Survey: IT certifications lead to jobs, higher pay

Least and most valuable certs? Cisco

Interestingly, when asked which certs were the most valuable, Cisco certs were named more than any other. When asked which were the least — Cisco again. How can the same certification track be both least and most valuable? The CCNA, an entry-level prerequisite cert, was the one called out as least valuable, as it is seen as a substitute for hands-on knowledge. Some said the CCNA was valuable in the doors it opened. Yet, the CCIE is still prized in the marketplace as are other difficult, high-level certs like the MCSE. Meanwhile, the CCSP is often required by employers for high-level security positions.