Going Tactical and Getting Hired: The Top 10 Certifications Held By Defense Contractors
In the highly competitive industry that is the defense contractor world, the difference between ordinary and extraordinary careers are very often built on a foundation of having a deep expertise in a specific area of value. For the defense industry areas of expertise are frequently validated through industry-specific certifications. These resume gems are among your foremost ways to define your specialization and stand above the competition as you seek to advance your career.
Over 50% defense contractors hold at least one certification, and that trend is on the rise as the DefenseTech industry is witnessing a huge influx of new interest, particularly from the rising Generation Z and those seeking to enter the industry from other industries such as Big Tech and Wall Street. As you look at how to make yourself more valuable to prospective employers, consider the proven success of those in the industry holding advanced certificates. Below is a list of the top 10 certifications held by defense contractors.
1. COMPTIA Security +
Once again, this is the most popular certification for Defense Contractors. It is a key baseline certification for meeting DoD 8140 – the directive that expands on the original DoD 8570. The COMPTIA Security + pays significantly less than other top certifications, but that’s because it’s one the beginning certifications on the cybersecurity ladder. And 24% of clearance holders who have a certification go for this one.
2. Six Sigma
Being more efficient is the name of the game when you’re supporting the federal government. The Six Sigma certification is not only commonly held by Defense Contractors, it also compensates well. Helping the federal government update its systems and processes requires data and proven methods.
3. COMPTIA Network +
If you want to prove that you have what it takes to troubleshoot, configure, and manage networks, the COMPTIA Network + plays an important role. Like the Security +, the Network + is important to have in order to meet DoD 8140, depending on the project role.
4. Project Management Professional (PMP)
Want to be a better project manager? Want to get into project management at your current organization? This certification routinely compensates well, and it is commonly held by defense contractors. It’s an investment to make, but if you’re in the position to take on project management, it is one to seriously consider.
5. Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) Foundations
Scope creep keep project managers up at night. The ITIL Foundations provide five levels to achieve during their career in providing IT services. Depending on the achievement level, this certification compensates well. Even at the Foundations level, those holding this certification average $19,500 more than the average defense contractor.
6. Amazon Web Services
Amazon Web Services continues to grow in federal spaces, and having this certification can be the right key to unlocking job opportunities.
7. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) is another entry-level certification for defense contractor professionals. When it comes to keeping pace with changing technologies and proving you have the network fundamentals down, the CCNA offers that verification.
8. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
If you want to prove that you can design, implement, and manage an organization’s cybersecurity program, the CISSP could be the right next step for you. Not only does this land in the top 10 list for commonly held certifications, it’s also a high-paying certification. And that’s because this certification is key for the IT director or Network Architect – roles that require experience and education as the foundation. Adding this certification makes a candidate a standout triple threat with the experience, education, and certification.
9. ScrumMaster
The federal government has a lot of complex challenges, and it takes a creative approach to solve them. Standing out as an innovator, someone capable of bring about organizational change could mean adding a ScrumMaster certification to your resume. In software development, ScrumMaster certification can be a resume game changer.
10. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE)
This retired certification is still commonly held by defense contractors, and routinely ensures six-figure salary. The MCSE is typically used as an important step in Microsoft’s cloud certification line-up.