Information Technology

Monday, November 12, 2012

The Most Important IT Certifications

There are dozens, if not hundreds, of IT certifications available to the IT professional. Like all certifications, some matter a bit more than others and some are little more than a few letters tacked onto the end of your name.

If you are considering going into the wonderful world of IT, it would behoove you to know which certifications are the ones that are in the most demand or the most respected so you get better bang for your buck.

Microsoft Certifications
There are few businesses that don't have to deal with Microsoft products at all, making the various Microsoft certifications some of the most important to have. Microsoft offers a veritable alphabet soup of certifications, each with their own uses. Throughout the years, many of these certification exams have been retired, but some companies with older systems still seek out those with the more obsolete certifications.

Apple Certifications
Not every company uses solely Microsoft products; some companies don't use them at all or use mixed operating systems. To these companies, being certified by Apple can be an important distinction and they will be seeking IT professionals with ACSP and/or ACTC certifications at least, and some companies may seek out those with the more advanced ACSA certifications.

Cisco Certifications
Cisco certifications are among the most popular certifications and come in three flavors, from most basic to most advanced; CCNP, CCNA and CCiE. As you go from most basic to most advanced, the passing requirements and exam costs get higher and higher, but these are excellent certifications to have.

CompTIA Certifications
The vendor-neutral Computing Technology Industry Association offers certifications that give a mix of experience which can be exactly what a company is looking for in an IT professional. At one time, the CompTIA certifications lasted for a lifetime, but recently that policy has been changed and they must be renewed every three years.

Project Management Professional
IT project managers can make good money, and the Project Management Professional certification is very well respected and valued. The certification requires some college education and experience as a project manager before you can take the test, however.

International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium
It's a mouthful to say, but companies that have to deal with security find this certification invaluable. In order to take the exam, it does require several years' experience in security architecture and design. Also, it's much easier to use the acronym, CISSP, than to say its name each time.

Information Systems Audit and Control Association
ISACA certification is another security systems certification, and another certification that requires several years experience in the IT security field before it can be taken. All of the requirements for this test are offset by the benefits of having this certification, however.

Although certifications are important, they are not the only thing a potential employer is going to look at, and often real-world experience and a solid work history can help make up for a lack of certain certifications.

As the workplace becomes less focused on a particular single vendor, multiple certifications or knowledge of a variety of systems is becoming more valuable in today's workplace. Of course, it never hurts to have multiple certifications to boost your value.

Knowledge Center Inc is a leading provider of information technology training courses. Computer training programs offered include CompTIA, Cisco, ITIL, CISSP, ISO20000 & Microsoft certification courses. Computer certification classes are held at KCI computer training center located at Ashburn, VA.

Advantages of Getting Microsoft Virtual Training

These days, remote learning has become highly popular among learners all over the world. Thanks to the internet, which has helped a great deal and brought phenomenal changes in the way you get education. Now you don't have to travel abroad for IT studies. You can do it right at your home. Official Microsoft courses can be studied at home. All you need is a personal computer and high-speed broadband connection.
Why choose remote learning
This offers immense benefits to learners. Microsoft certifications are recognized globally and it gives you an edge over others by doing courses from this reputed company.
Professional approach
You'll be able to get into professional world by becoming more efficient, task-oriented, well-informed and highly competitive. According to studies, Microsoft certified individuals perform better than other employees. So, large companies mostly prefer hiring them.
Real instructor
Microsoft virtual training is different, convenient and much effective than any other remote learning program offered to you. It's not about virtual computer-programmed software that has does not have any human intervention. Here, you get training by real instructors, who are well-trained and highly skilled to impart their knowledge in an effective way. It's more focused on learner and works through instructor-pupil interaction. You can learn easily and conveniently.
Cost-effective
While you study from home, it's more economical than traditional education. You don't have to pay for hefty travel charges for commuting daily to your institute. Microsoft will bring class to your home through its virtual training programs. These official Microsoft courses are highly affordable and easy-to-do. There's no need to invest heavily and leave your home for studying.

Virtual training versus self-education
Today, instructor-led virtual training has become more important and valuable than any other self-learning program. Microsoft virtual training is different from other self-study courses. Here you get opportunity to study in a virtual classroom under supervision of a real instructor and you are assessed by him. There's human interaction as well and no bland automatic software, web pages or multimedia only. It's all real.

Official Certification
Upon completion of your course, you get real Microsoft Certification that is your gateway to future success and enter job market confidently. Professionals can also further enhance their skills by taking virtual IT courses by Microsoft.

Free trial
Another great advantage for you is that, you can get a free trial of Official Microsoft courses before finally getting enrolled. This is a huge benefit offered by the company. You can easily get to know whether a particular course is suitable for you or not. Before you begin with your training, there's an opportunity to see how this online course works. It will make your decision easier. Free trial opportunity is great for learners, and this service is usually not offered by any other virtual education institute.

Important requirements
For getting official Microsoft certification, you must have a secure and high-speed internet connection. Besides, you must meet their enrollment criteria.