Here is a list of the potential “hottest certs” for 2005, ripped off of my favourite certification information/review website with my opinions on each.
1) CCIE – If you can get this one, Cisco might hire you themselves. An extremely valuable cert, but only for major players. It shouldn’t be number one in my book, as it is too narrow, and doesn’t really apply to everyone.
2) MCSE: Security – Although MCSEs are everywhere, getting your MCSE in 2003 with a Security focus, may just put you on top of that pile of crap. I will be going for my 2003 this year.
3) RHCE – Personally, I’d rather have the vendor neutral LPI-1 or 2, but it seems that this one is still more widely recognized in the IT world.
4) CCSP – Another Cisco cert… holds value, but it is not something that I am pursuing right now.
5) CCNP – Here’s one that I will be putting up on my wall this year. Very widely recognized. The learning process involved in obtaining this cert holds serious value in my world.
6) LPIC-2 – I don’t remember the letter “c” in there before… I will be looking for the LPIC-1 myself as I am not too comfortable with Linux.
7) CLP (Novell/Linux) – Here is something that really tweaks my interest, however my work in 2005 regarding Novell will be lab based… I will not write this cert.
8) MySQL Core Certification – No comment. This really has nothing to do with me. A general knowledge of the subject is good enough for me.
9) Security+ – Crap. I thought that I made myself clear before regarding this exam. LOL. I will write it, and then I will shut up.
10) PMP – Should’ve been #1 in my book. This is the most valuable certification that anyone could ever obtain. Project management is something that I will always be into. I cannot get this cert yet, but it is definitely within my 5 year plan.
It appears that this year’s lineup is only for the [b]serious[/b] professional.
Chris