Overall, the value of IT certifications has been on the decline since the third quarter of 2007, according to compiled by Foote Partners. The survey has recorded quarterly declines in average pay premiums in 19 of the last 21 quarters for the 274 IT certifications it tracks.

In contrast, the pay premium associated with non-certified IT skills is on the rise. The Foote Partners survey has recorded average overall pay gains in six of the last eight quarters for 240 non-certified IT skills.

Indeed, the premium pay gap between non-certified and certified IT skills is the largest it has been since late 2000. The Foote Partners data indicates that employers are paying 8.5% more for employees with non-certified IT skills, compared to 7% more for employees with IT certifications.

"It seems that when it comes to IT hiring, employers may prefer demonstrated experience over certification, plus they are seeking more skills in areas where there are no certifications," said David Foote, CEO of Foote Partners.

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