IT Certification Roadmap | A Complete Step-By-Step Guide.

Keeping on the outlook, the stream of individuals whom having departed their learning space, seek to partake in an IT program for sound effectiveness in fieldwork. i.e attain a variety of enhanced skills necessary for maximum output in a field at large.

Along the way, Individuals seek sound credibility to show for their participation in IT programs. This Article readily compiled by our team of researchers brings forth to you the IT certification roadmap which stands as a logical tabulated guide for anyone wishing to have proof of credibility in their IT fieldwork.

Furthermore, there would be an in-depth dive into the IT certification roadmap, what it is, the benefits of such certification and several programs granting such privilege.

What is IT Certification

An IT Certification is a designation demonstrating a professional competency in a certain aspect of technology. Certifications often follow some assessment, education or review. One difference with certifications in IT is that they are often vendor-specific.

The age-old debate in IT is the value of certifications versus experience. Some argue that certifications are worthless, others say that they are an absolute requirement given the fast pace of change in the industry.

In the end, most would probably agree that certifications can go a long way to open doors and while experience is always the most important thing, certs can help to further a career.

What is IT Certification Roadmap

IT Certifications pave the way for higher salaries, secured job opportunities, and the ability to advance your technical skills, this roadmap is simply a step-by-step guide to gaining an IT Certification. Our team of IT recruiting experts would like you to be aware of this roadmap as it would help in making an IT certification achievable.

Many of these certifications introduce you to a field with several opportunities. However, know that certifications begin from easy, intermediate, advanced and expert. To achieve some of the highest-paying jobs in the tech field, you will have to obtain multiple certifications.

In addition, many fields exist within information technology. By navigating our IT certifications roadmap, you can begin planning out a successful future career in information technology. Before we step into the roadmap at large, Let’s know why this IT certification is necessary.

Why is IT Certification Relevant

IT Certifications not only benefit the individual who has received them but also contribute to the department effectiveness as a whole.

Holding a certification shows that an individual is willing to invest time into growing themselves in their career. It also guarantees customers that they are receiving assistance from a qualified professional.

Individuals with IT Certifications also see improvement in their quality of work after receiving a certification:

• 52% of those certified have seen an improvement in their quality of work.
• 36% are more engaged in their work.
• 31% are better performing at their job.

From an organizational level, having a certified staff increases effectiveness across the board:

• 52% of organizations says having a certified staff closes organizational skills gaps.
• 44% says it boosts productivity.
• 43% see an improvement in meeting client requirements.
• 36% see an improvement in time it takes to troubleshoot issues.

Moreover before one can refer to the Certification itself, it’s nice to identify the Training and grind involved along the way for attaining an IT Certificate to be made possible.

IT Certification Training

When it comes to training, 78% of IT professionals train to build new skills, and 50% of professionals trained to prepare for a new career certification or specialist exam.

By understanding the area of IT you want to pursue, you can create a more well-rounded training program and career path for your future. The focal points of IT certification roadmap include:

• Information Security
• Network and Cloud Technologies
• Hardware, Services, and Infrastructure
• IT Management and Strategy
• Storage and Data
• Web and Mobile
• Software Development

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#1. Infrastructure Training

Infrastructure training starts you off with the fundamentals you need to start your career in IT. You learn the ins and outs of hardware and software at the most basic level, and then continue to build on your skills for countless roles in IT.

Each certification you earn along the infrastructure pathway can help you develop a clear goal with where you want to grow your career in the IT field. For example, individuals who complete their Linux+ certification can qualify for employment as a database administrator, data scientist, or web administrator.

The skills you develop with each certification can help you take that next step in your career.

#2. Cybersecurity Training

Demand for Cybersecurity professionals continues to grow as businesses continue to operate in a remote work environment. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the industry will experience job growth of 31% between 2019 and 2029, much faster than most other industries will experience, including other areas of IT.

By obtaining a security certification, you can prepare for job roles including threat intelligence analyst, security engineer, vulnerability analyst, and other in-demand roles.

#3. Additional Certifications

IT certifications can cross over between those in technical and non-technical roles. For example, an IT certification can benefit any IT support staff or IT developers, along with business managers and business process owners. Cross-training your staff can strengthen your department, and also help you save on over staffing expenses.

Not all certifications for your IT career have to be for technical training. In fact, one of the top 3 certifications among women in IT roles in 2020 was PMP®: Project Management Professional. By understanding the direction you would like to see your career head, you can build a training program centered around your career goals.

Several IT Certification Programs

#1. CompTIA Certifications

Cybersecurity is one of the most in-demand fields in IT. Vendor-neutral organizations like CompTIA offer certifications in this field that can be utilized in different operating systems. Needless to say, one of the best ways to start on the IT certification roadmap begins with CompTIA A+, which is a foundational certification. 

Entry-level candidates looking to start in IT should definitely give this certification a try if they are interested in learning cybersecurity. A CompTIA A+ certification validates skills in hardware, troubleshooting, operating systems, cloud computing, mobile networking, and security.

Below are some very Essential CompTIA  Certifications :

• CompTIA A+ Certification
• CompTIA IT Fundamentals
• CompTIA Network+ Certification
• CompTIA Security+ Certification
• CompTIA Server+ Certification

#2. IBM Certified Database Associate Certifications

Data professionals can have a lot of different job profiles like database developers, database administrators, data warehousing specialists, database engineers, or similar roles depending on the database technology.

READ ALSO: Top 13 Entry Level IT Jobs And What You Can Do To Get Hired.

The IBM Certified Database Associate certification is an entry-level exam for a user of any of the DB2 for (z/OS) family of products.

Database Associates are expected to have detailed and in-depth knowledge of the beginner to intermediate tasks that are day-to-day administration, such as basic SQL (Structured Query Language), creation of databases and database objects, database security, transaction isolation, etc.

#3. Oracle Cloud Infrastructure Certifications

The Oracle Cloud Infrastructure certifications are there to get you acquainted with the basics and prepare you for more advanced roles in cloud computing. The certifications are available for foundational, professional, as well as advanced levels. The labs add hands-on experience in real cloud environments.

#4. Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)

The Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) certification is offered by the System Security Certification Consortium (ISC)². The certification is a reliable testament to your knowledge and skills in design, management, and data, applications, and infrastructure security in the cloud.

The certification is for those professionals working in cloud technology as Systems Engineers, Security Architects, Enterprise Architects, Security Administrators, Systems Architects, Consultants, Engineers, or Managers. The certification covers cloud concepts, security, design, architecture, and risk and compliance.

Moreover, while not mandatory, the (ISC)² recommends a minimum of five years of experience in IT, with at least three years in information security, and one year in one or more of the six domains in the CCSP CBOK.

#4. GIAC Certifications

Cyber Security has become extremely sophisticated and is armed to exploit very specific vulnerabilities. This means that general certifications no longer suffice and professionals are required to specialize in various areas of Cyber Security to be able to fight against them.

With the event of cloud computing, it has become even more necessary for Cyber Security to be tight and in place.

The GIAC offers over Thirty Cyber Security certifications. The certifications are very specialized and focus on specific areas and skills.  The certifications will arm you with distinct knowledge and skills so that you can employ them in real-life industry settings with ease.

#5. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

If you want to prove your expertise within cybersecurity, the Certified Information Systems Security Professional or CISSP certification is a good way to go about it.

This certification in the IT certification roadmap will validate your knowledge in the subject matter and that you can design, implement, and work with the best cybersecurity program.

You will be required to have over 5 years of experience in two or more of the CISSP domains to take up this certification. The CISSP exam is based on the following eight domains:

• Security and Risk Management
• Asset Security
• Security Architecture and Engineering
• Communication and Network Security
• Identity and Access Management (IAM)
• Security Assessment and Testing
• Security Operations
• Software Development Security.

READ ALSO: IT Manager | How To Become One, What They Do, Educational Requirements, Salary, Required Skills And More.

Conclusion

Whatsoever course one may desire to pursue Is dependent on him/her in IT  and its specific field of work or study. Experience is also Key as to how effective you can perform. If you are falling short, you may just take a break and work towards meeting the required criteria for core functionality.

For this reason, training is very necessary before one can be effective enough to be granted the IT certificate. If you’re just starting in IT, a credential like the CompTIA A+ certification or the Google IT support professional certificate will be able to teach you the basics in a variety of IT-related areas.

Hope you acquired the needed information you were seeking from the list of IT Certification Roadmap discussed above? If any further questions, do let us know in the comment section below

Frequently Asked Questions On IT Certification Roadmap

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