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10 COMPUTER CERTIFICATIONS 2014
Jo Blitz A. Escotal
CEO
Escotal.com
Whether you are just starting out in the field or are a season computer veteran
looking to make more money, here is my list once again of the top 10 computer certifications for the year 2013. Certifications combine with experience is really important today especially with the economy being down. Competition is fierce and a person being in the IT field will need some form of credentials to impress the employeers and provide valuable tools for the clients and customers they serve
1. MCITP/MCTS
(Microsoft Certified IT Professional/Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist/MCSE)
This is the current hottest Microsoft Certification which is currently the most popular computer certification in the world.
90% of the world's computers run some form of Microsoft Operating
Systems such as Windows Server 2008. If you are planning a career in the networking field especially in a windows environment then this is a must certification to obtain. The real hot certification in Microsoft right now is MCITP Windows 2008 Server Enterprise Administrator, MCITP Windows 7 Enterprise Desktop Support Administrator and MCITP Exchange 2010 Server.
2. CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional)
With security being the priority for most companies the CISSP's certification earning is 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.
3.
C|HFI (Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator)
The CHFI course will provide participants the necessary skills to identify an intruder's footprints and to properly gather the necessary evidence to prosecute in the court of law. Members holding the CHFI designation are required to re-certify under the program every three years to retain their certification
4.
CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker)
The Certified Ethical Hacker is a professional certification provided by the International Council of E-Commerce Consultants. This certication will provide the ability to secure and maintain a network as a penetration tester. You will learn to look for weaknesses and vulnerabilities and your network and have the ability to properly secure it. This makes the certification one of the hottest for the year 2013
5. 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.
6. 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.
7.
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.
8. 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.
9. COMPTIA A+, Network+ and Security+ Certification
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.
10.
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.
Honorable Mention
Any Cloud Computing Certication
Firewall Certification - Especially Sonic Wall and Cisco Pix
Sun Solaris - The most well know certification in UNIX
Certifications 
