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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.
My neighbor brought over his Win7 laptop for me to make work again. Seems his Microsoft certified cousin "fixed it". He (among other blasphemies) failed to back up the personal data, removed the virus protection, and clobbered Office 2007. My wife took her laptop into a large retail chain's IT shop (rhymes with Greek fraud) over my objections (she didn''t want to bother me with a simple Vista to Win7 upgrade) and they, after promising no personal files, emails, contact lists or setups would be lost, lost it all. It took me two days to put it back together from old backups. A+ certified indeed. I've worked with PMPs that could only repeat" "Can you have it done by Friday?" with no help in planning or providing resources. At the last place I worked full time I trained the guy with the Oracle certification (I saw the card) on how to program and configure Oracle. And I've worked with PhDs in computer science that did not know how to program.
Having no certifications aside from my CS degree my problem is being rejected after the last three interviews as being "over-qualified".
These certificates certainly would help an HR person weed out applicants and that alone would justify getting them - just so you get to the front of the line and don't get rejected prior to an interview - but they do not prove ability to solve IT problems. They prove you can pass written exams.
Final note: Be wary about buying training for these certification exams. I vetted a couple of training systems for a big health group IT department a couple of years ago and almost everything in the practice exams was wrong.
Having no certifications aside from my CS degree my problem is being rejected after the last three interviews as being "over-qualified".
These certificates certainly would help an HR person weed out applicants and that alone would justify getting them - just so you get to the front of the line and don't get rejected prior to an interview - but they do not prove ability to solve IT problems. They prove you can pass written exams.
Final note: Be wary about buying training for these certification exams. I vetted a couple of training systems for a big health group IT department a couple of years ago and almost everything in the practice exams was wrong.
RHEL for one....timed and you gotta hustle.
With that said, it was still a situation where I prepped for an exam, then didn't think about it any more. So your point is well taken even in that context.
On the issue of cousins fixing things and such, this puts me to mind of another discussion some of us had about people expecting free work. You get what you pay for. I don't "fix" pc's any more because I'm not spending my hours backing up someone's crap, and fixing their pc, for free...just to have them get mad because I didn't put their desktop back like they had it, or save their web cache. Not related to certs, but you made me think about it.
When people start thinking of this stuff as something they value enough to pay for, they'll start getting better service. As it stands, with me, I'm not even wiping and reloading with no data backup for free.
With that said, it was still a situation where I prepped for an exam, then didn't think about it any more. So your point is well taken even in that context.
On the issue of cousins fixing things and such, this puts me to mind of another discussion some of us had about people expecting free work. You get what you pay for. I don't "fix" pc's any more because I'm not spending my hours backing up someone's crap, and fixing their pc, for free...just to have them get mad because I didn't put their desktop back like they had it, or save their web cache. Not related to certs, but you made me think about it.
When people start thinking of this stuff as something they value enough to pay for, they'll start getting better service. As it stands, with me, I'm not even wiping and reloading with no data backup for free.
Sometimes you fix things because it's a nice thing to do. But, in this case he runs an extermination company and fixed a rat and mouse problem I would have had to pay several hundred for. Most of my examples are for paid work but wouldn't a certified pro do good free work anyway? When did voluntary work make it OK for pros to do crap? I just wrote a DNS server modification script for my daughter and spent considerable time testing it as if I was paid to do it. The response to free work is the best possible you can do or NO, I charge $92 an hour like any other computer repair shop.
What's the Red Hat test like?
What's the Red Hat test like?
Just make sure you practice.
Honestly, unless a particular employer you want to work for requires it, I'm not sure I'd shell out the money though.
Honestly, unless a particular employer you want to work for requires it, I'm not sure I'd shell out the money though.
So if you think that having certifications automatically makes professional bad, how about testing it by yourself?
Sit and study some certifications -by your talk i'd assume that MCITP: Server Administrator would be good place to start -and see if it makes you any worse professional?
You propably won't even need any preparing for those...
BTW. if there were Windows 7 certified techie at the place you told about, and who ruined your wifes computer by not knowing how to do in place upgrade from Vista to W7 -he was earned hes certification by using brain dumps for sure.
BTWbtw. some don't even know that they use dumps. I saw one girl bragging about how some certs were easy at the Linked In group (!) and told which materials she used. I checked from www.certquard.com and her materials were listed as dumps.
I told that in the group and suddenly my posts disappeared.. . . it was her topic.
Sit and study some certifications -by your talk i'd assume that MCITP: Server Administrator would be good place to start -and see if it makes you any worse professional?
You propably won't even need any preparing for those...
BTW. if there were Windows 7 certified techie at the place you told about, and who ruined your wifes computer by not knowing how to do in place upgrade from Vista to W7 -he was earned hes certification by using brain dumps for sure.
BTWbtw. some don't even know that they use dumps. I saw one girl bragging about how some certs were easy at the Linked In group (!) and told which materials she used. I checked from www.certquard.com and her materials were listed as dumps.
I told that in the group and suddenly my posts disappeared.. . . it was her topic.
Seems that you have your own good reasons to be frustrated about certifications. I'm too, but exactly from oposite perspective.
I have seen ppl. in industry who have big ego and lots of character, you know those "i know it all" personalities whos every word is pronounced like it would be something really important..
Somehow i'm allergic to those dudes and i seem to find myself near them quite often.
They say similar stories about incompetent certified ppl. who did this and that. What is their motive to blacken certified professionals? Maybe because they have tried cert exam but FAILED. And it hurted their big ego. So their main message is that all certifications are useless and certified guys incompetent paper certified.
I have also noticed that being trusty personality who "seems" to know much get's easiest success.
That does not need to mean that he is competent for real. Their "being" is what counts.
And i don't have that something, sad but true. I totally lack charisma and not too many ppl. care to listen if i speak long sentences.
So, at some phase i got brilliant idea! As i needed a way to PROVE that i know something, i study certifications. I spent 5,5 years of studying time for getting MCSE and MCITP: EA.
And what i got? Nothing, because my "being" is still same, ppl. seem to see me as same stupid bloke who is help desk material at most.
I loose immediately when there is some of those "i know it all - i'm the owner of the europe" gues in the table. Whether he knows something or not.
That's my message and point here, nothing you know really matters if you don't "feel" competent.
Professional should get others to listen and capabilities to get others convinced ain't bad either.
Seems that because IT-stuff is easy to study, i stay loser forever no matter what certifications i earn, because those other skills are more difficult to get if you don't have them from the beginning.
So first thing needed is right kind of "consultant personality". Second is competence, whether it is studied or learned by doing (and studied as well, only case by case).
I have seen ppl. in industry who have big ego and lots of character, you know those "i know it all" personalities whos every word is pronounced like it would be something really important..
Somehow i'm allergic to those dudes and i seem to find myself near them quite often.
They say similar stories about incompetent certified ppl. who did this and that. What is their motive to blacken certified professionals? Maybe because they have tried cert exam but FAILED. And it hurted their big ego. So their main message is that all certifications are useless and certified guys incompetent paper certified.
I have also noticed that being trusty personality who "seems" to know much get's easiest success.
That does not need to mean that he is competent for real. Their "being" is what counts.
And i don't have that something, sad but true. I totally lack charisma and not too many ppl. care to listen if i speak long sentences.
So, at some phase i got brilliant idea! As i needed a way to PROVE that i know something, i study certifications. I spent 5,5 years of studying time for getting MCSE and MCITP: EA.
And what i got? Nothing, because my "being" is still same, ppl. seem to see me as same stupid bloke who is help desk material at most.
I loose immediately when there is some of those "i know it all - i'm the owner of the europe" gues in the table. Whether he knows something or not.
That's my message and point here, nothing you know really matters if you don't "feel" competent.
Professional should get others to listen and capabilities to get others convinced ain't bad either.
Seems that because IT-stuff is easy to study, i stay loser forever no matter what certifications i earn, because those other skills are more difficult to get if you don't have them from the beginning.
So first thing needed is right kind of "consultant personality". Second is competence, whether it is studied or learned by doing (and studied as well, only case by case).
Experience and confidence (and maybe charisma) will beat certifications everytime. However, some folks won't let you in the door without the right cert - and which one is that this week? This Top 10 list will change from year to year. It's crazy.
Software as a service, Infrastructure as a Service, Cloud Computing... We are moving/have moved to a service based view of computing. Please add service management certification, especially ISO/IEC 20000 Other options include ITIL and MOF.
Here in Bangladesh, Linux Servers are massively used. However, most of them run on other distributions than Red Hat Enterprise Linux. Still, the RHCE certification can train a person to deftly administer and maintain any Linux based server, even UNIX servers to an extent.
If you dont have this cert, people in Aussie dont think you can do ITIL framwork, but even if you get the foundation cert only meant you pass a multiple choice test... how great was that.
The Foundations cert isn't about understanding ITIL in any depth... it's just an introduction to the terms and base concepts... which is why it's a cram-and-dump 40 question multiple choice that's pretty easy to pass if you approach it with even a small measure of engagement.
Don't get me started about ITIL exams generally though... they are on the whole far too easy, and a part of the certification cash-grab.
That doesn't mean IT shouldn't be embracing IT Service Management though....
Don't get me started about ITIL exams generally though... they are on the whole far too easy, and a part of the certification cash-grab.
That doesn't mean IT shouldn't be embracing IT Service Management though.... 
What about JNCIP-SEC, ENT CISA, and CISM?
I am interested in security certification?
Would you please mention best IT security certifications?
I am interested in security certification?
Would you please mention best IT security certifications?
Why is it a must? In most places the tools themselves provide the framework to follow. It's not like the wheel has to be re-invented each time out. And it certainly isn't as moving a target as the other certifications with respect to new technologies and ways of doing things.
So again I ask why should it be in a top 10 list?
For the record I do have my Foundations cert.
So again I ask why should it be in a top 10 list?
For the record I do have my Foundations cert.
There have been three versions of ITIL (not to mention the individual syllabus changes - the latest being as of November 2011), all updated and based from experiences and feedback from the Enterprise space, so to claim that ITIL doesn't update as other certifications do is just not true; I'm sorry, but it isn't.
The point you make about tools is correct, but only to a degree. If a tool acts in isolation how do you know which process you want supported? How do you know what activities you want conducted, and how they're mandated, measured and managed?
I think you're hinting at tools being the best form of process support, and you're dead right, they're a critical factor. But they are not a solution in and of themselves. That's where ITIL comes in.
The point you make about tools is correct, but only to a degree. If a tool acts in isolation how do you know which process you want supported? How do you know what activities you want conducted, and how they're mandated, measured and managed?
I think you're hinting at tools being the best form of process support, and you're dead right, they're a critical factor. But they are not a solution in and of themselves. That's where ITIL comes in.
Sorry John. Absolutely disagree.
How can a SysAdmin successfully perform an upgrade to a piece of infrastructure if he doesn't know what he's changing? What that piece of infrastructure is related to/dependant upon? How that change will affect the continuity/availability of the IT service that infrastructure is supporting?
Having at least a basic "Foundations-level" knowledge so that you understand your manager's intent is critical.
Let's take your warfare analogy about soldiers in trenches. It's been long understood (and proven), that soldiers a) have a higher chance of achieving their objectives, b) doing so with fewer costs/losses along the way, c) will achieve them faster if they are told *why* they're doing what they're doing.
If a front line tech understands their manager's intent, because they use the same terms, understand the same concepts and have the same visibility into the wider picture, their frontline IT work becomes more efficient, more repeatable, more measurable, and (from the tech's point of view) easier to do in the long term.
For example, if your Change Manager has designed their Change Management process in a way that's too cumbersome to use, that individual Change Manager has implemented their process poorly... it doesn't mean that the idea of Change Management is a bad one.
How can a SysAdmin successfully perform an upgrade to a piece of infrastructure if he doesn't know what he's changing? What that piece of infrastructure is related to/dependant upon? How that change will affect the continuity/availability of the IT service that infrastructure is supporting?
Having at least a basic "Foundations-level" knowledge so that you understand your manager's intent is critical.
Let's take your warfare analogy about soldiers in trenches. It's been long understood (and proven), that soldiers a) have a higher chance of achieving their objectives, b) doing so with fewer costs/losses along the way, c) will achieve them faster if they are told *why* they're doing what they're doing.
If a front line tech understands their manager's intent, because they use the same terms, understand the same concepts and have the same visibility into the wider picture, their frontline IT work becomes more efficient, more repeatable, more measurable, and (from the tech's point of view) easier to do in the long term.
For example, if your Change Manager has designed their Change Management process in a way that's too cumbersome to use, that individual Change Manager has implemented their process poorly... it doesn't mean that the idea of Change Management is a bad one.
It seems like there is a bias towards administration related certifications. What about the Microsoft Certified Professinal Developer certifications?
Or maybe Erik Eckel's clients do not need custom applications...
Or maybe Erik Eckel's clients do not need custom applications...
Some of what you say is true but it would be based on your involvement and your opinions - which is perfectly acceptable as it is your publication/article.
The certifications you refer to in your article is desktop/utility/app/connectivity based. There is no mention of ITIL, service delivery, data vault, DB, ISP, streaming, encoding, social media, trending, or any such mention - fairly pertinent technologies/qualifications to "future-proofing" - don't you think?
The certifications you refer to in your article is desktop/utility/app/connectivity based. There is no mention of ITIL, service delivery, data vault, DB, ISP, streaming, encoding, social media, trending, or any such mention - fairly pertinent technologies/qualifications to "future-proofing" - don't you think?
a littel surprised to not see any ITSM certs on this list. Weuther it be ITIL or ISO/IEC-20000.
I knew this was link bait... ACSP -apple? really? over Citrix, or DB, or over Linux.. yes Linux. Article knowledge FAIL.
No mention of GIAC/GSE? Not as popular as CISSP with HR and managers. However, far superior in content than CISSP.
Well-done post - really appreciate that you put more thought into it and were trying to get away from just pushing out the standard list we've all sort of read before ("This isn???t that list.").
Congrats to you and the other bloggers there by the way on being named a Top 20 IT Career Blog (http://www.ine.com/top-it-career-blogs.htm)! Keep up the great work!
Congrats to you and the other bloggers there by the way on being named a Top 20 IT Career Blog (http://www.ine.com/top-it-career-blogs.htm)! Keep up the great work!
It's interesting that the biggest paradigm shift in the last decade is not well represented.
Yes, there is a little bit of virtualisation included, but I am surprised that we don't see more about the usage of cloud platforms. The abstraction that cloud computing provides, and the ability to focus away from plumbing, lights-on, and reactive/low value tasks is a huge win for any business (not to mention the IT professionals affected). As such, we need people that have abstracted skills and certifications (e.g. about cloud computing, on the cloud platforms and standards, etc).
I would expect to see certifications relating to CloudU, Rackspace, Amazon, Google, Salesforce.com and other providers appear more and more in this type of list, in addition to technologies around DevOps and other "new school" development and management practices (e.g. chef, puppet, vagrant, openstack, agile methods, etc).
Big/unstructured data is also going to be big - as well as the ability to extract intelligence from all that data. That means less about Oracle and SQL Server and more about CouchDB. Mongo, et al.
Disclaimer: I am a proud Salesforce.com employee and social/agile/cloud evangelist from way back, before those labels were coined.
Yes, there is a little bit of virtualisation included, but I am surprised that we don't see more about the usage of cloud platforms. The abstraction that cloud computing provides, and the ability to focus away from plumbing, lights-on, and reactive/low value tasks is a huge win for any business (not to mention the IT professionals affected). As such, we need people that have abstracted skills and certifications (e.g. about cloud computing, on the cloud platforms and standards, etc).
I would expect to see certifications relating to CloudU, Rackspace, Amazon, Google, Salesforce.com and other providers appear more and more in this type of list, in addition to technologies around DevOps and other "new school" development and management practices (e.g. chef, puppet, vagrant, openstack, agile methods, etc).
Big/unstructured data is also going to be big - as well as the ability to extract intelligence from all that data. That means less about Oracle and SQL Server and more about CouchDB. Mongo, et al.
Disclaimer: I am a proud Salesforce.com employee and social/agile/cloud evangelist from way back, before those labels were coined.
I remember reading similar articles 10 years ago. What is interesting is the number of certifications recommended back then which are still on the list today! Granted, what's listed above are the grandchildren of those of yesteryear (MCSE morphing into MCITP, etc), but it's all very same-old.
VCP is probably the only really 'new' one.
PMP seems to have taken over from Prince2.
But I agree with the posters above: where are the database, Citrix and Linux certs??
VCP is probably the only really 'new' one.
PMP seems to have taken over from Prince2.
But I agree with the posters above: where are the database, Citrix and Linux certs??
This was only personal and biased opinion, without any relation to reality. I just have to work on hardware and operating systems support of a Microsoft / CISCO shop to come with this list, but this doesn't mean it is representative of the general TI market as the author claims. 
Even those shops should have, if you trust market research from IDC, Forrester, and other meadia sites such as ZDnet, high demand for database administrators, linux sysadmins, and virtualization experts, but the author choose to ignore this. Maybe he gets a comission to tests sold by the "recomended" certifications.
Even those shops should have, if you trust market research from IDC, Forrester, and other meadia sites such as ZDnet, high demand for database administrators, linux sysadmins, and virtualization experts, but the author choose to ignore this. Maybe he gets a comission to tests sold by the "recomended" certifications.
I am MCITP: EA and unemployed.
Your first thought would then obviously be "yeah, but you were brain dump user for sure!" ?
That wouldn't be more wrong. I hate dump users SO much, for obvious reasons. Because of them industry does not trust certifications that much anymore.
And if someone who is unemployed is heavily certified, only reason he is unemployed must be that he is dump user. Aaaargh. Those dump user-scumbag-lolife-cheaters ruin my whole damn life!
Studying this certifications have took 5,5 years off my life. Most tests needed 3-5 months preparing, Two of them took whole year and couple more easier ones approximately one month.
My certification path went like this from 2006 to 2011:
MCP, MCDST, MCSA and MCSE.
then updated it to 2008 Server and Win7 by taking 70-647 first, then upgrading MCSE to MCITP: EA test and saved Windows 7 (70-680) for last.
I'm a bit disappointed. When i reached MCSE at 2010 it was like achieving my biggest goal, getting to final after many years work. It caused anticlimax effect. No agents were knocking behind my door.
Only option for me was to obtain newer MCITP: Enterprise Administrator certification.
I thought so because it is big certification with more current technologies and give employers those valuable MS partnership points. So it would make sure that my career would start and for good!
Nope. Same anticlimax again. I was trying to get some production work at the local factory but couldnt get that either.
GOD how i feel frustrated. I know plenty of ppl. who has their IT careers running well and they had not go through all this difficulties. One of my old good friends had no IT area education at all and hes career has continued over decade! He started at phonesalesman and sold magazines.
I'm not envious for him though. Others success is not out of me. It was just one example and i've seen many.
So this all has made me not believing certifications that much anymore. I spent my best years with studing at courses and home with loads of books and virtual labs. And for what? Nothing. Except stress and frustration.
Still.. i feel IT area is my calling. I'm gonna keep studying, at home until im.. if not best in the country, very good.
If im so good at some point that i could solve things that other admins -who are hired- can't solve, i can't see any reasons that prevents me to get there, eventually.
But studying just to get more certs... that seems not to do the trick! Perhaps i should create massive blog site where i document all that i know.
It might take years though. I just hope that end of the world doesn't come before that.
Maybe i should study and sit this whole list? Maybe then my luck would turn... or not. Here in finland employers would propably still saying: "it's nice that you have those certifications -what have you done?".
Meaning that they don't trust/know about certs.
Even more annoying version: ": "it's nice that you have those certifications -what can you DO?".
Been there, heard that.
Your first thought would then obviously be "yeah, but you were brain dump user for sure!" ?
That wouldn't be more wrong. I hate dump users SO much, for obvious reasons. Because of them industry does not trust certifications that much anymore.
And if someone who is unemployed is heavily certified, only reason he is unemployed must be that he is dump user. Aaaargh. Those dump user-scumbag-lolife-cheaters ruin my whole damn life!
Studying this certifications have took 5,5 years off my life. Most tests needed 3-5 months preparing, Two of them took whole year and couple more easier ones approximately one month.
My certification path went like this from 2006 to 2011:
MCP, MCDST, MCSA and MCSE.
then updated it to 2008 Server and Win7 by taking 70-647 first, then upgrading MCSE to MCITP: EA test and saved Windows 7 (70-680) for last.
I'm a bit disappointed. When i reached MCSE at 2010 it was like achieving my biggest goal, getting to final after many years work. It caused anticlimax effect. No agents were knocking behind my door.
Only option for me was to obtain newer MCITP: Enterprise Administrator certification.
I thought so because it is big certification with more current technologies and give employers those valuable MS partnership points. So it would make sure that my career would start and for good!
Nope. Same anticlimax again. I was trying to get some production work at the local factory but couldnt get that either.
GOD how i feel frustrated. I know plenty of ppl. who has their IT careers running well and they had not go through all this difficulties. One of my old good friends had no IT area education at all and hes career has continued over decade! He started at phonesalesman and sold magazines.
I'm not envious for him though. Others success is not out of me. It was just one example and i've seen many.
So this all has made me not believing certifications that much anymore. I spent my best years with studing at courses and home with loads of books and virtual labs. And for what? Nothing. Except stress and frustration.
Still.. i feel IT area is my calling. I'm gonna keep studying, at home until im.. if not best in the country, very good.
If im so good at some point that i could solve things that other admins -who are hired- can't solve, i can't see any reasons that prevents me to get there, eventually.
But studying just to get more certs... that seems not to do the trick! Perhaps i should create massive blog site where i document all that i know.
It might take years though. I just hope that end of the world doesn't come before that.
Maybe i should study and sit this whole list? Maybe then my luck would turn... or not. Here in finland employers would propably still saying: "it's nice that you have those certifications -what have you done?".
Meaning that they don't trust/know about certs.
Even more annoying version: ": "it's nice that you have those certifications -what can you DO?".
Been there, heard that.
Try becoming a Web Application Developer as that is easy to show what you know. I have several certs (CompTIA A+, Net+, Sec+ and Project+, as well as several MCTS (including Win 7, Server 2008). It took me 2 years to finish these in 2009. Because I am in the UK and my experience was gained outside the EU and UK, Employers still rejected me like harzadous chemicals!
So it was time for plan B!I then started teaching myself HTML, CSS, JavaScript and PHP. A year after learning PHP and these other languages, I approached two Schools and offered to build them a very good website, than what they had. Both agreed and I built thgose websites while still learning. Using those as examples of past projects, I started getting more work. I also built a Database to manage Exam Results for Schools, to do what teachers were doing either with excel or manually. The Database became a hit and now it is being installed in more schools and its in constant demand, now being adapted for Colleges!
Now did I waste money on my certs? Nope, actaually they are working for me, because I am now offering services such as repairing/ optising and servicing PCs, installing and configuring windows servers, and have many clients who came through my web apps business and through refferals. I get alot of work related to virus attacks, and where PCs have been hacked, and my CompTIA Sec+ has helped me. When my clients ask if I have a degree in IT because I am so good, I tell them that I merely have Certs, and they get very surprised and begin respecting me even more saying I am really serious to have taken time to study and get them and they can see I am certified by my work. Now imagine the opposite, showing them certs, before you prove you can deliver? Now I am no longer interested in working for anyone as I am doing very well and has so much business I have to choose what to focus on.Yet folks with even more skills and certs than me are waiting to be employed!!!
Employers have no idea how good you are, and don't blame them. There are plenty of folks with dozens of certs who cannot even replace a power supply even if they have A+. The market is pretty much tough so having certs cannot asure you of a job. Certs are meaninless unless the holder can prove what they can do. In many cases you should validate what you know already. Just accumulating certs does not mean you are more employable. Seeing you are clever to have reached that far, come up with a way to use your credentials, employement is not the only way.
So it was time for plan B!I then started teaching myself HTML, CSS, JavaScript and PHP. A year after learning PHP and these other languages, I approached two Schools and offered to build them a very good website, than what they had. Both agreed and I built thgose websites while still learning. Using those as examples of past projects, I started getting more work. I also built a Database to manage Exam Results for Schools, to do what teachers were doing either with excel or manually. The Database became a hit and now it is being installed in more schools and its in constant demand, now being adapted for Colleges!
Now did I waste money on my certs? Nope, actaually they are working for me, because I am now offering services such as repairing/ optising and servicing PCs, installing and configuring windows servers, and have many clients who came through my web apps business and through refferals. I get alot of work related to virus attacks, and where PCs have been hacked, and my CompTIA Sec+ has helped me. When my clients ask if I have a degree in IT because I am so good, I tell them that I merely have Certs, and they get very surprised and begin respecting me even more saying I am really serious to have taken time to study and get them and they can see I am certified by my work. Now imagine the opposite, showing them certs, before you prove you can deliver? Now I am no longer interested in working for anyone as I am doing very well and has so much business I have to choose what to focus on.Yet folks with even more skills and certs than me are waiting to be employed!!!
Employers have no idea how good you are, and don't blame them. There are plenty of folks with dozens of certs who cannot even replace a power supply even if they have A+. The market is pretty much tough so having certs cannot asure you of a job. Certs are meaninless unless the holder can prove what they can do. In many cases you should validate what you know already. Just accumulating certs does not mean you are more employable. Seeing you are clever to have reached that far, come up with a way to use your credentials, employement is not the only way.
How can you mention CISCO and completely ignore the the premium Bently of certification Juniper!!
The list seems to be not objectively right. Citrix and Linux certifications should be included. However, I'm getting ready for my MCITP test next month.
I'd like to meet someone with a CISSP that made me feel like the certification was worth something.
My favorite statement from a CISSP is "I don't trust ssh over telnet" (paraphrased.. this was like 7 years ago).
My favorite statement from a CISSP is "I don't trust ssh over telnet" (paraphrased.. this was like 7 years ago).
Why do nine (9) of the ten (10) certifications in your list have something significantly involved with Microsoft and its minions?
While CISSP is the ultimate certification for security professionals, Security+ is a good introductory certification for young security enthusiasts venturing into the security field. I would argue that any IT professional would benefit from having a good foundation in security. The next step would be the other (ISC)^2 certification SSCP, which has fewer domains and fewer requirements to maintain the certification. One may attend a local ISSA chapter meeting to learn more about it before making the decision to go down that path.
The CompTIA Security+ certification is a must have for many DoD contractor positions.
I too believe the more fundamental CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) certification is a smart bet.
John Caradith
Webmaster of http://www.customlogodesignusa.com
John Caradith
Webmaster of http://www.customlogodesignusa.com
Yes, it's a Microsoft world ... today. I've lived IT for more than 30 years and seen technologies come and go - and I hope to see many more come and go before I punch out.
It's interesting that you've put Microsoft as the top, what, two (or ten, if you count all the variations you listed) certs and skipped a whole bunch of others. Many others have pointed out that you totally missed the service lifecycle management stuff. I would have had those close to the top of the list. I also find it interesting that you mentioned the Microsoft virtualization certs, but you mentioned only VCP for VMware - what about VCAP & VCDX? To me, those are MUCH more valuable than a VCP.
I guess you're never going to make everyone happy, but the way I see it, this list comes from someone who lives in a Microsoft castle and never sets foot outside to see what the rest of the world is doing. Go for a walk every once in a while - there's a great big world outside of Microsoft!
It's interesting that you've put Microsoft as the top, what, two (or ten, if you count all the variations you listed) certs and skipped a whole bunch of others. Many others have pointed out that you totally missed the service lifecycle management stuff. I would have had those close to the top of the list. I also find it interesting that you mentioned the Microsoft virtualization certs, but you mentioned only VCP for VMware - what about VCAP & VCDX? To me, those are MUCH more valuable than a VCP.
I guess you're never going to make everyone happy, but the way I see it, this list comes from someone who lives in a Microsoft castle and never sets foot outside to see what the rest of the world is doing. Go for a walk every once in a while - there's a great big world outside of Microsoft!
HDI certifications the leading credentials for technical support professionsals that focus on service management and customer services skills. They address they skills needed to be successful in support that complement hardwares and software certifications such as CompTIA's A+ and MCITP.
There are 8 different Certifications in Java Programming Language.
Sun Certified Java Associate (SCJA)
Sun Certified Java Programmer (SCJP)
Sun Certified Java Developer (SCJD)
Sun Certified Web Component Developer (SCWCD)
Sun Certified Business Component Developer (SCBCD)
Sun Certified Developer For Java Web Services (SCDJWS)
Sun Certified Mobile Application Developer (SCMAD)
Sun Certified Enterprise Architect (SCEA)
last four certifications are also very difficult.
you can find very less people in the world.
why Java Certifications not there in the list???????????????
Sun Certified Java Associate (SCJA)
Sun Certified Java Programmer (SCJP)
Sun Certified Java Developer (SCJD)
Sun Certified Web Component Developer (SCWCD)
Sun Certified Business Component Developer (SCBCD)
Sun Certified Developer For Java Web Services (SCDJWS)
Sun Certified Mobile Application Developer (SCMAD)
Sun Certified Enterprise Architect (SCEA)
last four certifications are also very difficult.
you can find very less people in the world.
why Java Certifications not there in the list???????????????
I am in Telecommunication and studied IT (A+, N+ with a bit of web development HTML and Java). what course can you suggest to study since I am in Telecoms? was thinking of CCNA (Cisco)?
I like how A+/Network+ cert's are on here.They give organizations baseline of a persons knowledge; especially dealing with tech support jobs, internships and many entry level positions. Gives an impression of solid understanding for why and how the IT structure behaves.
I love reading these top ten lists for the entertainment factor of the comment section. ; ^ )
As a CISSP, CEH, and a ton of other certs gathered over twenty some years, plus degrees, and all kinds of other accolades, the one thing I will say that really matters to your employers / clients is - RESULTS. If you are lucky or skillful enough to land a gig, and you do an outstanding job of it, then word will get around that you can do IT. (Whatever IT is.) Having the certs gives YOU a great sense of achievement, I can attest to this. I busted my narrow a** to get that CISSP, and pretty much all of them. I don't feel someone who has not gone through a similar experience is in a position to judge their worth to ME. I can honestly say that CEH doesn't compare to CISSP, and that MCTS does not make you a great programmer, even though I have all of them. In my humble opinion, CEH is neat in the way it exposes you to the nuts and bolts of IT security and the CISSP is what separates the management guys from everyone else. The difference is that any competent person with some technical ability can DO the things in the CEH domains. I would submit that a substantially fewer number of people can do everything required to get CISSP.
In the grand scheme of things, the CISSP is a very respected cert because it is managed well by its parent organization. CEH may eventually get there as well.
I agree with those who stated that SANS certs, Linux, and DB certs, as well as ITIL were given short shrift on this PARTICULAR list. However, this is a Microsoft centric offering, and in that light (and seeing that HR is mostly interested in these particular certs) I would have to agree that the list seems pretty accurate.
Best luck in all our careers!
As a CISSP, CEH, and a ton of other certs gathered over twenty some years, plus degrees, and all kinds of other accolades, the one thing I will say that really matters to your employers / clients is - RESULTS. If you are lucky or skillful enough to land a gig, and you do an outstanding job of it, then word will get around that you can do IT. (Whatever IT is.) Having the certs gives YOU a great sense of achievement, I can attest to this. I busted my narrow a** to get that CISSP, and pretty much all of them. I don't feel someone who has not gone through a similar experience is in a position to judge their worth to ME. I can honestly say that CEH doesn't compare to CISSP, and that MCTS does not make you a great programmer, even though I have all of them. In my humble opinion, CEH is neat in the way it exposes you to the nuts and bolts of IT security and the CISSP is what separates the management guys from everyone else. The difference is that any competent person with some technical ability can DO the things in the CEH domains. I would submit that a substantially fewer number of people can do everything required to get CISSP.
In the grand scheme of things, the CISSP is a very respected cert because it is managed well by its parent organization. CEH may eventually get there as well.
I agree with those who stated that SANS certs, Linux, and DB certs, as well as ITIL were given short shrift on this PARTICULAR list. However, this is a Microsoft centric offering, and in that light (and seeing that HR is mostly interested in these particular certs) I would have to agree that the list seems pretty accurate.
Best luck in all our careers!
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