One will quickly find that tech certification is not cheap. In fact, in some cases, it is extremely expensive. This means that going after and receiving the certifications, with the greatest Return on Investment (ROI) is vitally important. In this article, we list the tech certifications that will pay off biggest in the job market.
1. MCSE: The Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) certification is still a premiere certification. The test is quite a bit harder then it once was. It is primarily performance based and the questions are much more difficult. You must past seven tests to receive your MCSE.
2: MCA: Microsoft Certified Architect (MCA) is the top certification that Microsoft gives. To successfully attain your MCA you need to have three years or more of an advanced level of IT architecture experience. You will have to pass a review board given by a review board.. This is a very prestigious certification. In fact, there are less than 100 Microsoft Certified Architects (MCA's) in the world.
3. CCIE: The Cisco Internetwork Expert (CCEI) is a very expensive certification that is very hard to obtain. It is sponsored by Cisco. The test has two parts. You will need to successfully pass the written portion of the exam, before you are allowed to take the labs. The written portion of the test costs $300. The lab examination will cost you $1250 for each track to choose to be tested on. You can choose from Routing and Switching, Security, Storage Networking, Voice and Service Provider. Keep in mind as well, that lab exams are only given in certain cities so you will have to pay for any travel expenses. As a CCEI, you must be recertified every two years.
4. CCSP: Cisco Certified Security Professional (CCSP) is a certification that will enable you to secure Cisco networks. To receive this certification, you must take and pass 5 written tests. Recertification is required every 3 years. It is important to note that even before you are able to take the CCSP, you must have already received your CCNA or CCIP.
5. CISSP: Security jobs continue to be hot in the IT field. One certification that will help you land a good IT security gig is the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). The process to receive the certification is very rigorous and the test itself is pretty expensive, but the payoff is great.
6. SSCP: If you aren't yet able to qualify to sit for the CISSP, try the Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) certification. You will only need one year of security experience.
7. GSE: The GIAC certificate is another well known security certificate. However, you will need to have already received your GSEC, GCIA and GCIH certifications before you can sit for it.
8. RHCE/RHCA: Linux is becoming more and more popular. Some companies are interested in switching to a Linux based system and they need tech professionals to run them. For $749 you can take the Red Hat Certified Engineer exam (RHCE) and become certified.
9. ITIL: If you have aspirations in becoming an IT manager, you may want to consider obtaining your Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) certification.
10. Other considerations: If none of the above certifications float your boat, you may want to consider certifications in Database administration, wireless networking, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) or Voice Over Protocol. All of these will be hot tech areas in the future.
