Research also shows clearly that the appropriate certificates accelerate a career in IT and significantly increase earnings.
Ranking below shows the most promising certifications and related earnings.
A brief summary of each certificate:
1. Project Management Professional (PMP)
“PMI’s Project Management Professional (PMP)® credential is the most important industry-recognized certification for project managers. Globally recognized and demanded, the PMP® demonstrates that you have the experience, education and competency to lead and direct projects.
This recognition is seen through increased marketability to employers and higher salary; according to the PMI Project Management Salary Survey–Seventh Edition, certification positively impacts project manager salaries.
The PMP recognizes demonstrated competence in leading and directing project teams. If you’re an experienced project manager looking to solidify your skills, stand out to employers and maximize your earning potential, the PMP credential is the right choice for you.”
2. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
CISSP® certification is a globally recognized standard of achievement that confirms an individual’s knowledge in the field of information security. CISSPs are information assurance professionals who define the architecture, design, management and/or controls that assure the security of business environments. It was the first certification in the field of information security to meet the stringent requirements of ISO/IEC Standard 17024.
The CISSP exam tests one’s competence in the ten CISSP domains of the (ISC)²®CBK®, which cover critical topics in security today, including risk management, cloud computing, mobile security, application development security and more. Candidates must have a minimum of five years of paid full-time work experience in two of the ten domains. This vast breadth of knowledge and the experience it takes to pass the exam is what sets the CISSP apart”
3. Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD)
“MCSD is number three in a new survey of the top-paying certifications for 2013. If you’re a developer with an expertise in analysing and designing enterprise solutions using different Microsoft languages and development tools, this is the certification to get.
Validate your expertise and raise your earning potential at the same time. When you pass your first Microsoft Certification exam, you become a member of the Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) community with access to all of the benefits provided through the Microsoft Certification Program and the MCP member site. You can share your transcript with others to prove that you passed that exam and show your progress towards a specific certification. In some cases, such as when you pass an MTA or Specialist exam, that single exam will also earn you the associated certification.”
4. Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA)
“The Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA) certification provides proof of your ability to design, implement and manage SQL Server 2000 databases. Although this certification was withdrawn on 30 September 2012, if you achieved the certification before that date, it will still appear on your transcript as a legacy certification.
We recommend the following SQL Server certifications—choose one that reflects your job role, career goals and version of SQL Server:
Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Data Platform—for database professionals who build enterprise-scale data solutions on-premises or in cloud environments
Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Business Intelligence—for database professionals who develop and deploy business intelligence solutions and reports”.
5. Cisco Certified Design Associate (CCDA)
Cisco Certified Design Associate (CCDA) is for network design engineers, technicians, and support engineers, who enable efficient network environments with an understanding of network design fundamentals. A CCDA certified network professional demonstrates the skills required to design basic campus, data center, security, voice, and wireless networks.
6. Microsoft Certified Application Developer (MCAD)
“This credential provides industry recognition for professional developers who build powerful applications using Microsoft Visual Studio .NET and Web services. The MCAD credential was created in response to industry demand for a certification that allows developers to show they have the skills necessary to successfully implement functional specifications and build, deploy, and maintain Microsoft Windows and Web applications. Achieving the MCAD credential can be a step toward earning the MCSD credential for advanced developers.”
7. VMware Certified Professional (VCP)
As the demand for IT professionals with data center virtualization skills increases, it is essential to distinguish yourself in the market with a certification that validates your technical capabilities. Earning your VMware Certified Professional – Data Center Virtualization certification does just that.
This industry-recognized certification requires completion of a VMware-authorized training course and hands-on experience with VMware technologies. VCP-DCV certification confirms that you have the education needed to successfully install, deploy, scale and manage VMware vSphere environments, as well as the skills obtained by a minimum of six months experience with VMware infrastructure technologies.
8. Certified Novell Engineer (CNE)
“Your Certified Novell Engineer™(CNE) training gives you a wide variety of network support skills that allow you to keep your company’s network running efficiently—with less downtime. As a CNE, you solve advanced company-wide support problems and high-level network problems. You perform planning, installation, configuration, troubleshooting and upgrade services for networks.”
9. ITIL v3 Foundation
“The Foundation Level is the entry level qualification which offers candidates a general awareness of the key elements, concepts and terminology used in the ITIL Service Lifecycle, including the linkages between Lifecycle stages, the processes used and their contribution to Service Management practices.
Upon successful completion of the education and examination components related to this qualification, candidates can expect to gain a general overview, and basic knowledge and understanding of ITIL.
Successful completion of the Foundation qualification also fulfils the prerequisite entry criteria for the next level of study within the ITIL qualifications scheme, the ITIL Intermediate Level.
10. Database Administrator 2008 (MCITP)
“These certifications prove that you have the comprehensive set of skills to perform a particular IT job role, such as database administrator or enterprise messaging administrator. They are based on older versions of Microsoft technologies, and your MCITP certification will decline in value as companies move to newer versions of our products. Take advantage of special upgrades to earn a Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) certification, and protect your investment in certifications.
