Top 5 Certifications To Grab in 2014
The year 2014 was a pivotal moment for technology professionals across the globe. Cloud computing was moving from an emerging concept to a mainstream enterprise requirement, cybersecurity threats were growing more sophisticated by the month, and organizations were investing heavily in structured IT operations. In that environment, certifications became one of the clearest ways for professionals to signal that their skills were current, verified, and aligned with what employers actually needed.
Choosing which certification to pursue was not a simple decision. With dozens of options available across vendors, domains, and skill levels, professionals in 2014 had to think carefully about where the job market was heading and which credentials would deliver the strongest return. This article examines the top five certifications that offered the greatest career value in 2014, why each one mattered, and what made them stand out from the rest of the field.
Why Certification Choices in 2014 Carried Significant Weight
The technology job market in 2014 was highly competitive, and employers were becoming more deliberate about how they screened candidates. Many organizations, particularly those in healthcare, finance, and government contracting, had begun listing specific certifications as minimum requirements rather than preferred qualifications. This shift meant that holding the right credential was no longer just a differentiator but often a prerequisite for being considered at all.
At the same time, salaries for certified professionals were pulling noticeably ahead of those for their non-certified counterparts in several key domains. Industry salary surveys from that period consistently showed premiums of ten to twenty percent for professionals who held recognized credentials in areas like security, networking, and project management. For anyone serious about advancing their career in 2014, choosing the right certification and committing to earning it was among the highest-return professional investments available.
CompTIA Security Plus and Its Growing Relevance
CompTIA Security+ stood out in 2014 as one of the most strategically valuable certifications a technology professional could earn. The credential covered a broad range of security topics including network security, compliance, operational security, threats and vulnerabilities, application and data security, and identity management. Its vendor-neutral design meant that the knowledge it validated was applicable across a wide range of employer environments rather than tied to a single platform.
What made Security+ particularly compelling in 2014 was the US Department of Defense’s recognition of the credential under its 8570 directive, which required all personnel with access to DoD information systems to hold approved certifications. This regulatory backing created a steady and growing demand for Security+ holders in defense contracting, federal agencies, and companies that supported government clients. For professionals entering cybersecurity or looking to formalize their existing knowledge, Security+ represented a highly credible and widely recognized entry point into a field that was clearly going to keep growing.
The Project Management Professional Designation Explained
The Project Management Professional credential, awarded by the Project Management Institute, was among the most universally respected certifications available in 2014 regardless of industry. Unlike many technology certifications that focused on specific platforms or technical domains, the PMP validated a professional’s ability to lead and manage projects across any sector, which made it valuable to a far broader range of employers than most IT credentials.
Earning the PMP required candidates to document substantial project management experience, complete a defined number of training hours, and pass a rigorous exam covering the Project Management Body of Knowledge. The barrier to entry was intentionally high, which contributed to the credential’s reputation for signaling genuine competence rather than basic familiarity with concepts. In 2014, organizations across technology, construction, healthcare, finance, and manufacturing were actively seeking PMP holders, and the credential consistently appeared among the highest-paying certifications in compensation surveys conducted that year.
Cisco CCNA Certification and Networking Career Paths
The Cisco Certified Network Associate credential was one of the foundational networking certifications that dominated hiring conversations in 2014. It validated a candidate’s ability to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot medium-size routed and switched networks, covering topics such as IP addressing, routing protocols, WAN technologies, and basic security concepts. For anyone pursuing a career in network administration or engineering, the CCNA was essentially the expected baseline credential.
Cisco’s dominance in enterprise networking infrastructure meant that the CCNA carried weight across virtually every industry sector. Network administrators who held the credential were viewed as more reliable candidates because the exam’s practical orientation required genuine hands-on knowledge rather than simple memorization. In 2014, as organizations continued to expand their network infrastructure to support cloud connectivity, mobile devices, and remote workforces, the demand for CCNA-certified professionals remained consistently strong and showed no sign of softening.
Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert Track in 2014
Microsoft’s Certified Solutions Expert credential, commonly known as MCSE, underwent significant restructuring in the years leading up to 2014, shifting from a broad systems certification toward a set of specialized tracks that aligned with specific technical roles. By 2014, MCSE tracks covered areas including server infrastructure, private cloud, messaging, communication, SharePoint, business intelligence, and data platform management, giving professionals a range of options for specializing within the Microsoft ecosystem.
The MCSE held strong market value in 2014 because Microsoft’s server and productivity products remained dominant in enterprise environments. Organizations running Windows Server, Exchange, SharePoint, and SQL Server needed administrators and architects who could manage those systems at a high level, and the MCSE provided a structured way to validate that expertise. For professionals already working in Microsoft-centric IT environments, pursuing an MCSE track in 2014 was a logical step that aligned their credentials with the work they were already doing and the advancement opportunities their employers could offer.
Certified Information Systems Security Professional Value
The Certified Information Systems Security Professional, known as CISSP, was widely regarded in 2014 as the gold standard for senior cybersecurity professionals. Offered by ISC2, the credential required candidates to have at least five years of paid, full-time work experience in two or more of eight defined security domains, pass a lengthy and demanding exam, and agree to a professional code of ethics. The combination of experience requirements and exam rigor made the CISSP one of the most difficult credentials to earn in the technology field.
That difficulty translated directly into market value. In 2014, CISSP holders commanded some of the highest salaries in the IT profession, and the credential was frequently listed as a requirement in job postings for senior security roles, security architect positions, and chief information security officer tracks. Organizations that were building out security teams in response to growing threat landscapes specifically sought professionals who held the CISSP because it provided assurance that a candidate had both theoretical depth and substantial real-world experience backing their claims of expertise.
Entry Level Appeal of CompTIA A Plus Certification
CompTIA A+ held an important place in the 2014 certification landscape as the standard entry-level credential for IT support professionals. The certification validated foundational knowledge of hardware, operating systems, networking, and security at a level appropriate for help desk technicians, desktop support specialists, and field service technicians. For professionals at the beginning of their IT careers, A+ provided a structured way to formalize knowledge that might otherwise be self-taught and unverified.
Many employers in 2014 used A+ as a baseline screening criterion for entry-level IT positions, which meant that holding the credential expanded the pool of jobs a candidate could realistically apply for. Beyond its role as a hiring filter, A+ also served as a stepping stone to more advanced certifications like Security+ and Network+, giving early-career professionals a clear progression path. For anyone transitioning into IT from another field in 2014, starting with A+ was a pragmatic and well-supported choice that opened doors without requiring years of prior experience.
Amazon Web Services Credentials Gaining Momentum
Amazon Web Services certifications were relatively new in 2014 but were already gaining significant momentum as cloud adoption accelerated across enterprises. The AWS Certified Solutions Architect credential in particular was drawing attention from both employers and professionals who recognized that cloud infrastructure skills were rapidly becoming essential rather than optional. Organizations that had been cautious about cloud adoption were beginning to commit more seriously, and the demand for professionals who could design and manage AWS environments was rising accordingly.
What made AWS certifications especially interesting in 2014 was the combination of high demand and limited supply of certified professionals. Because the certifications were relatively new and the subject matter was still unfamiliar to many experienced IT professionals, employers frequently struggled to find candidates who held the credentials. This imbalance between supply and demand translated into strong salary premiums and significant leverage for certified professionals during salary negotiations. Those who recognized the trend early and invested in AWS certification in 2014 positioned themselves ahead of a wave of demand that would only grow larger in subsequent years.
How Cybersecurity Certifications Shaped Hiring Decisions
The cybersecurity domain in 2014 was experiencing a transformation in how organizations approached hiring, and certifications played a central role in that shift. High-profile breaches affecting major retailers, financial institutions, and government agencies made executive teams acutely aware of the risks associated with inadequate security talent, which in turn increased the urgency around finding and retaining qualified security professionals.
Certifications gave hiring managers a way to filter candidates in a field where credentials are difficult to evaluate through portfolio work alone, since much of the most important security work happens invisibly and confidentially. Credentials like Security+, CISSP, and the Certified Ethical Hacker provided structured evidence of knowledge and commitment that resumes filled with job titles and responsibilities could not always supply. For security professionals in 2014, holding recognized credentials was not just about career advancement but about being taken seriously in a field where credibility was everything.
Salary Data Supporting Certification Investment Decisions
The financial case for pursuing certifications in 2014 was well supported by compensation data published by major industry research organizations. The Global Knowledge IT Skills and Salary Report from that period consistently showed that certified professionals earned more than their non-certified peers across nearly every technical domain, with the gap being particularly pronounced in security, cloud, and project management roles.
CISSP holders were among the highest earners, with average salaries in the United States frequently exceeding one hundred thousand dollars even in mid-level roles. PMP holders similarly outperformed non-certified project managers across industries. Cisco CCNA holders saw meaningful salary advantages over networking professionals without credentials, and AWS-certified professionals were commanding premiums that reflected the shortage of qualified talent. For professionals evaluating whether the time and money required to earn a certification was worth the investment, the salary data from 2014 made a compelling case for moving forward.
Vendor Neutral Versus Vendor Specific Certification Debate
One of the recurring conversations in certification planning circles in 2014 concerned whether professionals were better served by vendor-neutral credentials like those from CompTIA or ISC2, or vendor-specific credentials tied to platforms like Cisco, Microsoft, or AWS. The answer was not universal and depended heavily on the individual’s career goals, current employer, and the types of roles they were targeting.
Vendor-neutral certifications offered broader applicability and did not become irrelevant if an employer switched platforms or if a professional changed jobs. Vendor-specific certifications offered deeper validation of expertise within a particular ecosystem and were often more directly recognized by employers who had standardized on that vendor’s products. Many professionals in 2014 pursued a combination of both, using vendor-neutral credentials to establish foundational credibility and vendor-specific credentials to demonstrate depth in the platforms they worked with most closely.
Time Commitment Required for Top Certifications
One factor that shaped certification choices in 2014 was the realistic time commitment required to prepare for and pass each exam. Entry-level credentials like CompTIA A+ could be earned with a few months of focused study for candidates with some existing IT background. Mid-level credentials like CCNA or Security+ typically required three to six months of preparation for candidates without prior formal training in the relevant domain. Advanced credentials like CISSP or PMP required not just exam preparation but substantial documented experience, making them multi-year commitments for professionals who were still building their careers.
Understanding the time investment helped professionals sequence their certification pursuits realistically rather than attempting to tackle the most prestigious credentials before they had the experience or knowledge base to succeed. Many career advisors in 2014 recommended that professionals plan their certification path two to three years ahead, identifying which credentials would serve their goals and mapping out a realistic timeline for earning each one without burning out or spreading their study efforts too thin.
Exam Preparation Strategies That Produced Results
Professionals who successfully earned certifications in 2014 consistently relied on a combination of study methods rather than a single resource. Official vendor study guides provided the authoritative source of exam content, while practice exams helped candidates identify weak areas and build comfort with the question format. For technical certifications, hands-on lab work was considered essential because many exam questions were scenario-based and required practical reasoning rather than recall of memorized facts.
Study groups and online communities were also valuable resources in 2014, giving candidates access to shared notes, discussion of difficult topics, and encouragement from others working toward the same goals. Platforms hosting practice labs for networking and security certifications saw strong growth in that period as candidates recognized that lab practice significantly improved their exam performance. Professionals who combined all of these methods and dedicated consistent time to their preparation each week consistently outperformed those who attempted to study intensively in the final days before their exam.
Recertification Obligations and Keeping Credentials Active
Earning a certification in 2014 was not a permanent achievement for most credentials. Nearly all major certifications required periodic renewal through continuing education, professional development activities, or retaking updated exams. CompTIA credentials required renewal every three years through a combination of continuing education units or exam retakes. Cisco credentials had their own renewal cycles, with the CCNA requiring renewal every three years by passing a qualifying exam. CISSP required holders to earn continuing professional education credits annually and pay a maintenance fee to keep the credential active.
These renewal requirements created an ongoing obligation that professionals needed to account for when planning their certification strategy. On the positive side, the renewal cycles ensured that certified professionals were continuously updating their knowledge to reflect changes in technology and practice. On the challenging side, keeping multiple certifications active simultaneously required consistent effort and planning. Professionals who built continuing education into their regular professional routine found the renewal process manageable, while those who allowed credentials to lapse often faced the frustrating task of retaking exams they had already passed years earlier.
Building a Certification Portfolio for Long-Term Career Growth
The most effective approach to certification in 2014 was not to pursue a single credential in isolation but to build a portfolio of credentials that worked together to tell a coherent story about a professional’s expertise and career direction. A network security specialist, for example, might combine a CCNA with Security+ and eventually work toward a CISSP, creating a progression that demonstrated both technical depth and a commitment to the security domain.
A project-focused professional might combine a technical credential relevant to their industry with a PMP, signaling that they could both work in the technical trenches and lead projects at a management level. Employers in 2014 were increasingly looking for professionals who could bridge technical and organizational responsibilities, and a well-chosen combination of certifications helped candidates position themselves for those broader roles. The key was to choose credentials that reinforced each other and collectively reflected a clear professional identity rather than assembling a random collection of exam passes.
Conclusion
The five certifications that defined the top of the list in 2014, CompTIA Security+, the Project Management Professional, Cisco CCNA, Microsoft MCSE, and CISSP, each represented a different dimension of the technology profession and collectively covered a wide range of career paths and employer types. What united them was the combination of market recognition, demonstrated value in salary data, and genuine rigor in their requirements. None of these credentials could be earned casually, and that difficulty was precisely what gave them meaning.
For professionals who were deliberate about their choices in 2014, the return on certification investment was substantial. Those who earned Security+ found themselves with a credential that opened doors in government, defense contracting, and corporate security programs. PMP holders gained recognition that transcended industry boundaries, making them competitive for management roles across every sector. CCNA holders filled roles in network administration and engineering that were in consistent demand. MCSE holders strengthened their position in Microsoft-centric environments that continued to dominate enterprise IT. And CISSP holders earned entry into senior security roles that carried both significant responsibility and significant compensation.
The broader lesson from 2014’s certification landscape is that strategic credential planning pays off in ways that casual or reactive approaches do not. Professionals who assessed the job market, identified where demand was growing, and committed to earning credentials aligned with that demand consistently outperformed those who pursued certifications based on convenience or familiarity alone. The investment of time required for serious exam preparation is not trivial, and the ongoing commitment to renewal and continuing education adds to that burden. But for professionals who treated certification as a core component of their career strategy rather than an optional extra, the outcomes in terms of job opportunities, salary growth, and professional credibility were consistently positive.
Looking at 2014 as a snapshot of the certification landscape also reveals how quickly the field can shift. AWS certifications that were just gaining traction then have since become among the most sought-after credentials in the industry. Security certifications that were important then have become even more critical as threats have multiplied. The professionals who positioned themselves well in 2014 by earning respected credentials and building a deliberate portfolio of expertise were setting themselves up for success not just in that year but in the years that followed as the technology landscape continued to evolve around them.
