Organizations facing persistent IT and AI skills gaps are increasingly turning to professional certification as a core workforce strategy and are seeing measurable business returns, according to a new report from Pearson (FTSE: PSON.L). Pearson’s 2026 Value of IT Certification Employer Report finds 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. Employers don’t expect the pressure to ease: nine in ten leaders believe certifications will be more important within the next 3–5 years. Employees echo this sentiment with 84% planning to pursue additional certifications in the next 12 months.
The report also finds that employers estimate an average of USD 17,646 in additional annual value for every certified IT employee, rising to nearly USD 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:
- 93% of employers report 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, versus those that do not, report greater competitive advantage (70% vs. 57%), and are more successful at closing skills gaps (65% vs 56%).
- Of organizations reporting IT skills gaps, 60% say 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 report that supporting and investing in IT certification contributes to multiple business outcomes:
- 66% report efficient and reliable IT operations
- 65% cite overall IT team performance
- 64% see successful project completion
- 63% accelerate technology adoption
- 62% strengthen competitive advantage and talent attraction
- 59% improve employee retention
Together, the findings in Pearson’s 2026 Value of IT Certification Employer Report make a strong case for certification’s growing strategic importance — helping employers build stronger teams and realize broader business benefits, while giving employees clearer pathways to grow, demonstrate their skills, and prepare for what’s next.
“The value organizations realize from AI and other advanced technologies ultimately depends on the skills of the people applying them. Certification helps ensure their workforce is prepared to unlock that value,” concluded Valentine.
The full report is available at: https://go.pearsonvue.com/voc.
To learn more about professional certifications and Pearson Professional Assessment visit: https://www.pearsonvue.com/.
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