Monday, October 14, 2013

What are the TOP IT Certifications Online that IT Professionals are taking?

With myriads of IT training available online, it’s confusing to pick the one that suits you. It may also be a good thing, because you can always have variety in terms of IT skills that you can readily apply at your current job. Here are Meditec’s top picks for IT professionals and newly grads:

1.    Microsoft certifications

These certifications include anything from Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification, which provides students competencies in navigating and using Microsoft office programs like PowerPoint, Excel and Word, to Microsoft Certified Trainer certification and MCDBA or Microsoft Certified Database Administrator. As their name suggest, these certifications are given by Microsoft to training participants who would like to broaden their skills in utilizing Microsoft technologies.

Since we’ve already provided you some idea about MOS, we’re going to skip that one. Let’s discuss MCT and MCDBA certifications.

MCT training teaches professionals on how to train other IT people of using Microsoft programs. To qualify for the course, however, the student has to complete a pre-requisite course like an MOS certification course. The student also has to keep their certifications for that course current. As with other Microsoft training, MCT training provides students access to Microsoft learning products as well as updates on discounts, events, and access to forums and community resources.

The MCDBA, meanwhile, allows students to gain the necessary skills and techniques in maintaining and operating company’s database servers and software that facilitate the company’s daily business operations. Prior to taking the MCDBA, the student, however, needs to complete and prove his or her competency in managing SQL Server databases.      

2.    CISCO certifications

Cisco is a known network systems provider and trainer and is a respected certification body for IT professionals. Its CCNP or Cisco Certified Network Professional certification is one of the most in-demand certifications globally. It’s relatively complex and some professionals have to retake it, well, unfortunately after failing the first time around. But don’t let this fact intimidate you, because once you pass the training and final exam for this type of certification, you’ll be on your way to a rewarding IT career.

CCNP teaches students of how to plan, implement the design and troubleshoot networks inside a large-scale global enterprise environment. In most instances, CCNP professionals work with CISCO specialists for ensuring network security and utilizing top products for voice and video. In the United States, CCNP-certified professionals earn as much as $89,000 annually.     

CCDA or Cisco Certified Design Associate meanwhile gives certified individuals a strong foundational knowledge in designing networks. It is recommended for electronics engineers, computer technicians and technical support specialists who want to improve their skills in network troubleshooting (LAN, WAN and broadband connections) and design. CCDA-trained individuals have the potential to earn over $90,000 annually.  

3.    ITIL Certification

The Informational Technology Infrastructure Library ITIL v3 Foundation is a course that essentially focuses on IT service management. It equips professionals with the necessary skills in designing IT libraries and becoming more adept in how to create processes for IT service life cycles. This IT certification has many levels, and is actually the third of four levels. Individuals with this kind of certification earn over $90,000 annually. 

4.    DoD Certification


IT professionals who dream of serving the US Department of Defense can enroll in DoD Certification programs packages across the states that mix and match network security, PC troubleshooting and ethical hacking courses that are essential in field. Called Department of Defense Directive 8750.1 training package, the training often covers CompTIA A+ courses such as CompTIA A+ Essentials, CompTIA A+ Practical Application, CompTIA Network, CompTIA Security, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), CEH Ethical Hacking and Countermeasures. Obtain this type of certification, gain experience in a state office, and you’ll surely up your chances of getting hired by the prestigious US Department of Defense.

Hope this list has given you some insight on which IT training you should take following graduation or years of working as an IT guy or girl in a corporation. Which of the certifications do you already have or plan on taking? Did we miss anything? Share it with us in the comments section below!

No comments:

Post a Comment