SINDH MADRESSATUL ISLAM UNIVERSITY
KARACHI
ASSIGNMENT NO: 01
SUBMITTED TO:
Dr. Kamlesh Kumar
SUBMITTED BY:
VISHAL MAHESHWARY
STUDENT ID: BSE-20F-143
DEPARTMENT OF BS. SOFTWARE ENGINEERING
Certifications in IT:
The trend towards remote and hybrid teams has led to increased workload for IT
departments, resulting in their expansion. Consequently, the demand for tech
professionals in the hiring market has surged. During the resume evaluation
process, tech recruiters frequently prioritize reviewing an applicant's certifications.
Why? Because they seek candidates who possess current knowledge and expertise
in specific technologies or practices, ranging from fundamental help desk skills to
advanced proficiency in complex cloud environments. Some of the emerging
certification in IT are in these:
AWS certified cloud practitioner
Certified cloud security professional (CCSP)
Certified data privacy solutions engineer (CDPSE)
Certified data professional (CDP)
Certified ethical hacker (CEH)
Certified information security manager (CISM)
Certified information systems security professional (CISSP)
Cisco certified internetwork expert (CCIE)
Cisco certified network professional (CCNP)
CompTIA (A+, Cloud+, Security+)
Microsoft Certified Azure Solutions Architect
Microsoft certified solutions associate/expert (MCSA/MCSE)
Information technology infrastructure library (ITIL)
Oracle database and MySQL administration certifications
Project management professional (PMP)
Salesforce certified development lifecycle and deployment designer
Best IT certifications for beginners
Are you new to the IT field and looking to kick-start your career? Consider pursuing
the following introductory certifications, as they are highly regarded and can greatly
enhance your prospects of securing your first IT job:
CompTIA Certification:
One of the most valuable certifications offered by CompTIA for IT professionals is
CompTIA A+. This foundational certificate focuses on hardware, technical support,
and troubleshooting. It covers essential aspects such as security best practices,
networking, operational procedures, mobile devices, and various operating systems.
Microsoft Technology Professional:
Microsoft, a prominent technology company, provides an entry-level certification
known as Microsoft Technology Professional (MTA). This certification encompasses
several subjects, including IT infrastructure. It covers the fundamentals of Windows
Operating System, Windows Server Administration, networking, and cybersecurity.
Additionally, it offers certifications in areas like database fundamentals and
software/web development, which include topics such as .NET, gaming, HTML5, and
more.
Each of these subjects within MTA is considered a separate certification, allowing
you to acquire multiple MTAs based on your career requirements. No mandatory
study or minimum professional experience is necessary, so you can take the exams
when you feel adequately prepared.
Best midlevel Microsoft certifications
After obtaining an entry-level certification like MTA, you may consider pursuing an
intermediate certification from Microsoft to advance your career further. These
certifications can significantly enhance your IT resume. Here are two notable
intermediate certifications:
Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE):
MCSE certifications are available in various specializations, demonstrating your
expertise in managing servers, data systems, storage, private clouds, networking,
and more. Holding an MCSE certification showcases your proficiency in these areas,
making you a valuable asset in the IT industry.
Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD):
Achieving the MCSD certification signifies your ability to design and develop
applications across a wide range of Windows products. This certification validates
your skills in creating impactful software solutions, solidifying your credibility as a
developer in the industry.
Both MCSE and MCSD certifications are highly regarded in the technology field, and
obtaining either of them can make your IT resume stand out from the competition.
Best certifications for networking
Cisco, being a leading provider of infrastructure products, offers certifications that
validate your knowledge of the latest developments and best practices in networking.
The following are essential Cisco certifications:
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA):
CCNA is a significant advancement from Cisco's entry-level certification. It allows
specialization in various areas such as cloud, collaboration, cyber operations, data
center, industrial/IoT, routing and switching, security, service provider, and wireless.
Obtaining a CCNA certification demonstrates your expertise in the chosen
specialization.
Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP):
Building upon the associate level, CCNP is an advanced IT certification in one of the
specialty areas mentioned above. You can specialize in CCNP Enterprise, Data
Center, Security, Service Provider, or Collaboration. The CCNP certification
showcases a higher level of proficiency and knowledge in the specific area of
expertise.
By acquiring Cisco certifications like CCNA and CCNP, you establish your
competence in networking, staying abreast of industry advancements and
positioning yourself as a qualified professional in the field.
Best certifications for IT security
In the current landscape of hacking and cyberattacks, there is a high demand for
professionals in security and risk management. The following IT certifications are
highly valuable in this rapidly growing field:
Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA):
Managed by ISACA, the CISA certification is considered the cornerstone in their
certification programs. It targets information systems professionals responsible for
monitoring, controlling, and assessing IT or business systems within a company.
Obtaining this certification requires five years of professional experience in the field.
Certified Information Security Manager (CISM):
CISM is the leading credential for information security managers who design, build,
and manage information security programs. To qualify for this certification, you must
have a minimum of five years of experience in information systems, with at least
three years as a security manager.
Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC):
The CRISC certification validates professionals and project managers who are
responsible for information security and its overall impact on an enterprise. It covers
areas such as risk identification, risk assessment, risk response and mitigation, and
risk control monitoring and reporting.
Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT):
CGEIT demonstrates your understanding of enterprise IT governance principles and
practices. It is highly sought-after in the IT industry and often commands high
salaries.
Cybersecurity Nexus (CSX-P):
CSX-P certification, offered in a time of ever-evolving cybersecurity threats,
showcases your up-to-date knowledge of security standards and risks.
Other valuable IT certifications in the security field include
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH):
Offered by EC-Council, the CEH certification is popular among professionals
specializing in penetration testing. It is often a prerequisite for positions such as
cyber forensics analyst, cybersecurity engineer, and applications developer.
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP):
CISSP is a widely recognized and in-demand cybersecurity certification. Designed
for experienced IT professionals, CISSP holders possess expertise in identifying
vulnerabilities in networked systems and developing policies to safeguard systems
and minimize risk.
Global Information Assurance Certifications (GIAC):
GIAC certifications cover various categories in information security, including cyber
defence, penetration testing, incident response and forensics, cybersecurity
management, audit and legal proficiencies, developer, and industrial control
systems. The highest level of GIAC certification is the GIAC Security Expert (GSE).
Obtaining any of these certifications will significantly enhance your skills and
qualifications in the field of cybersecurity and increase your value in the job market.
Best certifications for cloud computing
With the rise of cloud computing as the new standard in IT, a multitude of cloud-
related certifications have emerged. While some certifications are vendor-specific,
like Microsoft, VMware, and Amazon, there are also several certifications that focus
on general practices within this rapidly expanding field. Here are some of the top
certifications:
CompTIA Cloud+:
CompTIA Cloud+ covers essential aspects of cloud computing, encompassing
configuration, deployment, security, management, and troubleshooting. This
certification provides a comprehensive understanding of cloud computing principles.
VMware Certified Professional - Cloud Management and Automation (VCP-
CMA):
The VCP-CMA certification demonstrates proficiency in configuring and
administering VMware Vrealize environments. It showcases your ability to utilize
process automation for efficient day-to-day operations within a cloud management
and automation context.
AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional:
As the leading provider of cloud computing services, Amazon Web Services (AWS)
offers the AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional certification. This
credential validates your expertise in designing and deploying complex cloud
environments using AWS services.
Salesforce Certified Development Lifecycle and Deployment:
In the realm of cloud-based CRM, Salesforce expertise is highly sought after. The
Salesforce Certified Development Lifecycle and Deployment certification serves as a
foundational step towards becoming a Salesforce Certified Systems Architect. It
demonstrates your understanding of the development lifecycle and deployment
practices within the Salesforce ecosystem.
By acquiring these certifications, you establish your proficiency in cloud computing
and enhance your credentials in the rapidly evolving field, whether it's through
general cloud knowledge or specialized vendor-specific expertise.
Best management certifications
In the realm of IT operations, project management plays a vital role encompassing
planning, scheduling, budgeting, and execution. Certification in project management
can serve as a significant milestone towards securing managerial positions. Here are
some notable project management certifications:
Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM):
Offered by the highly respected Project Management Institute (PMI), the CAPM
certification is an ideal entry-level credential in project management. It validates
foundational knowledge and understanding of project management principles and
practices.
Project Management Professional (PMP):
Also provided by PMI, the PMP credential is one of the most prestigious
certifications in the project management profession. It signifies advanced knowledge,
skills, and experience in managing projects effectively. PMI also offers various
subspecialty certifications for professionals seeking to specialize in specific areas.
Certified Scrum Master (CSM):
The CSM certification, offered by the Scrum Alliance, is an entry-level certification
that demonstrates expertise in Scrum and Agile management practices. It
showcases your understanding of Scrum principles and your ability to contribute to
agile project teams.
By obtaining these certifications, you can showcase your competence and
proficiency in project management, opening up opportunities for advancement into
managerial roles. Whether it's the foundational CAPM, the prestigious PMP, or the
Agile-focused CSM, each certification demonstrates your commitment to
professional development and your ability to effectively manage projects.
Best help desk certifications
For IT professionals starting their careers in technical support and help desk roles,
obtaining relevant certifications can provide a competitive edge. Here are some
notable help desk certifications:
HDI Certifications:
Formerly known as the Help Desk Institute, HDI offers a range of certifications that
cater to different levels of expertise. These certifications include HDI Desktop
Support Technician (entry-level), HDI Support Centre Analyst, HDI Technical
Support Professional (popular among hiring managers), HDI Team Leader, HDI
Support Centre Team Lead, HDI Support Centre Manager, and HDI Support Centre
Director. These certifications cover various aspects of help desk functions and are
highly recognized in the industry.
ITIL:
Managed by AXELOS, a UK organization dedicated to promoting best practices in IT
service management, ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) is a widely
accepted framework for managing IT service delivery. ITIL offers five levels of
certifications, ranging from Foundation to Master. These certifications demonstrate
knowledge and proficiency in IT service management processes and methodologies.
Apple Certified Support Professional (ACSP):
The ACSP certification from Apple validates expertise in macOS support essentials.
It demonstrates your proficiency in providing support for Apple products and
platforms, showcasing your skills in troubleshooting and resolving issues related to
macOS.
By acquiring these help desk certifications, you can enhance your knowledge and
skills in technical support and IT service management. Whether it's HDI
certifications, ITIL, or Apple ACSP, these credentials will validate your expertise and
make you a sought-after professional in the field of help desk and technical support.
Best certifications in database, analytics
and other data technologies
Database technologies continue to play a crucial role in IT operations, while the
growth of big data and analytics presents new career opportunities. Certifications in
this field often revolve around specific provider platforms. Here are some notable
certifications related to database technologies:
Certified Data Professional (CDP):
Offered by the Institute for Certification of Computing Professionals (ICCP), the CDP
certification is one of the most comprehensive certifications for data professionals. It
consists of five tiers, ranging from foundation-level to executive management,
allowing you to specialize in various roles such as business analytics, data
governance, enterprise data architecture, data analytics, and data warehousing.
Oracle Certified Professional:
As the leading provider of databases, Oracle offers a range of certifications for
database professionals. These certifications cover various roles including database
administration, database application development, analytics, data warehousing, and
big data. Oracle certifications validate expertise in utilizing Oracle's database
technologies effectively.
SAP Certified Technology Associate:
This certification demonstrates your proficiency in installing, managing, monitoring,
migrating, and troubleshooting SAP's database technology. It showcases your ability
to work with SAP's database systems effectively and efficiently.
Microsoft SQL Server Certifications:
Similar to Oracle, Microsoft provides a range of certifications for professionals
working with Microsoft SQL Server. These certifications cover areas such as
database administration, business intelligence, data management, and analytics.
They validate skills in working with Microsoft's SQL Server platform and related
technologies.
CCIE Data Center:
The CCIE Data Center certification from Cisco showcases expert-level skills required
to plan, prepare, operate, monitor, and troubleshoot complex data center networks. It
demonstrates a high level of proficiency in designing and managing data center
infrastructure.
By obtaining these certifications, you can enhance your expertise and credibility in
the field of database technologies. Whether it's the comprehensive CDP, platform-
specific certifications like Oracle and Microsoft SQL Server, or specialized
certifications like SAP and CCIE Data Center, each certification validates your skills
and knowledge in utilizing specific database technologies effectively.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the IT industry offers a wide range of certifications that can enhance
career prospects and demonstrate expertise in various domains. From foundational
certifications like CompTIA A+ and Microsoft Technology Professional to
intermediate certifications like MCSE and CCNA, professionals can acquire valuable
credentials to stand out in the competitive job market. Specialized certifications in
areas such as security, cloud computing, project management, help desk support,
and database technologies provide avenues for career advancement and
specialization. By obtaining these certifications, IT professionals can validate their
skills, stay updated with industry trends, and seize new opportunities in the ever-
evolving IT landscape.
