There are a number of technology certification programs. Some of them are sponsored by software vendors, some by vendor-neutral organizations, and some by educational institutions. But which are the skills and certifications that can give you an edge over the others on getting the job?
Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS)
MCTS helps IT staff validate skills in installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting a specific Microsoft technology. The MCTS certifications are designed to communicate the skills and expertise a holder possesses on a specific platform. For example, candidates won't earn an MCTS on SQL Server 2008. Instead, they'll earn an MCTS covering SQL Server business intelligence, database creation or SQL server. MCTS credential enables professionals to target specific technologies, and is generally the first step toward the Professional-level certifications.
Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE)
CCIE is a vendor-sponsored certification, focusing on Cisco's products. It requires that the candidate passes both a written exam and a hands-on lab. Candidates have to choose from one of several tracks: Routing and Switching, Security, Storage Networking, Voice, and Service Provider. CCIEs must recertify every two years or the certification is suspended. CCIE accreditation captures most of the networking company's certification glory.
Cisco Certified Security Professional (CCSP)
CCSP focuses on skills related to securing networks that run Cisco routers and other equipment. Candidates are required to pass five written exams and must recertify every three years by passing one current exam. Before a candidate can take the CCSP exams, he must meet the prerequisites by obtaining one of Cisco's lower-level certifications, either the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) or the Cisco Certified Internetwork Specialist (CCIP). It focuses on skills related to securing networks that run Cisco routers and other equipment.
Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE)/Red Hat Certified Architect (RHCA)
RHCE is one of the well respected Linux certifications in the industry. The exam is performance-based. Candidates are required to perform actual network installation, configuration, troubleshooting, and administration tasks on a live system.
RHCA is an advanced certification that requires completion of five endorsement exams, each of which costs $749. Like the RHCE exam, they are hands-on skills tests. Candidates must have the RHCE certification to take the RHCA exams.
Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL)
ITIL certifications provide demonstration of knowledge and skills involved in management positions in IT services. There are three certification levels: Foundation, Practitioner, and Manager. The Manager level certification requires completion of a two-week training program, and candidates must have the Foundation certification and five years of IT management experience. Then, they must pass two three-hour exams consisting of essay questions. ITIL is intended to assist organizations in developing a framework for IT service management. Worldwide, ITIL is the most widely recognized qualification in IT service management.
International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB)
ISTQB is a software testing qualification certification organization. It is responsible for the international qualification scheme called "ISTQB Certified Tester". The qualifications are based on a syllabus, and there is a hierarchy of qualifications and guidelines for accreditation and examination. It is the ISTQB's role to support a single, universally accepted, international qualification scheme, aimed at software and system testing professionals, by providing the core syllabi and by setting guidelines for accreditation and examination for national boards.
Project Management Professional (PMP)
The Project Management Institute (PMI), a nonprofit organization that serves as a leading membership association for project management practitioners, maintains the PMP exam. The certification measures a candidate's project management expertise by validating skills and knowledge required to plan, execute, budget, and lead a technology project. Eligible candidates must have five years of project management experience or three years of project management experience and 35 hours of related education.
Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD)
MCPD accreditation measures a developer's ability to build and maintain software solutions using Visual Studio 2008 and Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5. Split into three certification paths (Windows Developer 3.5, ASP.NET Developer 3.5, and Enterprise Applications Developer 3.5), MCPD targets IT professionals tasked with designing, optimizing, and operating those Microsoft technologies to fulfill business needs.
Sun certified system administrator (SCSA)
SCSA gives the wide opportunity to professionals interested in imparting knowledge related to the Solaris operating system administrator. It's beneficial for all system administration professionals and linked with performing an essential system administration tasks on Solaris system. The basic requirements for SCSA certification is, to have deep knowledge of Solaris system and involves two examinations related to different versions of this operating system.
Oracle's Database administration (DBA)
Oracle has introduced a wide range of certification programs for entry level to experienced professionals and for domains ranging from database administration and database management to programming.
Oracle's OCA DBA 11g is an entry-level certification specifically designed to certify foundation skills required for database administration or application development. Its objectives are intended to measure a candidate's ability to work as a junior team member with database administrators or application developers. OCP DBA 11g develops, within the candidate, the skills of managing a large scale database and enhances the knowledge regarding the concepts and architecture relating to database, backup and recovery procedures. OCA DBA 10g is an entry-level certification specifically designed to certify foundation skills required for database administration or application development. OCP Certification DBA 10g validates a candidate's skills that include implementing and managing complex Oracle Database 10g functions, and recovering and tuning the database using advanced tools and technologies. OCA DBA 9i is an entry-level certification specifically designed to certify foundation skills required for database administration or application development.
