April 23: Organizations grappling with persistent IT and AI skills gaps are increasingly adopting professional certification as a core workforce strategy, delivering measurable business outcomes, according to a new report by Pearson.

The 2026 Value of IT Certification Employer Report highlights that 78% of employers now prioritize professional certification as their leading upskilling investment. This trend underscores a growing recognition that the value of advanced technologies like AI is maximized when supported by a workforce equipped with validated, practical skills.

The report identifies the most significant skills shortages in high-impact areas such as AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. Looking ahead, nearly nine in ten business leaders believe certifications will become even more critical over the next three to five years. This sentiment is mirrored by employees, with 84% planning to pursue additional certifications within the next year.

Employers also report strong financial returns from certification investments, estimating an average annual value of USD $17,646 per certified IT employee. This figure rises to nearly USD $20,000 in organizations where IT teams are fully equipped with up-to-date skills. These gains are reflected across key performance indicators, including improved employee productivity, faster issue resolution, cost savings, and enhanced customer satisfaction.

Additional findings reveal that:

• 93% of employers report a positive return on investment from certified IT professionals
• 92% of organizations either require or strongly prioritize certification
• Companies mandating certifications report greater competitive advantage (70% vs. 57%)
• 60% of organizations experiencing IT skills gaps say these gaps had significant business impact in the past year

“Employers overwhelmingly value certification as a way to build and validate the skills their IT teams need today, and they expect those credentials to matter even more as AI and other technologies continue to reshape roles,” said Art Valentine, President of Pearson Assessments and Qualifications. “Our research also shows that certification benefits extend far beyond skills development, making it a critical workforce investment.”

Organizations noted several business benefits from investing in IT certifications, including improved IT operations (66%), enhanced team performance (65%), successful project delivery (64%), faster technology adoption (63%), and stronger talent attraction and retention (62% and 59%, respectively).

The findings reinforce the growing strategic importance of certification in building resilient, future-ready workforces—enabling organizations to unlock the full potential of emerging technologies while providing employees with clear pathways for career advancement.