Top Four IT Certification Categories

September 28, 2006
By

James Maguire

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Robert Half Technology asked CIOs across the country: What are the top skill sets you need in your organization right now? Their answers are listed below by how in-demand they are, along with the related certifications:

1) Windows Administration

Clearly of value for this position would be an MCSC certification, but also valuable would be a Linux/RedHat certification or some type of Unix certification, whether that be Sun Solaris or a related certification, Lee says.

Having this mix of certifications “would cover not just Windows administration on the Microsoft side but certification from a sysadmin’s perspective overall.”

2) Networking

Many of the networking skills that employers are looking for revolve around the security space. Consequently, Lee recommends something that certifies Check Point expertise, VPN product knowledge, and/or some type of Cisco education.

3) Database Management

Because of the increased demand for Oracle-based skill sets, the Oracle certifications are a good choice, she says.

Additionally, “I think the certifications in the Business Intelligence space, whether that be Crystal Reports or Business Objects, are also valuable right now.”

4) Wireless

Employers are looking for employees with a background that spans both PDAs (Treos, Blackberrys, etc.) and the traditional IT environment.

Among the relevant certifications are the Certified Wireless Networking Professional (CWNP), AreTec Certified Wireless Professional (AceWP) and the Wireless System Installers Certification, offered by he National Association of Radio and Telecommunications Engineers (NARTE).

Naturally, since Cisco is a top WLAN vendor, it offers a number of valuable wireless certifications: Cisco Wireless LAN Design Specialist, the Cisco Wireless LAN Support Specialist, and the Cisco Wireless LAN Sales Specialist.