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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.
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