This chapter discusses computer careers and certification. It describes various career opportunities in the computer industry, including jobs in IT departments, computer equipment, software, services/repair, sales, education/training, and consulting. The chapter also discusses the benefits of certification for individuals, employers, and customers. It identifies major areas of IT certification like application software, operating systems, programming, hardware, networking, computer forensics, and security. Specific certifications in each area are also named.

1. Chapter 15
Computer
Careers and
Certification

2. Chapter 15 Objectives
Describe career opportunities available in
various segments of the computer industry
Describe career opportunities available in
various segments of the computer industry
Discuss functions of jobs available
in an IT department
Discuss functions of jobs available
in an IT department
Distinguish between trade schools
and colleges
Distinguish between trade schools
and colleges
Differentiate among various computer-
related majors for college students
Differentiate among various computer-
related majors for college students
Identify ways to stay current with changing
technology after graduation
Identify ways to stay current with changing
technology after graduation
List the benefits of certification for
employers, employees, and vendors
List the benefits of certification for
employers, employees, and vendors
Identify ways to prepare for certificationIdentify ways to prepare for certification
List the general areas of IT certificationList the general areas of IT certification
Next
Name some specific IT certifications in each
certification area
Name some specific IT certifications in each
certification area

3. The Computer Industry
What is the expected demand for computer professionals?
Nextp. 776 Fig. 15-1
 Currently 10.5 million computer workers with expected
increase of 2 to 3% annually
 The number of students majoring in computer-related
fields is declining

4. Careers in the Computer Industry
What are the primary areas where job opportunities
are found?
p. 778 Next
Computer
sales
Computer
education
and training field
General
business and
government
organizations
Computer
equipment
field
Computer
software
field
IT consulting
field
Computer
service and
repair field

5. Careers in the Computer Industry
What is an information technology (IT) department?
p. 778 Fig. 15-2 Next
 Department in
business or
government agency
that employs people
in computer-related
jobs
 Responsible for
keeping all computer
operations and
networks operating
smoothly

6. Working in an IT Department
What jobs are available in an IT department?
p. 780 - 781 Next
ManagementManagementManagementManagement
Chief InformationChief Information
Officer / VP of ITOfficer / VP of IT
Chief Security OfficerChief Security Officer
E-commerceE-commerce
administratoradministrator
Network administratorNetwork administrator
ApplicationApplication
programmerprogrammer
Software engineerSoftware engineer
Systems analystSystems analystComputer scientistComputer scientist
Systems programmerSystems programmerDatabase analystDatabase analyst
Technical writerTechnical writer
Web page authorWeb page author
Computer operatorComputer operator DataData
communications analystcommunications analyst
Corporate trainerCorporate trainer Help desk specialistHelp desk specialist
Computer forensicsComputer forensics
specialistspecialist
Computer technicianComputer technician Graphic designer /Graphic designer /
illustratorillustrator
Network securityNetwork security
specialistspecialistDatabase administratorDatabase administrator
Quality assuranceQuality assurance
specialistspecialist
Desktop publisherDesktop publisher
Security administratorSecurity administrator
SystemSystem
developmentdevelopment
andand
programmingprogramming
SystemSystem
developmentdevelopment
andand
programmingprogramming
TechnicalTechnical
servicesservices
TechnicalTechnical
servicesservices
OperationsOperationsOperationsOperations
TrainingTrainingTrainingTraining
Project leader / managerProject leader / manager
Web administrator /Web administrator /
WebmasterWebmaster
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Click Web Link from
left navigation, then
click Computer Career Salaries
below Chapter 15

7. Careers in the Computer Industry
What is the computer equipment field?
p. 782 Fig. 15-4 Next
 Manufacturers and distributors of computers and
computer-related hardware
 Careers involve design, manufacture, and production
of computer equipment

8. Careers in the Computer Industry
What is the computer software field?
p. 782 - 783 Next
Computer
scientist
researches,
invents, and
develops solutions
to complex
software problems
Project
leader
analyzes
requirements,
designs solutions,
and oversees
software
development
process
Companies
that develop,
manufacture,
and support
software
Programmer
writes and tests
computer
programs
Software
engineer
designs
and develops
software
Click to view Web
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click Computer Scientists
below Chapter 15

9. Careers in the Computer Industry
What is the computer service and repair field?
p. 783 Fig. 15-5 Next
 Provides preventative
maintenance, component
installation, and repair
services
 Computer technician—
installs, maintains, and
repairs hardware

10. Careers in the Computer Industry
What are career opportunities in computer sales?
p. 783 - 784 Fig. 15-6 Next
 Computer salespeople
need general
understanding of
computers and specific
knowledge of the
product they are selling

11. Careers in the Computer Industry
What are career opportunities in education and training?
p. 784 Fig. 15-7 Next
 Schools, colleges, universities, and private companies need
educators and trainers
 Corporate trainers teach employees how to use software, design
and develop systems, and program

12. Careers in the Computer Industry
What is an IT consultant?
p. 784 Next
Individual who draws upon expertise in specialized area of computers
ComputerComputer
selectionselection
SystemSystem
designdesign
Hardware andHardware and
softwaresoftware
configurationconfiguration
Network designNetwork design
and installationand installation
CommunicationsCommunications
WebWeb
developmentdevelopment
Click to view Web
Link, click Chapter 15,
Click Web Link from
left navigation, then
click IT Consultants
below Chapter 15

13. Preparing for a Career in the Computer
Industry
What is a trade school?
p. 785 Next
Offers programs inOffers programs in
programming, Webprogramming, Web
development, graphicdevelopment, graphic
design, hardwaredesign, hardware
maintenance,maintenance,
networking,networking,
PC support,PC support,
andand
securitysecurity
Students can completeStudents can complete
trade school programstrade school programs
in shorter timein shorter time
than collegethan college
or universityor university
programsprograms
Click to view Web
Link, click Chapter 15,
Click Web Link from
left navigation, then
click Trade Schools
below Chapter 15

14. Preparing for a Career in the Computer
Industry
What are the three broad disciplines in higher
education that produce the majority of entry-level
employees in the computer industry?
p. 786 Fig. 15-8 Next
Click to view Web
Link, click Chapter 15,
Click Web Link from
left navigation, then
click College Computer Majors
below Chapter 15

15. Preparing for a Career in the Computer
Industry
What is computer information systems (CIS)?
p. 786 Next
 Programs that
emphasize technical
knowledge and skills
 Sometimes called
management
information systems
(MIS) or management
information
technology

16. Preparing for a Career in the Computer
Industry
What is computer science (CS)?
p. 786 Next
 Programs that stress
theoretical side of
programming and
operating systems
 Also called software
engineering

17. Preparing for a Career in the Computer
Industry
How do companies advertise computer-related job openings?
p. 788 Fig. 15-10 Next
 Some Web sites specialized in helping people find jobs
 Some allow job seekers to submit resumes online

18. Preparing for a Career in the Computer
Industry
What are some organizations for computer professionals?
p. 789 Fig. 15-11 Next
 Association for
Computing
Machinery (ACM)—
science-oriented
 Association of
Information
Technology
Professionals (AITP)—
programmers,
systems analysts,
and information
processing managers

19. Preparing for a Career in the Computer
Industry
What is a user group?
p. 790 Fig. 15-12 Next
 Collection of people with common computer
equipment or software interests

20. Preparing for a Career in the Computer
Industry
What is professional growth and continuing education?
p. 790 Fig. 15-13 Next
 Events such as workshops, seminars, conferences,
conventions, and trade shows
 CES—trade show
that brings together
hundreds of vendors
and more than
130,000 attendees
 Training in form of books,
video-based training,
computer-based training (CBT), Web-based
training (WBT), and instructor-led trainingClick to view Web
Link, click Chapter 15,
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left navigation, then
click International Consumer
Electronics Show below
Chapter 15

21. Preparing for a Career in the Computer
Industry
How can you stay informed about the computer industry?
p. 791 Figs. 15-14–15-15 Next
 Computer industry publications
 News, blogs, and technical Web sites

22. Certification
What is certification?
p. 792 Next
 Process of verifying
technical knowledge in a
particular area
 Proficiency is
acknowledged with
certificate

23. Certification
What are the benefits of certification?
p. 792 Fig. 15-16 Next
 Enhances employee’s career, provides better standing
as industry professional, and higher salaries and
bonuses

24. Certification
What are benefits of vendor-sponsored certification?
p. 793 Fig. 15-17 Next
 Vendors provide access to technical information, advanced
training, and discounts on publications and tools

25. Certification
How does certification benefit customers, employers,
and industry?
p. 793 Next
Institute for Certification of
Computer Professionals (ICCP)
defines standards designed to raise
competence level for computer industry
Employers benefit from more
productive and knowledgeable workers
Certification is a form of
industry self-regulation
Customers receive better service from
employees with certification(s)
Click to view Web
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Click Web Link from
left navigation, then
click Institute for the
Certification of Computing
Professionals below Chapter 15

26. Certification
What are factors to consider in choosing a certification?
p. 794 Fig. 15-18 Next

27. Certification
What options are available to prepare for certification?
p. 794 Next
Self-studySelf-study
Online training classesOnline training classes Instructor-led trainingInstructor-led training
Web resourcesWeb resources
Click to view Web
Link, click Chapter 15,
Click Web Link from
left navigation, then
click Instructor-Led Certification
Classes below Chapter 15

28. Certification
What are examinations like?
p. 795 Fig. 15-19 Next
 Taken using computers
 Some are multiple
choice, others are
skill based
 With
computerized
adaptive testing,
the tests analyze a
person’s responses
while taking the
test

29. A Guide to Certification
What are application software certifications?
p. 796 Next
Focus on knowledge ofFocus on knowledge of
application softwareapplication software
Sometimes calledSometimes called
end-user certificationsend-user certifications
MicrosoftMicrosoft
CertifiedCertified
DesktopDesktop
SupportSupport
TechnicianTechnician
(MCDST)(MCDST)
sponsored bysponsored by
MicrosoftMicrosoft
MicrosoftMicrosoft
OfficeOffice
SpecialistSpecialist
(MOS)(MOS)
sponsored bysponsored by
MicrosoftMicrosoft
AdobeAdobe
CertifiedCertified
ExpertExpert
sponsored bysponsored by
AdobeAdobe
SystemsSystems
MacromediaMacromedia
CertifiedCertified
ProfessionalProfessional
sponsored bysponsored by
MacromediaMacromedia
IBM CertifiedIBM Certified
ProfessionalProfessional
for Lotusfor Lotus
SoftwareSoftware
sponsored bysponsored by
IBMIBM
Click to view Web
Link, click Chapter 15,
Click Web Link from
left navigation, then
click Microsoft Office Specialist
below Chapter 15

30. A Guide to Certification
What are operating system certifications?
p. 797 Next
Focus on particular skills—user,Focus on particular skills—user,
operator, system administrator,operator, system administrator,
and system engineerand system engineer
Differing levels of certificationDiffering levels of certification
Red HatRed Hat
CertifiedCertified
EngineerEngineer
(RHCE)(RHCE)
sponsored bysponsored by
Red HatRed Hat
MicrosoftMicrosoft
CertifiedCertified
ProfessionalProfessional
(MCP)(MCP)
sponsored bysponsored by
MicrosoftMicrosoft
Red HatRed Hat
CertifiedCertified
TechnicianTechnician
(RHCT)(RHCT)
sponsored bysponsored by
Red HatRed Hat
IBM CertifiedIBM Certified
SpecialistSpecialist
sponsored bysponsored by
IBMIBM
Sun CertifiedSun Certified
SystemSystem
AdministratorAdministrator
sponsored bysponsored by
SunSun

31. A Guide to Certification
What are programming certifications?
p. 797 Next
Recognition of programming trainingRecognition of programming training Broadens knowledge and skill baseBroadens knowledge and skill base
IBM CertifiedIBM Certified
SolutionSolution
DeveloperDeveloper
sponsored bysponsored by
IBMIBM
CertifiedCertified
SoftwareSoftware
DevelopmentDevelopment
ProfessionalProfessional
(CSDP)(CSDP)
sponsored bysponsored by
IEEEIEEE
ComputerComputer
SocietySociety
MicrosoftMicrosoft
CertifiedCertified
SolutionSolution
DeveloperDeveloper
(MCSD)(MCSD)
sponsored bysponsored by
MicrosoftMicrosoft
MicrosoftMicrosoft
CertifiedCertified
ApplicationApplication
DeveloperDeveloper
(MCAD)(MCAD)
sponsored bysponsored by
MicrosoftMicrosoft
Sun CertifiedSun Certified
JavaJava
DeveloperDeveloper
sponsored bysponsored by
SunSun
Sun CertifiedSun Certified
EnterpriseEnterprise
ArchitectArchitect
sponsored bysponsored by
SunSun
Sun CertifiedSun Certified
ProgrammerProgrammer
sponsored bysponsored by
SunSun

32. A Guide to Certification
What are hardware certifications?
p. 798 Next
Recognition of general knowledgeRecognition of general knowledge
of hardware and controllingof hardware and controlling
software needed to set up, maintain,software needed to set up, maintain,
and repair a computerand repair a computer
Can be narrowly orCan be narrowly or
broadly focusedbroadly focused
IBMIBM
eServereServer
CertifiedCertified
SpecialistSpecialist
sponsored bysponsored by
IBMIBM
A+A+
sponsored bysponsored by
ComputingComputing
TechnologyTechnology
IndustryIndustry
AssociationAssociation
(CompTIA)(CompTIA)
NACSENACSE
NetworkNetwork
TechnicianTechnician
(NNT)(NNT)
sponsored bysponsored by
NationalNational
Association ofAssociation of
CommunicationCommunication
SystemsSystems
EngineersEngineers
(NACSE)(NACSE)
Click to view Web
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Click Web Link from
left navigation, then
click A+ Certification
below Chapter 15

33. A Guide to Certification
What are networking certifications?
p. 798 Next
Awarded to professionals who demonstrate expertise in planning,Awarded to professionals who demonstrate expertise in planning,
installing, managing, and troubleshooting a networkinstalling, managing, and troubleshooting a network
CertifiedCertified
NovellNovell
EngineerEngineer
(CNE)(CNE)
sponsored bysponsored by
NovellNovell
CertifiedCertified
NovellNovell
AdministratorAdministrator
(CNA)(CNA)
sponsored bysponsored by
NovellNovell
CiscoCisco
CertifiedCertified
NetworkNetwork
ProfessionalProfessional
(CCNP)(CCNP)
sponsored bysponsored by
CiscoCisco
Sun CertifiedSun Certified
NetworkNetwork
AdministratorAdministrator
sponsored bysponsored by
SunSun
Network+Network+
sponsored bysponsored by
ComputingComputing
TechnologyTechnology
IndustryIndustry
AssociationAssociation
(CompTIA)(CompTIA)
Click to view Web
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left navigation, then
click Certified Novell
Administrator below Chapter 15

34. A Guide to Certification
What are computer forensics certifications?
p. 799 Next
Discovery, collection, and analysis ofDiscovery, collection, and analysis of
evidence found on computers andevidence found on computers and
networksnetworks
Certificate holds are consideredCertificate holds are considered
highly credible during computerhighly credible during computer
crimes casescrimes cases
CertifiedCertified
ForensicForensic
ComputerComputer
ExaminerExaminer
(CFCE)(CFCE)
sponsored bysponsored by
InternationalInternational
Association ofAssociation of
ComputerComputer
InvestigativeInvestigative
SpecialistsSpecialists
(IACIS)(IACIS)
CertifiedCertified
ElectronicElectronic
EvidenceEvidence
CollectionCollection
SpecialistSpecialist
(CEECS)(CEECS)
sponsored bysponsored by
InternationalInternational
Association ofAssociation of
ComputerComputer
InvestigativeInvestigative
SpecialistsSpecialists
(IACIS)(IACIS)
CertifiedCertified
ComputerComputer
ExaminerExaminer
(CCE)(CCE)
sponsored bysponsored by
InternationalInternational
Society ofSociety of
ForensicForensic
ComputerComputer
ExaminersExaminers
(ISFCE)(ISFCE)

35. A Guide to Certification
What are security certifications?
p. 799 Next
Measure a candidate’s ability to identify and control securityMeasure a candidate’s ability to identify and control security
risks to computer resourcesrisks to computer resources
SystemsSystems
SecuritySecurity
CertifiedCertified
PractitionerPractitioner
(SSCP)(SSCP)
sponsored bysponsored by
(ISC)(ISC)22
CertifiedCertified
InformationInformation
SecuritySecurity
ProfessionalProfessional
(CISSP)(CISSP)
sponsored bysponsored by
(ISC)(ISC)22
SecuritySecurity
CertifiedCertified
NetworkNetwork
ProfessionalProfessional
(SCNP)(SCNP)
sponsored bysponsored by
The SecurityThe Security
CertifiedCertified
ProgramProgram
SecuritySecurity
CertifiedCertified
NetworkNetwork
ArchitectArchitect
(SCNA)(SCNA)
sponsored bysponsored by
The SecurityThe Security
CertifiedCertified
ProgramProgram

36. A Guide to Certification
What are Internet certifications?
p. 800 Next
Require technical expertise inRequire technical expertise in
networking hardware andnetworking hardware and
configurationconfiguration
Include Web management, WebInclude Web management, Web
programming, and Webprogramming, and Web
development certificationsdevelopment certifications
CiscoCisco
CertifiedCertified
InternetworkInternetwork
ExpertExpert
(CCIE)(CCIE)
sponsored bysponsored by
CiscoCisco
CertifiedCertified
InternetInternet
WebmasterWebmaster
(CIW)(CIW)
sponsored bysponsored by
ProsoftProsoft
TrainingTraining
CertifiedCertified
WebWeb
ProfessionalProfessional
(CWP)(CWP)
sponsored bysponsored by
InternationalInternational
WebmastersWebmasters
AssociationAssociation
Click to view Web
Link, click Chapter 15,
Click Web Link from
left navigation, then
click Cisco Certified
Internetwork Expert below
Chapter 15

37. A Guide to Certification
What are database system certifications?
p. 800 Next
Awarded for knowledgeAwarded for knowledge
of a specific databaseof a specific database
management systemmanagement system
Test the various tasksTest the various tasks
a database managementa database management
staff must performstaff must perform
IBMIBM
CertifiedCertified
SolutionsSolutions
Expert–Expert–
InformixInformix
sponsored bysponsored by
IBMIBM
IBMIBM
CertifiedCertified
SolutionsSolutions
Expert–DB2Expert–DB2
sponsored bysponsored by
IBMIBM
MicrosoftMicrosoft
CertifiedCertified
DatabaseDatabase
AdministratorAdministrator
(MCDBA)(MCDBA)
sponsored bysponsored by
MicrosoftMicrosoft
SybaseSybase
CertifiedCertified
ProfessionalProfessional
sponsored bysponsored by
SybaseSybase
OracleOracle
CertifiedCertified
ProfessionalProfessional
sponsored bysponsored by
OracleOracle

38. Summary of Computer Careers and
Certification
Variety of available
computer-related careers
Variety of available
computer-related careers
Computer education at trade schools,
computer-related majors at colleges and
universities, job searches, career development
planning, professional organizations, and
professional growth
Computer education at trade schools,
computer-related majors at colleges and
universities, job searches, career development
planning, professional organizations, and
professional growth
Certification preparation,
examinations, and resources
Certification preparation,
examinations, and resources
Specific certificationsSpecific certifications
Chapter 15 Complete