Step 1: Research the Best IT Certification for Your Resume
The first step in our five-part series outlining each step of how to earn employer sponsorship for IT training begins with researching the right certification for your current job. Whether your current position requires a deeper understanding of technology or you are looking to take on a role with more responsibility – there’s an IT training course that will benefit you. Even for those working outside of technology, IT certifications are arguably the most valuable asset for those looking to amplify their career. But which certification is right for you and how can you obtain it? To help you start your research and kick off step one, we’ve rounded up a list of the most in-demand IT certifications.
Microsoft Azure Certifications
As one of the leading set of cloud services for developers and IT professionals, training Microsoft Azure is essential for anyone looking to capitalize in the growing world of apps. Having Azure certifications allows you to build, deploy and manage anything from mobile apps to web-based solutions. The three role-based Azure certifications are Azure Administrator, Azure Developer, and Azure Solutions Architect. Like most certifications, they are cumulative and the exams for the first two build up to the architect certification. Cloud computing, data science, and security are currently three of the most rapidly growing areas of technology.
AWS Certification
Amazon Web Services is Amazon’s cloud computing framework. Cloud computing is on the bleeding edge of technology right now, and most companies are exploring opportunities in the cloud or are already maintaining a secure cloud presence. An AWS Certification can provide new opportunities in the rapidly expanding career field of cloud computing. AWS Certifications include AWS Cloud Practitioner, AWS Associate, and AWS Specialty. ONLC offers a large selection of AWS training classes and certifications that can help you fulfill the growing need for Amazon cloud experts.
AutoCAD Certification
Autodesk’s AutoCAD has been the premier computer-aided drafting software since the formation of the concept. AutoCAD certifications let employers know that a candidate has the necessary expertise to develop blueprints and drawings that can be used by engineers and builders to construct some of the world’s most amazing creations. The two AutoCAD certifications include Autodesk Certified User (ACU), a tier 1, entry-level certificate, and Autodesk Certified Professional (ACP), an advanced-level, tier 2 certification.
In an effort to fulfill the ever-increasing need for more AutoCAD certified employees, ONLC offers both instructor-led and on-demand training courses, as well as a mix of the two. Students can choose the format that fits them the best and can even save a little money when they take advantage of our ONLC AutoCAD certification bundles.
CertNexus CFR Certification
With new internet technologies emerging daily and IT being in a state of constant change, new certifications have emerged in recent years to maintain the safety and integrity of the World Wide Web. Cybersecurity is currently one of the most rapidly growing IT disciplines. The CyberSec First Responder (CFR) certification is a relatively new IT certification that provides the high-stakes skills needed to protect a company before, during, and after a breach.
CFR’s are the first line response team employed to thwart and handle cyber-attacks. This CFR certification is DoD compliant and opens many still emerging opportunities in the field of security. The continued growth of cloud computing and the increased network connectivity of all aspects of our lives has facilitated the creation of this new IT discipline.
IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL), Business Analyst, and Scrum Master
CALLING ALL EMPLOYEES! Yes, that’s right. ALL employees of ANY business. Because every business in existence requires streamlined business processing skills to provide consistency, organization and to reduce costs where possible. That’s where these three business process IT certifications come in to play: ITIL, Business Analyst, and Scrum Master.
These highly sought after certifications validate that the certification holder has a firm grasp on the concept of business process improvement. While all different, each of these certifications involves topics such disciplines as gathering project requirements, project management, and agile methodologies. Streamlining business processes saves organizations time and money to keep them operating at full steam for years to come. The ability to automate manual processes, eliminate inefficiencies, and bring projects in on time and under budget is extremely valuable.
Cybersecurity Certifications
Security has always been a concern since the first time two computers were connected to facilitate communication between them. However, security has never been more critical than it is today. Cloud technology and networking have fueled an explosion of IT security opportunities.
In times past, security was just something IT professionals would work on as a small segment of their regular duties. Now, it has become necessary to employ entire teams of highly skilled, full-time IT professionals who are solely concerned with security. Some of the new cybersecurity certifications include Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) and ECSA, CyberSec First Responder (CFR), as mentioned above, and the Security+ Certification offered by CompTIA.
Obtaining an IT certification not only adds new skills to your arsenal that help you do your job better, but it can also help you extend your career’s trajectory. Training for IT certifications can improve personal accountability, collaboration, professionalism, and other traits that companies look for when they’re looking to promote from within. For more tips on how to ask your boss to pay for IT training, check our blog next month when we explain step two of the series.
To learn more about what kind of IT certifications you could earn to take your career to new heights, contact ONLC today!
