How To Become An IT Manager | CIO Insight

IT Manager Requirements

At their core, an IT manager needs in-depth knowledge of information technology, business, and management. IT managers oversee a team of employees, leading them to do their best work. To perform efficiently as an IT manager, it helps to have some experience in an information technology specialty first, and then be prepared to expand the skillset into areas that require broader management finesse.

IT Management Certifications

Certifications in IT management are a very important qualification for anyone wanting to move up in this field. Here are four certifications we recommend.

Read more: 7 Best IT Certifications in 2021

Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)

The Project Management Institute’s (PMI) Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification is available to all professionals who are involved in project management, no matter their role — including IT. This certification requires an associate’s degree or its equivalent.

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

CISSP is an international, vendor-neutral certification that enables an IT manager to demonstrate mastery of information security. It’s sponsored by (ISC)2. CISSP focuses on five domains: asset security, security architecture and engineering, communications and network security, identity and access management, and security management.

CompTIA Project+

The CompTIA Project+ certification is aimed at project managers who coordinate or help to coordinate projects in an organization. This vendor-neutral credential validates IT manager skills in five domains: initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, and closing.

TOGAF 9.2

TOGAF 9.2 certification is designed for those who manage all or part of an organization’s IT systems and support processes. TOGAF 9.2 is one of the most popular frameworks for enterprise architecture. It was developed by The Open Group, an international, vendor-neutral industry standards consortium. TOGAF is used in IT management, governance, and software development.

Education Requirements

There are no specific education requirements for becoming an IT manager. That said, the majority of IT managers have at least a bachelor’s degree in business or IT-related studies. Some companies may prefer candidates with an MBA. Many employers look for people who can demonstrate strong leadership skills, problem-solving abilities, and management experience within their previous job roles.

Read more: IT Certifications vs Degree — What Should You Do?

IT Manager Skills

Being an IT manager means being responsible for more than just overseeing technical staff — it also means taking on a leadership role that demands both technical knowledge and interpersonal skills. A great IT manager knows how to lead teams of people, manage budgets, prioritize projects, develop software solutions, help clients understand new technologies, deal with compliance issues, and much more. IT managers need to be able to think like an executive, while still having intimate knowledge of the team’s work.