The Certifications That Matter Most

Every once in a while, IT training gurus step back and compile a list of the certifications that seem to matter most at that particular moment. The latest list, via Infoworld, is out now, and you can use it as a planning tool if you want to direct your career in a new direction. The highlights: 

Microsoft (MCSE, MCITP, MCTS)

Few businesses get along without a hearty helping of Microsoft-powered equipment, and the company offers a raft of specialized training programs for those who service its products. 

CompTIA (A+, Network+, Security+, Linux+)

The nonprofit Computing Technology Industry Association offers popular vendor-neutral certifications--a good option if you're seeking a consultant who has a mix of experience beyond a single brand. Among the certification options, the basic A+ [8] requires 400 hours of hands-on experience.

Cisco (CCNP, CCNA, CCiE)

Among the most popular certifications in the industry, the basic Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) covers installing and managing medium-size networks. It requires a passing mark on a $250 exam, and certification lasts for three years.

Apple (ACSP, ACTC)

A help-desk pro with Microsoft skills may not know how to manage Macs. For shops that rely on Apple products or use a mix of operating systems, Apple Certified Support Professional (ACSP) and Apple Certified Technical Coordinator (ACTC) cover basic support skills as evidenced by passing marks on tests that cost $200 and $400, respectively.

International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (CISSP)

If your company deals with proprietary information and has deep security needs, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification is known to be rigorous. People who qualify for it must have worked for at least five years in areas such as security architecture and design, and then must pass a $599 exam and pay an annual renewal fee.

Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA)

This advanced certification is reserved for IT security consultants and auditors with five years' experience. The test costs $415 or more. Tech consultants who earn this seal of approval enjoy a median annual salary of $87,000.

Project Management Professional (PMP)

This well-respected certification is for people with some college education and at least three years of project management experience. The median salary for PMP-certified IT project managers is $89,000.

Be sure to check out the entire article, which digs into that age-old question: How much do certifications really matter in the real world?

-- Don Willmott

The Certifications That Matter Most

Backlink: http://career-resources.dice.com/articles/content/entry/the_certifications_that_matter_most

Life-Time Certifications May Not Be Such a Great Thing

Early this year, CompTIA modified its certification renewal policy to come more in line with other players. Until the end of 2010, anyone who passs the A+, Network+, or Security+ certifications will be certified for life. But:

As of January 1, 2011, CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+ and ComptTIA Security+ Certifications are valid for three years from the date the candidate becomes certified. A'valid through' date will appear on all certificates and certified holder CompTIA ID cards.

The vendor neutral test service reversed a policy that was originally issued in January that effectively invalidated lifetime certification status for thousands who had already passed the tests. Under the new policy, certificate holders had less than two years to renew their certification, which is plenty of time but violated their original testing agreements.

The blowback from cert holders caused CompTIA to reverse policy a few weeks later. Those who have already passed the tests would keep their lifetime certification and the new policy would not go into effect until January 1, 2011.

That leaves a window of opportunity for those who have yet to take these tests to squeeze in under the wire. However, the lifetime certification comes with a caveat: After December 31, anyone certified will receive a "CE" next to their certification (indicating "Continuing Education"), essentially setting a two tier class of certs for the same test. The distinction of CE and non-CE certifications may show up on hiring managers' checklists. In an atmosphere of greater applicant scrutiny, the CE would carry more weight, which is what CompTIA wants.

It's up to the test taker. A lifetime certification is very tempting, but the status CE may have a greater impact.

By the way, Cisco professional level certifications are valid for three years. VMWare and Microsoft certifications do not expire.

-- Dino Londis 

Post originale: http://career-resources.dice.com/articles/content/entry/it_s_not_too_late