The 6 most in-demand tech skills in 2026 (with skill tests)
Here is a list of the top tech skills to have on your resume, as well as a list of skill tests you can use to gauge your current proficiency.
Jan 9, 2026 • 6 Minute Read
Upskilling is part and parcel with being in tech, but it can be tough to know where to spend your efforts. That's why we've done research into the top tech talents you might want on your CV in 2026, how you can test your current aptitude in these areas, and what learning resources are available to help you increase your knowledge.
For a more detailed explanation for why these tech skills made our list, keep reading! Take our free Skill IQ tests after each section to gauge your current proficiency level, and see how you match up to other industry professionals.
The rankings below are taken from Pluralsight’s latest Tech Forecast, an industry report based on predictions from 1,500+ tech insiders, business leaders, and Pluralsight Authors.
1. Cloud computing (AWS & Azure)
Executives say cloud computing is the most important area of growth for their business in 2026, with IT professionals ranking this as the second-most important area to upskill in, according to Pluralsight’s latest Tech Skills report.
This aligns with our database of 2.9 million tech learners, which showed the number one field tech professionals were upskilling in this year was not AI (as you might expect), but cloud computing.
Cloud engineering skills are hugely important these days. Specific technologies I would highlight for entry-level practitioners would be AWS, Docker, Linux, Terraform, Ansible, Python, and Git. For experts, computer networking skills are valuable, particularly hands-on experience within AWS.
Jacob Lyman
Pluralsight Author, Senior MLOps Engineer at Duke Energy Corporation, and AI Specialist
What skill tests can I take for cloud proficiency?
Below is a list of Skill IQ tests you can use to test your proficiency. Note that you will need to make a Pluralsight account to check these out (Hint: There is a free trial option.)
For AWS:
For Azure:
What's the best way to learn AWS and Azure?
Below are some courses you can take to start learning the fundamentals of cloud computing, as well as learning more about these popular services.
Cloud Computing Foundations (16 lessons)
AWS Essentials (88 lessons)
Azure Concepts (12 lessons)
Each of the major cloud providers offer a foundational-level certification designed to teach you the fundamentals of each platform, and give you a solid foundation in cloud computing. We suggest taking the following cert courses by Pluralsight, which include hands-on labs that allow you to practically learn your skills in a risk-free, simulated cloud environment:
2. MCP servers
Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers are the new “it” thing in tech—for a full explanation of what they are, read Steve Buchanan’s Behind The Buzzword: “What is MCP?” In 2026, tech teams will be hard at work applying this protocol to allow LLMs to interact with external tools, systems, and data sources to get the most out of agentic AI.
Tech leaders should closely watch Model Context Protocol (MCP) and the rise of AI SDKs that standardize how applications interact with AI systems. Together, they’ll enable interoperable, agent-driven architectures where models, tools, and data connect seamlessly—shaping the foundation for scalable, intelligent software ecosystems with long-term strategic impact
James Willett
Pluralsight Author and AI/Cloud Architecture/Software Engineering Expert
What skill tests can I take for MCP servers?
Right now there are no skill tests available on the market specifically for MCP servers, but we predict this will change in the coming year as this protocol rises in popularity, so stay tuned.
What's the best way to learn MCP servers?
Pluralsight offers a dedicated learning path on MCP that includes hands-on labs for tasks like building a simple MCP server and FastMCP foundations.
3. Cybersecurity (Especially AI & cloud)
Tech practitioners ranked cybersecurity as the most important skill for them to learn in 2026, while executives ranked it as the second-most important growth area for their business, according to Pluralsight’s Tech Skills Report.
Two of the biggest pressure areas are dealing with the increased attack surface and risks with using AI, as well as keeping cloud computing resources secure. This makes these specialties highly desirable.
Tech leaders face challenges from AI-powered attacks, stricter regulatory demands, and escalating supply-chain and identity risks. They must also manage talent shortages, education / upskilling, resource gaps, and the complexity of securing hybrid IT and OT environments.
Christopher Rees
Pluralsight Author, Principal AI Strategist for Unisys, and Cybersecurity Expert
What skill tests can I take for cybersecurity
Pluralsight offers 26 different cybersecurity skill IQ tests ranging from general information and cybersecurity literacy to more specific capabilities like OT security, security architecture, incident response, secure coding, and more.
What's the best way to learn cybersecurity
If you’re completely new to cybersecurity and looking to get in the field, I’d recommend reading John Ellott’s article “How to get into cybersecurity with no prior experience.” Checking out Pluralsight’s Information and Cybersecurity Foundations path, or studying for your ISC2 CC or CompTIA Security+ certification are also good moves.
For cloud security, check out Alexander Shafe and Chris Jackson’s “Cloud Security” path on Pluralsight, which covers how to secure, assess, and monitor cloud environments.
For AI security, there’s Christopher Ree’s “Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence” course if you’re an executive or non-technical professional. For those who are in the space, there’s the Generative AI for Security Professionals and AI-based threat detection paths, as well as a wide range of AI security courses on Pluralsight. I’d also recommend reading the OWASP Top 10 for Large Language Model Applications.
4. SQL
Year after year, SQL remains one of the most popular skills to learn among aspiring and current tech professionals. In 2025, the already high interest in SQL jumped by 27%. Since SQL is a key skill for any data professional and is supported by the major cloud providers, we believe it will continue to be relevant for professionals in the foreseeable future.
For people entering the industry, SQL is still essential, as well as a general understanding of database design principles, which can be applied to any paradigm, e.g., RDBMS, NoSQL, etc. A strong understanding of how applications are structured, e.g., N-tier, APIs, microservices, and how everything hangs together is also important
Mike McQuillan
Pluralsight Author, Head of IT at Halls, and Data and Software Development Specialist
What skill tests can I take for SQL?
Pluralsight offers 14 different SQL Skill IQ tests ranging from everything from measuring your basic SQL proficiency to querying specific database types (MongoDB, PostgreSQL) and advanced data handling techniques. However, the easiest place to start is with the SQL Essentials Skill IQ.
What's the best ways to learn SQL?
There are a LOT of SQL courses you can take, but the easiest ones to start with are the Introduction to SQL and SQL Server Fundamentals learning paths.
5. Python
Python has been in our Top Tech Skills list for a few years now because it’s enduringly popular as a programming language. Why? It’s easy for beginners to learn, and it retains its usefulness long after they become a seasoned professional. Also, Python dominates data science and machine learning libraries, and over the last few years this fact alone has dramatically increased its popularity and industry relevance.
What skill tests can I take for Python?
Pluralsight offers over 24 Python Skill IQ tests for everything from basic Python use, to field-specific tests for developers, cybersecurity practitioners, AI/ML and data specialists, and more. However, I’d start by taking the Python 3 Skill IQ, which is your best all round test.
Note that these tests require you to sign into Pluralsight to check your skills, but as mentioned earlier, it’s easy to set up a free trial account and then rate your skills against industry benchmarks as well as other professionals.
What's the best way to learn Python?
Check out Pluralsight’s Python 3 learning path for free, which provides 34 hours of on-demand Python learning across 16 courses, taking you from beginner to expert. If you’re already familiar with Python, you can easily jump ahead to your current level of knowledge.
6. Agentic AI
Agents are AI entities that can perform specific complex tasks without human intervention. Having skills in building agentic systems will be more in-demand this year, as well as being able to use agentic AI to augment human workflows.
What skill tests can I take for Agentic AI?
Pluralsight offers a skill test called “Agentic LLMs for developers.” Outside of this, there’s the test LangChain for Data Professionals (Even though it’s for Data Professionals, it’s still a good test for your LangChain knowledge, which you can use to create agents to perform specific tasks.)
What's the best way to learn Agentic AI?
Pluralsight offers multiple learning paths worth taking on Agentic AI:
Conclusion: Whatever you do, learn something new!
This may be a list of the top talents people are looking for, but the best and most effective learning journeys are continuous, and tailored to you. Don’t feel pressured to learn the skills above if they don’t align with your interests, simply because they’re the most popular ones to learn this year.
What you should do in 2026, however, is learn something—anything—so long as it’s new! Not only does it show your dedication to continuous learning, it helps you bring new solutions to the table, expands your job options, and stops you from getting into a rut.
It can be difficult to find the time to learn when you feel busy, even when you've got paid learning time. Carve out the time, keep it sacred, and make learning a new skill every quarter (no matter what it is) one of your resolutions!
Want to learn more about tech trends like this? Read Pluralsights' Tech Forecast, where expert authors share what's shifting fastest and how to stay ahead in 2026.
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