Friday, April 18, 2014

RHT: Which IT Certifications Are Most Valuable?

by Clea Badion  Robert Half Technology
April 18, 2014


Depending on the needs of an IT department, IT certifications can help give you a boost in the job search process.

The right professional designation can be a career-booster: IT certifications provide clear evidence of your knowledge of a particular technology or practice, can increase your earning potential and can be a beneficial part of lifelong learning.
IT certifications also are an important consideration for managers hiring technology professionals, although the value placed on them depends on the needs of the IT department.

With so many IT certifications available, it can be hard to know which one will do the most to give you a boost in your career. “Which IT Certifications Are Most Helpful in Getting Ahead?“, an article by Robert Half Technology’s senior executive director, John Reed, is a helpful roundup of the most valuable professional designations.

Check out this link or read on:

“Whether you’re a tech pro looking to expand your skills or a job candidate aiming to impress a prospective employer, earning IT certifications could be one way to stand out in your career. In today’s specialist economy, certifying your skills quickly shows what you know — to recruiters and hiring managers — and can help you gain an edge when it comes to job promotions and salary negotiations.

Here’s a roundup of some of the most valuable certifications in the technology today.

Microsoft Certification Program (MCP)
This tech giant makes some of the most widely used software packages and operating systems in the world, which means attaining one of MCP’s many IT certifications can serve you across various job categories and industries. Here are some of the main ones:
  • MOS: Being certified as a Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS), MOS Expert or MOS Master attests to competence in Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Access, SharePoint, OneNote and Exchange. Not just for administrative professionals, these certifications are also helpful for tech workers in cloud computing and general tech support.
  • MCSE: Universally recognized, the Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) shows that you have the skills to manage servers, data systems, storage, private clouds, networking and more.
  • MCSD: Getting a Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD) certification shows that you have what it takes to design and create apps across a wide range of Windows products. It is among the top 10 highest-paying IT certifications, according to Global Knowledge.
ISACA Certifications

An IT governance professional organization, ISACA manages four global certification programs, three of which are highlighted below.
  • CISA: ISACA calls Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) its cornerstone certification. As the name indicates, it’s aimed at information systems (IS) auditors and is useful for professionals who monitor, control and assess a company’s IT or business systems. The prerequisite for taking the exam is five years of experience.
  • CISM: Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) is appropriate for those who work in management and focus on information risk management. To qualify, one has to have at least five years of IS experience and three years of experience as a security manager.
  • CRISC: The most recent of ISACA’s certifications, Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) launched in 2010 as a way to accredit IT professionals and project managers who are adept at identifying and analyzing risks through information systems. People with this certification are in high demand, partly because not many have earned it yet and partly because it’s difficult to attain. But the effort may be worth it, as CRISC (pronounced SEE-risk) holders have seen their average pay rise more than nine percent in the second half of 2013, according to aFoote Partners survey of over 150,000 IT workers. Exams are offered only twice a year, and qualifications include three years of experience in at least three of the five domains that the certification covers.
Certifications in Cloud Computing

Although cloud credentials are relatively new, it’s an exciting addition to the growing pool of IT certifications. There are several available, with many being specific to vendors — HP, IBM, Microsoft, EMC, VMware and so on. Some cloud certifications cover all types of vendors and, therefore, offer a more general perspective of this fast-growing industry.CompTIA Cloud Essentials is one of those comprehensive certifications, and covers everything from the business side to the IT side of cloud services.

Project Management Institute (PMI) Certifications
This professional group offers seven credentials. The most recognized one is the Project Management Professional. PMP covers all stages of project management: initiating, planning, executing, controlling, monitoring and closing. Those who don’t have all the prerequisites for the PMP can work toward a Certified Associate Project Management (CAPM) certification.

According to the Robert Half Technology 2014 Salary Guide, employers prefer to hire certified professionals, especially those who also have college degrees and real-world experience. Those who put in the effort to obtain credentials can expect larger salaries and quicker movement up the career ladder, not to mention a healthy shot of self-confidence.”



— Clea Badion

Clea Badion is an editor for the RHT Blog. She’s been writing about the workplace, career trends and technology for the past decade. Clea has 15 years of professional writing and editing experience and a master’s degree in visual studies. She’s a little obsessed with cute animal videos and the show ”American Ninja Warrior.” Follow her on Twitter @cleabadion.

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