Anyone looking to improve their career in Information Technology should consider pursuing mid-level IT certifications. These credentials can help you stand out from the competition and demonstrate your commitment to lifelong learning.
Earning certifications in Information Technology proves to recruiters and CIOs that candidates are both able and willing to keep up with the latest trends and technologies in the field. On average, college degree holders make more than those with certificates. However, many certificate holders earn more than those with Associate’s degrees. Some even earn more than those with Bachelor’s degrees. The median certificate holder makes more money than 40 percent of males with Associate’s degrees and 24 percent of men with Bachelor’s degrees.
Accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training, which is continuously recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a reliable authority on educational quality since 1978, MyComputerCareer offers specialized educational programs. These include the Information Technology Security and Administration (ITSA), Cyber Security Specialist (CSS), Cyber Security Engineer (CSE), and the Associate of Applied Science in Network Administration and Cyber Security. MyComputerCareer also offers training for several IT certifications from leading organizations such as Microsoft, CompTIA, Cisco, EC-Council, and Linux.
In this article, we will discuss the best IT certifications for mid-level professionals available today that can help you take your career to the next level!
What Is CompTIA Security+?
CompTIA Security+ is a widely recognized certification that validates the core skills needed to secure networks and systems. Earning your CompTIA Security+ certification shows employers you have the skills and knowledge to secure their networks against hackers and malware. This mid-level IT certification is a great way to show you are committed to lifelong learning and keeping up with the latest security threats. To earn your Security+ accreditation, you must pass an exam that covers topics such as network security, compliance, operational security, risks and vulnerabilities, and access control and identity management.
There are no requirements for the Security+ certification. Still, CompTIA advises candidates to have two years of IT administration experience with a security focus and/or the Network+ certificate before sitting for the exam. Similar to Security+, Network+ has no prerequisites, but it’s advised to earn the A+ certification beforehand.
The Security+ certificate was explicitly designed for a security professional who has enough IT security knowledge, enough core technical information security experience, and a broad understanding of security issues. Security+ is the first certification as part of the CompTIA Cybersecurity Career Pathway, which covers seven distinct cybersecurity certifications and helps everyone advance their career in the field of IT security.
What Is CompTIA CySA+?
The CySA+ certification is CompTIA’s intermediate-level credential for IT security analysts. The CySA+ covers the most important aspects of cybersecurity, such as analyzing data, identifying and addressing vulnerabilities, and preventing or mitigating threats. Candidates for the CySA+ should have experience in network administration and security, and knowledge of at least one major Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) product.
Earning your CySA+ certification will help you stand out from other candidates with only entry-level certifications. In addition, the CySA+ can lead to higher-paying jobs and help you earn other mid-level or even upper-level IT security certifications. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in IT security, the CySA+ is a great follow-up to CompTIA Security+ cert.
There are no prerequisites for the CySA+, but CompTIA recommends candidates have at least three to four years of experience in IT administration with a focus on cybersecurity. The CySA+ certification is valid for three years and can be renewed through continuing education or retaking the exam.
What Is CompTIA SecurityX (formerly CASP+)?
The SecurityX certification is one of CompTIA’s most advanced security credentials. The SecurityX is designed for cybersecurity experts. Candidates should have ten years of experience in IT administration, five of which must be in cybersecurity. They should also be familiar with various operating systems, networking technologies, and cloud-based solutions.
The SecurityX exam covers a wide range of topics, such as risk management, incident response, research and analysis, and integration of computing devices into enterprise networks. Earning your SecurityX certification will prove you are an experienced cybersecurity professional who can handle the most complex security threats.
Similar to the CySA+, there are no prerequisites for the SecurityX. However, candidates must pass a rigorous exam covering a wide range of topics. The SecurityX certification is valid for three years and can be renewed by retaking the exam or earning continuing education credits.
What Is the EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)?
The CEH is a mid-level ethical hacking certification offered by EC-Council. The CEH credential prepares candidates to identify, assess, and mitigate network security threats. Candidates for the CEH should have at least two years of experience in IT administration with a focus on network security.
The CEH exam covers a wide range of topics, such as Footprinting and Reconnaissance, Scanning Networks, System Hacking, Trojans and Backdoors, Viruses and Worms, Denial of Service Attacks, Social Engineering, Session Hijacking, Wireless Network Attacks, Sniffers, Web Application Vulnerabilities, SQL Injection, System Administration Misconfiguration, Identity Management Issues, and Cryptography.
Earning your CEH certification will prove you are a skilled ethical hacker who understands how to identify and mitigate security threats.
Similar to other mid-level certifications, there are no prerequisites for the CEH certification. However, candidates must pass a rigorous exam that covers a wide range of topics. The CEH certification is valid for three years and can be renewed by retaking the exam or earning continuing education credits.
What Entry-Level IT Jobs Should You Look For?
Embarking on a career in IT often begins at the help desk, where many tech professionals cultivate essential skills and industry experience. As you start your tech journey, keep an eye out for several key entry-level positions which commonly include:
- Help Desk Specialist
- Help Desk Analyst
- Help Desk Technician
- Service Desk Analyst
- Technical Support Specialist
- IT Associate
- IT Technician
- IT Assistant
How Can You Specialize in a Specific Area of IT?
These roles are pivotal stepping stones, providing a broad overview of IT operations and customer service skills. After gaining requisite experience, you’re well-placed to delve into more specialized fields, tailoring your career path toward specific IT domains. Popular areas for specialization include:
- Cloud Computing
- Networking
- Security and Compliance
- IT Management
Specializing often involves additional training or certifications, particularly if you are aiming for sectors like cloud computing or cybersecurity, which are renowned for their lucrative salary potential. Pursuing specialized certifications in these areas can significantly enhance your career trajectory and earnings.
How Do You Get an IT Certification?
Getting an IT certification takes three steps: choose the right certification, prepare for the exam, and pass the exam. Navigating the path to acquiring an IT certification can be streamlined into three main steps. These steps are crucial for anyone looking to enhance their professional qualifications in the field of information technology. Below is a detailed breakdown:
1. Selecting the Right Certification
The first step is to identify which certification best aligns with your career goals and current skill level. This involves researching various certifications that pertain to your desired job role or industry niche. Resources such as industry blogs, professional networks, and job listings can offer insights into which certifications are most valued by employers.
2. Exam Preparation
Once you’ve chosen a certification, the next step is thorough preparation. This stage includes understanding the exam’s scope, prerequisites, and format. Preparation typically involves:
- Reviewing the certification body’s official materials or study guides.
- Enrolling in preparatory courses, either online or in-person.
- Practicing with mock tests to gauge your readiness.
3. Taking the Exam
The final step is to successfully pass the exam. Exams can be conducted either online or at a testing center. Before the exam date, ensure you are clear on the logistical requirements including:
- Registration and fee payment for the exam.
- Venue details and time, if taking the exam in-person.
- Technical requirements, if taking the exam online.
- Verification documents like a government-issued ID.
Completing these steps can significantly boost your qualifications within the IT domain, making you a competitive candidate in the job market. For deeper insights and more specific guidelines, consider reading more detailed resources or consult with IT professionals who have successfully obtained certifications.
Which Mid-Level IT Certification Should You Earn?
The right choice depends on your experience and goals. Security+ and CySA+ suit security analysts, CEH suits ethical hackers, and SecurityX suits experienced security professionals.
These are just some of the best IT certifications for mid-level professionals available today. When looking to advance your career in IT, it’s important to continually improve your skills and credentials. The certifications listed above will help you do just that and prove you are a skilled cybersecurity or networking professional.
MyComputerCareer helps candidates earn their IT certifications and advance their careers. We offer a variety of mid-level IT certifications, such as Security+, SecurityX, and CEH, among others. Contact us today if you want to learn more about becoming certified in the world’s top organizations such as Microsoft, Linux, Cisco, CompTIA, or the EC-Council.