the rapidly evolving field of information technology (it) makes it a fast-paced field where advancements are always happening. professionals in it must keep their skills and knowledge updated. for most of us, new challenges must be met with new knowledge and skills. certifications provide focused knowledge and skills in a particular area. the difficulty level varies for each type of certification. basic qualifications are available that provide a competitive edge when applying for positions of network technician, hardware technician, it technician, or desktop support technician; but higher level certifications are also offered for experienced professionals.
it certification programs
certification in information technology is perfect for individuals in search of basic skills required for entry-level positions. they are also frequently pursued by employees who want to acquire new skills for increased salary, transfers, or promotions. so if you are looking for a career change, and do not want to enroll in a full degree program, you could benefit from such a program. you may even take these as a step towards degree completion because it could count toward the required credit hours if the school you are attending allows this option. even if it does not, a certification will complement your degree and reflect the fact that you wish to gain proficiency in a given field.
it certifications are offered by various colleges and universities. many schools offer it certifications online or through traditional on-campus programs. the duration of the certificate program varies and may range from six months to a year. interested individuals could choose from a wide variety of subject areas. certifications are available through software firms and product vendors. it certifications are offered by microsoft, cisco, comptia, vmware, apple, citrix, oracle, pmi, isc2, ec-council, and adobe. once you are certified, it will demonstrate your level of competence. some universities and colleges offering graduate studies in it also offer these programs.
courses studiedsome of the commonly taught courses in it certification programs include the following:
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web development and interface
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operating systems
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systems analysis and design
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computer architecture
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computer networks
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database management
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advanced java programming
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database design and implementation (oracle/mysql)
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network communications and configurations
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web-based application development
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multimedia and wireless technology
online education
it certifications online may be pursued without putting your career on hold. these certifications are useful for careers in system administration and management, software engineering, and research and development in governmental and industrial laboratories. online education does not require a person to attend on-campus classes and are offered 100% online. students could avoid commuting hassles, and flexible schedules allow them to review class material and complete coursework at their own pace. they will still have to meet the coursework deadlines, but the learning material is accessible online for them to download at any time.
when deciding on a certification program, you should take into consideration the area of it in which you would like to enhance. this could be in areas like programming, security, or web development. you should also factor in your career objectives and the time and money that you are willing to commit. most importantly, you should ensure that the certification is well recognized by the employers.