There is no better way to enhance your credibility in the IT sector than to get certified. In 2019, we saw so many new technologies taking the spotlight, and that will continue to shape our future, such as cybersecurity, Big Data, Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, and more. Because of these technologies, companies are changing their organization models and utilizing them to take their business to another level. For IT professionals, receiving professional IT certification training and obtaining a certification leads to many opportunities for progress.
What are the best IT certifications to have in 2020? Take a look at some of the most beneficial and sought-after entry-level certifications in the IT industry.
1. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
With a Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification, you will understand and have the skills to look for vulnerabilities in target systems. You will also be able to use the same tools and knowledge as a malicious hacker in order to identify, assess, and fix any vulnerabilities. Ethical hackers are a necessity in today’s day and age, and you will have the same technical skills that cybercriminals, using it to catch them. After getting CEH certified, you will have the fundamental knowledge on all phases of ethical hacking: reconnaissance, gaining access, enumeration, maintaining access, and covering your tracks. There are three different levels to the Certified Ethical Hacker exam – Core, Advanced, and Expert.
2. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
The CISSP certification is accredited by one of the largest IT security organizations in the world – ISC (International Information Systems Certification Consortium). With CISSP certification, you will be considered a specialist on critical security issues, including risk management, cloud computing, application development security, mobile security, etc. Another globally-recognized certification, organizations typically look for people with a completed CISSP exam because those applicants are educated on cybersecurity and have (at least) 5-year hands-on experience in the domain.
What certification is most in demand? These are some of the most valuable IT certifications right now, and pursuing any of them will promise you a much brighter future. MyComputerCareer offers various certification courses to provide both theoretical knowledge and skills to professionals looking to get certified and advance on their IT career paths.
3. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Routing & Switching
This CCNA certification is an excellent option if you want to work in networking as well as if you’re after an entry-level help desk position. For the CCNA Routing & Switching, you will need an understanding of the Cisco CLI and Cisco IOS Software operating models, and you will verify your abilities to identify Cisco router and switch models, interfaces, cabling, and accessories. Before you take the exam, you will need to take a self-paced online course Supporting Cisco Routing and Switching Network Devices.
4. CompTIA Security+
Earning a CompTIA Security+ certification at the entry is a good idea because security has become an essential IT skill for any technology role. It is suited for security specialists, security consultants, security engineers, junior IT auditors, and network, system and security administrators. The CompTIA Security+ exam covers, vulnerabilities, threats and attacks, rick architecture, design, and management, cryptography, technology and tools, and PKI to access and identity management. With this certification, your employers will see you have the skills to install and configure systems to keep devices, networks, and applications secure in accordance with compliance laws.
5. CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)
The area of IT with the biggest lack of personnel right now is cybersecurity. However, these positions are highly proficient and require thorough skills and knowledge for landing a job in that area. You can acquire that knowledge by enrolling in the CySA+ Certification course. There are no prerequisites for the CySA+, so regardless of your present experience level, you can take the exam. However, it is advised that you have at least three to four years of practical experience in the IT Security field or have earned the CompTIA Security+ and Network+ certifications. Since 2017, when CySA+ was released, it has earned a lot of respect in the IT security area. It is a vendor-neutral certification which is valued across a wide range of job profiles.
6. CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+)
The highest-level certification over Security+, CASP+ exam requires you at least 5 years of IT experience and similar knowledge level of security as required for the Security+ certification. Also known as Security+ on steroids, taking the CASP exam doesn’t require you to have a Security+ certification. What you will need is an in-depth understanding of network security training across a range of security disciplines. Career paths that use the CASP+ include information security analysts, IT specialists, security architects, cybersecurity professionals, and more. The U.S. Navy, the U.S. Army, the DoD, and other governmental institutions are among the employers that require CASP+.
7. Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA)
The Microsoft Technology Associate is an entry-level certification designed by Microsoft. It is for those just starting out in the IT sector or for people looking to change careers. It covers IT basics, such as infrastructure, development, and databases, and it aims to help you establish an IT career with a focus on hardware, software, databases, or infrastructure. If you want to become a systems, security, or network administrator, or a Junior IT Auditor, the MTA certification is what you need. It is the first step on Microsoft’s certification ladder. The certification has no prerequisites and represents the basics of technological understanding. Passing an MTA exam is a useful starting point that will provide a solid foundation of knowledge, but it doesn’t qualify you as a Microsoft Certified Professional.
Information Technology plays an essential role in almost all professions, and someone has to take care of it. With BLS projecting the industry to add almost half a million jobs by the end of 2026, that makes the IT profession a growing one. If you’re just starting your career or want to make a switch to another IT track, it is important to know what type of training you need. Being certified from an accredited body is your employer’s guarantee that you are skilled. The benefits of these certifications are exponential, providing you with the knowledge you need to succeed and the confidence you need to thrive.
This top 7 list covers some of the most in-demand entry-level IT certifications currently on the market. MyComputerCareer will help you get the necessary certification training, as well as provide flexible scheduling, lifetime career services, and job placement opportunities. For more information, contact us today!