Research proves that it pays to be qualified!

If proof were needed that it's well worth keeping your qualifications and skills up to date, some new research confirms that it's well worth the time and money you'll invest in getting your qualifications. What more, PRINCE2® and ITIL® come out high on the list of desirable qualifications.

The research was conducted by The IT Job Board and surveyed 139 IT Professionals in April 2009.

The findings show that 75% of recruiters believe IT candidates with additional qualifications stand a better chance of securing a job. This finding was also supported by the candidate response, where 84% of IT professionals consider that holding industry certifications will improve their employment opportunities. And a massive 87% of techies believe that recruiters and hiring managers would look for additional qualifications when recruiting for jobs in IT.

When it came to the certifications most valued by IT professionals in the current market, 25% believed that the PRINCE2® Certification was most important, followed by the ITIL® Certification.

Alex Farrell, managing director of The IT Job Board, said: "It is clear to see that both recruiters and candidates value certifications, and the fact that these can have a huge impact on peoples' IT job opportunities: during difficult times, when employment is harder to come by and the competition is fierce, holding additional IT certifications could be vital."