Is It Worth Getting Tech Certifications In 2025?
Summary
TLDRThe video discusses the relevance of tech certifications in 2025, questioning their value in a rapidly changing tech landscape. It explores the historical importance of certifications for standardization and career paths but highlights how evolving skills and industry demands may diminish their worth today. The video suggests considering specific career goals, industry demands, and employer preferences before pursuing certifications. Alternatives like micro-credentials, open source contributions, and hackathons are recommended for gaining experience and networking. The discussion encourages viewers to evaluate the necessity of certifications in their career journey.
Takeaways
- đ§ Tech certifications were once a sign of standardization, but their relevance is decreasing as tech skills evolve rapidly.
- đ The demand for tech certifications has declined due to the fast-paced changes in the industry and evolving job requirements.
- đ Certifications were especially important during 2018-2022 when many people switched to tech from other fields.
- đ Certifications can still be valuable for specific roles, particularly in areas like cybersecurity, where they are often required.
- đŻ It's crucial to evaluate whether a certification aligns with your career goals, rather than pursuing it just to add skills to your resume.
- đ€ Employers today often prioritize hands-on experience and demonstrated skills over certifications.
- đ» Alternative ways to gain experience include micro-credentials, open-source contributions, and participating in hackathons.
- đ Tech certifications may still be necessary for roles with strict industry requirements or if an employer values them.
- đ€ Networking and practical experience can have a more significant impact on career growth than certifications alone.
- đĄ The value of tech certifications is not as straightforward as it used to be; it's essential to consider alternatives and assess their relevance carefully.
Q & A
Why were tech certifications considered important a few years ago?
-Tech certifications were important a few years ago because they provided a standardized way to demonstrate specific skills, especially when the technology landscape was less dynamic. They were also valuable for people transitioning into tech from other fields, serving as proof of competence in a new area.
How has the value of tech certifications changed over time?
-The value of tech certifications has diminished over time due to the rapid pace of change in technology. The skills required for tech roles evolve quickly, making it difficult for certifications to keep up. Additionally, employers increasingly value hands-on experience and continuous learning over formal certifications.
In what scenarios might tech certifications still be valuable in 2025?
-Tech certifications can still be valuable in 2025 for niche roles, such as cybersecurity, where specific certifications are often required by employers. They may also be useful in industries or companies that prioritize formal qualifications or as a way to fulfill specific career goals.
What are some alternatives to tech certifications for gaining skills?
-Alternatives to tech certifications include micro-credentials or digital badges, contributing to open-source projects, and participating in hackathons. These alternatives allow individuals to gain specific skills, build a portfolio, and expand their network, often with more practical experience than a traditional certification.
Why might someone choose not to pursue a tech certification in 2025?
-Someone might choose not to pursue a tech certification in 2025 because the skills acquired through certifications can often be learned through other means, such as online courses, self-study, or hands-on projects. Certifications may also be costly and may not always lead to better job opportunities, especially if the technology is rapidly evolving.
How do employer preferences impact the decision to pursue a tech certification?
-Employer preferences can significantly impact the decision to pursue a tech certification. If an employer values certifications or requires them for promotions, it may be worthwhile to obtain one. However, in environments where practical experience and continuous learning are prioritized, certifications might not be as necessary.
What role did the pandemic play in the popularity of tech certifications?
-During the pandemic, the demand for tech workers surged, and many people transitioned into tech from other fields. Tech certifications became a popular way for these individuals to demonstrate their new skills and secure jobs in the industry without having to return to formal education.
How can balancing theory and practice affect the value of a tech certification?
-Balancing theory and practice is crucial in a tech certification's value. A certification that focuses too much on theory without offering hands-on experience may leave individuals unprepared for real-world tasks, reducing its practical value in the job market.
What should someone consider before enrolling in a tech certification program?
-Before enrolling in a tech certification program, one should consider the industry demand for the certification, how it aligns with their career goals, and whether it meets employer preferences. It's also important to evaluate whether the program balances theory and practical experience.
Why might some people find it difficult to let go of the idea of needing a tech certification?
-Some people might find it difficult to let go of the idea of needing a tech certification because certifications have long been associated with success and credibility. They provide a tangible way to demonstrate knowledge, and there may be a lingering belief that they are necessary to stand out in the job market.
Outlines
đ€ Is Tech Certification Still Worth It in 2025?
The discussion kicks off with doubts about the relevance of tech certifications in 2025. The narrator reflects on the diminishing value of certifications in a rapidly evolving tech landscape, where experience and practical skills might outweigh formal certification. The video aims to explore whether certifications are a worthwhile investment or merely a financial burden, depending on individual career goals.
đ The Changing Value of Tech Certifications Over Time
The narrator takes a historical perspective, noting how tech certifications were once highly valued as a means of standardizing skills, especially during the tech boom from 2018 to 2022. Certifications were essential for career changers or those lacking formal education, but the fast-paced changes in the tech industry have lessened their importance today. The discussion highlights how industry requirements and specific career paths influenced the demand for certifications in the past.
đ The Decline in Relevance of Tech Certifications
The speaker shares insights from Amir, a tech company founder, who argues that certifications were more relevant in static fields where skills did not change rapidly. In contrast, tech roles today evolve so quickly that certifications may no longer accurately reflect an individualâs capabilities. This realization prompts a deeper examination of the current worth of certifications in dynamic fields like software development.
đŻ When Tech Certifications Still Matter
Despite the declining general value of certifications, the narrator acknowledges situations where they remain crucial. For those entering niche fields like cybersecurity, specific certifications are still highly sought after by employers. The importance of aligning certification goals with career objectives is emphasized, suggesting that certifications are now more about targeted skill development rather than broad resume enhancement.
đ Evaluating the Need for Tech Certifications Today
The discussion shifts to practical advice, with a checklist to help viewers decide whether to pursue a certification. Key considerations include industry demand, career goals, and employer preferences. The narrator advises against taking certifications just to add more skills to a resume unless they are directly aligned with career aspirations or employer expectations, especially given the high costs associated with many certifications.
đ± Alternatives to Traditional Certifications
The video explores alternative ways to gain relevant skills without formal certifications. Micro-credentials, digital badges, open-source contributions, and participating in hackathons are presented as valuable options. These alternatives often offer more practical, hands-on experience, and can be more aligned with the fast-paced changes in the tech industry, providing opportunities to network and demonstrate skills in real-world scenarios.
đ§ Final Thoughts on the Evolving Role of Tech Certifications
In conclusion, the narrator reflects on how tech certifications are no longer the straightforward path to career advancement they once were. While still useful in certain contexts, they are increasingly being overshadowed by alternative methods of skill acquisition. The narrator invites viewers to share their opinions on whether tech certifications remain relevant in 2025 and beyond, encouraging engagement and discussion in the comments.
Mindmap
Keywords
đĄTech Certification
đĄStandardization
đĄFormal Education
đĄIndustry Requirements
đĄCareer Path
đĄMicro-credentials
đĄOpen Source Contributions
đĄHackathons
đĄValidation of Skills
đĄRapid Technological Change
Highlights
Certifications used to be important due to standardization, proving specific skills.
The relevance of certifications has decreased as technology evolves rapidly.
Certifications were popular during the 2018-2022 tech boom, especially for career switchers.
Some industries, like cybersecurity, still require specific certifications.
Certifications used to signal career paths and were linked to promotions.
Tech certifications may no longer be necessary as skill requirements change frequently.
Experience and continuous learning are often more valuable than certifications.
Niche roles, like cybersecurity experts, may still benefit from certifications.
Certifications were once a checklist for success, but this mindset is changing.
Before pursuing a certification, consider industry demand, career goals, and employer preferences.
Balance between theory and practice is crucial in technical certifications.
Micro-credentials and digital badges offer a more specific, quicker alternative to certifications.
Open source contributions and hackathons are valuable alternatives for gaining experience.
Networking through hackathons can lead to job opportunities.
Tech certifications are no longer a straightforward path to career advancement; consider alternatives like community engagement and micro-credentials.
Transcripts
is it worth getting a tech certification
in 2025 I feel like it's pointless
nowadays I mean I think in some
circumstances it still is but it's very
specific to what you're looking to
accomplish there are a few different
tips and tricks to really understanding
if a certification will help you stand
out or you're just wasting money yeah
okay those are good points well let's go
back though what was it like a few years
ago even yeah let's get into
[Music]
it hey friends in today's video we are
going to be covering our Tech certific
vacation still worth it in 2025 I mean
there are mixed reviews on this some
people saying they help them so much get
jobs other people saying well they're
they go outdated so quickly and they're
so expensive often times is it really
worth it or is experience more important
what you can show for what you are doing
but before we get to the answer as to
our Tech certifications still worth it
this year going into 2025 we need to
take a step back and look at why they
were originally important what made you
stand out by taking a certificate I mean
other than the obvious the first reason
is standardization I mean back in the
day having a certificate was a sign of
standardization that you had a specific
set of skills that you could adhere to
why is this maybe not as relevant in
today's world well for one thing skills
and Tech is changing faster than ever
and we'll dive more into that in a bit
here another reason Tech certifications
became so popular was lack of formal
education I mean in about 2018 to
2022 especially during the pandemic I
would say Tech was booming they were
hiring everyone and anyone it felt like
you could go work at Google get a high
six figure job and while that's still
possible today they definitely you know
it's the economy is not like it was back
then so have a lot of people what they
would do is switch in from a different
field into Tech and in order to do so to
show they could do it they would take a
certification they've already done
University or college they didn't want
to go back for that then there's
industry requirements which is a whole
different ball game or ballpark if you
will meaning that some roles or
companies require very specific
requirements for you to be in that role
now a lot of these also too are with
cyber security and the last one is clear
career paths taking certifications back
in the day anyways used to give you and
your employer a sign of your career path
this is the path I'm on this is what I'm
currently learning and staying up to
date which in turn would often help with
promotions and raises because sometimes
you can get a promotion and not a raise
which is just painful but here's really
where this question stemm from for me
intake off which if you don't know I am
the founder of I linked it down below
this is kind of a selfish promotion of
it but not even intended to be but when
I was going through one of the videos
that we are releasing who was done that
was done by Amir who is he has his PhD
he's a founder and CEO of a major tech
company major AI tech company this is
what he said I'll share with you a
snippet he said about
[Music]
certifications yeah on the topic of
certifications I don't believe them
because I think certifications were a
valid way of assessing somebody's
capabilities when things were very
static like if I wanted to be a
carpenter there are a few ways to make a
table and if I work some and I learn all
day I'm completely out of my depth when
talking about making tables but you know
let's say there are 20 ways to make a
table if I go out and learn all those 20
ways to make the table
and somebody says here is a stamp you're
good at making tables done and if that
doesn't change for the next 50 years
then that's great that's a good
representation of what I'm capable of
doing but think about software
development think about literally any
job today the job description is
literally changing year to year uh the
job descriptions when I started my
corporate job and when I left it that
was like literally a threeyear span
completely was different like when I
started these were the set of
requirements when I was leaving this
other thing was the set of requirements
so you can see it really got my mind
turning as to well he has a really good
point are Tech certifications even worth
it anymore so let's start by looking at
some of the pros that Tech
certifications still offer currently and
moving forward one is validation of
skills well that could be argued as well
but having a certification especially on
your resume when you're a job hunting is
a very valid way for if your resume is
getting screened especially by AI to
start with having those skills pop up
versus not have taken that certification
but then the other side of that is you
could still gain those skills through
experience without the certification so
then it brings back this tug War this
poll if they are needed so I'm going to
give you I I actually just set my
computer down I'm not going to read my
notes I'm just going to share with you
my candid thoughts about this topic here
if I was you know looking to grow my
career in the career path I currently am
in or the role I'm currently in say
wanting to further progress as a
developer probably wouldn't take a
certification now the reason for this is
because once you get to a certain point
in your career I would say and the role
you are in it's more important to be
building these skills through taking
online courses through learning on your
own time building projects with whether
it comes with a certification or not now
here's a flip side if you are someone
who is looking to get into a very Niche
specific role say a cyber security
expert cybercity engineer there are
certifications that employers look for
very specific ones they look for that
you should be taking so this is where I
think the Divide really lies it used to
be that taking any and every Tech
certification was something that was
looked as a positive the more
certifications you have it's a checklist
check it's a box checked off there we go
it's a box checked off nowadays I think
it's important to take a step back and
have an understanding as to why you are
taking that certification because if it
is for a reason of you just want to
learn a new skill or stand out even in
most cases it might not even be worth it
to take a new certification especially
if there's high cost involved but if
it's very specific you have a very
specific goal very specific role then
there are cases where it is at the end
of the day Tech certifications aren't
what they used to be because of how fast
tech is moving and I mean even in that
video clip I shared with you on takeoff
where he is speaking about how back in
the day if you're looking to build a set
of skills that don't change it makes
sense to take a certification but if you
are looking to build skills that will
keep on evolving so quickly as we see
Tech doing now it's more important to
actually have that knowledge
understanding and continuing to evolve
with it now if going with certifications
are your way of being able to do that
that's great no one's telling you not to
but I definitely don't think
nowadays if you are looking to learn
something online you need to look for
that certification check mark and I know
that's hard for a lot of people to let
go of uh that are looking for these
courses because often times we relate
certifications with success but the more
and more we speak to Founders CEOs
employers the more they're saying they
just want someone who's actually
knowledgeable genuinely curious has the
actual skill set versus a piece of paper
or digital paper so I made a checklist
of things to consider before you just
enroll in a certification here are
things that I would look for one is
industry of demand research what
certifications are most value in valued
in your specific field and if you see a
lot of your competition meaning you know
your peers if you will have S
certifications around that then it might
be something to consider another thing
is around career goals make sure your
career goals align with why you are
taking this certification like I
mentioned earlier if it is very specific
to your role then yes it totally makes
sense but if it is something because you
want to add more skills to your resume
or continue to learn something new I
wouldn't probably do it and third is
employer preferences now this really
applies if you are someone who is
already working for a company and
looking to get a promotion or grow with
the company if they find you know kind
of old school way of thinking that you
checked off this box by having a
certification then do it it's a
requirement you still are learning and
it's probably the cost of the employer
not you another thing to consider is
ensure if you do take a certification
that it is balancing theory and practice
especially for technical Hands-On
courses you don't want to get caught up
in taking a certification that seems
really great but it's all Theory and
you're not building anything and vice
versa especially if it's for something
that you it's required for you to be
Hands-On in and you're not doing that in
the course kind of defeats the purpose
theory is great and having that strong
Foundation is essential but it can't be
one or the other when you are looking to
build different things okay but then
this brings up the next question you're
going to probably ask me which is tip
what are some alternatives to
certifications you're saying they don't
matter in a lot of cases what can I do
to gain experience then here are a few
really cool ways one is micr credentials
or digital badges I mean these often
times are more granular and specific to
certain skills so you're learning a
micro badge it will be quicker in time
very specific and you're building a very
specific skill I'm repeating myself now
you know what I mean another great way
is through open source contributions
this is a huge way and this is something
that employers will actively see when
you are looking for a job a third way is
hackathons go out meet people hack with
them even if you're not a developer
maybe you're a designer product manager
there is something for you to do at a
hackathon trust me it's not just for
developers and this is a great way to
network expand Network meet really cool
people and often times if you're looking
for a job can lead to that through the
people you meet so as we've explored
Tech certifications aren't as simple or
black and white as they used to be that
yes this is a great way for me to get a
job grow my career there's a lot more to
consider and I honestly would encourage
you rather than just taking another
certification to go through some of the
list I just shared with you of
alternatives to certifications because a
lot of those methods that I shared with
you require you to meet new people get
get into the community even if it's just
virtually which has so much more impact
in your career in your uh skills your
network everything longterm in my
opinion all right I hope you enjoyed
this video it was very candid in the
sense that seeing that video on takeoff
I really was prompted I was thinking
this is so interesting and I totally
agree with his take on it but there are
certain you know circumstances where you
do need a certification it's just not as
straightforward as it used to be I'm
curious to hear your t do you think Tech
certifications are still worth it in
this year 2025 and Beyond leave in the
comments oh and hit that subscribe
button for more Tech coding future Tech
AI you know all the good stuff all right
I'll see you soon thanks everyone
[Music]
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