No, I’m not talking about your mental state. It’s just that an article in eWeek got my interest, when they posted the top 10 certifications for IT people. You can read the full article in eWeek here, but what follows is my review of what’s hot to have.
- PMP (Project Management Professional) from Project Management Institute – Shows knowledge and skills to manage projects to conclusion, on-time, on-budget and with the resources available
- MCSE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer) from Microsoft (of course) – All about showing you have skills in implementation, design and admin of Windows 20XX Server and other MS server technologies.
- A+ from CompTIA (this is not a grade, but an actual certification) – Shows that you have vendor-neutral tech support skills for installing networks and conducting maintenance and troubleshooting.
- CNAA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) from Cisco – This certification shows that you have skills in the installation, configuration, network protocola, wireless, security and in troubleshooting medium-size networks, both routed and switched.
- MCP (Microsoft Certified Professional) – Shows that you have a wide range of expertise and skills using Microsoft technologies.
- Network+ from CompTIA – Another vendor-neutral certification that shows you have competency in the management, maintenance, troubleshooting, installation and configuration of basic network infrastructures.
- CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) from ISC (International Informaiton Systems Security Certification Consortium) – Shows that you have a common body of knowledge in comprehensive systems security.
- MCSA (Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator) from Microsoft – Shows that you have demonstrated expertise in MS systems, troubleshooting networks in Windows Server environments.
- ITIL (IT Infrastructure Library) from the ITIL Certification Management Board – Shows that you have knowledge of IT operational best practices, with three tiers of ITIL available.
- Security+ from CompTIA – Shows demonstrated knowledge of system security, network infrastructures, access control processes and organizational security procedures.
There you have it. If you check out the entire article, you will find out how many job openings there happen to be as of March 13, 2010. There was also a companion article in channelinsider that covered “Tech Certifications That Pay the Best Salary.” You might be surprised!