(NOTE: This story was originally posted to CRN.com Feb. 9.)

Security, Virtualization, Cloud Most Lucrative IT Certifications

Solution providers looking to hit the jackpot should pursue certifications in IT security, virtualization, cloud computing, Microsoft Windows, business and networking.

That's according to information gathered for the 2017 IT Skills and Salary Survey, conducted by Cary, N.C.-based business training and certification company Global Knowledge. Certifications must have at least 115 survey responses and be currently available to appear on the Global Knowledge list.

All but four of the top 15 certifications pay more than $100,000, and two of the four that don't are less than $1,000 shy. Six of the certifications that appear on this year's list didn't make it last year, and last year's top-paying certification has fallen to third on this year's list.

Here are the best-paying certifications of 2016.