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10 COMPUTER CERTIFICATIONS 2010
Jo Blitz A. Escotal
CEO
Escotal.com
Whether you are just starting out in the IT field or are a season
computer veteran looking to make more money, here is my list once
again for the top ten computer certifications for 2010. If you have
any questions please feel free to e-mail me at jo@escotal.com
1.
MCP/MCSA/MCSE and the new MCITP/MCTS
(Microsoft Certified IT Professional/Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist
(Microsoft Certified Professional/System Administrator/Engineer)
With more than 2.9 million people already having this certification,
MCSE is still the most popular computer certification in the world.
80% of the world's computers run some form of Microsoft Operating
Systems such as 2K, 2003 and 2008. If you are planning a career in the networking field especially in a windows environment then this is a must certification to obtain. Note Microsoft has started to introduce the Microsoft Certified IT Professional and Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist as their newest certifications to date.
2. Project Management Professional
One of the most intensive certifications available is the PMP (Project
Management Professional) certification the exam is 4 hours long. Offered by PMI (Project Management
Institute), the PMP demonstrates advanced knowledge of and experience
with Project Management concepts. I still take experience over any certification but it will be very hard to get an interview these days without this PMP certification.
3. CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional)
With CISSP's earning close to a six figure salary, it is easy to see
why this one made the list. Consider the Holy Grail of Security Certifications. The exam lasts up to six hours and includes
250 multiple choice questions. If you want to take the test it is
going to cost you $500. This is one of toughest and most respected
certifications one can obtain in the security field.
4. CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert)
CCIE is still one of the hardest certifications to obtain, but it
is a must if you are going to reach the pinnacle in a Cisco environment.
There are only 25,000 CCIE's in the world, that's it! Buyer beware
this has one of the highest failure rates and it is not for the faint
of heart.
5.
ITIL V3 Foundations (Information Infrastructure Library)
The new hot certification gaining momentum which started in the UK, ITIL Information Technology Infrastructure Library is the international de facto management framework describing “best practices” for ITSM. ITIL V3 consist of the 5 main core books Service Strategy, Service Design, Service Transition, Service Operation and Continual Service Improvement.
6.
CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor)
The mark of excellence for a professional certification program is the value and recognition it bestows on the individual who achieves it. The Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) program, sponsored by ISACA®, has been the globally accepted standard of achievement among information systems (IS) audit, control and security professionals.
7.
CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate)
This is the entry level certification for the Cisco field. Cisco controls
80% of the world's Internet Router and Switches. What better way to
start in the WAN field than to get this entry level certification!
8. COMPTIA A+ Certification and Network+
(Essentials, IT Technician Remote Support and Depot Technician)
This is a must if you ever wanted to take a level entry certification
in the computer field. With every company and 60% of homes in the
USA having computers and networks, I believe that everyone should be working towards
this certification. Why should you have to go to a computer store
and be overcharged for a simple procedure such as memory installation,
virus, wireless networking and spyware removal when most people can do it themselves from
home? These are procedures that anyone who uses a computer should
be able to perform.
9. Certified VMware Professional
This certification is for individuals who want to demonstrate expertise in a virtual environment. Gain the in-depth skills and industry-recognized certification on VMware technology. The VMware Certified Professional are in demand right now.
10. COMPTIA Security+ Certification
There was a time when setting up a network was a big deal. Well that
is kid's stuff today. This certification is good foundation in understanding the fundamentals of security such as a firewall, encryption, VPN, cryptography and infrastructure
security. Defending and securing your network is now consider by many to be the number one priority in the computer field.
Honorable Mention
CCNP - Cisco Certified Network Professional
Cisco VoIP - Cisco Voice over IP
Cisco Security
Firewall Certification - Especially Sonic Wall and Cisco Pix
Programming Certification - If you are going to program JAVA or .NET
platforms
Mail Server Certification - MS Exchange is the number one mail server
certification
Sun Solaris - The most well know certification in UNIX
CEH - EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker
MCST - MCTS SQL Server 2005 (The Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist)
Database Certification - Oracle Database and Microsoft SQL Database
are the 2 hottest certification in database
Hot demands in the field of computers
1.
Security
2. Wireless/Unified Messaging/Green Technology
3. SAN (Storage Area Networks) and Cloud Computing
4. Managed Services
5. PMP and ITIL