure. All Associate, Expert, and Specialty level certifications require annual renewal via short, unproctored online assessments.
Key Points
- Microsoft Fundamentals certifications do not expire.
- Higher-level certifications don’t automatically renew lower-level ones.
- Renewals must be performed individually, although they are free and accessible via Microsoft Learn.
Since each certification aligns with specific roles (e.g., Azure Administrator, Power Platform Developer), Microsoft prefers candidates to maintain each credential independently. However, the renewal process is streamlined and designed to encourage ongoing learning.
Cisco Certification Renewal
Cisco follows a structured recertification approach, particularly for the CCNA, CCNP, and CCIE certifications. While Cisco doesn’t explicitly define a renewal hierarchy like CompTIA, it does offer flexible options that allow professionals to recertify multiple certifications through exams or Continuing Education (CE) credits.
Cisco Renewal Options
- Earn CE credits (30 for CCNA, 80 for CCNP, 120 for CCIE)
- Pass a qualifying exam at the same or higher level
- Combine CE credits with the exam
Examples of Practical Dependencies
- Earning a higher-level certification exam (e.g., a core or concentration exam for CCNP) can help renew lower-level certifications like CCNA if done within the CE program.
- Though not a formal hierarchy, Cisco’s flexibility encourages upward movement while covering previous certifications.
ISC2 Certification Renewal
ISC2’s certifications (CISSP, CCSP, SSCP, etc.) all follow a unified renewal approach through Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits. These certifications do not have a formal hierarchy where one renews another, but they share a common recertification framework.
Renewal Requirements
- Each certification has a specific number of required CPEs over three years.
- Professionals holding multiple ISC2 certifications can apply relevant CPEs to each, minimizing duplication of effort.
Practical Advantage
If a professional holds both CISSP and SSCP, attending a qualifying seminar or completing a relevant course can earn CPEs for both certifications. While this isn’t a renewal hierarchy, it functions as a CPE efficiency strategy.
AWS Certification Renewal Structure
Amazon Web Services (AWS) organizes certifications into Foundational, Associate, Professional, and Specialty levels. Like Microsoft, AWS does not follow a formal hierarchy where higher-level certifications renew lower-level ones.
Key Facts
- All certifications are valid for three years.
- Renewals can be done by retaking the same exam or earning a higher-level certification in the same domain.
- AWS Cloud Quest offers a new game-based renewal path for select roles.
While there’s no direct renewal hierarchy, passing a Professional-level certification often implies readiness and skill beyond Associate-level, though formal renewal still requires a separate process unless explicitly allowed.
Strategic Takeaways
Understanding renewal hierarchies and dependencies allows professionals to:
- Reduce certification costs and workload
- Avoid redundant recertifications
- Make informed decisions about which certifications to pursue
- Build a sustainable long-term certification strategy
When planning certifications:
- Start by identifying top-tier certifications in your focus area
- Check whether earning them will auto-renew the lower-level one
- Schedule renewals strategically to avoid overlap and burnout
Professionals managing several certifications should maintain a digital tracker or spreadsheet to log:
- Certification names
- Issue and expiration dates
- Recertification methods (exam, CPE, CEUs, etc.)
- Dependencies (which cert renews which)
This level of organization ensures nothing slips through the cracks and helps in maximizing the value of your learning efforts.
Renewal hierarchies and dependencies are more than just technical details, they are powerful tools for career development. When leveraged effectively, they reduce effort, streamline certification management, and promote upward growth within your area of expertise. By understanding how different certification bodies structure their renewals and dependencies, you can make smarter decisions that keep your credentials valid while also advancing your career in the most efficient way possible.
CompTIA Certification Renewal Hierarchy
- Security+ renews Network+ and A+
- CySA+ renews Security+, Network+, and A+
- CASP+ renews CySA+, PenTest+, Security+, Network+, and A+
- Cloud+ renews A+ and Linux+
- Linux+ renews A+
- Server+ renews A+ and Network+
Understanding these hierarchies can help you make strategic decisions about which certification to pursue next to maximize the value of your efforts.
Choosing the Right Certification Path
Deciding which certifications to pursue and maintain should align with your career goals, industry trends, and personal interests. Below are some general guidelines.
For Beginners
Start with foundational certifications that validate your basic understanding of IT concepts. Good starting points include:
- Microsoft Fundamentals
- CompTIA ITF+ or A+
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
For Mid-Level Professionals
Once you have some experience, pursue certifications that align with your job role:
- Microsoft Associate (e.g., Azure Administrator)
- CompTIA Security+ or Network+
- Cisco CCNA or CCNP
- AWS Associate-level certifications
For Advanced Professionals
If you’re specializing or seeking leadership roles, consider:
- Microsoft Expert certifications
- AWS Professional or Specialty certifications
- CompTIA CASP+
- Cisco CCIE
- ISC2 CISSP
These certifications often require extensive preparation and professional experience but yield significant credibility and career opportunities.
The Importance of Staying Current
Renewing your certifications is more than just maintaining a title—it signals to employers, peers, and clients that you are keeping pace with industry developments. Here’s why it’s important:
- IT environments change rapidly due to innovation and security threats
- Employers often require up-to-date certifications for compliance or contract eligibility
- Up-to-date skills improve performance and productivity in your role
- Certifications can influence promotions, new job opportunities, and salary increases
Adapting to Industry Evolution
Certifications evolve, just like the technology they represent. Microsoft, for example, has shifted toward role-based certifications to better match real-world job duties. VMware has moved from version-specific certifications to year-based versions. Understanding these trends helps you adapt your learning and certification plans accordingly.
Final Thoughts on Certification Maintenance
Maintaining your IT certifications should be a proactive and strategic part of your career. By planning, staying organized, and aligning your certifications with industry needs and your career goals, you can ensure that you remain relevant and competitive.
Here are the key takeaways:
- Know when your certifications expire and set reminders
- Take advantage of continuing education and alternative renewal options
- Evaluate the relevance of each certification to your current career path
- Pursue higher-level certifications to refresh and renew previous ones
Certifications are an investment in your professional future. Treat them as part of a long-term growth strategy, and they will continue to pay off throughout your IT career.
