Saturday, 3 September 2016
Are you just starting out in IT, or looking for a way to begin an IT career? The following certifications will help you verify and learn the skills needed to find a job in IT. Once you have one of these, you can begin to gain the experience and higher certifications that will land you a great IT career.
1. CompTia A+
At the top of the list, the A+ certification is one of the most popular ways for people to break into the computer biz. The A+ certifies you as a computer technician and covers topics such as hardware, OS, and networking. 6 months of technician experience is recommended and two exams are required. Both exams lend themselves nicely to self study. So get a good book and sign up to get your A+ certification.
2. Microsoft Certified Professional
To get any Microsoft certification, this will be the first stepping stone. You will be an MCP once you take your first exam and until you complete the exams needed for any other Microsoft certification (MCSD, MCSE, etc.)
3. Microsoft Certified Desktop Service Technician
If you like to troubleshoot, then this certification is for you. You'll take two exams and then be able to support end user desktop systems.
4. CompTia Security+
Two years of networking experience is recommended for this certification so the true IT newbie might be in over their head with this one. However, security is a big issue and if you have the familiarity to take the one exam required, the Security+ cert works as a prerequisite for the MCSA and CNE
5. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
The CISSP certification demonstrates knowledge of IT security across a number of domains, covering everything from network security to application security to formation and management of security policies for the enterprise. The CISSP also requires more than simply passing a test to maintain the certification - those who hold the certification are required to demonstrate on-going experience and education in the field of IT security over time.
6. Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE)
According to a recent survey by jobs site Dice.com, 8 out of 10 respondents indicated that hiring Linux talent was a priority for 2012, and Red Hat Linux continues to make serious headway in the enterprise. The RHCE is a challenging certification to obtain, and requires advanced knowledge of a range of Red Hat systems administration tasks. The RHCE becomes even more valuable with the completion of any of a number of optional Certificates of Expertise, which cover a range of topics such as system clustering and virtualization.
7. CCNA or CCDA
Both of these certifications will require some dedicated training if you are new to IT. These will be tough for those considering a career change, but well worth the effort. Cisco certifications are popular and respected. Once you have the experience to back up the cert, you will be able to move on to the advanced Cisco certifications.
8. Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE)
The CCIE continues to be the gold standard of networking certifications, and its value is demonstrated in the continuing demand for CCIE professionals. The CCIE certification process is tough – the test consists of both a written exam and a practical lab-based exam, and only a very small percentage of applicants pass both tests the first time, with the average candidate requiring 2.5 attempts before they pass. Because of that, employers value those who do successfully complete the certification, and are willing to pay a premium for their services.
8. Microsoft Office Specialist
If you have experience with Microsoft Office products, you can achieve a Microsoft Office Specialist certification on any one product such as Word, or Excel by taking a single exam. A Master designation requires several exams and comprehensive knowledge of multiple products.
9. Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) v3 Foundation
The Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) Foundation certification demonstrates knowledge of the ITIL framework, which has evolved into the de facto standard for IT management in many enterprises. Companies are on the lookout for those who can demonstrate knowledge of ITIL and IT service management, especially as corporate IT organizations begin to treat IT more like a business by introducing service management standards and practices.
Demand for project management skills continues to increase, especially as IT projects continue to increase in complexity. The PMP has emerged as one of the most in-demand certifications today, precisely because it demonstrates proficiency in managing those complex projects. The PMP test itself is rigorous, and maintaining the certification requires ongoing testing and effort, which makes the PMP certification all the more valuable to potential employers.
