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IT Certifications for 2022

Why should you get certifications in the IT industry?

Certifications validate experience and the hard work that IT technicians put in on a daily basis. Achieving certs can also attribute to marketability for certain individuals. A ton of work goes into obtaining these and employers and prospective employers take notice! Certifications are a key component to the growth path for IT professionals. Here are valuable certs to work toward in 2022.

 

Entry Level IT Certifications

CompTIA A+

CompTIA A+ is the industry standard for establishing a career in IT and the preferred qualifying credential for technical support and IT operational roles. It is the only industry-recognized credential with performance-based items to prove pros can think on their feet to perform critical IT support tasks in the moment. It is trusted by employers around the world to identify the go-to person in endpoint management & technical support roles.

CompTIA Net +

CompTIA Network+ validates the technical skills needed to securely establish, maintain and troubleshoot the essential networks that businesses rely on. Unlike other vendor-specific networking certifications, CompTIA Network+ prepares candidates to support networks on any platform. CompTIA Network+ is the only certification that covers the specific skills that network professionals need. Other certifications are so broad, they don’t cover the hands-on skills and precise knowledge needed in today’s networking environments.

 

Advanced Microsoft Certifications

MS 500- Microsoft 365 Security Administration

Candidates for this exam implement, manage, and monitor security and compliance solutions for Microsoft 365 and hybrid environments. The Microsoft 365 security administrator proactively secures Microsoft 365 enterprise environments, responds to threats, performs investigations, and enforces data governance. The Microsoft 365 security administrator collaborates with the Microsoft 365 enterprise administrator, business stakeholders, and other workload administrators to plan and implement security strategies and ensures that the solutions comply with the policies and regulations of the organization.

AZ 104- Microsoft Azure Administrator

Candidates for this exam should have subject matter expertise implementing, managing, and monitoring an organization’s Microsoft Azure environment. Responsibilities for this role include implementing, managing, and monitoring identity, governance, storage, compute, and virtual networks in a cloud environment, plus provision, size, monitor, and adjust resources, when needed. An Azure administrator often serves as part of a larger team dedicated to implementing an organization’s cloud infrastructure. A candidate for this exam should have at least six months of hands-on experience administering Azure, along with a strong understanding of core Azure services, Azure workloads, security, and governance. In addition, this role should have experience using PowerShell, Azure CLI, Azure portal, and Azure Resource Manager templates.

 

Networking Certifications

Cisco Certified Technician (CCT)

Cisco Certified Technicians have the skills to diagnose, restore, repair, and replace critical Cisco networking and system devices at customer sites. Technicians work closely with the Cisco Technical Assistance Center (TAC) to quickly and efficiently resolve support incidents. Cisco authorized training is available online and can be completed in multiple short sessions, enabling technicians to stay productive in the field. The CCT certification is available in multiple technology tracks, providing an opportunity for Cisco support technicians to expand their area of expertise.

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

CCNA certification proves you have what it takes to navigate the ever-changing landscape of IT. CCNA exam covers networking fundamentals, IP services, security fundamentals, automation and programmability. Designed for agility and versatility, CCNA validates that you have the skills required to manage and optimize today’s most advanced networks.

Cisco Meraki Solutions Specialist Certification

The Cisco Meraki Solutions Specialist Certification will certify an IT professional’s ability to plan, design, implement, and operate Cisco Meraki solutions. It will cover the full suite of Meraki technologies: wireless LAN, switching, security and SD-WAN, wireless WAN, Meraki Insight, smart cameras, and mobile device management.

 

Process and Procedure Certifications

Project Management Professional (PMP)

The Project Management Professional (PMP)® is the world’s leading project management certification. Now including predictive, agile and hybrid approaches, the PMP® proves project leadership experience and expertise in any way of working. It supercharges careers for project leaders across industries and helps organizations find the people they need to work smarter and perform better.

Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL)

The ITIL 4 certification scheme can be adapted to the learning requirements of the individual and the organization. It uses a modular, tiered approach to allow you to develop a comprehensive view of service management or to focus on specific areas of knowledge.

 

There are plenty of IT certifications out there. It’s important to establish a growth path that suites your interest and goals. Talk to your employer, as well. Some companies, like IronEdge, offer raises or other benefits when certifications are obtained. Learn more about career opportunities in IT with IronEdge.

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