Certification

Certification programmes deliver substantial benefits that can directly contribute to the goals of your organisation. The bottom line: your projects are completed on time and within budget, and technical solutions (and professionals) perform. As technology becomes more complex and support demands continue to increase, certification programmes provide you with an objective, consistent method for hiring or training employees.

Are you just starting out in IT, or looking for a way to begin an IT career? The following certifications will help you verify and learn the skills needed to find a job in IT. Once you have one of these, you can begin to gain the experience and higher certifications that will land you a great IT career.

8 Certifications to begin your IT career with

1. CompTia A+

At the top of the list, the A+ certification is one of the most popular ways for people to break into the computer business. The A+ certifies you as a computer technician and covers topics such as hardware, OS, and networking. 6 months of technician experience is recommended and two exams are required. So sign up now to get your A+ certification. More: CompTia A+

2. Microsoft Certified Professional

To get any Microsoft certification, this will be the first stepping stone. You will be an MCP once you take your first exam and until you complete the exams needed for any other Microsoft certification (MCSA, MCSE, etc.). More: MCP

3. Microsoft Certified Desktop Service Technician

If you like to troubleshoot, then this certification is for you. You'll take two exams and then be able to support end user desktop systems. More: MCDST

4. CompTia Security+

Two years of networking experience is recommended for this certification so the true IT newbie might be in over their head with this one. However, security is a big issue and if you have the familiarity to take the one exam required, the Security+ certification works as a prerequisite for the MCSA and CNE. More: Security+

5. CIW Associate

If you are into internet technologies and would like to define your skills, then go for the Certified Internet Webmaster (CIW) certification. The Associate level requires only one exam called the Foundation exam, which covers html, dhtml, networking, graphics, and internet history. From there you can advance to the Professional and Master CIW levels. More: CIW

Network+ focuses on the technical knowledge needed for support and administration of networking systems. This is still an entry-level certification but is designed for those with at least nine months of practical networking experience. More Network+

7. CCNA

This certification will require some dedicated training if you are new to IT and may be tough for those considering a career change, but well worth the effort. Cisco certifications are popular and respected. Once you have the experience to back up the cert, you will be able to move on to the advanced Cisco certifications. More: Cisco

8. Microsoft Office Specialist

If you have experience with Microsoft Office products, you can achieve a Microsoft Office Specialist certification on any one product such as Word, or Excel by taking a single exam. A Master designation requires several exams and comprehensive knowledge of multiple products. More Info

Why Should I Get Certified?

Certifications build solid careers. Having a professional certification gives you an edge when you're applying for a job or are up for a promotion. It's proof of your abilities and adds to your resume. Many employers prefer to hire certified employees.

What's a Certification?

Having a professional certification means you passed an exam that validates your knowledge and abilities in a particular area. Vendor-neutral certifications are a great way to break into the IT field because they provide a broad knowledge base and are not limited to only one product or company. Or vendor certifications provide a specific knowledge base that is limited to a single product or company

Certifications

Microsoft

CompTIA

Novell

Cisco

Hewlett-Packard

IBM

Symantec

Certiport

Certified Internet Webmaster

Oracle

ECDL

Look at the full selection of courses available

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