Though the rapid evolution of technology makes it difficult to pinpoint "the next big thing," the outlook for information technology (IT) employment appears to be promising. In fact, several categories of IT jobs currently face shortages of qualified workers, a troubling trend that is projected to get worse over the next five to seven years. These positions range from entry-level jobs in customer support and help desk to more advanced jobs in database administration, network security and project management. This article discusses the importance of professional certification for IT professionals. In the information technology field, professional certification can make an individual even more marketable.