Certification Training Strategies
The good thing about IT certifications is that it isn't that hard to get them from various providers. Just because you start with a certification training (please click the following web site) from one provider, it does not mean you're stuck with that provider. Sure, some of the more advanced ones require an earlier certification from that provider, but many of them simply have experience requirements.
Another reason why there's a sensible choice of certs in the IT sector is that you can find several certifications for a particular technology. You are not locked in to one cert if you are a software developer. Network engineers have various certifications they can pursue, the same as information security experts, database administrators and support staff.
Of these reasons, I think there is a wide range of paths you can take, for whatever role within the IT industry you're in.
Should I Stay With One Provider's Certification Paths?
There are several providers of certs in the IT industry. CompTIA, Microsoft and Cisco are several of the big players in this particular area. They each offer many certifications that appeal to all kinds of IT professionals. They also let you follow the certification path that they set and recommend.
For example, Microsoft's recommended certification path involves an MCTS, an MCITP, and possibly and MCM. This may have changed with the recent introduction of the MCSE and other certifications, but generally there's a hierarchy and path for Microsoft technologies. Conversely, Cisco offers a similar certification path, which starts with the CCENT, then the CCNA, CCNP, as well as possibly the CCIE.
Of course, you'll find more than just these three or four certifications for each provider. Every one of them have their very own technology specialties - that means, even if you want to stay with the one provider for certifications, you've got quite a choice. There are lots of technologies that Microsoft provide certification for, and additionally Cisco.
More specialised companies offer a certification path and variety of certifications. Oracle and Red Hat both offer certifications valuable for database and Linux professionals respectively.
Getting Certifications From Various Providers
A common path for folks within the IT sector is getting certifications from different providers. This really is possible and is in certain cases recommended by those who have the certifications. By way of example, a common certification path for those within the networking field is to get the A+ and Network+ certifications from CompTIA, then obtain the CCNA from Cisco. This combination works well together and is a good way to start a career in networking.
It isn't always possible, however. Many of the higher-level certs require a certification before them to be obtained. Many of the MCITP certifications from Microsoft require an MCTS. The CCIE certifications usually require a CCNP. Do not let this deter you although - getting certifications from multiple providers is a good way to enhance your knowledge on a subject and improve the way you do a job in that field.
Which Certification Path Is For Me?
We've outlined a few points on certification paths and just how different providers work. Essentially, you could be wondering, which one is for you? We can answer this by answering a number of questions:
Which field of IT are you in, or which field would you like to get into? This will determine, or at least narrow down, your choices of certifications as well as the resulting path.
What is your amount of experience? Some certifications are targeted towards new starters, others are targeted towards experts - with many in between.
How far do you wish to complement getting certified? Some IT professionals wish to get all of the certifications they can, and which might be as many as 20. Others are content with only one or two. This will determine which path you wish to take.
