There are various good reasons to pursue IT certifications. Folks that are trying to find a way to get started within the technology field can use entry level certifications to show that they have a base amount of knowledge. Those that seem to be employed within the technology field may seek certification as being an avenue to pursue a greater paying position. There is some difference of opinion about which certifications will be the most helpful to one's career.

The choice of certification should involve determining what one's career goals are. One's current level of experience and skill set also plays a role when choosing which certification to pursue. A person that is seeking an basic level position should seek an entry level certification. Microsoft, Cisco, and CompTIA all offer basic level certifications. The vendor neutral certifications offered by CompTIA have some advantages because they are not tied to one single vendor. The Network+ certification would be an option for all those seeking a profession in networking. Security skills are sought after by many employers, making the Security+ certification another basic level certification that's beneficial for people entering the technology field.

For people with some experience, Microsoft has some really good certifications to choose from. Because most companies use Microsoft products, it is vital to have a good understanding of those products. Microsoft has a variety of certification paths. Programmers, system administrators, desktop support professionals, and help desk analysts all have their very own certification tracks. The novice certification for Microsoft will be the Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCST), which is achieved by passing any Microsoft exam. The next higher amount of certification is the Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP), which is achieved by passing between three and five exams, based on the certification track that is chosen.

Security is becoming more important as threats against companies continue to improve. You can find a number of different certifications from different vendors within the security field. The most respected of these is the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). This certification requires two years of IT security experience as a prerequisite. The certification exam is a difficult exam that requires in-depth knowledge of IT security.

People enthusiastic about a career in the networking field should consider certifications by Cisco. The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNS) is Cisco's elementary certification. It entails passing one exam to become certified. The Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) will be the next higher level of certification. It requires passing three exams. The CCNA and CCNP are well respected certifications that many employers require for their networking positions.

One of the more popular certifications for all those who are beginning their career in technology is CompTIA's A+ Certification. It takes passing two exams that cover the basic principles of computer hardware and aws sysops classes ( simply click the following article - http://hrilab.tufts.edu:22280/victorgreenwood ) operating systems. It provides an effective foundation to build upon with more advanced certifications. It's sought after by many employers since they know that A+ Certified individuals have the skills needed to begin as novice technicians.

Many people ask why they should get certified at all. In today's competitive employment market, people who have certifications will have an edge over individuals that do not have certifications. Studying for a certification also increases ones knowledge level for a particular technology. Certification just isn't a replacement for real life experience. The very best way to advance ones profession is to combine IT certifications with real world experience on the job.