Top employers are always looking for knowledgeable IT professionals. IT certifications demonstrate valuable skills in a particular area. Becoming certified can help to boost salary offers, and increase the likelihood that you’ll be a good fit for a particular position. Here are some of the most valuable IT certifications for today’s in-demand careers including: CompTIA A+ NJ, CASP, CEH & others.
1. CompTIA A+
This hardware/software certification enables IT professionals to install, configure and maintain networks for businesses and organizations. Companies including Microsoft, Hewlett-Packard, Cisco, and Novell have made CompTIA A+ part of their specific certification track because knowledge in this area is so valuable. Other companies in New Jersey require CompTIA A+ NJ certification for their technician and help desk positions.
2. CASP
The CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner certification demonstrates advanced cyber security skills. Before you can become CASP certified, you need at least five years of experience as an IT professional. CASP certification tests not only IT security skills, but also critical thinking and judgment to enable professionals to come up with solutions to complex problems and environments. Companies like Motorola, Synaptek, and Apex ask for the CASP certification for positions like cyber security professional and network engineer.
3. CEH
The Certified Ethical Hacker credential is a vendor-neutral certification that demonstrates hacking skills that are used to help take down malicious hackers and prevent cyber attacks on organizations. Professionals must have two years of cyber security experience to pursue a CEH credential. Companies like Procter & Gamble, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and Allstate are looking for certified ethical hackers as penetration testers and cyber security engineers.
4. CISSP
The Certified Information Systems Security Professional credential prepares IT professionals to be responsible for managing an organization’s comprehensive information security program. This certification is particularly focused on larger organizations with complex IT environments, and it helps professionals work with management or C-suite members to keep information secure. Companies like Dell, Anthem, and government organizations like the City of Seattle use CISSP-certified individuals as IT security specialists and security analysts.
5. MCSA
The Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate is an entry-level certification that forms a foundation for other Microsoft certifications as well as demonstrating skills working with various Windows environments. Although Microsoft provides self-study opportunities through their website, taking a preparation course will ensure that you get enough practice and will help to identify areas of weakness where you may need additional skills development.
Companies like Intellisoft Technologies, IBM, and Valley Behavioral Health require MCSA certification for their systems administrator and IT systems/storage architect positions.
PC AGE offers preparation courses for these and many other popular IT certifications that will lead to a variety of IT careers. Preparation courses help IT professionals pass certification exams faster and with better scores, and provide more real-life preparation than self-study methods. Request information on what certification courses we offer.
Note: The company information provided for each certification above was obtained via the job site Indeed.com.
Rameez Khizer, IT Marketing