Certification
Requirements for Beginning IT Professionals
by Randall Olson
Those who are
interested in going to work in the information technology field are probably
aware that certifications are very important. When hiring IT workers,
employers frequently look for candidates who have specific certifications.
For entry-level
positions, employers want to see certifications that validate that
applicants truly have basic skills and an aptitude for IT work. Some
companies will not even consider hiring entry-level candidates who do not
have at least one professional
certification. Even in cases where
certification isn’t mandatory, it is certainly something IT employers view
favorably.
Which Certifications
Do I Need?
There are many
different types of IT skills and jobs. Accordingly, there are many
different certifications, each of which validates a specific skill set. The
type of certification that you will need depends upon a number of factors,
including: the industry you want to enter, the geographic location where
you want to work, a company’s requirements, your background, and many other
variables.
Popular
Entry-Level Certifications:
Some of the most
popular certifications for entry-level computer technical support
professionals include:
- Microsoft
Certified Professional (MCP)
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA A+
- Cisco Certified
Network Associate (CCNA)
Keep in mind that this
is not an all-inclusive list of entry-level IT certifications. Be sure to
research your geographic market, industry, and type of position desired to
learn which types of certifications will be the most beneficial to you.
How Do I Get
Certified?
Before you take a
certification exam, it is a good idea to make sure that you have the
knowledge and skills necessary to be successful. There are a number of
different practice tests for most certification exams. These practice tests
can give you an idea of whether or not you are ready to sit for
certification, or if you need to complete additional training prior to
testing.
If you do need
additional training, check out your options for
online training as well as
instructor-led training in your
local area. Once you have the skills you
need, then it may be time to register for your chosen exam.
Each
vendor has different policies, fees, and requirements. Most IT
certification exams are available at your local PearsonVUE or Prometric
testing center. Choose a convenient, comfortable testing center that meets
your needs. Exam vendors frequently offer special pricing and promotions,
so you should check for the best deals on certification testing vouchers.
Your local testing center is often a good resource for information about the
best deals on test vouchers.
About the Author:
Randall Olson is
Director of Certification Testing, IT Training, and Online Learning at
Mobile Technical Institute
http://www.mobiletechwebsite.com, home of the Gulf Coast Certification
Forum. He also works with MTI Business Solutions, providing marketing,
writing, and SEO consulting services to a wide variety of clients.
*This article can be reprinted provided the
author bio and website link are included.
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