For higher earning potential, more impressive CVs and job security, IT certification training is a wise career move. There are many certifications on offer, and it can be confusing to try to decide which are better than others.
This matter is the subject of a great deal of argument amongst technology experts. While some favour vendor-specific programmes, others much prefer vendor-independent training. Certain professionals will only advocate the very highest level of accreditation, such as MCSE by Microsoft or CCIE by Cisco.
It is important to remember, however, that the best certification for you will be the one that is most relevant to your existing skills, experience and future goals. What is your academic background, what industry do you work in and where do you see yourself in the future? Answering these questions will help you decide which IT training path to follow.
The Top 10 Best IT Certification Training Courses
The 10 best IT certifications, as chosen by experienced industry professionals, may not be specific to your career, but they will help you make your decision.
1. Microsoft Certified IT professional credential (MCITP)
This is the new generation of Microsoft certification and is a versatile programme as it caters for a wide range of jobs, including database developer, database administrator, server administrator and enterprise messaging administrator.
There are several exams, which must be passed before graduating with the certification.
2. Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS)
This programme helps IT staff further explore existing skills in installing, maintaining and troubleshooting. These certifications hone the expertise of the candidate to focus on a certain specialty.
Again, several demanding exams are part of the process.
In the case of both MCITP and MCTS, the designations will expire when Microsoft suspends mainstream support for the corresponding principle. This will add increased value to the accreditations.
3. Security+
The importance of security in IT systems continues to grow rapidly. Data breaches are a huge threat to all aspects of business and must be avoided at all costs.
Security+ by Comp TIA is a widely-respected accreditation for staff that has at least two years’ related experience.
4. Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD)
The creation and maintenance of the applications and programmes that businesses rely on is another important element of IT; the MCPD credential uses Virtual Studio 2008 and Microsoft .NET framework 3.5 to determine the skill base of a developer within these parameters.
As with the MCITP and MCTS, the MCPD certification will retire when Microsoft ceases support for the related principles, likewise this will place great value on the certification.
5. Cisco Certified Internetwork Associate (CCNA)
This IT certification training looks set to overtake the popularity of the Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) accreditation as it is a more realistic programme for many companies. The CCNA is more affordable than the CCIE both in terms of running the programme and employing its graduates. It is a worthwhile accreditation for industry professionals seeking to build on the networking skills they possess.
6. A+
It can be difficult to find good technology experts with impressive hardware and support skills, and these skills are fundamental to the inner workings of an organisation.
The A+ certification by Comp TIA demonstrates this support expertise and will undoubtedly result achieve better employment and promotion results than a technician without the certification.
7. Project Management Professional (PMP)
The Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is a solid example of an accreditation focusing on certain skills and fields of experience. The PMP exam is run by the Project Managements Institute (PMI), which is a non-profit organisation.
This certification validates existing skills and knowledge in planning, executing, budgeting and managing a project. To be accepted to sit the exam, candidates must prove that they have five years of project management experience, or three years of PM experience supplemented with 35 hours of related education.
8. Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE)/Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA)
These two credentials are long-standing and remain as highly thought of as ever in the world of IT training.
Their value lies in their demonstration of the professional’s ability to undergo intensive study within a lengthy, expansive training programme. They prove that there can be no alternative to hands-on experience within the field of technology.
9. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
Another security accreditation, which as with the above-mentioned Security+ is only going to become more valuable as time goes on.
The CISSP accreditation is provided by (ISC)² and is regarded as a respected, vendor-neutral security certification suitable for professionals with a minimum of five years’ full time experience in a related field. It is accredited by the American National Standards Institute and has international recognition for endorsing an individual’s expertise and ability to manage risk alongside a solid understanding of legal issues.
10. Linux+
The Linux versus Microsoft debate rages on within the technology industry. Although Linux has yet to knock Windows off its top spot, it does continue to impress, particularly with its open source alternative principle.
If a professional has a background in Linux systems, the Linux+ certification by Comp TIA would be a good step in recognising that skill set.
It culminates in a vendor-neutral exam suitable for professionals who have a minimum of six to 12 months of hands-on Linux experience. The exam is also distribution-neutral (i.e. it covers skills which are directly applicable to Ubuntu, SUSE and Red Hat systems).
Final Thoughts On IT Certification Training
Naturally, the Internet is a great resource for technology professionals and can provide a valuable tool when researching different designations. The personal experience of other professionals can also be beneficial. Ask your work colleagues for their opinion, and find out if your manager or employer has a strong bias towards a particular accreditation. Ultimately, though, the choice is yours!
Remember that these are only ten of many strong, popular designations, and many favourites will have been omitted. There are many considerations when undergoing a programme of IT certification training and the opinions of trusted industry professionals, while important, is only one factor. The programme you follow must be suitable for, and specific to, your experience and aspirations in your future technology career.
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