Friday, May 21, 2010

IT Certifications

IT Certifications

Cisco Certifications

Cisco Systems launched the widely respected certification programs for the computer network professionals, IT managers, technical support executives and for the IT professionals. Cisco Certified Professionals are among the highly paid salaried persons in the world. Cisco validates the individual’ achievements and technical expertise, which gives them respect in the IT industry. The tests are administered by the Pearson VUE. There are three levels of certifications Associate, Professional and Expert.

In addition to the levels, there are six different paths such as routing and switching, network security and service provider, storage networking, voice and design. Candidates can select the path according to their job roles and industry. There are specialization tracks in the focused area to increase the knowledge of a specific technology such as IP telephony, wireless and security.

Routing and switching is the most popular certification track so far. In this article you will get the basic overview of some of the most common Cisco Certifications and certification tracks.

General Certifications

  • CCNA
  • CCNP
  • CCIE
  • CCDP
  • CCDA
  • CCSP
  • CCIP

Wireless LAN Certifications

  • Cisco Advanced Wireless LAN Design Specialist
  • Cisco Advanced Wireless LAN Field Specialist
  • Cisco Advanced Wireless LAN Sales Specialist

VPN AND SECURITY CERTIFICATIONS

  • Cisco Firewall Specialist
  • Cisco IOS Security Specialist
  • Cisco IPS Specialist
  • Cisco Information Security Specialist
  • Cisco Security Sales Specialist
  • Cisco Network Admission Control Specialist
  • Cisco Security Solutions and Design Specialist
  • Cisco VPN Specialist

IP Communications Certifications

  • Cisco Advanced IP Communications Sales Specialist
  • Cisco IP Communications Express Specialist
  • Cisco IP Communications Express Sales Specialist
  • Cisco IP Contact Center Express Specialist
  • Cisco IP Telephony Design Specialist
  • Cisco Rich Media Communications Specialist
  • Cisco Unity Design Specialist
  • Cisco Unity Support Specialist

Data Center Certifications

  • Cisco Data Center Networking Infrastructure Design Specialist
  • Cisco Data Center Networking Infrastructure Support Specialist
  • Cisco Data Center Networking Sales Specialist
  • Data Center Storage Networking
  • Cisco Data Center Storage Networking Design Specialist
  • Cisco Data Center Storage Networking Support Specialist
  • Cisco Data Center Storage Networking Sales Specialist

Advanced Routing and Switching

  • Cisco Routing and Switching Field Specialist
  • Cisco Routing and Switching Sales Specialist
  • Cisco Routing and Switching Solutions Specialist

Microsoft 

MCSE

Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) is designed for the professionals who are some requirements of analyzing the business, designing, making infrastructure, and implementing the securities at certain levels. MCSE is based on the Microsoft Windows 2000 platform and Windows NT platform (though many of the NT exams have been obsolete now). The Windows 2003 server has been merged into the MCSE exam.

MCSE certification does not retire but the newer versions are released by the Microsoft after few years. So the candidate has to be upgraded himself/herself with these latest exams. There are no specific requirements for the MCSE certifications. Those candidates who have one year experience in managing a computer network, network or desktop operating systems, will be considered suitable for this exam. Job descriptions and roles including after achieving the MCSE are Systems engineer, Network Engineer, Network Consultant, and Systems Analyst.

There is a 7 exams pass requirement for this certification and the candidates how are holding the MCSE 2000, are required to give 2-upgrade exams. By passing these exams you can achieve Windows Server 2000 MCSE exam.



Comptia Certifications

IT has major involvement in the businesses around the world. Comptia certifications have earned a great repute in the IT industry and they pave the ways for the IT professionals to build the sold career. Comtia (Computing Technologies Industries Association) is a non profit trade association founded in 1982. It has been an association of more than 8000 IT companies. The certifications by Comptia are categorized as entry level and they does not require upgradation. These certifications include A+, Network+, Server+, Linux+, Security+, CDIA+, CTT, Project+ and HTI+ etc. Comptia offers a wide range of the certifications that meets the requirements of the IT sector.


A+

A+ Exam is comprised on the computer hardware and operating system technologies. A+ validates the skills of the computer support persons. It confirms the ability of the individuals to perform certain tasks, which includes installations, configurations, maintenance, diagnosing and computer networking. Many technology companies have made A+ certification essential for their computer technicians. The technical roles for the A+ certified professionals are PC technician, PC Support specialist, Desktop support technician and help desk professional.


Network+

Network+ is a vendor neutral certification that validates the networking skills of the professionals. It validates the Network+ certified people can install, configure, troubleshoot the computer network devices, applications, protocols and services. It is recommended that Network+ candidates should have at least nine months of experience in the network support and administration and A+ certification. Many corporations such as Microsoft, Nortel, Novell, Cisco, HP and Lotus recognize Comptia as the part of their certification track. The job roles for the Network+ certified include network administrators, Systems administrators and Systems support technician.


Server+

Server+ is a vendor neutral certification for the individuals with the more than 18 months of experience in the Industry Standard Server Architecture Technology. Server+ certifies the knowledge in the technical areas such as RAID, SCSI, disaster recovery and multiple CPUs. It is recommend that Server+ candidates should have A+ certification.


Security+

Security+ validates the knowledge of communication security, cryptography, operation security, infrastructure security and general security concepts. It is recommend that Security+ candidates should have at least 2 years of practical experience in the computer networking and on securities. Many big corporations including Sun, IBP, Hitachi, Motorola and Symantec recommend Security+ certifications for their employees.


Linux+

Linux+ is a vendor netural certification that validates the candidate’s skills and practical knowledge of Linux. Linux+ can explain the fundamentals of the Linux system. Industry recognizes the Linux+ individuals for managing the Linux based clients and server systems.


CTT+

CTT+ is a vendor neutral certification that is designed for the training professionals in all industries. CTT+ validates the instructor’s skills that include preparation, presentation, communication and evaluation in a classroom environment.

CDIA stands for Certified Document Imaging Architech and it validates the skills and knowledge of the professionals who deliver the document imaging solutions and in the design, plan and management of the imaging systems.



SUN Certifications

Sun certification is a professional certification program by the Sun Microsystems. Sun systems offer a wide range of the certifications from the entry level to high level. These certifications are highly reputable and recognized industry wide. The common certifications are SCBCD, SCDJWS, SCJD, SCJP, SCMAD, SCNA10, SCNA9, SCSA10, SCSA9, SE, SCMAD, SCSSSE, SSBB and SCWCD. The sun certifications are particularly targeted towards the Java technologies sun Solaris operating system and Java programming language. In this article, you will find the basic overview of the some of the most common Sun certifications.

Sun Certified Associate for the Java Platform

This certification is designed for the IT students who want to become the Java programmers or programs manager and who wish to work in the software related industry.

Sun Certified Java Programmer

SCJP is an entry level certification and is a prerequisite for many advanced level certifications. It has been designed to assess the skills of the individuals about the Java programming languages, network programming, variables, GUI and others.

Sun Certified System Administrator for Solaris

The Sun Certified Systems Administrator for Solaris focus on the in depth knowledge about the Sun Solaris operating system and Solaris commands management, network administration, user management, security, user creation, system backup and restore.

Sun Certified Business Component Developer for J2EE Platform

The Sun Certified Business Component Developer for J2EE platform is focused towards the development of the Java components, distributed applications by using J2EE platform, Java beans and others. It is an advanced level certification, which requires that the candidate should be Sun Certified Programmer for the Java 2 Platform.

Sun Certified Java Developer

Sun Certified Java Developer is an advanced level certification. This certification is targeted towards the individuals who want to develop real world commercial application by using the Java technologies and platforms.

Sun Certified Mobile Application Developer (SCMAD)

Sun Certified Mobile Application Developer certification is geared towards the individuals who want to develop mobile applications by using the Java platform and technologies such as WMA, MMAPI, CLDC, MIDP and JTWI.

Sun Certified Network Administrator for Solaris

Sun Certified Network Administrator for Solaris certifications focuses on the networking skills of the candidates. It is recommended that the candidate should have 3-4 years prior experience before appearing in this certification. SCNA assess the networking skills, Solaris system administration, configuring Solaris IP filtering, network administration, management and network security.

Sun Certified Solaris Security Administrator

Sun Certified Solaris Security Administrator (SCSECA) concentrates the security features of the Sun Solaris operating system including Solaris zones, cryptography, rights management, user managements and installing/configuring the additional security features.

Sun Certified Enterprise Architect for Java Technology

Sun Certified Enterprise Architect for the Java EE Platform (SCEA) certification is an advanced level certification by the Sun Microsoft, which certifies the skills of the software architect. The candidate should have the basic concepts of the Java technology, UML design project by using the Java EE technology and essay exam regarding the design project.

Sun Certified Web Component Developer for J2EE

PlatformThe Sun Certified Web Component Developer (SCWCD) certification is focused on the Java technologies and components including Java Servlets and JSP (Java Server Pages).



CIW Certifications

CIW (Certified Internet Webmaster) by Prosoft is a vendor neutral certification track that is designed to access the knowledge and skills of the individuals about the internet technologies, e-commerce, securities, networking, HTML, XHTML, web application development, database development, e-business solutions, website design and administration. CIW Certifications are not limited to a specific company’s product as Microsoft, Cisco, IBP and Comptia etc. CIW has become the industry standard for validating the skills of the webmasters throughout the world. A certified webmaster, designer and developer have better chance for getting the business from the worldwide customers. CIW certification program is the world’s faster growing certification track.

This article provides the basic overview of the CIW certification tracks and the job roles for the CIW certified professionals. CIW validates the skills of candidates at the Associate, Professional and Master levels. CIW is being endorsed and supported by the world’s largest governing authorities. The job roles for the CIW certified professionals are based on the internationally accepted standards. CIW certified are in high demand in small to big enterprise level organizations.

CIW Associate

CIW possesses the skills and hands on experience on the web technologies, network infrastructure, HTML and web authorization.

CIW Professional

CIW Professional status is acquired by passing any of the eight CIW job roles exams. At least two exams are required to pass to earn the CIW professional status. CIW Professional certification can be earned in the website design, server administration, security, database and application development.

CIW Associate Design Specialist

To earn a CIW Associate Design Specialist status you need to pass at least two exams. The certification is based on the web design techniques and tools.

Master CIW Designer

Master CIW Designer certification is geared towards the web designer, web marketing specialist, art director and creative director. The job roles for the Master CIW Designer include developing and maintaining the websites using the scripting languages, digital media and standard technologies for B2B and B2C websites.

CIW Security Analyst

CIW Security Analysts are responsible for protecting the assets of an organization from the internal and external threats. You need to pass at least one CIW certification or hold a valid network administration certified to become a CIW Security Analyst.

Master CIW Web Site Manager

This certification is geared towards the web site managers who posses the multiple, cross-functional web skills that are required to manage an online business. Master CIW website Manager Posses the skills in the server administration, scripting languages, basic computer networking, website authorization and website design techniques.

Master CIW Administrator

This certification is designed for the professional who want to make their career in the computer networking, server or intranet administration. Master CIW Administrator is responsible for developing the network infrastructure of an organization, monitoring and network performance and security the computer network.

Master CIW Enterprise Developer

This certification is designed for the individuals who want to build the enterprise level applications and implement e-business solutions for the corporate organizations. Master CIW Enterprise Developers posses the advanced level skills in the programming languages and in the database management.


CISSP Certification

CISSP stands for the Certified Information Systems Security Professional. This is an advanced level certification that is geared towards the security professionals who have at least four years of experience in the field of information security and detailed understanding of the security technologies and concepts. ISC2 (the International Information System Security Certification Consortium) promotes the CISSP exam. ISC2 is a stepping stone on the way to CISSP and SSCP.

The exam lasts for the six hours and consist of 250 multiple choice questions on the major information security topics including cryptography, access control systems, security management, designing and implementations of the security policies, physical security, internet security, telecommunications, risk analysis, malware, patch management, antivirus, security architecture, firewall, data center, law investigations and implementations of the other security technologies.

The exam cost is $450 and it lasts for the three years. Every three years, the recertification is required with the 120 hours of continued education. The recertification fees in $85. CISSP candidates must agree to the CISSP code of ethics. Due to the long length of the exam and broad range of the coverage, this exam is considered as the somewhat difficult. The SSCP exam is relatively easy as compared to the CISSP exam.

CISSP certified are responsible for implementing the security policies, procedures and protecting the organization’s assets from internal and external security threats including hacking attacks, viruses, spyware, malware, adware, phishing attacks, intruders and from unauthorized access to the network resources.

CISSP is regarded as the primary security certification for the IT professionals around the world. The IT professionals who want to earn the CISSP certification must have a vast practical experience in the information security field. There are many online resources for learning the CISSP.

The seven information domains for the CISSP exam are administration, access control, auditing/monitoring, cryptography, application and system development, business continuity and disaster recovery planning, operations security, physical security, Law/investigations, security management practices, security architecture and models and data communications/telecommunication, network and internet security.

The job roles include security consultant, security professional and the job of the CISSP certified professional can call in any kind of organization from small to multinational organizations. CISSP is a senior level exam, which is designed to access the candidate’s skills of implementing and maintaining the information security infrastructure in a small to corporate level multination organization. The exam certifies your knowledge, skills and expertise of managing the security related issues, business management practices, physical security, cyber crime laws, cryptography and data communications.



Citrix Certifications

Citrix CCA, CCEA and CCIA are among the hottest IT certifications. These certifications offer the knowledge of the Citrix products and technology. Citrix products allow to access the server based applications regardless of the operating system being used on the server side. Citrix Administrators are required to have the strong knowledge in the Windows based operating systems and the Citrix products. According to the Citrix website, 90% of the top 500 fortune companies are using the Citrix products.

These products provide the centralized management of the IT infrastructure and reduce the overall operational cost. The certifications are geared towards the IT professionals who want to deliver the application solutions in a complex IT environment and optimizing the performance of the WAN applications. Citrix offers the following certifications.

CCA (Citrix Certified Administrator)

CCA certification focuses on the knowledge and skills that are required for the implementation of the Citrix products in an existing network. CCA provides excellent skills to the network administrators and independent consultants. The CCA tracks includes Presentation Server 4, Access Gateway 4, Certified Administrator for Citrix NetScaler 8, Certified Administrator for EdgeSight 4, Certified Administrator for Citrix WANScaler 4, Certified Administrator for XenServer Enterprise Edition 4 and Certified Administrator for Password Manager 4.

CCSP (Citrix Certified Sales Professional)

CCSP certification certifies the sales professionals and it is geared towards the individuals who sell the Citrix products. Citrix certifies that you have the sound knowledge about its products. CCSP exam offers three separate tracks such as Windows Application Delivery, Web Application Delivery and Desktop Delivery.

CCEA (Citrix Certified Enterprise Administrator)

Attaining the CCEA certification is the next step to the CCA certification. You need to pass the four additional exams in order to get the CCEA status.

You must pass the following two exams:

1. Exam 910, Citrix Resource Management Services
2. Exam 950, Citrix Nfuse Administration

Then, you need to pass one of these two exams:

1. Exam 911, Citrix Resource Manager
2. Exam 921, Citrix Installation Manager

Finally, you must also pass one of these three exams:

1. Exam 920, Citrix Installation Management Services
2. Exam 930, Secure ICA and Security
3. Exam 940, Load Balancing Service

After passing the required exams, you status will be upgraded to a CCEA.

CCI (Citrix Certified Instructor)

CCI certification is designed for the individuals who have the good knowledge of the Citrix Access suite and the operating systems. In order to delivering the lectures at the Citrix certified institutes, you need to earn a CCI certification. The requirements of earning the CCI status includes attend the Citrix approved “Train the Trainer course”, you must hold a current certification in Windows NT, 2000 or Unix based on your plan to instruct on, attend the CCA course and pass the CCA exam with more than 80% marks and you will get the Citrix Certified Instructor status.

(CCIA) Citrix Certified Integration Architect

CCIA exam is designed for the individuals who are responsible for designing, analysis, and implementing Citrix technologies in the IT infrastructure of small to large organizations.

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