TOP
10 COMPUTER CERTIFICATIONS 2008
Jo Blitz A. Escotal
CEO
Escotal.com
Whether you are just starting out in the IT field or are a season
computer veteran looking to make more money, here is my list once
again for the top ten computer certifications for 2008. If you have
any questions please feel free to e-mail me at jo@escotal.com
1.
MCP/MCSA/MCSE
(Microsoft Certified Professional/System Administrator/Engineer)
With more than 2.5 million people already having this certification,
it is still the most popular computer certification in the world.
80% of the world's computers run using some form of Microsoft Operating
Systems. If you are planning a career in the networking field or in
an office environment, this is the certification for you.
2. COMPTIA A+ Certification
(Essentials, IT Technician Remote Support and Depot Technician)
This is a must if you ever wanted to take a level entry certification
in the computer field. With every company and 60% of homes in the
USA having computers, I believe that everyone should be working towards
this certification. Why should you have to go to a computer store
and be overcharged for a simple procedure such as memory installation,
virus and spyware removal when most people can do it themselves from
home? These are procedures that anyone who uses a computer should
be able to perform.
3. COMPTIA Network+ Certification
Coming in behind the A+ Certification is the Network+ certification.
Once you know how to install and troubleshoot computers the next step
is to network them. All companies have some form of network and 50%
of the homes in the USA have two or more computers in use. With the
high demand for networking in this country it is a must for everyone
to have.
4. CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional)
With CISSP's earning close to a six figure salary, it is easy to see
why this one made the list. The exam lasts up to six hours and includes
250 multiple choice questions. If you want to take the test it is
going to cost you $500. This is one of toughest and most respected
certifications one can obtain in the security field.
5.
CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate)
This is the entry level certification for the Cisco field. Cisco controls
80% of the world's Internet Router and Switches. What better way to
start in the WAN field than to get this entry level certification!
6.
CNWA (Certified Wireless Network Administrator)
This certification is for someone who is interested in going into
the wireless networking field. Ad Hoc Mode, Infrastructure Mode, SSID,
WEP, WPA, 802.11 standards, Bluetooth, Infrared, FHSS, DSSS and other
wireless terminologies are some of the things you will learn about
with this entry level wireless certification.
7. CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert)
CCIE is still one of the hardest certifications to obtain, but it
is a must if you are going to reach the pinnacle in a Cisco environment.
There are only 20,000 CCIE's in the world, that's it! Buyer beware
this has one of the highest failure rates and it is not for the faint
of heart.
8. Project Management Professional
One of the most intensive certifications available is the PMP (Project
Management Professional) certification. Offered by PMI (Project Management
Institute), the PMP demonstrates advanced knowledge of and experience
with Project Management concepts.
9. COMPTIA Security+ Certification
There was a time when setting up a network was a big deal. Well that
is kid's stuff today. Security is the hot new field especially with
growth in firewall, encryption, VPN, cryptography and infrastructure
security. Defending and securing your network in now the top priority
of most companies and homes.
10. RHCE (Red Hat Certified Engineer)
This is the number one certification in a Linux environment. If you
dislike Microsoft and want something to run your critical mission
software and web software this is the certification for you.
Honorable Mention
CCNP - Cisco Certified Network Professional
Cisco VoIP - Cisco Voice over IP
Firewall Certification - Especially Sonic Wall and Cisco Pix
Programming Certification - If you are going to program JAVA or .NET
platforms
Mail Server Certification - MS Exchange is the number one mail server
certification
CIW - Certified Internet Webmaster the top certification for the web
Sun Solaris - The most well know certification in UNIX
CEH - EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker
MCST - MCTS SQL Server 2005 (The Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist)
Database Certification - Oracle Database and Microsoft SQL Database
are the 2 hottest certification in database
Hot demands in the field of computers
1.
Security
2. Wireless
3. SAN (Storage Area Networks)
4. Managed Services
5. Customer Service Skills and Soft Skills especially those who can
speak English
Hello 
