Looking for an ICT related job? Don’t ignore these certifications

2015 promises to be a promising year for Tech professionals. With the US government for example launching a scheme to train people to fill hundreds of thousands of jobs in Technology sector of the US economy. Emerging economies like ours is no different. Nigeria has been experiencing a boom in the ICT sector with many citizens even in the diaspora setting up web based businesses in the country. With this boom across Africa comes job openings but whether there are skilled people to take up these jobs is the question here. Contrary to popular belief that Technology is a “jobs killer”, it has rather created hundreds of thousands of jobs since the dot-com era.

You shouldn’t be left out of the new jobs in the Tech sector. Why not take a look at these certifications which may prove very useful to you this year. I advise that you focus on obtaining at least 2 of these certifications. 

The list was put together by Efytimes Network.

1. Project Management Professional (PMP)

This is the most important recognised certification for project managers. PMP is known for experience, education and competency to lead and direct projects. This certification has increased market demand, ensures a high salary, and also embraces a lot of value to your project manager resume. Statistics say that, PMI Project Management Professional certification has positively impacted in salaries of project managers. Even if you are an experienced project manager, you must have this credential certification to stand out to your employers.

2. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

CISSP is globally recognised standard for achievements in individual’s knowledge in field of information security. Employer prefer the candidate with CISSP certification as it assures thorough knowledge and skills of architecture, design, management and controls of security of business environment. CISSP exams covers all the necessary and critical topics like risk management, cloud computing, mobile security, application development security etc.

3. Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD)

If you are a developer with expertise in analysis and design of enterprise solution software with Microsoft languages and development tools, this is the must have certification for you. A candidate with MCSD is the member of Microsoft Certified Professionals. MCPs have great value in job market.

4. Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA)

Microsoft Certified Database Administrator is a proof of candidate’s ability to design, implement and manage SQL server 2000 databases. This legacy certification was removed in September 2012 however, it still has great value. If you are planning to get some certification in SQL, you can go for either Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) for Data Platform for database professionals or Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) for Business Intelligence.

5. Cisco Certified Design Associate (CCDA)

This certification is known for network design engineers, technicians and support engineers who can ensure the efficiency of network environment with thorough understanding of network design fundamentals. CCDA for network professionals demonstrates the skills to design basic campus, data centre, security, voice and wireless network.

6. Microsoft Certified Application Developer (MCAD)

MCDA credential ensures the ability to build powerful applications using Microsoft Visual Studio .NET and Web services. MCDA allows developers to showcase their skills to implement function applications, deploy and maintain them. Achieving MCDA is tough but it adds lot of value to your resume.

7. VMWare Certified Professional (VCP)

VMware Certified Professional guarantees a job in Data Center environment. This certification course requires completion of VMWare authorised training course and hands-on experience with VMware technologies. This certification is essential to differentiate yourself in the job market to validate your technical abilities. VCP-DCV certification confirms candidate’s ability to install, deploy, scale and manage VMware vSphere environment.

8. Certified Novell Engineer (CNE)

This certification ensures your knowledge of network support skills. With this certification you get easily get the job of network admin. Employers are assured that the candidate with CNE can keep company’s network running efficiently. As CNE, you perform planning, installation, configuration, troubleshooting and upgrade of services for networks.

9. ITIL v3 Foundation

This is an entry level qualification that ensures awareness of key elements, concepts and terminology used in ITIL service lifecycle. Successful completion of ITIL certification improves the general overview, basic knowledge of ITIL in candidates. This course also fulfills the entry level criteria for next level study in ITIL qualification scheme.

10. Database Administrator 2008 (MCITP)

This certification proves that you have comprehensive skill set required to perform particular IT job role of database administrator or enterprise messaging administrator. However this certification course is based on older versions of Microsoft technologies. But this can be your foundational base for Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE).