Computer Certifications

In today's business world, computer and IT related certifications are almost always a must! This is apparent in almost any job posting that you see. Most employers will not consider an applicant if they do not posses a certification, or certifications, that show that the candidate has the required skill set relevant to the job. Certifications allow you to not only advance your skill set, but to make more money! Certifications equal money!! Depending on the certification, it may need to be renewed on an annual, semi-annual, or tri-annual basis, although, some certifications are good for life. Becoming re-certified, can vary depending on the certification type. Some certifications only require that you take another test, while others, like CPAs, require that you expand your knowledge by taking additional training courses and passing a test for that course.

To become certified in your field usually requires that you attend classes and then take a certification test. In many cases though, you can do your own studying and then take any required certification exam. The latter approach is significantly cheaper and allows you to study at your own pace.

Since every person does not pursue the same career path, there are many different certifications available, depending upon which path you choose. This site will help you determine what certifications are right for you, what is required to achieve that certification, and what self-study guides are available to you.

IT Certifications

General IT Certifications
Cisco Certifications
Citrix Certifications
Microsoft Certifications
Novell Certifications

General IT Certifications

IT certifications are generally specific to each software or hardware vendor, however, there are some basic, general certifications that are required even for entry level positions. Click on the title below to see recommended study guides.

  • CompTIA A+ Certification
    The CompTIA A+ certification shows that you are proficient with today's general IT technologies. This certification is vendor-neutral and confirms your ability to perform duties such as computer installations, configurations, problem diagnosis, preventative maintenance, and basic networking abilities.
  • CompTIA Network+ Certification
    The CompTIA Network+ certification shows that you are proficient with today's networking technologies. This certification is vendor-neutral and confirms you ability to describe the functions and features of network components. It also shows your ability to install, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot basic network components, protocols, and services.

Cisco Certifications

Cisco has long been one of the leaders in networking technologies. Cisco routers handle the majority of the internet packet routing. Top companies all over the world use Cisco routers and switches to handle their internal and external network traffic. Cisco has three levels of certifications: Associate, Professional, and Expert. Within each level are different career paths. Click on the title below to see more information about the certification and recommended study guides.

Associate Certifications - the first level in Cisco certifications

  • CCENT
    Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician validates the skills required for entry-level network support positions, the starting point for many successful careers in networking.
  • CCNA
    Cisco Certified Network Associates certification validates the ability to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot medium-size routed and switched networks, including implementation and verification of connections to remote sites in a WAN.
  • CCDA
    Cisco Certified Design Associates certification indicates a foundation or apprentice knowledge of network design for the Cisco converged network. CCDA certified professionals can design routed and switched network infrastructures and services involving LAN, WAN, and broadband access for businesses and organizations.

Professional Certifications - the second level in Cisco certifications

  • CCDP
    Cisco Certified Design Professional certification indicates advanced journeyman knowledge of intelligent network design concepts and principles.
  • CCIP
    Cisco Certified Internetwork Professional certification provides individuals working in service provider organizations with competencies in infrastructure IP networking solutions.
  • CCNP
    Cisco Certified Network Professional certification validates a network professional's ability to install, configure and troubleshoot converged local and wide area networks with 100 to 500 or more nodes.
  • CCSP
    Cisco Certified Security Professional certification validates advanced knowledge and skills required to secure Cisco networks.
  • CCVP
    Cisco Certified Voice Professional certification recognizes the increased importance placed on IT professionals of today who are responsible for integrating voice technology into underlying network architectures.

Expert Certifications - the highest level in Cisco certifications

  • CCDE
    Cisco Certified Design Expert certification validates that the holder possess advanced network infrastructure design principles and fundamentals for large networks.
  • CCIE
    Cisco Certified Internetworking Professional certification identifies networking professionals with the highest level of expertise.

Citrix Certifications

Citrix is the innovator and leader in application delivery and desktop redirection software. Click on the title below to see more information about the certification and recommended study guides.

  • CCA
    The Citrix Certified Administrator certification program focuses on the skills and knowledge foundation necessary to successfully support an existing implementation of specific Citrix products.
  • CCEA
    The Citrix Certified Enterprise Administrator certification program focuses on expanding the skills and knowledge beyond that of the Citrix Certified Administrator (CCA) certification program.
  • CCIA
    The Citrix Certified Integration Architect certification program focuses on best practices recommended by Citrix for analysis, design, and build/test of Citrix technologies.

Microsoft Certifications

Microsoft, as you can imagine, has the largest type and variety of certifications. Microsoft has several different levels of certifications within each technology type. Click on the title below to see more information about the certification and recommended study guides.

  • MCP
    The Microsoft Certified Professional certification is a one-exam certification that demonstrates your skills on legacy Microsoft technologies.
  • MCTS
    The Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist certification displays your expertise in one specific technology.
  • MCITP
    The Microsoft IT Professional certification builds on your core technology expertise to demonstrate your key IT professional job-role skills.
  • MCPD
    The Microsoft Certified Professional Developer certification complements your core technology expertise to demonstrate your key developer job-role skills.
  • MCDST
    The Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician certification is for IT professionals who want to demonstrate their technical expertise supporting end-users and troubleshooting desktop environments that are running the Microsoft Windows operating system.
  • MCSA
    The Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator certification is for IT professionals who want to demonstrate their technical expertise managing and troubleshooting system environments running on Windows operating systems.
  • MCSE
    The Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer certification is for IT professionals who want to demonstrate their technical expertise in designing and implementing business solutions based on the Windows platform and Windows Server system.
  • MCDBA
    The Microsoft Certified Database Administrator certification is for IT professionals who want to demonstrate their technical expertise designing, implementing, and administering SQL Server 2000 databases.
  • MCAP
    The Microsoft Certified Application Professionals certification is for office workers who want to demonstrate their advanced cross-industry and cross-job role capabilities by using the 2007 Microsoft Office system and Microsoft Office SharePoint Server sites.
  • MOS
    The Microsoft Office Specialists certification is for office workers who want to demonstrate their advanced skills with Microsoft desktop software.
  • MCAD
    The Microsoft Certified Application Developer is for developers who want to demonstrate their technical expertise using Microsoft Visual Studio, the Microsoft .NET Framework, and Web services.
  • MCSD
    The Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer is for developers who want to demonstrate their advanced skills designing enterprise solutions by using Microsoft development tools and technologies, including the Microsoft .NET Framework.

Novell Certifications

Novell is one of the industry leaders in networking software. They have been a global infrastructure software and services company since 1983. More recently they have become one of the leaders in Linux software packages. Click on the title below to see more information about the certification and recommended study guides.

  • CLA
    The Certified Linux Administrator certification is a new certification and provides the day-to-day administration skills of installed SUSE Linux Enterprise Server networks.
  • CLDA
    The Certified Linux Desktop Administrator certification is designed for candidates who are familiar with Windows desktop versions and desire in-depth knowledge on tasks a Linux system administrator performs on SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 10.
  • NCA
    The Novell Certified Administrator certification is designed for network administrators and other network management professionals who have little or no experience with Novell products and services.
  • NCE
    The Novell Certified Engineer certification will validate that the candidate has acquired and can demonstrate engineer-level skills in a specific area of Novell product expertise.
  • NCLP10
    The Novell Certified Linux Professional 10 certification proves that the candidate has the skills needed to successfully administrate SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 10 in the data center.
  • NCLE10
    The Novell Certified Linux Engineer 10 certification proves engineer-level skills for managers or architects of enterprise networks based on SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 10.
  • CNA
    The Certified Novell Administrator certification will validate that the candidate has the skills necessary for the day-to-day administration of installed Novell networking products.
  • CNE
    The Certified Novell Engineer certification has been recognized as the IT industry's leading certification for advanced networking and troubleshooting.
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