The document discusses 10 IT certifications that are good starting points for an IT career. It provides brief summaries of each certification, including CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, CCENT, CCNA, CCNP, MOS, MTA, MCSA: Windows Server 2012, and MCSE: Private Cloud. For each certification, it lists relevant job roles and provides 1-2 sentences describing the certification and its value.

1. TheCompTIAA+certificationisanotherstartingpointforacareerinIT.Thiscertification
covers the fundamentals of computer technology, installation and configuration
of PCs, laptops and related hardware, and basic
networking, as well as configuring common
features (e.g. network connectivity and email)
for mobile
o p e r a t i n g
s y s t e m s
Android and
Apple iOS.1
1. CompTIA A+
Why CompTIA A+?
• Required for Dell, Intel and
Lenovo service techs
• Recognized by U.S. Dept. of
Defense
• An ANSI accredited Certifier - 0731
• Vendor-neutral
• Held by 900,000 IT professionals
Job Roles Include
• Technical support specialist
• Field service technician
• IT support technician
• IT support administrator
• IT support specialist
The CompTIA Network+ certification is the sign of a qualified
networking professional. Companies such as Dell, HP, Ricoh,
Sharp and Xerox recommend or require CompTIA Network+ for
their networking technicians. It is a technical prerequisite option
for IT technicians seeking to join the Apple Consultants Network,
and is recognized by the U.S. Department of Defense.2
2. CompTIA Network+ Job Roles Include
• Network Administrator
• Network Technician
• Network Installer
• Help Desk Technician
• IT Cable Installer
CCENT validates the ability to install,
operate and troubleshoot a small
enterprise branch network, including
basic network security. With a CCENT, a
network professional demonstrates the
skills required for entry-level network
support positions - the starting point for
many successful careers in networking.
The curriculum covers networking
fundamentals, WAN technologies, basic security and wireless
concepts, routing and switching fundamentals, and configuring
simple networks. CCENT is the first step toward achieving CCNA,
which covers medium-size enterprise branch networks with more
complex connections.8
8. Cisco Certified Entry
Networking Technician
(CCENT) Job Roles Include
• Data Center Operator
• Data Surveillance
Operator/Associate
•NOC/SOC (network
operations center/security
operations center)
• Jr. network technician
• Network technician
(CCNA) Routing and Switching is a certification pro-
gram for entry-level network engineers that helps
maximize your investment in foundational network-
ing knowledge and increase the value of your em-
ployer’s network.
The CCNA Routing and Switching validates the abil-
ity to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot medium-size routed and
switched networks.9
9. Cisco Certified Network
Associate (CCNA) Job Roles Include
• Data Center Technician
• Network Specialists
• Network Administrators
• Network Support
Engineers
• Network Engineers
CCNP validates the ability to plan, implement, verify and
troubleshoot local and wide-area enterprise networks and
work collaboratively with specialists on advanced security,
voice, wireless and video solutions. The CCNP
certification is appropriate for those with at
least one year of networking experience who
are ready to advance their skills and work inde-
pendently on complex network solutions.10
10. Cisco Certified Network
Professional (CCNP)
Job Roles Include
• Network Technician
• Support Engineer
• Systems Engineer
• Network Engineer
Organizations that employ CompTIA Security+ certified staff include
Hitachi Information Systems (Japan), Trendmicro (Philippines),
Lockheed Martin, the U.S. State Department, Prestariang Systems Sdn.
Bhd. (Malaysia) and U.S. government contractors such as EDS, General
Dynamics and Northrop Grumman. CompTIA Security+ is one of the
options for certifications required by the U.S. Department of Defense,
for military personnel or military contractors engaged in information
assurance activities.3
CompTIA Security+ is an
international, vendor-neutral
certification that demonstrates
competency in:
• Network security
• Compliance and operational security
• Access control and identity
management
• Threats and vulnerabilities
• Application, data and host security
• Cryptography
Job Roles Include
• Security Architect
• Security Engineer
• Security Consultant/Specialist
• Information Assurance
Technician
• Security Administrator
• Systems Administrator
• Network Administrator
CompTIA Security+ certification designates knowledgeable professionals in
the field of security, one of the fastest-growing fields in IT. CompTIA Securi-
ty+ not only ensures that candidates will apply knowledge of security con-
cepts, tools, and procedures to react to security
incidents; it ensures that security personnel are
anticipating security risks and guarding against
them.3
3. CompTIA Security+
Demonstrate you have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to productively use Microsoft
Office. MOS enables you to tap the full features and functionality of the Microsoft
Office system, resulting in heightened levels of individual performance, confidence, and
differentiation.4
Earning a Microsoft Office Specialist certification is a prerequisite to pursuing the higher-
level Microsoft Office Specialist Expert and Microsoft Office Specialist Master certifications.4
4. Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS)
Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) is a recommended entry point
into IT certification and job preparation. Pass just one exam and you’ll
earn a certification, taking
your first step toward a career
in technology. If you are just
starting your IT career path or
are looking to enhance your
understanding of IT fundamen-
5. Microsoft Technology
Associate (MTA)
MTA Certifications will:
•Validate your core knowledge.
•Perfect for those pursuing a career
path in IT infrastructure, database
design, or software development
using Microsoft technologies.5
This certification will give you the skills to advance in your professional
career. It shows that you have the primary set of Windows Server 2012
skills, relevant across multiple
solution areas in a business en-
vironment. The ability to reduce
IT costs and delivers more busi-
ness value.6
6. MCSA: Windows Server
2012: Solutions Associate
Job Roles Include
• Network Systems administrator
• Computer Systems Administrator
• Computer Support Specialist.
This certification is a globally recognized standard for IT pro-
fessionals. Prove your expertise in managing and implement-
ing Microsoft private cloud computing technologies. With Win-
dows Server and System Center, you will build your Microsoft
private cloud solution to optimize IT service delivery and gain
the automation and flexibility you need for your IT infrastruc-
ture, now and in the future.7
7. MCSE: Private Cloud certification
Job Roles Include
• Server Administrator
• Systems Programmer
• Network Manager.
Source: www.microsoft.com, www.cisco.com, certification.comptia.org
Top 10 Certifications to Start Your IT CareerTop 10 Certifications to Start Your IT Career
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