14 May The Ultimate Guide to IT Specialist Certifications: What You Need to Know

IT certifications validate your knowledge in specific areas of information technology. They demonstrate to potential employers that you have the competencies required for particular IT roles. Proper certification can be the wing beneath your wind to lift you to a higher position. This guide covers the details you should know about IT specialist certifications.

Why Get an IT Certification?

Earning reputable IT certifications can provide several career benefits. It shows your employers that you have the drive to better yourself continuously. The proper certification also equips you with valuable tools that make you more efficient at what you do. Here are some reasons why you should get IT specialist certification.

More Job Opportunities

Certified IT professionals are in high demand across many industries. Certifications make your resume stand out and show your employers you have verified expertise. The proper IT certifications make you a more attractive candidate for the role and open up more doors for you.

Employers prioritize candidates who are committed to professional development and are drawn toward candidates who validate their technical knowledge. Relevant certifications can give you a competitive edge over other applicants.

Higher Earning Potential

Employers are willing to compensate individuals who have taken the initiative to validate their skills through rigorous certification programs. The more advanced your certifications, the higher your potential earnings.

Organizations also invest in you as you have already desired to add more skills to your repertoire. It is a win-win situation that benefits both the employers and employees.

Career Advancement

IT certifications open doors to new career paths you may not have access to otherwise. They prove you can take on greater responsibilities and show your desire to learn about the challenges you face in the field. Specialized certifications bring you opportunities for more selective, highly technical roles.

Certifications are often prerequisites for many senior-level IT jobs. Having relevant certifications on your resume can help you get promoted and transition into more fulfilling areas in the IT sector.

Job Security

Keeping your IT certifications current shows dedication to your profession. Employers value employees who continuously update their skills to remain relevant. The IT sector is dynamic, so continued learning is necessary for long-term career viability. Certified professionals demonstrate an ongoing commitment to developing new capabilities. A well-rounded certification portfolio makes you an invaluable asset. It is less likely to become expendable due to skills needing to be updated.

In-Demand Skills

IT certification curricula cover up-to-date technology skills employers need. It keeps them current with best practices in this field. You gain proven abilities using tools, platforms, and methodologies directly valued in the workplace. Certifications help you develop expertise that meets industry demands. Earning certifications focused on those tools can position you for roles that require those specific skills.

Different Types of IT Certification

Here are some popular IT certifications you can add to your portfolio.

CompTIA A+

Comp TIA offers many different certifications for IT professionals. The A+ is a foundational certification for IT support and operations roles. It covers hardware, software, networking, security, and troubleshooting skills. It is a versatile entry-level credential for starting a career in IT.

CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+)

The CASP+ focuses on enterprise security operations, architecture, risk management, incident response, and integrating cloud security. The program is designed for experienced security professionals. It demonstrates proven knowledge of conceptualizing, engineering, integrating, and troubleshooting security infrastructure.

CompTIA is a well-known name in the industry. It offers highly coveted certifications like CompTIA Security+ and CompTIA Network+ as well.

Cisco Certifications

Cisco offers a range of certifications covering their networking technologies. Their certifications cover the varied skills related to network services. Popular Cisco certification courses are listed below.

• CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate)
• CCNP( Cisco Certified Network Professional)
• CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert)

Cisco certificates are highly valued in networking by many enterprises that utilize Cisco products.

Microsoft Azure Certifications

Microsoft’s cloud computing certification program covers skills for developing, deploying, and managing infrastructure on the Azure platform. Certifications are available for roles like Solutions Architect, Administrator Associate, and Developer Associate. The market reach of Microsoft apps means its certifications position you for cloud computing jobs across industries.

CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional)

The CISSP is a vendor-neutral certification for information security professionals focused on security management practices. It demonstrates a broad technical knowledge base in various security risk identification, mitigation, and management domains. The certification is a globally recognized standard of achievement for security practitioners.

CISM (Certified Information Security Manager)

The CISM validates management skills and abilities to establish and oversee information security infrastructure. It is helpful for those leading or managing an enterprise security program. The certification demonstrates expertise in information security governance, risk management, program development, and management.

CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker)

This certification validates skills in security testing, hacking tools, and techniques. It covers methods for implementing countermeasures after identifying vulnerabilities within systems and networks.

ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library

The ITIL is a set of certifications around the ITIL framework for IT service management best practices, including ITIL Foundation, Intermediate, and Expert-level credentials. It helps align IT services with business needs.

AWS(Amazon Web Services)

AWS offers role-based cloud certifications for skills in areas like cloud architecture, operations, development, and specialty services. You can choose from Associate, Professional, or specialty-level certifications. These certifications prepare individuals for in-demand cloud computing roles.

Google Cloud Certifications

Google’s cloud certification program covers skills for building, deploying, and managing applications and infrastructure using Google Cloud technologies. Certifications are available for Cloud Engineers, Architects, Data Engineers, etc. It opens up job opportunities in the Google Cloud ecosystem, one of the most widely used services.

Linux Essentials

It is a professional certification demonstrating basic skills and knowledge for working with the Linux operating system. It is the best certification to act as a starting point for Linux careers. Linux skills are invaluable for many IT positions as open source continues growing.

These certifications are just the tip of the iceberg; there are many more certifications that you can pursue to add sheen to your IT career. Choose one that speaks to you the most.

IT certifications validate your expertise with employers. It creates more job opportunities for you. You increase earning potential and facilitate career growth. It is wise to get certified in specific skills based on your goals. The payoff in career benefits makes them well worth pursuing for any IT professional.

Riveter Consulting Group is a premier staffing agency that connects IT professionals with their dream jobs. Fill out our online form to apply for a position, and a representative will contact you. We have deep industry connections to help you in your career. If you are an employer looking for skilled human resources, call us at 1-855-444-2515 or email us for more information.