Walking into the abyss that is IT certifications can be an unexpected journey. The extents of vendor specific and vendor neutral certifications are enormous and demanding.
We have dedicated the extents of our website to student understanding and assurance. We would like to provide the next few paragraphs to the simple breakdown of the certifications offered by Blue Screen IT.
COMPTIA CERTIFICATIONS - (Computer Technology Industry Association)
website: www.comptia.org
These certifications are vendor neutral and certify the candidate has the necessary skills to implement entry level IT technology within their particular skills. For instance the A+ certifies that candidates are competent PC technicians able to administer and configure PC systems hardware and software.
Network+ technicians are certified to implement and configure network media, technologies and devices within a small to medium sized network. Security+ focuses on security, infosec and security policies and principles, but one thing all CompTIA certifications have in common is that they are generic and focus on the needs of the skill not the implementation of particular products.
CompTIA certifications are regularly the winners of entry level certification recommendations and are widely recognised throughout the IT industry.
MICROSOFT CERTIFICATIONS
website: www.microsoft.com
A certification synonymous to the IT industry is the MCSE or Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer. With the broad user base and more than a market share of the home PC market, Microsoft certifications are always in demand.
Now providing certifications other than the MCSE, including the MCSA (Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator), MCDST (Microsoft Certified Desktop Technician), MCAD, MCSD and others, Microsoft have analyses the far reaches of the IT market and responded with more specialised certifications. Below is a description of each:
MCP (Microsoft Certified Professional) - Entry level certification into any premier or administrators certifications, The MCP is achieved by completing the exam in one of the MCSA/ MCSE/ MCDBA/ MCAD etc certifications. It certifies competency within the chosen exam.
MCSA (Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator) - Aimed at systems administrators, or the responsibility of configuring and managing networks (looking after and troubleshooting the network).
MCSE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer) - Planning and implementing is the focus of this certification. It is geared toward larger network management and design. MCSE is the premier infrastructure certification for Microsoft Internetwork engineers.
Specializations - Specialist certifications are provided by Microsoft to tailor its engineers and analysts toward market needs. 2 Specialist certifications are available:
Security - Focused on the implementation, design and ongoing management of Microsoft Internetwork's
Messaging - Specialises into configuration and management of Microsoft Exchange Server, their premier e-mail server system
CHECK POINT CERTIFICATIONS
website: www.checkpoint.com
Recognised as industry leaders in the provision of internetwork security solutions, Check Point Technologies provide VPN, QoS, Secure communication and firewall services.
A well respected and in demand certification set, delegates with a Check Point certification carry with them an advanced skill set in secure communications. The CCSA-NG, Check Point Certified Security Administrator is the entry level certification for Check Point Professionals administering and managing a Check Point secured network.
The CCSE, Check Point Certified Security Expert, certifies individuals to be able to design and implement Check Point products in a large enterprise environment.
CISCO CERTIFICATIONS
website: www.cisco.com
As a giant within the internetworking world, Cisco certifications are well recognised and respected within the IT industry.
Generally associated with network backbones technologies - including routers, switches, access servers and security services - Cisco Systems do provide end to end solutions. Providing several certifications, we focus on the entry level certification - the CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate).
The CCNA certifies candidates carry the skills to successfully implement and manage Cisco routers and switches within a small to medium network environment. This includes network understanding, configuration and connectivity of Cisco devices aimed at small to medium business environments.
CIW CERTIFICATIONS
website: www.ciwcertified.com
As a vendor neutral certification option, CIW provide a wide array of options within their syllabus.
Certifications include networking, internetwork security, web development, web design and site management. The CIW Master designer has been voted the best Internet certification and involves 3 weeks of training to provide candidates with the skills to successfully design, manage and market an Internet web site
Tools including Dreamweaver, Frontpage, FLASH, Photoshop and technologies like HTML, DHTML, XML, Action scripting and more are covered to ensure all round site design skills.
