Organisations 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
Pearson’s 2026 Value of IT Certification Employer Report finds employers prioritise 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.
In India, the reported skills gaps match the global shortage, and that 36% of organisations report that they do not believe their IT workforce is fully equipped with the most up-to-date skills and knowledge. To address these skill gaps 91% of companies in India are investing in training and upskilling of their IT employees, with 69% reporting that certification is relied on to ensure they qualify for specific projects and client engagements.
The report also finds that globally 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:
Globally, 93% of employers report a positive return on investment from certified IT employees.
92% of organisations globally require or strongly prioritise certification as part of their workforce strategy. In India, 39% of organisations formally require IT certification, while 61% strongly encourage IT certification as a key part of IT staff development.
Organisations globally 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%).
Globally, 60% of organisations reporting IT skills gaps 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 Qualifications. “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.”
Organisations across India report that supporting and investing in IT certification contributes to multiple business outcomes:
78% report accelerated technology adoption
77% cite overall IT team performance
70% report successful IT talent recruitment
67% see a strengthened competitive advantage and talent attraction
67% site an improved organisational profitability
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 realise broader business benefits, while giving employees clearer pathways to grow, demonstrate their skills, and prepare for what’s next.
“The value organisations realise 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.
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