Essential to the ever changing field of information technology, IT certifications have drawn attention to an abundance of benefits including higher salaries and the power of safeguarding jobs.
If you are aiming for a specific certification, your degree in information technology along with your choices, have become a great deal easier as certifications have been made available by big certification providers such as Microsoft, CompTIA, Cisco and ITIL.
A recent study by Global Knowledge and Windows IT Pro called the 2015 IT Skills and Salary Report, found three of four IT respondents reported they earned at least one certification in the last five years. One in four reported plans to pursue certification in the coming year.
According to the report, Certified IT respondents are more likely to hold CompTIA certifications than any other. Microsoft, security certifications, Cisco and ITIL rounded out the top five. The report also pointed out certifications continue to be recognized as constructive by both IT and non-IT professionals.
COMPTIA A+ Certification
The Computer Technology Industry Association, (CompTIA), is the leading provider of vendor neutral IT certifications, with more than 2,000,000 certifications in the world.
CompTIA directs attention to general technologies rather than a single manufacturer’s individual hardware. CompTIA A+, which is considered to be a starting point for a career in IT, consists of two performance-based exams. The first centers around the basics of computer technology of PCs, laptops and fundamental networking and the second deals with the ability to set up and configure PC operating systems.
Microsoft (Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator – MSCA and Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert – MCSE) Certifications
Years after their introduction, Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) and
Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) credentials continue to be beneficial.
MCSA, which is a prerequisite for more advanced Microsoft certifications, is a certification program aimed at people who are looking for entry level jobs in an IT environment.
After completing a degree in information technology and gaining work experience, candidates can attain their MCSE certification. The certification covers a wide range of Microsoft products and technologies including the Windows NT operating system, related desktop systems, networking and Microsoft BackOffice server products. To get ready for the exam courses are available at a company certified training location, in certified courses at a high school or college or through self-study at Microsoft’s web site.
Both MCSA and MCSE have been working within the industry for many years and continue to be an essential measure of foundational skills on Windows platforms.
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) Certification
As security carries on as a critical subject matter, its importance is likely to increase. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is an independent information security certification granted by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium, known as ISC.
Intended for industry specialists with at least five years of knowledge, CISSP is globally recognized for validating a candidate’s expertise with network and physical security and other security-related factors.
Cisco Network Associate Routing & Switching Certification (CCNA) Security Certification
Among the more sought after certifications Cisco put forward the Cisco Certified Network Associate Security certification. The exam is associated with the Cisco Network Associate Routing & Switching certification. Applicants for the certification exam must be knowledgeable of the skills involved with the installation, operation and troubleshooting of a small to mid-size enterprise branch network. They should also be familiar with performing tasks with simulated routers and switches.
Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) Certification
The Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL), owned and maintained by the UK Office of Government Commerce, is considered as the entry level qualification in the IT Service Management line of work.
The certification exam focuses on adapting a general basis of IT Service Management practices as well as quality management methods. The training, which is not based on a specific technology, is valid for any IT organization. The Foundation exam is the entry level certification and offers a general awareness of concepts and terminology used in ITIL service lifecycle.