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BeijingJune 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Against the backdrop of artificial intelligence and digital transformation accelerating the reshaping of industry landscapes, corporate demand for key technical skills continues to rise. The “2026 Value of IT Certification Employer Report,” released by global lifelong learning company Pearson (FTSE: PSON.L), reveals that in the face of persistent IT and AI skills gaps, global enterprises and organizations are increasingly adopting professional certifications as a core talent strategy, and are already achieving measurable business returns.
Based on a survey of IT and HR managers across seven countries worldwide, including China, as well as in-depth interviews with several senior IT leaders, the report shows that employers prioritize upskilling to close skills gaps, with 78% selecting professional certification as the primary investment method for upskilling. This emphasis on skills validation reflects a broad industry consensus: the realization of technological value depends on talent equipped with the corresponding skills.
Globally, high-risk, high-impact areas such as AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, and cloud computing have emerged as the most prominent skills gap areas. Employers generally believe this pressure will persist: nine out of ten leaders think certifications will become even more important over the next 3-5 years. Employees resonate with this sentiment, with 84% of respondents planning to obtain more certifications in the next 12 months.
The report also quantifies the business value brought by certifications. Employers estimate that each certified IT employee can generate approximately $17,646 in additional annual value for the company, a figure that can rise to nearly $20,000 if the entire IT team possesses the latest skills. This value is reflected in outcomes highly valued by employers, such as improved employee performance, talent retention, cost optimization, problem-solving efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
“Employers globally generally believe that certifications are an effective way to help build and validate the skills their IT teams need today, and they expect the value of these credentials to increase further as AI and other technologies continue to reshape jobs,” said Art Valentine, President of Pearson Assessment & Qualifications. “Our research also found that employers see the benefits of certifications extending far beyond upskilling, underscoring their importance as a strategic investment in corporate talent.”
China Insights
In the Chinese market, the urgency for upgrading skill structures is equally pressing. The report shows that 42% of Chinese business managers believe their IT teams are not yet fully equipped with the latest skills to address current technological developments. Among these, cloud computing (78%) and AI/machine learning (74%) are identified as the most prominent skills gap areas.
Faced with these high-impact, high-risk skills gaps, 81% of Chinese companies are responding through training and upskilling programs, with IT certifications playing an increasingly central role. Most surveyed companies indicate that certifications not only help validate employee technical capabilities but also bring long-term value in improving operational efficiency, enhancing organizational resilience, and supporting sustainable business development.
Notably, 78% of Chinese companies cover the cost of IT certifications for their employees, the highest percentage among all surveyed countries. This reflects that certifications are increasingly viewed as a long-term investment in talent and capability building, rather than a short-term cost. This trend suggests that Chinese companies are more proactively leveraging structured, internationally recognized skill standards to support their digital and intelligent transformation.
“Against the backdrop of rapid development in cloud computing and AI industries and technologies reshaping industrial structures, companies need clearer, verifiable ways to assess and build key technical capabilities,” said Cao Yin, CEO of Pearson Greater China. “At the same time, as more Chinese high-tech companies accelerate their global market expansion, IT certifications are evolving from ‘proof of individual capability’ into a crucial tool for corporate-level global talent strategy, helping organizations more systematically identify, cultivate, and secure the key skills needed for global operations.”
As a global lifelong learning company, Pearson is committed to helping organizations systematically build future-ready skills systems through professional certifications, assessments, and talent development solutions. The release of the “2026 Value of IT Certification Employer Report” also provides data-driven references for companies on how to mitigate risks and enhance competitiveness through certifications and continuous learning in an uncertain technological environment.
About Pearson
Our purpose is to help people achieve their life goals through learning. Pearson believes that every learning opportunity is a chance for self-improvement. Therefore, our 18,000 employees worldwide are dedicated to creating vivid and enriching learning experiences that make a tangible difference in people’s lives. As a global lifelong learning company, Pearson provides digital content, assessments, certifications, and data services to customers in nearly 200 countries. For Pearson, learning is not only our business but also our belief. Pearson website: www.pearsonplc.com