Employers Using IT Certification to Close High‑Risk Skills Gaps
A new report from Pearson found that 78% of employers prioritize professional certification as a leading upskilling investment to close IT and AI skills gaps. Employers estimate an average of $17,646 in additional annual value for every certified IT employee.
Organizations facing persistent IT and AI skills gaps are turning to professional certification as a core workforce strategy, according to a Pearson report. The 2026 Value of IT Certification Employer Report found that 78% of employers prioritize certification as a leading upskilling investment. The largest skills gaps are in high-risk areas such as AI, machine learning, and cybersecurity. Employers estimate an average of $17,646 in additional annual value for every certified IT employee, with 93% reporting a positive return on investment. Organizations that require certification reported greater competitive advantage and are more successful at closing skills gaps. The report also found that 84% of employees plan to pursue additional certifications in the next 12 months.
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