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Obviously if you work in a niche market, you'll need niche certs. In the mainstream market, you'll need mainstream certs.
That anyone would use "Citrix" and "niche" in the same sentence is astounding. If you work for any large IT enterprise, anywhere in the world, there is nonstop talk of RAS, virtualization, VDI, thin client, cloud computing, etc. ad infinitum. Citrix is either the leader or the second-leading provider for every one of those technologies. I work for a company that is deploying 10,000 thin clients - using a Citrix back end infrastructure - in the next 12 months. I can list dozens of other large corporations that are heavily invested in thin client projects, many of them deploying 5 and 6 times the number of thin clients as my employer, and all of them using Citrix to host the desktop.
Furthermore, what technology exactly do you think allows for the mass outsourcing about which we've all been wringing our hands for the last 10 years? That's right, Citrix. If you have developers, client contact centers and support desks in Mumbai, but your server infrastructure is in New York, Citrix is what makes that possible. There is no competing technology (OK, MS Terminal Services/RDS, but really now), and virtually no other way to do it. Have you ever tried to use a development platform over a 10MB MPLS link where the server is halfway around the world? Painful doesn't even begin to describe that what that experience is like. Add Citrix into the mix, and a company in Bangalore is now doing all of your development work for you, for 10% of what it would have cost you to do that same work onshore, and you didn???t have to move a single server from your New York data center. Every time you call the support line for a North American company, and your call is answered offshore, that's Citrix at work. Every. Single. Time.
So is Citrix niche? Well, if you work in a traditional desktop support role, perhaps you wish it was. But I???ll argue that if you want a long a prosperous career in IT, if you want to get into consulting and really make some good money, Citrix should be high on your list of certifications
Furthermore, what technology exactly do you think allows for the mass outsourcing about which we've all been wringing our hands for the last 10 years? That's right, Citrix. If you have developers, client contact centers and support desks in Mumbai, but your server infrastructure is in New York, Citrix is what makes that possible. There is no competing technology (OK, MS Terminal Services/RDS, but really now), and virtually no other way to do it. Have you ever tried to use a development platform over a 10MB MPLS link where the server is halfway around the world? Painful doesn't even begin to describe that what that experience is like. Add Citrix into the mix, and a company in Bangalore is now doing all of your development work for you, for 10% of what it would have cost you to do that same work onshore, and you didn???t have to move a single server from your New York data center. Every time you call the support line for a North American company, and your call is answered offshore, that's Citrix at work. Every. Single. Time.
So is Citrix niche? Well, if you work in a traditional desktop support role, perhaps you wish it was. But I???ll argue that if you want a long a prosperous career in IT, if you want to get into consulting and really make some good money, Citrix should be high on your list of certifications
I wonder why Database Administration certifications aren't on the list. All that data out there needs to be properly managed, and it is among a company's most valuable assets.
Imagine business without databases...
Imagine business without databases...
Which would you list though? Oracle 11g Database Administrator Certified Professional?
I completely agree - underpins almost everything. I reckon it needs something vendor neutral as a start point, perhaps a similar certification to CompTIA's Cloud Essentials.
The intent of the author for this list was "10 most practical, in-demand certifications. Thats why I think these are the best; these are the skills clients repeatedly demonstrate they need most".
As much as I agree with your point that databases are very valuable to a company - I don't see that may RFPs or job applications asking for oracle/MS certified dBAs as much as say CCNAs or MCITP or PMPs or Scrum Masters. I see this list not so much as skill driven but more market driven.
My $0.02
As much as I agree with your point that databases are very valuable to a company - I don't see that may RFPs or job applications asking for oracle/MS certified dBAs as much as say CCNAs or MCITP or PMPs or Scrum Masters. I see this list not so much as skill driven but more market driven.
My $0.02
As an Oracle DBA I can certainly vouch for the number of job ads that list OCP as a must / nice to have.
Because it hasn't really achieved mainstream recognition/appreciation/adoption/understanding.
But I agree, and that's why I paid money to purchase TOGAF 9. If it ain't on their desks, it will be soon!
But I agree, and that's why I paid money to purchase TOGAF 9. If it ain't on their desks, it will be soon!
Storage is also increasing in importance with virtualization on the rise along with 'big data' and cloud infrastructures. Storage Certs from SNIA or CompTIA+ should be on this list as well.
All those mentioned are nice to haves but what the service companies want are those that keep the badges in place. Citrix, CommVault, HP, and the whole plethora of 'new' Microsoft competencies are driving what many employers want and many of the ones you mention are very much secondary to that. There is a split in requirements between providers and consumers that isnt dealt with here. As someone who deals with technical recruitment for my company I wouldnt be all that interested in much thats been stated as essential here.
I would have thought the compTIA security + certification is something that most if not all high end IT pros would be required.
I'm my company's "security guy." I agree it would definitely make my job easier if the rest of IT had the basic knowledge required to pass Sec+, but you're not going to find many companies that "require" it.
Comparing Sec+ vs CISSP --> there is no comparison. Sec+ (and everything else from CompTIA) is an entry-level cert. CISSP requires at least 5 years of experience in security, including work in at least 2 sub-categories, and a current CISSP vouching for your background.
There are legit gripes in the security community over both technical and ethical issues with the CISSP. Google "erratasec CISSP" for more info. The CISSP has often been described as a "mile wide and an inch deep" - it briefly touches on many different topics but doesn't get into details. In my view, it is a cert for a manager who needs to understand security concepts in general, but doesn't need to get his hands dirty on implementing anything. For technical knowledge, I would recommend GIAC certs above CISSP. If I need to hire a guy to defend my network, I'd prefer somone holding a GSEC/GCIH/GCED to a CISSP.
Caveat: This list is about the "10 most practical, in-demand certifications." I'm guessing CISSP was included because HR departments absolutely love to use it to weed out lesser candidates. Because of this, I'll be getting my CISSP next quarter... but only after testing for the more job-useful GCIH within the next 60 days. (I already hold Sec+ and GSEC and will focus on either GCED, CEH or GCWN later this year).
Comparing Sec+ vs CISSP --> there is no comparison. Sec+ (and everything else from CompTIA) is an entry-level cert. CISSP requires at least 5 years of experience in security, including work in at least 2 sub-categories, and a current CISSP vouching for your background.
There are legit gripes in the security community over both technical and ethical issues with the CISSP. Google "erratasec CISSP" for more info. The CISSP has often been described as a "mile wide and an inch deep" - it briefly touches on many different topics but doesn't get into details. In my view, it is a cert for a manager who needs to understand security concepts in general, but doesn't need to get his hands dirty on implementing anything. For technical knowledge, I would recommend GIAC certs above CISSP. If I need to hire a guy to defend my network, I'd prefer somone holding a GSEC/GCIH/GCED to a CISSP.
Caveat: This list is about the "10 most practical, in-demand certifications." I'm guessing CISSP was included because HR departments absolutely love to use it to weed out lesser candidates. Because of this, I'll be getting my CISSP next quarter... but only after testing for the more job-useful GCIH within the next 60 days. (I already hold Sec+ and GSEC and will focus on either GCED, CEH or GCWN later this year).
CISSP isn't necessarily only for managers -- it's also useful for those who work in project management, governance, access control, security awareness training, security architecture, and the more "human" aspects of IT security, or those with knowledge spanning more than one discipline, like a consultant. Any architect or high level IS position out there will most likely want a CISSP coming in the door, or within 6 months of hire.
I teach undergraduate IT classes in my copious spare time, and I recommend Security+ for my students just starting out in the field to help get their foot in the door to complement the A+ and Network+ required by the degree programs. I then recommend they consider GIAC certifications or vendor certifications (MS, CIsco, Juniper, etc) depending on where they want to specialize, and if an employer will foot the bill. For those who alread have the work experience, I would not recommend the Security+ certification over the GIAC certifications, unless you are footing the bill yourself. I'd consider it a good practice run, and if you already work in security or operations, the exam is a breeze.
I recommend the CISSP associate level to graduate students (MS, PhD) who intend to pursue research or higher level positions that require understanding of more than one domain in IS and how they interleave.
I absolutely agree that most HR departments don't know the depth and breadth of the IT community, let alone IS, and are in most instances not reading resumes, just looking for keywords. Remember, this was a discussion of the overall best certifications in demand for IT in general. It's a big field.
I teach undergraduate IT classes in my copious spare time, and I recommend Security+ for my students just starting out in the field to help get their foot in the door to complement the A+ and Network+ required by the degree programs. I then recommend they consider GIAC certifications or vendor certifications (MS, CIsco, Juniper, etc) depending on where they want to specialize, and if an employer will foot the bill. For those who alread have the work experience, I would not recommend the Security+ certification over the GIAC certifications, unless you are footing the bill yourself. I'd consider it a good practice run, and if you already work in security or operations, the exam is a breeze.
I recommend the CISSP associate level to graduate students (MS, PhD) who intend to pursue research or higher level positions that require understanding of more than one domain in IS and how they interleave.
I absolutely agree that most HR departments don't know the depth and breadth of the IT community, let alone IS, and are in most instances not reading resumes, just looking for keywords. Remember, this was a discussion of the overall best certifications in demand for IT in general. It's a big field.
Maybe you should have included what data you used when coming to your conclusion or is this article just opinion based ?
What source are you using to get this information I have rarely seen CSSA on job postings?
The two certs merged, and the demand is very high. Surprised it is not on this list.
Thank you for recognizing this credential. The other certifications are great as well but I would suggest the ability of being able to plan, execute, and close an IT project is still one of the most challenging and daunting work an IT professional has to face! Satisfying stakeholders and their IT needs is very problematic even under the best of circumstances!
I would also suggest the CaPM (Certified Associate Project Management) for those starting in the business as well as the PgMP (Program Management Professional) for those running a PMO (Project Managment Office)
I would also suggest the CaPM (Certified Associate Project Management) for those starting in the business as well as the PgMP (Program Management Professional) for those running a PMO (Project Managment Office)
CAPM will probably not be in demand as much as PMP - and the subject of the artcile was regarding the demand. So, would you rather hire a CAPM or PMP?
Typically you'd expect a junior /aspiring PM or a team lead to take the CAPM and then take the PMP in 2 years. You would hope that organizations or clients acknowledge that incremental gain or the interim effort to get a CAPM certification. But I just don;t see that happening much in the industry. I see folks wait and just go the for full on PMP instead of going via the CAPM.
I think PMI really needs to bring more awareness and outreach for this certification because it is a truly valuable step that gets folks thinking about applying the PMBOK methodologies on their projects. Prepping for the CAPM test, the rigor of the application process and pre-reqs are about 60% of the intensity of the PMP and yet a lot of hiring managers or clients are not even aware of its existence.
I did go the CAPM to PMP route and this has been my experience. To answer your question - I would hire a CAPM at an appropriate level because it shows commitment to structured learning of the principle of a proven technique of project management and a solid foundation in PMBOK and understanding of more than the bare minimum of all the tools techniques and metrics to ensure effective management.
But if I am looking for a PM with 5 + years of experience and an applicant had a CAPM then I would wonder why they didn't have a PMP.when they meet the number of years criteria - that may raise some red flags.
I think PMI really needs to bring more awareness and outreach for this certification because it is a truly valuable step that gets folks thinking about applying the PMBOK methodologies on their projects. Prepping for the CAPM test, the rigor of the application process and pre-reqs are about 60% of the intensity of the PMP and yet a lot of hiring managers or clients are not even aware of its existence.
I did go the CAPM to PMP route and this has been my experience. To answer your question - I would hire a CAPM at an appropriate level because it shows commitment to structured learning of the principle of a proven technique of project management and a solid foundation in PMBOK and understanding of more than the bare minimum of all the tools techniques and metrics to ensure effective management.
But if I am looking for a PM with 5 + years of experience and an applicant had a CAPM then I would wonder why they didn't have a PMP.when they meet the number of years criteria - that may raise some red flags.
This is a good list. I just received my undergrad in CIS and wanted to look into getting a couple certifications on my resume that would look good and give me future opportunity. Thanks for the article!
The PMP certification provides a standardized framework for project management that is not (and never was) limited to the IT space. I often hear that it is for 'IT only' or 'construction only'. In fact, the PMP certification is applicable to many areas and was never intended for a single industry or space. Certainly it is both applicable and useful in IT, but also to aerospace, construction, manufacturing, etc.
Not sure if this has traction or recognition, but there is a Business Analyst Certified Professional by International Institute of Business Analysts (www.iiba.org) that seems to make sense. It has similarities with PMP in trying to manage what work is done against business strategy. I am looking into it and it appears to require an understanding of multiple tools and techniques for elicitation, and communication, of requirements, tracking requirements, and aligning work with strategy.
This was a great list of certifications! The Health Industry IT Certification was a surprise - but I guess it shouldn't have been (with all of the doctor's offices and medical building springing up all over town).
The one certification that should have been on the list is the ITIL V3 (2011) Foundations certification. This is a core certification that all IT personnel should have. ITIL is core to all IT support and how to provide the best IT support possible regardless of the specific technology involved.
ITIL Foundations Certifications Info:
http://www.itil-officialsite.com/Qualifications/ITILQualificationLevels/ITILFoundation.aspx
The one certification that should have been on the list is the ITIL V3 (2011) Foundations certification. This is a core certification that all IT personnel should have. ITIL is core to all IT support and how to provide the best IT support possible regardless of the specific technology involved.
ITIL Foundations Certifications Info:
http://www.itil-officialsite.com/Qualifications/ITILQualificationLevels/ITILFoundation.aspx
Searching for CCENT, CCNA, CCNP and CCIE jobs within 20 miles, here is what I found: CCENT jobs - 1, CCNA jobs - 32, CCNP jobs - 36, CCIE jobs - 22. Those ratios seem to hold up farily well nationwide: CCENT jobs - 18, CCNA jobs - 1,263, CCNP jobs - 1,049, CCIE jobs - 715.
It looks like Cisco's recent entry-level certification (CCENT) is not getting much traction in the job market. The next three levels up (CCNA, CCNP and CCIE) all seem to be in demand. CCIE jobs are always at or near the top of average salary surverys, but you don't start college studying for your PhD. IMO, pursuing the CCNA first, then moving on to the CCNP, and finally - if you're willing to dedicate yourself to the huge amount of work required - acquiring the CCIE certification can be very fulfilling and a wonderful professional advancement.
Thank you,
Jerry J. Anderson, CCIE #5000
It looks like Cisco's recent entry-level certification (CCENT) is not getting much traction in the job market. The next three levels up (CCNA, CCNP and CCIE) all seem to be in demand. CCIE jobs are always at or near the top of average salary surverys, but you don't start college studying for your PhD. IMO, pursuing the CCNA first, then moving on to the CCNP, and finally - if you're willing to dedicate yourself to the huge amount of work required - acquiring the CCIE certification can be very fulfilling and a wonderful professional advancement.
Thank you,
Jerry J. Anderson, CCIE #5000
CCENT is quite new. It took me some time to remember it and i was studying CISCO stuff some time ago.
No wonder that markets don't demand it yet. BTW. it's first half of the CCNA so you might add that in to your path anyways.
Getting CCNA done in two parts is less tough one.
No wonder that markets don't demand it yet. BTW. it's first half of the CCNA so you might add that in to your path anyways.
Getting CCNA done in two parts is less tough one.
I would add an ITIL certification. That's important in many regards : IT service management need to get very professional, process based, and understood by all actors in the IT service chain. The ITIL processes are proven, well elaborated, they are known by most subcontractors who participate to a part of the service, they are run by the major IT management tools.
ITIL only useful if your IT dont have a proper setup, like service, error log, follow up, just a framework to apply or treat as example, much more like ISO but specify in IT services. Sooner or later it's just another cert in the bin.
With all due respect, you couldn't be more wrong.
ITIL is something required by all IT staff, not just management or process-related roles. That embarrassing outage caused by "that guy" last week because he "thought it would be ok"? It happened precisely because "that guy" thought IT governance was just "another thing/cert that goes in the bin".
Your response is typical of someone who a) doesn't know what ITIL is, b) doesn't want to know because it involves accountability, and actually aligning IT to what the business wants/needs.
ITIL is something required by all IT staff, not just management or process-related roles. That embarrassing outage caused by "that guy" last week because he "thought it would be ok"? It happened precisely because "that guy" thought IT governance was just "another thing/cert that goes in the bin".
Your response is typical of someone who a) doesn't know what ITIL is, b) doesn't want to know because it involves accountability, and actually aligning IT to what the business wants/needs.
ITIL Foundation certification should be rated high in this list. Certainly more relevant than any industry specific certification.
Do you think that technicians need to know that stuff too? Or is it enough that bosses know..?
Absolutely, my friend. Even if it's only at a Foundations level so that you understand the terms that your manager is throwing at you.
Your manager is (hopefully) issuing directives to you to support business outcomes. That means you need to be on the same sheet of music as he/she is if you want to be able to administer IT services and infrastructure to support those outcomes.
Your manager is (hopefully) issuing directives to you to support business outcomes. That means you need to be on the same sheet of music as he/she is if you want to be able to administer IT services and infrastructure to support those outcomes.
I wouldn't necessarily place ITIL as "more important"... it's certainly just as important! And it is certainly more important than most front-line technical staff are willing to admit.
Even the website does not tell. "WHAT IS ITIL? ITIL is the most widely adopted framework for IT Service Management in the world."
I'm a MCITP Enterprise Administrator, I never get asked for it because no-one has a clue what it is. They always ask for "MCSE", which I am but it's obsolete.
Microsoft dropped the "engineer" bit for legal reasons in some countries, they should have left it as it was outside of those countries.
Microsoft dropped the "engineer" bit for legal reasons in some countries, they should have left it as it was outside of those countries.
I'm MCSE 2003 and MCITP: EA as well. I have not had any differencies here in finland with those certs -both are ignored by the employer market.
Or at least they appreciate work experience so much more that my certs are worthless. For me at least, because i don't have too impressive work experience in my CV.
Maybe those who have both see it differently.
One good point in their main cert name change is that now those letters mean automatically newer technology.
Just saying MCSE could mean MCSE for NT4 as well -which was easier as it contained only fraction of 2003 technologies.
So, i guess that many MCSE's for NT4 "forgot" to mention that they earned their certification in stone age.
Or at least they appreciate work experience so much more that my certs are worthless. For me at least, because i don't have too impressive work experience in my CV.
Maybe those who have both see it differently.
One good point in their main cert name change is that now those letters mean automatically newer technology.
Just saying MCSE could mean MCSE for NT4 as well -which was easier as it contained only fraction of 2003 technologies.
So, i guess that many MCSE's for NT4 "forgot" to mention that they earned their certification in stone age.
Linux employers (and their HR departments) in general seem to care much less about certifications than their MS counterparts. If you can show them you're comfortable throwing up LAMP servers and writing shell scripts, it speaks much louder than passing a basic multiple choice test. I don't think the Linux+ cert is as useless as CompTIA's Green IT cert, but it definitely isn't as widely sought after as their three primary certs: A+, Net+, and Sec+.
I notice that you state RHCE in preamble but you forgot in in the top 10. It being VMwares main competition you would think it would be up there with VCP or a head of it.
I thought Linux was supposed to be in demand, what about LPI and of course the Red Hat certifications RHCSA/RHCSE?
....most employers and clients don't care. That can be a good or bad thing, depending on your perspective. I'm considering not renewing. I can't honestly say they help much, but they SURE do cost much. Until there are some honest to gosh accepted standards in the I.T. world, your benefit from certification is very random. The biggest beneficiaries are the vendors who profit from them.
YMMV.
YMMV.
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