HOBOKEN, N.J. – Organizations facing persistent skills gaps in information technology and artificial intelligence are increasingly turning to professional certification as a core workforce strategy and are seeing measurable business returns, according to a new report from Pearson. 

The 2026 Value of IT Certification Employer Report found that employers prioritize upskilling to close skills gaps, with 78% choosing professional certification as the leading upskilling investment. This focus on validated skills reflects a broader understanding that AI creates the most value when paired with a workforce equipped to use it effectively. 

The largest skills gaps are found in high-risk, high-impact areas such as AI, machine learning, cybersecurity and cloud computing, according to the report. Employers don’t expect the pressure to ease: 9 in 10 leaders believe certifications will be more important within the next three to five years. Employees echo this sentiment, with 84% planning to pursue additional certifications in the next 12 months. 

The report also found that employers estimate an average of  $17,646 in additional annual value for every certified IT employee, rising to nearly $20,000 in IT workforces that are fully equipped with up‑to‑date skills. That value is reflected in outcomes employers track closely, including employee performance and retention, cost savings, issue‑resolution time and customer satisfaction. 

Additional findings from the report include:  

  • 93% of employers reported a positive return on investment from certified IT employees. 
  • 92% of organizations require or strongly prioritize certification as part of their workforce strategy.
  • Organizations that require certification, compared with those that do not, reported greater competitive advantage (70% compared with 57%), and are more successful at closing skills gaps (65% compared with 56%). 
  • Of organizations reporting IT skills gaps, 60% said those gaps had a 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 Assessment and Qualification. “But our research shows that employers see the benefits of certification extending well beyond skills development alone, highlighting its growing importance as a broader workforce investment.” 

Organizations reported that supporting and investing in IT certification contributes to multiple business outcomes:

  • 66% reported efficient and reliable IT operations. 
  • 65% cited overall IT team performance.  
  • 64% see successful project completion .
  • 63% accelerate technology adoption.  
  • 62% strengthen competitive advantage and talent attraction. 
  • 59% improve employee retention.

“The value organizations realize from AI and other advanced technologies ultimately depends on the skills of the people applying them,” Valentine said. “Certification helps ensure their workforce is prepared to unlock that value.”