It is that time again. To sort through all the certifications out there and try to pick the ones to have for 2008. The list looks a little different than years prior in that Microsoft is not dominating the list. We tried our best with this list based on job growth, sales of certification training material and a little guess work. Read through it and tell us what you think. If you are starting your IT. career or looking to enhance it, any of these certifications would be a great asset to have.
MCP (Microsoft Certified Professional)
Like I even had to list this one. This will probably always be number 1 for the next 1,000 years. There are over 2 million people with this certification.
CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate)
This one comes in 2nd as most network administrator jobs right now are IP related and they are in more demand at higher professional level as compared to Microsoft Certifications.
MCPD (Microsoft Certified Professional Developer)
This has been a rocket since last year. Demand for these developers are up over 80% compared to last year, and does not seem to be slowing down any time soon. There are only a little over 3000 currently with the certification. If you are looking for a certification track, I would give this one a lot of consideration.
SCJP (SUN Certified Java Programmer)
Today, a Java credential is one of the most valuable credentials that a programmer or developer can have. About 70% of business entities’ development projects are done through J2EE.
CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional)
One of the elite certifications. With CISSP’s earning $94,070 a year on average, it is easy to see why this one is on the list. The exam lasts up to six hours and includes 250 multiple choice questions. It is also $500, so you might want to study for this one.
Comptia A+
I figured everyone had this already, but I guess not. This is the first certification almost everyone gets when first starting in the IT field. It is by far the most popular entry level certification.
Comptia Network +
Coming in right behind A+. This is usually the 2nd certification that most IT. Professionals acquire. Which is great because Network systems and data communications analysts is ranked Number 2 on the ‘Most in Demand Jobs’ list.
MCTS SQL Server 2005 (The Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist)
SQL Server 2005 is going to be hot next year. A lot of companies are switching to SQL Server 2005 and these guys are going to be in big demand. Companies of all sizes need these professionals to manage everything from planning a new database to managing and supporting existing databases.
RHCE (Red Hat Certified Engineer)
About 25% of enterprises will be running mission-critical business applications on the Linux open source operating system by 2009, according to a survey by Saugatuck Technology and Business Week Research Services. By the end of 2007 the figure will be 18%. RHCE is called the ‘crown jewel of Linux certifications’.
Comptia Security+
Growth in Security+, which covers topics like communication security, infrastructure security, cryptography, access control and authentication, shows no signs of slowing down. Comptia’s Security+ Credential is a must have in today’s world.