Dear certification:

First let me stress that a growing number of career opportunities absolutely require a certification. Most companies insist on either an MBA or certification in order to be promoted to a management position. The choice of which certification to get should not solely be based on marketability. I hope you will also take into account areas of study that interest you. The most in-demand certification (or license) to possess is definitely the CPA. Those 3 letters after your name open more doors than any others, but if a long term career in accounting or finance is not attractive to you, becoming a CPA makes no sense.

Acquiring an MBA also opens many doors for you, but it's obviously a much longer and more costly investment. The CIA and CISA are both very worthwhile, are available for taking different times of the year, and are now an absolute requirement with many top notch audit departments. Some certifications such as the CISSP and the CISM offer candidates the opportunity for career diversification or specialization.

When employers insist on a certification, they see the certifications a further commitment to one's profession. Likewise letting a certification lapse because of lack of continuing education credits is obviously unwise. Any chance to take a review course or college classes naturally increases one's opportunity for networking with other professionals in the same field.