Network and Server Certification Programs
Technology jobs have become more technical and specialized, making IT certifications as important as traditional secondary education for those who pursue a career as a Network and Systems Administrator or Network and Communications Analyst. Employers realize an employee’s productivity is tied directly to specific, technical, hands-on knowledge and skills that pertain to the work that the individual is performing.
Network and server certifications provided by product vendors and industry groups give employers a way to be sure their employees can do the job they have been hired to do. Certification training is also a very cost and time-effective way for network and server professionals to increase their knowledge and skills.
Network and Server Certification Options
Most certifications for networks and servers are vendor-specific since each product is unique and requires specific training. Microsoft and Cisco provide the most commonly earned certificates. However, CompTIA provides vendor-neutral certifications for both networking and server technologies which are highly valued in the industry and are often considered as ideal precursor certificates for the vendor-specific certificates.
Microsoft
Microsoft offers a number of certifications that are based on their proprietary servers. The Microsoft Certified Technical Specialist (MCTS) and Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) certifications are available for the current versions of their Windows Server, Exchange Server and SQL Server products. Higher-level certifications are also available.
Learn more about Microsoft server certifications in the article "Microsoft Network and Server Certifications".
Cisco Systems
Cisco Systems offers a number of network certifications specific to Cisco networks. There are five levels of certification along with a few specialty tracks so that people can choose the certifications most applicable to their jobs. The mostly commonly obtained certifications are the Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT), the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) and the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP).
More information regarding Cisco Systems network certifications can be found at "Cisco Network and Server Certifications".
CompTIA
CompTIA is a trade association that offers vendor-neutral certifications in a number of IT areas including servers and networking. Their networking certificate is called CompTIA Network+ and their two server certifications are CompTIA Server+ and CompTIA Linux+.
Read "CompTIA Network and Server Certifications" to find out more about CompTIA network and server certifications.
Other
There are numerous other product-specific certifications from companies such as Sun Microsystems, Hewlett Packard and Oracle who all have certifications for their proprietary products.
Networking and Server Certification Benefits
- Practical Job Skills – Unlike traditional college courses, certification learning is practical, hands-on learning that directly impacts a person’s ability to do a specific job. Obtaining the appropriate certifications will directly lead to better on-the-job performance and productivity.
- Improved Job Opportunities – Employers are increasingly relying on certifications as a strong indication of a potential hire’s future job performance. Many network and server job listings will indicate that specific certificates are required or strongly preferred.
- Career Growth – Working towards and obtaining the appropriate certification is a great way for an employee to show dedication to a job and a desire to advance in their career.
Choosing a Network or Server Certification
The choice of certificate provider and level of certification depends on a variety of factors including:
- Level of experience - Someone new to the field may want to focus on the vendor-neutral, CompTIA certificates as they are universally helpful regardless of the network and server products used by a potential employer.
- Job responsibilities – One's job often dictates the certification that is appropriate and may even be a requirement of an employer for a particular job.
- Future job aspirations – A good deal of resolve and dedication is needed to pursue a certification, especially at the higher levels. Having a career goal in mind can help guide and lend motivation to the decision to pursue a particular certification.
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