If you’re the world’s best network engineer or project manager, how do you prove it? Simple – get the right certification. Sure, they can be expensive, but once you add a good certification to your resume it will pay for itself in short order. If you’re involved in the IT sector, consider one or more of the following certifications.
Microsoft is still the 900-pound gorilla in the software space, and Microsoft certifications show that you are an official PC guru. The basic certification is the Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS). Next up is the Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP), which comes in several specialized versions (database administration, desktop support, and so on).
For networking types, a Cisco certification is pure gold. They come in a million different flavors depending on your specialty. Each certification path starts with the Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT) certificate, and then proceeds to Associate, Professional and Expert certifications in network security, wireless networks, voice, etc.
Oracle’s acquisition of Sun made them the go-to source for web development certifications. If you want to establish yourself as a Java expert, then start with the Oracle Certified Associate, Java certificate (formerly the Sun Certified Java Associate) and continue from associate to professional to master. You can also pick up one of a number of specialist certificates.
How Specialized is Too Specialized?
The highly specialized certifications are perfect if you want to keep working within that specialty. But if you’re not sure you want to stay in that specific space (e.g. data center networking), you’re better off focusing on the more general certificate programs for your profession. Otherwise you’re just wasting your money.
And while we’re on the subject of money, yes, these programs are not cheap. They range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. So before you get started, talk with your manager and see if your current employer will pay for some or all of the program.