Top ten IT Certifications for 2008
By Admin | October 15, 2007
It is that time again. To sort through all the certifications out there and try to pick the ones to have for 2008. The list looks a little different then years prior in that Microsoft is not dominating the list. We tried our best with this list based on job growth, sales of certification training material and a little guess work. Read through it and tell us what you think. If you are starting your I.T. career or looking to enhance it, any of these certifications would be a great asset to have. Visit www.audiocerts.com for all your Audio Certification Training
MCP (Microsoft Certified Professional)
Like I even had to list this one. This will probably always be number 1 for the next 1,000 years. There are over 2 million people with this certification
CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate)
This one comes in 2nd as most network administrator jobs right now are IP related and they are in more demand at higher professional level as compared to Microsoft Certifications
MCPD (Microsoft Certified Profesional Developer)
This has been a rocket since last year. Demand for these developers are up over 80% compared to last year, and does not seem to be slowing down any time soon.There are only a little over 3000 currently with the certification. If you are looking for a certification track, I would give this one alot of consideration.
SCJP (SUN Certified Java Programmer)
Today, a Java credential is one of the most valuable credentials that a programmer or developer can have. About 70% of business entities’ development projects are done through J2EE.
CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional)
One of the elite certifications.With CISSP’s earning $94,070 a year on average, it is easy to see why this one is on the list. The exam lasts up to six hours, and includes 250 multiple choice questions. It is also $500, so you might want to study for this one.
Comptia A+
I figured everyone had this already, but I guess not. This is the first certification almost everyone gets when first starting in the I.T field. It is by far the most popular entry level certification.
Comptia Network +
Coming in right behind A+. This is usually the 2nd certification that most I.T. Professionals aquire. Which is great because Network systems and data communications analysts is ranked Number 2 on the Most in demand jobs list
MCTS SQL Server 2005 (The Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist)
SQL Server 2005 is going to be hot next year. Alot of companies are switching to SQL Server 2005 and these guys are going to be in big demand. Companies of all sizes need these professionals to manage everything from planning a new database to managing and supporting existing databases.
RHCE (Red Hat Certified Engineer)
About 25% of enterprises will be running mission-critical business applications on the Linux open source operating system by 2009, according to a survey by Saugatuck Technology and BusinessWeek Research Services. By the end of 2007 the figure will be 18%. RHCE is called the “crown jewel of Linux certifications”
Comptia Security+
Growth in Security+, which covers topics like communication security, infrastructure security, cryptography, access control and authentication, shows no signs of slowing down. Comptia’s Security+ Credential is must have in todays world.
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MCT Salary Survey
By Admin | October 15, 2007
If you are thinking of pursuing a Microsoft Certified Trainer certification, you may be wondering whether it will be worth the trouble and expense. Redmond’s 10th annual salary survey sheds some light on this. Although the survey covered IT professions in general, its findings are relevant to anyone entering the IT trainer field, including those considering pursuing MCT certification.
Your first question may be, “How much do Microsoft Certified Trainers make?” In the salary survey, the respondents reported making an average of $76,000 or so. This was significantly more than the average wage of all trainers, who only reported an average of $57,197. Was the Microsoft Certified Trainer certification solely responsible for this salary increase of almost $20,000? It undoubtedly contributed.
But also keep in mind that many people who are possess the MCT certification possess multiple certifications. So remember that although a Microsoft Certified Trainer certification can certainly help your chances at that high-paying job, it might not bring you all the way up to that $76K mark. Other factors that affect salary In your pursuit of that “fat” trainer salary, Redmond’s 2005 IT salary survey revealed that the following would also be helpful:
• Look for a company that positions itself as being on the cutting edge. They tend to appreciate professionals who stay up-to-date.
• Having multiple skills and multiple certifications helps.
• Live in Maryland. Their IT professionals average over $90K/year. And in general, the mid-Atlantic region earns more than the other areas of the U.S.
• Don’t relocate to Arkansas. Their IT professionals average less than $52K/year.
• If you live near Boston, D.C., New York City, or San Francisco, you’re lucky. The IT professionals in these big cities hover near $90K on the average.
• Head for management. Managers average a good $20K more than non-supervisory professionals.
• Specialize in something exotic. Rather than limiting you, specializing in an uncommon area actually opens you up to a limited but generally underserved set of companies. If you specialize in their small area, you will have an edge over all of the generalists applying for the same job.
• Get a graduate degree. Professionals with graduate training enjoyed slightly higher average salaries (about $6K more).
• If you are a woman, you may want to consider a sex-change operation. Men in IT professions earn an average of $6K a year more than women. Okay, it’s probably not worth it…
• Stay in the field a while. Earnings go up with experience. The highest-paid IT professionals (those who earned in excess of $125K/year) generally had many years of experience…
But some had no certifications.
The moral of the story: for a trainer, MCT certification pays off greatly and should be a big first priority. But don’t rely solely on the certification to land you a huge salary. After getting MCT certification, continue to make yourself more marketable in other ways. Multiple skills, multiple certifications, specialization, a graduate degree, and years of experience will combine with your Microsoft Certified Trainer certification to maximize your earning potential
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Free Microsoft Certification Training for Mcdst
By Admin | September 27, 2007
MCDST certification demonstrates valuable troubleshooting expertise with the Windows Desktop Operating System to employers and consumers. It provides a structure for learning the skills that support technicians need. As a desktop support technician, you will use excellent customer service skills, educate users, and solve hardware or software operation and application problems on the desktop. You will learn valuable skills and best practices consistent with networking and file sharing to maintaining DHCP communications devices and Domain name system for Internet system to translate names into IP addresses.
Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician certification validates the fundamental skills needed to enter the IT industry as a support professional. It communicates the technical skills of the individual to clients and employers and distinguishes career candidates from their peers. MCDST certification enhances job satisfaction through increased technical proficiency as you increase your knowledge and skills. MCDST certification helps advance support technician careers by providing a structured framework for learning skills, and provides a knowledge basis for additional Microsoft certifications, such as the MCSA and the MCSE.
Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician Certification Requirements on Microsoft Windows XP are to pass two core exams that provide a valid and dependable measure of technical proficiency. These exams are developed with the input of professionals in the industry and reflect how Microsoft products are used in organizations throughout the world. The two core exams are: Exam 70-271: Supporting Users and Troubleshooting a Microsoft Windows XP Operating System consisting of about 60 questions and Exam 70-272: Supporting Users and Troubleshooting Desktop Applications on a Microsoft Windows XP Operating System consisting of about 50 questions.
A candidate for Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician will need training for your Microsoft certification. There is free Microsoft training available online with free Microsoft practice exam questions, free study guides and free MCDST training to make your preparation less complicated. Free will only take you so far, you will need to purchase some Microsoft certification training in order to be fully prepared for your actual exam. Your training is not the objective but receiving your Microsoft certification. Learn how to pass your information technology certification exam. There are good resources accessible all you will need is a little searching. Visit billnaugle.com
Bill Naugle has been writing articles, press releases and ebooks to help webmasters achieve success with information technology certification, Internet business and search engine rankings. He has written on many subjects. http://www.billnaugle.com http://www.lulu.com/content/1198023
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