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Best IT Certifications for 2026 | AWS, Azure, GCP & Security
28/11/2025
Best IT Certifications for 2026 to Boost Your UK Career
The UK tech industry is growing rapidly thanks to cloud adoption, cybersecurity expansion and the rise of AI-based solutions. As companies compete for digital talent, IT jobs UK continue to increase across cloud engineering, cybersecurity, DevOps and data roles. Professionals with globally recognised certifications have a massive advantage in this competitive market. Whether you’re starting your career or aiming for a senior role, earning the right credentials can significantly boost your salary and job opportunities in 2026.
This guide covers the best IT certifications for 2026, focused on cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, and essential cybersecurity certs that UK employers value the most.
Cloud Certifications for 2026
Networking platforms:
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
AWS continues to be the UK's leading cloud platform supporting systems in banking, healthcare, retail and government services. Employers want to see solid, real-world AWS experience on the resumes of all potential candidates.
Top AWS Certifications for 2026
✔ AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate (SAA-C03)
The UK's most recognized and most sought after cloud certification.
Why it matters:
- The baseline requirement for both government, public sector and commercial organizations
- Affirms strong architectural and deployment skills
- Great credential for a cloud engineer, DevOps, and developers/engineers
Estimated salary in the UK for 2026: £55,000 - £95,000 +
✔ AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
Ideal for individuals taking their first steps into the cloud workforce.
✔ AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional
For expert in automation, CI/CD, and cloud infrastructure.
AWS certifications continue to be a requirement for UK cloud and DevOps roles.
- Microsoft Azure Certifications
In the UK, Azure is the leading cloud platform in value, especially in FinTech, GovTech, and large enterprise businesses.
Best Azure Certifications for 2026
✔ Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104)
Formidable foundation for cloud services, networking, and storage.
✔ Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305)
Advanced certification for cloud solutions design.
✔ Azure AI Engineer Associate
As AI adoption gains traction, this certification will surge in demand.
Estimated salary in the UK (2026): £50,000 – £105,000.
- DevOps & Automation Certifications
As more companies embrace automation and Infrastructure-as-Code, DevOps skills are becoming increasingly requirement.
- Top DevOp Certifications
- AWS DevOps Engineer - Professional
- Azure DevOps Engineer - Expert
- Docker & Kubernetes Certifications (CKA, CKAD)
Each of these certifications will help you qualify for roles in cloud, automation, and reliability engineering.
- Data & Analytics Certifications
In the UK, the data engineering and AI roles are growing rapidly.
- Top Recommendations for 2026
- Google Professional Data Engineer
- AWS Data Analytics - Specialty
- Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst
The demand for professionals with data certifications continues to grow across all industries.
Which Certifications Should You Choose?
Top Certifications for Cloud Career:
- AWS Solutions Architect, Azure Administrator, Google Cloud Architect
Top Certifications for Cybersecurity Careers:
- Security+, CEH, CISSP
Top Certifications for AI/Data Career:
- Google Data Engineer, AWS Machine Learning Specialty, Azure AI Engineer
- Top Certifications for DevOps Career:
- Kubernetes CKA, AWS DevOps Pro, Azure DevOps
Looking to the future; Certification Will Be Important to UK Tech Employment in 2026
With the rapid growth of cloud computing, AI, automation, and cybersecurity, UK employers will increasingly prefer candidates who have the relevant certifications in the industry. Certifications are important for those just starting their careers, and even for professionals transitioning to a specialized role, certifications can improve your job prospects and salary.
For tech professionals looking forward to the year 2026, those tech-certified professionals will have a strong future, especially if you invest today in the right certifications.
FAQs
1. Which certification is best for cloud careers in 2026?
AWS Solutions Architect, Azure Administrator and Google Cloud Architect are the top choices.
2. Are cybersecurity certifications worth it in the UK?
Yes — Security+, CEH and CISSP lead to high-demand, high-paying roles.
3. Which certification pays the highest in the UK?
CISSP, Google Cloud Architect and AWS DevOps Professional are among the highest-paid.
4. Can beginners start with cloud certifications?
Yes — AWS Cloud Practitioner and Google Associate Cloud Engineer are ideal starting points.
