“Fifty percent of all U.S. tech job postings now require AI skills as of September 2025.” – Dice October Jobs Report
Whether you are trying to beat it or join it, artificial intelligence continues to transform the tech industry. In 2026, employers will increasingly seek candidates who can understand, implement, or collaborate with AI tools and tech. The right certifications will help you stand out, demonstrate future-ready skills, and get noticed in a competitive job market.
Here are some of the top IT certifications to stand out in 2026:
#1 AI & Machine Learning
In September 2025, Machine Learning Engineers were ranked 8th in Dice’s Top 50 Tech Job Titles on the Market, among other related AI/ML titles such as software development and database administration. AI ranked 16th with 30,649 unique mentions in Dice’s Top 50 Tech Skills Referenced in Tech Job Postings.
🏅 Stand-Out Certifications: TensorFlow Developer, Microsoft AI Engineer Associate, IBM AI Enterprise Workflow
AI skills are in high demand—these certs show you can build and manage AI solutions.
#2 Cloud & AI-Integrated Certifications
In addition to AI and Machine Learning, Dice’s October report listed Cloud Engineers as number 42 in its top tech titles, among a few cloud-related top skills such as AWS, Microsoft Azure, DevOps, Scalability, and Automation.
🏅 Stand-Out Certifications: AWS Machine Learning Specialty, Azure AI Fundamentals, Google Cloud AI Engineer
AI-powered cloud services are growing; these certifications demonstrate your ability to deploy and manage AI-enabled solutions.
#3 Data & Analytics
Data and analytics are mentioned frequently in Dice’s report, with Data Scientists, Engineers, and Analysts all within the top 10 tech titles on the market in September. Data Analysis skills were ranked 25th with 28,951 unique references in tech job postings.
🏅 Stand-Out Certifications: DASCA AI & ML, Microsoft Data Analyst Associate
Data is the foundation of AI—these certifications prove you can prepare, analyze, and interpret data for AI workflows.
#4 Cybersecurity with AI Awareness
With a growing cyber threats, Cybersecurity Specialists actually saw month-over-month growth exceeding 200%, reported by Dice. They were 27th in tech job titles and among the top 50 skills referenced by thousands of job postings.
AI is increasingly used in cyber attacks and defenses—these certs show you can address AI-related security challenges.
#5 DevOps & Automation
According to Dice, the industrial tech boom suggests companies are “prioritizing automation,” with Automation being in the top 10 skills referenced by tech job postings, listed more than 43,000 times.
🏅 Stand-Out Certifications: Certified Kubernetes Administrator, AI in DevOps programs
AI is transforming deployment and automation—these certs show you can work efficiently in AI-enhanced environments.
By earning the right certifications, you’re not just checking a box—you’re showing employers that you’re ready for the future of work. Looking to find work or hire talent? Contact us!
