A career is crucial to a person. People study, work hard, and strive to the best of their abilities to get a hold of a job that can turn out to be a successful gamble. We already know there is no shortcut to success. However, a job that can turn your career into a fulfilling and lucrative one sure comes close. And what is simpler than pursuing technology to start on this journey? A survey in the last couple of years has clearly shown that the interest in technology certifications has gone up by at least 40 %.
A career man can aim for IT certification in any of the relevant fields such as Cybersecurity, Web-development, Cloud computing, or even System Admin, to achieve his career goals. Today, we are going to list some of the best Technology certifications that can not only set you apart from the crowd but also showcase your expertise in the relevant field.
What is a Technology Certificate?
An IT or Technology certification is a symbol of competency. It proves the person in question has enough expertise in a specific field. However, not all certifications are equal, and not all are considered golden. Similarly, some certifications are easier to attain, while some require years of hard work. But one can’t compare their value based on the time spent to achieve a certain certification, as even beginner courses like CompTIA are popular amongst recruiters.
To earn a Technology certification, one generally has to pursue an education and then specialize in a specific field of study. Then, one has to succeed in a test to prove merit and meet the industry requirements. These industry requirements are based on the governing body’s rigorous standards that determine the final evaluation of a peer preparing for certification. Thus, Technology certifications, while beneficial to one’s career, aren’t that easily attainable as the person has to invest not only time but also substantial resources.
Top IT Certifications:
1. Microsoft Certified Azure Solutions Architect Expert
Microsoft needs no introduction as it is a well-known name in the IT sector. The firm also offers a certification to recruit relevant personnel for its Cloud department. The certification is valid not only for Microsoft but for any other major IT firm as it ensures that the person has sufficient knowledge regarding cloud infrastructure and designing cloud and hybrid solutions for Microsoft Azure, including computing, networking, monitoring, storing, and security.
Furthermore, the certification expects the candidates undertaking the final exams to have advanced knowledge and experience in the subject, which includes Azure Admin, Development, and DevOps processes. And finally, when one attains the certification, he should have a working knowledge and understanding of IT operations, networking, virtualization, security, business indemnity, and governance.
2. Google Cloud – Cloud Digital Leader
Just like Microsoft, Google is an IT giant. As such, any certification offered is almost golden in the industry. However, to achieve a CDL certification, one has to showcase the applications of the Google Cloud and has a certain understanding of the subject. This understanding includes digital transformation, operations, security, and application modernization.
The course targets business elites and decision-makers. Hence, the lack of initial and elementary technical knowledge. But this doesn’t make it any less attractive. On the other hand, it is quite refreshing as even a reasonable new person can get introduced to cloud computing, and after completion, he would at least gain enough understanding of the cloud.
3. Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)
Cisco has been a staple in the IT industry. It has also offered different technology courses over the years. The next milestone in the Cisco journey is undoubtedly CCNP which one can earn only after completing CCNA. CCNP allows the person to get certified in different fields such as enterprise, data center, security, collab, CyberOps, service provider, or even DevNet.
Although you will be certified when you pass the final CCNP exams, it is recommended to have at least invest 3 to 5 years in whatever field you want to experience as the final certification after CCNP requires so.
4. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
CISM, or the ISACA’s Certified Information Security Manager certification, pertains to network security. Hence, it is a sought-after certification in today’s tiring era of data vulnerability. The certification also ensures that the person familiarizes himself with security governance, the current hottest topic in the global IT industry.
Also note that the CISM certification aims at IT elites with prior experience and knowledge in IT security and those who want to further increase their scope in security governance, risk management, security program development, and security incident management. Basically, the certification is suitable for those in the IT track who want to try their hands-on management profile at the executive level. Another noteworthy point is that CISM is once again more popular than CISSP or CRISC.
5. Project Management Professional (PMP)
PMP, or Project Management Professional certification, is provided through Management institutes and universities. The certification targets advanced project management professionals. Thus, the course covers everything from the fundamentals of project management to hands-on experience. The prerequisites to attain the certification are at least a four-year degree and three years of first-hand experience in the relevant project management field.
The stringent conditions also include 4500 hours of leading and directing projects with 35 hours prior theoretical education. Being a Project Management Professional is one of the best tech skills to enrich your resume.
6. AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
The AWS CCP, or Certified Cloud Practitioner, is an entry-level certification aimed at beginners in the field. The course first validates the basic knowledge regarding cloud computing, specifically on AWS (Amazon Web Services), and then moves on to the fundamentals of IT services and their functionalities relevant to the AWS Cloud Platform.
Furthermore, the certification also tries to figure out your experience regarding Core AWS features and peripherals, such as billing and pricing models, security concerns, and the relevant impact of AWS on any business decisions. The exam itself is a simple MCQ format with 64 questions that require at least 6 months of familiarizing with AWS Cloud.
7. Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
The (ISC)² CCSP is a certification that covers Cloud security. It entails everything from designing, managing, and securing data to Cloud applications and infrastructure. The certification is obviously not for beginners and targets those who are already working with Cloud Computing. It might include enterprise architects, system engineers, consultants, security admins, security architects, and even managers.
The Certified Cloud Security Professional examination covers cloud concepts, design, security, risk, and compliance. It is strongly recommended to spend at least 5 years in the IT field, 3 years in the IS, and finally 1 year in the six domains of CCSP CBOK.
8. Certified Data Professional (CDP)
CDP certification is provided by the ICCP (Institute for Certification of Computing Professionals), which offers a liberal learning path. The CDP candidates can choose from a range of domains that covers not only business analytics, data, and design but also data governance, data integration, data management, warehousing, architecture, and IT management. Furthermore, the CDP is a multi-level certification that proposes different difficulties, such as the Foundation level, then the Associate, Mastery, Principal, and finally ending at Executive.
9. Oracle MySQL Database Administration
CMDBA, which stands for MySQL Database Administration, is a certificate offered through Oracle University that aims for database admins who want to branch out towards integrating business processes and business and data management. The certification is a multi-level course including Professional, Specialist, and Developer. Lastly, there are two exams to be passed before one can attain the CMDBA certification.
10. Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL)
Finally, the last certification on our list includes ITIL, which is not a stand-alone but rather a set of certifications that covers everything regarding IT management. The paths offered also differ as one can select either the Managing Professional or the Strategic Leader. The candidate is free to choose only a single path or both to earn his ITIL certification. Similar to others, it is a multi-level certification where one first has to pass the Foundation course.