The trend toward remote and hybrid teams has created extra responsibilities for IT departments, many of which are expanding. As a result, the tech hiring market is hotter than ever. And when a tech recruiter is evaluating your resume, they often start by looking at your certifications. Show
Why? They want candidates with up-to-date knowledge, and IT certifications quickly show them a person’s mastery of a particular technology or practice — from help desk basics to mastery of complex cloud environments. First of all, these are some of the most valuable IT certifications today, according to the Robert Half Salary Guide and other sources. Each offers specialization in different aspects of IT.
Whether you’re a recent graduate or seasoned tech specialist, preparing for and attaining a certification is a great way to expand your skill set, impress prospective employers and stand out from the crowd. Here’s a guide showing an assortment of IT certifications — 29, in all. Best IT certifications for beginnersJust starting out in the IT field? The following are some of the best introductory certifications to help you get your first IT job:
CompTIA issues certifications for a variety of technologies and platforms, but one stands above the rest in terms of value to IT pros: CompTIA A+: Get started in IT with this foundational certificate. It’s all about hardware, technical support and troubleshooting. It also covers best practices in security, networking, operational procedures, mobile devices and various operating systems.
Tech giant Microsoft offers an entry-level certification called the Microsoft technology professional (MTA). This certificate covers a range of subjects, such as IT infrastructure,includingfundamentals of Windows Operating System, Windows Server Administration, networking and cybersecurity; database, covering database fundamentals; and developer, a fundamental certification in topics including software development, web development, .NET, gaming and HTML5. Each of these topics is a separate MTA. You can acquire multiple MTAs if that’s what you need to get your career started. There’s no mandatory study or minimum professional experience required. Just take the exam when you feel prepared. Best midlevel Microsoft certificationsWhen you’ve completed an MTA or other entry-level certification, you may consider an intermediate certification from Microsoft. This will help take your career to the next level.
MCSE and MCSD are two of the most highly regarded certifications in tech. Either of these could help your IT resume stand out. Best certifications for networkingAs Cisco is a leading provider of infrastructure products, a certificate from this company confirms that you’re versed in the latest developments and best practices in networking. The most essential are:
Best certifications for IT securityHacking and cyberattacks are hot topics today, and many jobs in security and risk management are going unstaffed. The following are some of the most valuable IT certifications in this booming field. A professional organization devoted to IT security and governance, ISACA manages a number of global certification programs, including:
Other valuable IT certifications for security include:
Best certifications for cloud computingAs cloud computing becomes the new normal in IT, more cloud-related credentials pop up. Many of them are specific to individual vendors, such as Microsoft, VMware and Amazon. There are also a few certifications that focus on more general practices across this fast-growing area. Top certifications include:
Best management certificationsProject management is indispensable to IT operations. And because it involves planning, scheduling, budgeting and execution, certification can be a key steppingstone to managerial positions.
Best help desk certificationsMany IT professionals begin their careers in technical support and help desk roles. And to give students a leg up, schools are increasingly offering courses that prepare students to acquire help desk certifications. You can certify in either the help desk functions as a whole or concentrate on a specific vendor’s platforms and products.
Best certifications in database, analytics and other data technologiesDatabase technologies remain foundational to IT operations, while growth in big data and analytics initiatives is driving new career opportunities. Certifications tend to be built around a single provider’s platform, including:
Which of the following certification exams covers basic computer knowledge and skills?The CompTIA ITF+ exam focuses on the knowledge and skills required to identify and explain the basics of computing, IT infrastructure, application and software, software development, database fundamentals and security.
What does CompTIA IT fundamentals cover?CompTIA IT Fundamentals covers the foundations of IT concepts and terminology, infrastructure, cybersecurity, database fundamentals and software development. CompTIA A+ covers the skills necessary for today's IT support jobs.
What is CompTIA A+ about?CompTIA A+ is a performance-based certification that supports the ability to connect users to the data they need to do their jobs regardless of the devices being used.
Is the CompTIA ITF worth IT?Getting certified is the best way to future-proof your career. Nine out of 10 employers agree that certifications are critical in finding the right person for the job. Plus, IT-certified individuals are more likely to be promoted than those without IT certifications.
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