The 15 Most In-Demand Certifications in 2026

1. PRINCE2    

Roles requiring this certification: 23.5k

PRINCE2 will be 30 years old in 2026, and it remains the certification most likely to be required on job postings in the UK. With the demand for project management skills steadily increasing, and businesses facing increasingly complex, technology-driven projects, a PRINCE2 certification is still trusted proof that you can deliver project successfully. 

Get in touch to book PRINCE2 training

2. Project Management Professional (PMP) 

Roles requiring this certification: 10.8k

With many businesses tackling highly complex AI and digital transformations, often across different countries and continents, it's no surprise to see PMP Project Management Professional appear towards the top of our list. PMP's combination of topics: people, process and business environment, make it a strong fit for the evolving role that project managers play in the delivery of technical and AI projects. 

Get in touch to book PMP training

3. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Roles requiring this certification: 9.4k

With cyber security threats becoming more frequent, and more complex, the need for certified cyber professionals is only going to continue growing. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is often considered the gold standard of cyber certifications and one that establishes credibility and expertise. 

As cyber security continues to be a top priority across industries, CISSP certified experts will be essential for many businesses in 2026. 

Get in touch to book CISSP training

4. IOSH Managing Safely

Roles requiring this certification: 7.7k

As businesses embrace new technologies and complex operations, IOSH expertise will remain essential for protecting employees and maintaining operational continuity.

With such a high pace of change across every industry, having professionals who can identify risks, implement safety protocols and ensure regulatory compliance is only to grow in importance.

Get in touch to book IOSH Managing Safely training

5. Microsoft Certifications

Roles requiring this certification: 7k

Microsoft 365 used by 3.7 million companies across the world. With so many businesses relying on Microsoft for their productivity, cloud and collaboration solutions, the need for professionals with Microsoft certifications remains in high demand. 

As Microsoft's suite continues to evolve, and more and more businesses adopt Microsoft Copilot, Microsoft Azure and other solutions, having certified individuals will be essential for maintaining operational efficiency and technical excellence. 

Get in touch to book Microsoft certification training

6. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

Roles requiring this certification: 6k

Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) is a globally recognised qualification and one that enterprise and government agencies increasingly expect their IT professionals to have. 

With businesses gathering and managing record levels of data, there's an increasing need for cyber and IT leads who can govern information security strategically. These professionals will be the ones responsible for safeguarding an organisations data and driving secure, resilient, business operations. 

Get in touch to book CISM certification training

7. Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP)

Roles requiring this certification: 5k

Data privacy laws are evolving at a rapid space, a knock-on effect from widespread AI adoption and the threats that come with it. 

Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP) is in high demand for this very reason, with data protection professionals needing to stay on top of changing GDPR rules, and shifting data and AI frameworks. 

With businesses now handling more and more personal and sensitive data, CIPP certified professionals will be needed to maintain trust and avoid possible regulatory penalties. 

Get in touch to book CIPP certification training

8. Project Management Certifications

Roles requiring this certification: 4.4k

As discussed further up this list, the demand for project management professionals is on the rise. As well as the ones already listed here (PRINCE2 and PMP), there are a number of other qualifications for professionals to consider. This includes: 

• APM Project Management Qualification
• APMG Agile PM
• Managing Successful Programmes (MSP)

Get in touch to book Project Management certification training

9. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

Roles requiring this certification: 4.1k

Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) remains one of the most sought after cyber security certifications in the world. 

As digital operations and IT and cloud systems become more complex and more integrated, CISA-certified professionals will be needed to validate security and maintain regulatory compliance across a number of different systems. 

Get in touch to book CISA training

10. Cisco CCNA

Roles requiring this certification: 4.k

Modern networking depends more and more on automation, analytics and data-driven decisions. This makes Cisco CCNA even more relevant in 2026, as the exam now includes core skills around AI, machine learning and data science. 

As these areas overlap, CCNA-certified engineers will be required to analyse logs, traffic patterns and performance metrics, as well as automating and optimising networks. 

It is this reason why CCNA is a preferred certification for many networking roles. 

Get in touch to book CCNA training

11. ITIL 4

Roles requiring this certification: 3.7k

The demand for businesses to align IT services with business objectives and transformation projects likes AI and automation, is on the rise. This is why ITIL4 remains a highly sought after certification in 2026, with certified professionals required to design, implement and optimise IT service management processes. 

Get in touch to book ITIL 4 training

12. CompTIA Security+

Roles requiring this certification: 3.4k

CompTIA Security+ has become one of the most popular entry-level cyber security certifications. And with a persistent global skills shortage in cyber security, the need for those entering a career in cyber is only going to continue to grow. 

CompTIA Security+ provides a proven and reliable entry point for those just starting out in cyber security, whilst giving businesses the ability to quickly build strong security teams. 

Get in touch to book CompTIA Security+ training

13. CompTIA Network+

Roles requiring this certification: 3k

Just like CompTIA Security+ is recognised for foundational knowledge in cyber security, Network+ demonstrates foundational knowledge of essential networking principles. The need for AI automation and cloud adoption projects means networking professionals are highly sought after. 

CompTIA Network+ certified professionals will be essential for maintaining reliable and secure networks across diverse IT environments. 

Get in touch to book CompTIA Network+ training

14. CCNP 

Roles requiring this certification: 3k

As digital infrastructure grows in complexity, CCNP-certified experts will be essential for supporting resilient, high-performance networking solutions.

It'll remain in high demand throughout 2026, as organisations look to manage complex hybrid and multi-cloud environments, as well as automation and transformation projects.  

Get in touch to book Cisco CCNP training

15. CompTIA A+

Roles requiring this certification: 2.6k

CompTIA A+ is one of the most recognised certifications for those looking to begin their career in IT. For those looking to learn the foundations of IT and networking, this certification is a strong starting point, and one that covers many of the most in-demand IT skills that businesses are looking for. 

Get in touch to book CompTIA A+ training

With businesses facing an unprecedented period of change and transformation, certification training is a great to build greater capabilities in new and emerging technologies. It can also ensure that projects run smoother and that teams are better equipped to deal with change.

Get in touch with our team today and find out how we can support your skills and training goals. 

*This article was written by our team of learning experts and is based on data from job postings in the UK from January 2025 to December 2025.