Fastest Growing Occupations and Training
Certifications Desired by Employers
In this issue, we will discuss some of the fastest growing occupations and certifications sought by employers. The list of fastest growing occupations is drawn from the Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The associated certifications are drawn from the list of in-demand certifications published by CareerOneStop. CareerOneStop is sponsored by the United States Department of Labor and delivers integrated, easy-to-understand workforce information that helps job seekers and employers develop their capacity and make sound economic decisions in the new economy.
One of the fastest growing occupations over the next 10 years is that of Nurse Practitioners. The 2021 Median Pay was $120,080. Nurse Practitioners must be licensed in their state and pass a national certification exam. One in-demand certification is the Family Nurse Practitioner certification. In-demand certifications are certifications that are frequently listed in online job postings. The Family Nurse Practitioner certification is sponsored by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board. The Family Nurse Practitioner examination tests clinical knowledge of the candidate. Candidates must pass two examinations: Domain I and Domain II. Domain I tests the candidate’s knowledge to assess, diagnose, plan and evaluate treatment. Domain II tests the candidate’s knowledge across the life span including prenatal, pediatric, adolescent, adult, older-adult and elderly primary care.
Another occupation on the BLS fastest growing occupations list is Information Security Analysts. The median pay for Information Security Analysts in 2021 was $102,000. Information Security Analysts play a critical role in making sure the organization’s computer networks and systems are protected. One entry-level certification is Certified in Cybersecurity certification. We reviewed this certification in a previous issue. Candidates must pass an examination to obtain the certification. Candidates develop knowledge in five areas: Security Principles, Disaster Recovery and Incident Response, Access Control, Network Security and Security Operations. An in-demand certification is the Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP). This certification is the industry’s premier cloud security certification. The CCSP demonstrates that candidates have the advanced technical skills and knowledge to design, manage and secure data, applications and infrastructure in the cloud. Candidates must pass an exam that covers six areas or domains. The domains include Cloud Architecture and Design, Cloud Data Security, Cloud Platform and Infrastructure Security, Cloud Application Security, Cloud Security Operations and Legal and Compliance issues.
A third occupation on the BLS fastest growing occupations list is Logisticians. The median pay for Logisticians in 2021 was $77,030. An in-demand certification is the Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) certification. An entry-level certification is the Certified in Transportation and Logistics and Distribution (CLTD) certification. We reviewed both certifications in a previous issue. Another logistics certification is the Certified Logistics Technician (CLT) credential. This certification prepares candidates for roles in material handling and supply chain logistics in fulfillment centers, warehouses, distribution centers and factories. The Certified Logistics Technician program consists of two parts: a Foundational Level Certificate and a Mid-Level Technical Certificate. The Foundational Level certificate covers Global Supply Chain, the Logistics environment, Information Systems, 4.0 Technologies, Safety Materials, Safe Material Handling and Equipment Operations, Quality Control Principles, Work Communication and Good Workplace Conduct to solve problems. The Mid-Level Technical Program covers Product Receiving and Storage, Order Processing, Packaging and Shipping, Inventory Control, Safe Handling of Hazardous Materials, Evaluation of Transportation Modes, Dispatch and Tracking Operations and Measuring Weight and Volume.
In future issues, we will examine other fastest growing careers and related certifications.
