Atlas·Updated June 2026

The map of UK tech roles, certs and specialisms.

Atlas shows how 14 domains, 73 roles and 85 certifications connect, and the realistic routes between them. Pick a starting point and a destination to see the path.

Hover for context, click a domain to drill in.Tap a domain to open it, then tap any role or cert for the detail.

Atlas Research. Market Note.

UK Technology Market Note. Mid-2026.

What changed in cloud, cybersecurity, networking and infrastructure hiring in the first half of the year.

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Named observations

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Patterns POST keeps seeing across roles, certs and hiring briefs.

Cert Stacking
Candidates keep adding the next cert in a vendor ladder instead of doing the work the previous cert implied, then walk into interviews where the gap between paper progression and operational evidence is the first thing the panel tests.

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What am I looking at?

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The Atlas is a map of how technology careers actually connect. Each cluster is a domain: cloud, security, infrastructure, data, GRC, and so on. Inside a domain you'll find the roles that live there and the certifications that carry weight for those roles.

It's not a roadmap or a course. It's a way to see, before you commit, what's next door to what. Which roles share skills, which transitions are realistic, and which "obvious" jumps actually skip three years of operational depth.

Start by clicking a domain below. Then click any role or cert for the practitioner take. If you want a specific route plotted, use the Route button on the map.

Level1·Overview

Lines show common career transitions between domains. Labelled lines carry a POST verdict, click one to read it.

The map

15 domains · 74 roles · 85 certs

Tap a region to drill in. The colour codes the discipline.

Foundations

Where most realistic careers begin.

Operational security

Defensive operations and incident response.

Cloud & platform

Build, run and secure modern infrastructure.

Engineering & data

Portfolio-driven engineering tracks.

Specialist & leadership

Entered later, after a primary track.

The full interactive map is easier to explore on a larger screen.

The map

14 domains · 73 roles · 85 certifications. Hover any to see what connects to what.

Hover any solid line for the practitioner take on that move · click a domain to focus

Many routes, one destination

There is no single 'right' certification. Adjacent paths often reach the same role.

Skills outlast certifications

Networking, Linux, scripting, and IAM compound across every domain.

Progress is non-linear

Most senior engineers moved laterally at least once before specializing.