Best Entry Level It Certifications 2018
Mar 17, 2017 - Here are the five best entry-level IT certifications for newcomers: CompTIA A+ CompTIA Network+ CompTIA Security+ Cisco CCENT. Friday, February 23, 2018. The Best SQL Server Certification Path to Boost Your IT Career and Salary. (MTA) certifications are perfect for entry-level database professionals while Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) and Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) certifications.
IT professionals with proven cloud computing skills are in high demand and 40% of businesses are now struggling to find the qualified employees needed. This widespread cloud migration – boosted by investment from enterprise – is a brilliant opportunity for the professionals who can prove their knowledge with recognised cloud certifications. But with dozens of cloud certifications available, and more introduced every month, how do you decide which to achieve?We identified the most in-demand and valuable cloud certifications available this year. These are the 10 best cloud certifications for 2018:CompTIA Cloud+(ISC)² CCSPMicrosoft MCSA: Cloud PlatformMicrosoft MCSE: Cloud Platform and InfrastructureMicrosoft MCSA: Linux on AzureAWS Certified Solutions Architect – AssociateAWS Certified Solutions Architect – ProfessionalGoogle Professional Cloud ArchitectCisco CCNA CloudCisco CCNP CloudRead on for an in-depth look at the top 10 cloud certifications of 2018.
This list (in no particular order) covers certifications from Microsoft, Google, CompTIA, Cisco and more. CompTIA Cloud+CompTIA is the world's leading provider of vendor-neutral certifications, having issued over two million since 1993. Alongside longstanding industry certifications, like the A+ and Network+, CompTIA also provide two cloud computing certifications: Cloud+ and Cloud Essentials.The CompTIA Cloud+ is a robust entry-level certification aimed at professionals with 1-2 years' experience working with networks, storage or data centre admin. Not to be confused with CompTIA's Cloud Essentials, which is designed as an introduction to cloud for non-IT professionals.Passing the single Cloud+ certification exam will prove your knowledge of cloud models, virtualisation, infrastructure, security, resource management and business continuity.The Cloud+ makes this top list because it provides a great route into cloud technology for professionals who already hold CompTIA certifications. If you hold the Server+, Network+ or Security+, the Cloud+ is the next logical step.And new for 2018, CompTIA's stackable certification provides an even more compelling reason to achieve multiple certifications.
Achieve both the Network+ and Cloud+ and you'll be designated as a CompTIA Cloud Admin Professional. More information on stackable certifications can be found from CompTIA.That said, you won’t need to study any other CompTIA certifications to sit the; no CompTIA certifications are defined as prerequisites.With a wide variety of topics, you'll get a solid base of cloud knowledge, making this certification a great way to kick off any career in cloud technology in 2018. (ISC)² CCSPMigrating your business to the cloud could reveal unforeseen security flaws, potentially lengthening an already resource-intensive project. There's a clear need for good cloud security and the market is expected to reach £7billion by 2019.The CCSP certification (Certified Cloud Security Professional) builds and proves cloud security skills at an expert level and is backed by two leading non-profits: Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) and (ISC)².CCSP CertificationThis high-level qualification builds on knowledge gained from the renowned CISSP – holders of this cert are prequalified to sit the CCSP exam.
Otherwise, you’ll need to satisfy rigorous prerequisites, including a minimum of five years full-time work experience in IT.You'll demonstrate your expert knowledge of cloud application, platform and data infrastructure security. You'll even focus on compliance, legality, audit processes and privacy – particularly relevant with the introduction of GDPR in May 2018.If you're responsible for managing and securing cloud environment, (ISC)²'s CCSP is among the best expert-level certifications you can get in 2018. Microsoft MCSA: Cloud PlatformThe Microsoft MCSA: Cloud Platform certification links together what was previously Microsoft's Specialist qualifications (now retired). There are a total of 5 Azure specific exams – but you’ll only need to pass two to earn this certification:Microsoft's new MCSA and MCSE tracks mean that professionals now get more choice in choosing the exams required to achieve their certifications. This means you can now pick the specific exams that fit your own interest, expertise and experience. You'll achieve your MCSA in a way that is more personalised to you.For example, the topics covered in the MCSA: Cloud Platform can range from Big Data to infrastructure and development.Finding it tough to choose which exams to pass in 2018?
PCMag reviews products, but we may earn affiliate commissions from buying links on this page.A career in information technology (IT) takes a lot of planning. Choosing from the many available certifications determines which sort of career options are available to you. Whether it's system administration, or that interests you, you're sure to find plenty of certifications that match what you're looking for.Maybe you just have a personal passion for IT and would do it for free. If, however, (and this is more likely), you're in it for the money then this article lists the top ten highest-paying IT certifications in the world, as well as their corresponding pay range, and a brief description of what you'd be doing. The data in this piece was provided by, a professional development solutions provider. The data is based on what their customers are studying and the kind of work that generates once they graduate.
Check out Global Knowledge's website for more resources and courses for these certifications. Please keep in mind that these figures change from year to year, so we'll be updating this piece whenever Global Knowledge releases new data. Be sure to return to this list to check out which certification tops the rankings the next time you're thinking of changing career gears.10. Six Sigma Green BeltWhile it has nothing to do with martial arts, a is nonetheless a force to be reckoned with in IT.
As a green belt, you'll apply your knowledge in the Six Sigma business methodology and lead your organization in IT improvement projects. There are a number of organizations that offer different paths to this certification, but Global Knowledge offers certifications both for completing the training and for completing a related live project. Those who find work as a Green Belt can look forward to an income of $104,099 per year. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)The certification is meant for a wide range of IT professionals, including security officers, auditors, and just about anyone responsible for network and data security. Given the unrelenting tide of cybersecurity threats over the years, this is a certification that's sure to stay relevant for many years. The exam costs $3,895 to take, but if you pass, it's good to know that successful CEHs earn a respectable average of $106,375 per year. Certified ScrumMasterThe is one of the more popular project management certifications that's available today.
Scrum refers to a style of management in which teams have a huddle meeting every morning to review progress, with adjustments being made every day to ensure all team members are working as productively and efficiently as possible. Getting certified means attending a two-day workshop course, followed by a 24-35 question exam.
Should you succeed, Certified ScrumMasters earn an average of $106,938 per year. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM). The (CISM)'s main focus is on information security management. Your job will be to design and engineer security protocols as well as manage a company's security. As CISM, you'll have access to lines of business outside of IT, putting you face to face with company stakeholders.CISM's are well-paid, too.
On average, Global Knowledge says you can make an average of $108,043 per year. If you choose to go down this route, however, then you'll have to take a 200-question test on topics such as information security governance, information risk management, and incident management. Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)Take the exam and you'll be tested in four major areas: Identification, Assessment, Response, and Mitigation, as well as Control Monitoring and Reporting. If you have the prerequisite three years of relevant experience, and identifying and managing risks sounds interesting to you, then the CRISC certification might be worth checking out.
Best Entry Level It Certifications 2018
If you pass the exam and find a role, professionals with the CRISC certification earn an average of $111,049 per year. The 4-hour test has 150 questions and lasts four hours. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)If you work in analysis, auditing, systems engineering, or anything in between, then the might be the perfect certification for you. CISSPs are information assurance professionals who are mainly responsible for determining the architecture, management, design, and controls that ensure the security of your company.Should you pass the test, which requires you to have a minimum of five years of relevant experience, you can look forward to an average pay of $111,475 per year.
Best Entry Level It Certifications 2018 Download
It's worth noting that, even after getting the certification, you will still need to receive Continuing Education credits each year to maintain your credentials. AWS Certified Developer – Associate.
New to the list this year is the, which validates your technical experience in developing and maintaining applications on the platform. You'll be tested on your judgment in choosing the right AWS services for apps, mastery of the platform's software development kits (SDKs), and knowledge in code-level application security.The exam consists of multiple-choice and multiple-answer questions, and you will have 80 minutes to complete it. Prerequisites include one year or more of hands-on experience with AWS and in-depth knowledge of at least one high-level programming language. Should you be successful, AWS Certified Developers earn an average of $114,148 per year.3.
Project Management Professional (PMP)The certification was created and administered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) and is one of the most recognized project management certifications available today. This certification demonstrates that you are competent when it comes to managing projects and project teams. You will be tested in five specific areas: initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, and closing.Before you become certified, however, you'll need to have completed at least 35 hours of related training before you can take the exam. If you have a Bachelor's degree, then you'll also need 4,500 hours of project management experience (those without a degree will need 7,500 hours). Getting PMP certification takes years but it's worth it. PMPs currently earn an average of $114,473 per year. AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate.
AWS certifications are hot this year. The exam tests your expertise on designing systems on AWS. If you have hands-on experience with AWS services and are used to architecting large-scale distributed systems, then this certification may be exactly what you're looking for. The exam takes 80 minutes and is administered at centers across the United States. Successful AWS Certified Solutions Architects can make an average of $121,292 per year. Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT)Those with the certification are experts in managing, advising, and providing assurance services when it comes to enterprise IT governance. CGEIT certificates can lead to many different roles, including Risk Management Officer, IT Risk Leader, and Assistant IT Controller.Most importantly, the CGEIT is lucrative.
Because demand is so high for people with enterprise IT skills, those with this certification earn an average of $121,363 per year. It costs $575 to take the exam, but considering the opportunities involved, that's a value for access to some of the best-paying IT work around.