Welcome back! Last time on the blog, we looked at the best IT certifications for IT professionals just starting out, Network Engineers and Cybersecurity experts.
If you missed it, here is a quick link back to IT Certifications Part 1.
Today, we turn our attention to Cloud professionals, data experts, and IT Project Managers. Read on for more!
Best IT Certifications for Cloud Computing.
Cloud computing certifications are growing thanks to the rise in IT systems migrating to the cloud. Many are specific to the vendor, such as Microsoft, VMware, and Amazon.
Here are a few IT Cloud Certifications; general and specific you may like to consider if you wish to work in this growing area of tech.
CompTIA cloud+
This covers all leading areas of cloud computing, including configuration, deployment, security, management, and troubleshooting.
VMware Certified Professional – Cloud Management and Automation
This certificate shows that you can configure and administer a VMWare v. Realize environment. You’ll also learn how to use process automation to handle day-to-day operations.
AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional
Tech giant, Amazon is the leading provider of cloud computing services. This award confirms your ability to design and deploy cloud environments using Amazon Web Services.
Salesforce Certified Development Lifecycle and Deployment.
Demand for high-end specialists in this cloud-based CRM is at its peak. This certification is the first step on the ladder toward becoming a Salesforce certified Systems Architect.
Do you have aspirations toward Cloud Engineering? Read our blog on how to become a Cloud Engineer here.
Best IT Management Certifications.
Solid project management is critical to IT operations. IT Project Management is multifaceted. It involves planning, scheduling, budgeting, and execution. Holding a certificate endorses an understanding and can be a stepping stone to a managerial position.
Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
The CAPM is an entry-level PM qualification and is offered by the highly respected Project Management Institute (PMI).
Project Management Professional (PMP)
Also offered by the PMI, this certificate is among the most prestigious in the profession.
Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
Offered by the Scrum Alliance, this entry-level CSM certification is an excellent way to show your knowledge of Scrum and Agile management practices.
Prince2
The PRINCE2 (Projects IN a Controlled Environment) Certificate was developed as a UK Government standard for information systems projects. It has since evolved into a standard that is recognised globally. If you are a Project Manager with aspirations to work abroad or remotely for a foreign enterprise, the importance of a PRINCE2 qualification cannot be underestimated.
The PRINCE2 standard is a two-tier award; it is divided into Foundation and Practitioner Levels.
The foundation level is an introduction to the PRINCE2 themes, principles, and approaches. It teaches how to consistently deliver projects on time and within budget, manage risk and mitigate perceived problems.
The Practitioner level then goes on to address how you might apply and tailor PRINCE2 appropriately to the needs and problems of a specific project scenario.
The PRINCE2 certification is valid for three years. At the end of which, you will need to re-sit the exam or you are able to maintain your certificate through a subscription to My PRINCE2.
Have you IT Project Management in your sights? Read our Project Manager CV Essentials guide here.
Best IT Helpdesk Certifications.
Technical support and helpdesk roles are where many IT professionals begin their careers. If you are keen to begin your IT journey here, you can achieve certifications specific to a vendor’s products and platforms, or more central help desk functions.
HDI Certifications
The Help Desk Institute (HDI) offers certifications that range from entry-level; HDI desktop support technician to the HDI support centre director. The former is particularly popular with IT hiring managers and recruiters. The HDI also offers credentials for support centre analysts, team leaders, and customer service representatives.
ITIL
The UK’s AXELOS promotes best practices for IT service management. ITIL is a widely accepted framework for managing IT service delivery. There are five ITIL certifications, ranging from foundation to master.
Apple Certified Support Professionals (ACSP)
The ACSP certification from Apple evidences a user’s ability to demonstrate expertise with macOS support essentials.
Best IT Certifications for Database, Analytics, and Data Technologies.
Our reliance upon data is driving new career opportunities. A company’s database is foundational to IT operations and any disruption to this can severely damage the everyday running of an enterprise.
The certifications in this field tend to be built around a single provider’s platform. Here are a few you may like to consider.
Certified Data Professional (CDP)
The CDP is one of the most comprehensive certifications for data professionals and is offered by the Institute for Certification of Computing Professionals (ICCP). The CDP has 5 tiers, beginning at Foundation level and landing at Executive Management. Data professionals can focus on specific roles, including business analytics, data governance, enterprise data architecture, data analytics, and data warehousing.
Oracle Certified Professional
Oracle is the world’s leading database provider. Their certification covers a range of database professions, from database administration and database application development to analytics, data warehousing, and big data.
SAP Certified Technology Associate
This certification demonstrates an ability to install, manage, monitor, migrate and troubleshoot SAP’s database technology.
Microsoft SQL Server Certifications
There is a range of certifications on offer from Microsoft. Just like Oracle, awards can be achieved in database administration, business intelligence, and data management and analytics.
CCIE Data Centre
This is another certification from industry leader, Cisco. It demonstrates the expert-level skills required to plan, prepare, operate, monitor, and troubleshoot complex data centre networks.
Now we have come to the end of our rundown of the best industry certifications for tech and IT professionals, have you any thoughts? Have you got any others on your CV that you believe set you apart from the rest? We’d love to hear your contributions. As ever, leave your comments below!
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