Notable IT Certifications

Year after year the information technology (IT) field is in great demand for professionals in a variety of specialties-from help desk support to database administration. Some technology companies offer professional certifications to award those who have met certain qualifications. Although tech certifications are not required in some cases, it does increase the chances of the applicant in landing a job over another applicant who doesn't. Here are some of the more common or essential IT certifications under the major IT classifications:

ENTRY-LEVEL

Offered by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), A+ is widely considered as the standard entry-level tech certification for the IT field. The pair of exams you have to take and pass before getting the certification covers the basics of computer technology. A+ certification gives you credentials as a technical or computer support specialist, which means you are trained to troubleshoot and maintain computer systems, mobile devices, operating systems, and printers.

NETWORK AND SYSTEMS ADMINISTRATION

CompTIA also offers the Network+ certification if you are interested in becoming a network administrator or technician. This profession entails the maintenance of a computer network in a business or organization. Cisco, which specializes in the manufacture and sale of networking equipment, offers a pair of certifications called the Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT) and the more popular Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA). The CCENT is designed for the entry-level network professional. The CCNA, on the other hand, is for more experienced network administrators. It is split into various specialties, which include routing and switching, data center, audio and video systems, and wireless networks.

SECURITY

Part of the network administrator's job is to ensure the security of the computer network. This includes installing and implementing security programs, checking for security breaches, and responding quickly to any vulnerabilities or threats. CompTIA and Cisco offer CompTIA Security+ and CCNA Security, respectively. Each certification requires network certification and some years of experience as a network administrator.

DATABASE ADMINISTRATION

Database administrators (DBA) are responsible for installing and maintaining databases in a business or organization. There are several types of databases out there, but the offerings from Oracle and Microsoft are the most common. Oracle dominates the UNIX/Linux market, and aspiring Oracle DBAs take training courses to get an Oracle Certification. The credential is split into three tiers: Associate (OCA), Professional (OCP), and Master (OCM). Microsoft's SQL Server, which dominates the company's Microsoft Windows platform, has four tiers: Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA), Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA), Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE), and Microsoft Certified Solutions Master (MCSM).

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Project managers oversee the planning, execution, and completion of a project, which could be in any tech-related or technical sector. This includes aerospace, construction, telecommunications, architecture, and technical writing. The Project Management Institute, a non-profit organization that set the standards for project management, offers the Project Management Professional credential. Better known as PMP, this certification is the most widely recognized qualification for aspiring project managers. It is particularly designed for IT professionals who already have a couple of years of supervisory experience and want to sharpen their acquired skills and consequently increase their earning potential.

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