Introduction
Best IT certifications 2021 are the most sought-after credentials in the technology industry. These certifications validate the skills and knowledge of professionals in various domains such as cybersecurity, cloud computing, networking, data analytics, and more. With the rapid growth of technology, IT certifications have become essential for career advancement and staying competitive in the job market. In this article, we will explore some of the best IT certifications that can help you boost your career prospects in 2021.
Top 10 IT Certifications for Career Advancement in 2021
In today’s fast-paced world, technology is advancing at an unprecedented rate. As a result, the demand for IT professionals with specialized skills and knowledge is on the rise. To stay competitive in the job market, it is essential to have the right IT certifications that demonstrate your expertise and proficiency in specific areas of technology.
Here are the top 10 IT certifications for career advancement in 2021:
1. AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate: This certification validates your ability to design and deploy scalable, highly available, and fault-tolerant systems on Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud platform. With the increasing adoption of cloud computing, this certification is in high demand.
2. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): This certification demonstrates your expertise in information security and risk management. It covers topics such as access control, cryptography, and network security, making it a valuable credential for cybersecurity professionals.
3. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): This certification is designed for professionals who want to learn how to identify vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks. It covers topics such as penetration testing, social engineering, and wireless network hacking.
4. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA): This certification validates your ability to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot medium-sized routed and switched networks. It is a foundational certification for networking professionals.
5. Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate: This certification validates your ability to manage Azure resources, including virtual machines, storage, and networking. With the growing popularity of Microsoft Azure, this certification is in high demand.
6. Project Management Professional (PMP): This certification is designed for project managers who want to demonstrate their expertise in project management. It covers topics such as project planning, execution, monitoring, and control.
7. Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA): This certification validates your ability to perform essential system administration tasks on Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems. It is a valuable credential for Linux system administrators.
8. Salesforce Certified Administrator: This certification validates your ability to configure and manage Salesforce applications. With the increasing adoption of Salesforce, this certification is in high demand.
9. VMware Certified Professional (VCP): This certification validates your ability to install, configure, and manage VMware vSphere environments. It is a valuable credential for virtualization professionals.
10. CompTIA A+: This certification validates your ability to install, configure, and troubleshoot hardware and software issues. It is a foundational certification for IT professionals.
In conclusion, having the right IT certifications can help you stand out in the job market and advance your career. The certifications listed above are some of the most in-demand credentials in 2021. Whether you are a cybersecurity professional, network administrator, or project manager, there is a certification that can help you achieve your career goals. So, invest in yourself and your future by earning one or more of these valuable IT certifications.
The Most In-Demand IT Certifications of the Year
In today’s fast-paced digital world, IT certifications have become a necessity for professionals looking to advance their careers. With the ever-evolving technology landscape, it is essential to stay up-to-date with the latest skills and knowledge to remain competitive in the job market. In this article, we will discuss the most in-demand IT certifications of 2021.
First on our list is the AWS Certified Solutions Architect certification. Amazon Web Services (AWS) is one of the leading cloud computing platforms globally, and this certification validates an individual’s ability to design and deploy scalable, fault-tolerant systems on AWS. The certification requires passing two exams, and it is ideal for individuals working in cloud architecture, development, or operations.
Next up is the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification. This certification is designed for cybersecurity professionals who want to demonstrate their expertise in designing, implementing, and managing security programs. The CISSP certification covers eight domains, including security and risk management, asset security, and software development security. It is a highly respected certification in the industry and is recognized globally.
The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification is another popular certification in demand this year. The CCNA certification validates an individual’s ability to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot medium-sized routed and switched networks. It is ideal for network administrators, network engineers, and support technicians. The certification requires passing one exam, and it covers topics such as network fundamentals, LAN switching technologies, and IP routing technologies.
The Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate certification is also in high demand this year. This certification validates an individual’s ability to manage Azure subscriptions, configure and manage virtual networks, and implement storage solutions. It is ideal for individuals working in cloud administration roles and requires passing one exam.
Another certification that has gained popularity this year is the Google Cloud Certified – Professional Cloud Architect certification. This certification validates an individual’s ability to design and develop secure, scalable, and highly available cloud solutions using Google Cloud Platform (GCP). The certification requires passing one exam and is ideal for individuals working in cloud architecture or engineering roles.
Lastly, the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is a must-have for project managers. This certification validates an individual’s ability to lead and direct cross-functional teams to deliver projects within the constraints of schedule, budget, and resources. The PMP certification is recognized globally and requires passing one exam.
In conclusion, IT certifications are essential for professionals looking to advance their careers in the tech industry. The certifications discussed above are some of the most in-demand IT certifications of 2021. They cover a wide range of skills and knowledge required in various IT roles, from cloud computing to cybersecurity and project management. Obtaining these certifications can help individuals stand out in the job market and increase their earning potential.
Best IT Certifications for Cybersecurity Professionals
In today’s digital age, cybersecurity has become a critical concern for businesses and organizations worldwide. With the increasing number of cyber threats, it is essential to have skilled professionals who can protect sensitive data and prevent cyber attacks. This is where IT certifications come into play.
IT certifications are a great way to demonstrate your expertise in a particular field and enhance your career prospects. In this article, we will discuss some of the best IT certifications for cybersecurity professionals in 2021.
1. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
CISSP is one of the most sought-after certifications in the cybersecurity industry. It is designed for experienced professionals who want to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in designing, implementing, and managing cybersecurity programs. The certification covers eight domains, including security and risk management, asset security, security engineering, communication and network security, identity and access management, security assessment and testing, security operations, and software development security.
2. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
CEH is a popular certification for professionals who want to learn how to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses in computer systems and networks. The certification covers various topics, including footprinting and reconnaissance, scanning networks, enumeration, system hacking, trojans and backdoors, viruses and worms, sniffers, social engineering, denial of service, session hijacking, and web server hacking.
3. CompTIA Security+
CompTIA Security+ is an entry-level certification that covers the fundamentals of cybersecurity. It is ideal for professionals who are new to the field or want to enhance their knowledge and skills. The certification covers various topics, including threats, attacks, and vulnerabilities, technologies and tools, architecture and design, identity and access management, risk management, and cryptography.
4. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
CISM is a certification designed for professionals who want to demonstrate their expertise in information security management. The certification covers four domains, including information security governance, risk management, information security program development and management, and information security incident management.
5. Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
CCSP is a certification designed for professionals who want to demonstrate their expertise in cloud security. The certification covers six domains, including cloud concepts, architecture and design, security operations, data and compliance, legal and compliance, and application security.
6. Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)
CRISC is a certification designed for professionals who want to demonstrate their expertise in risk management and information systems control. The certification covers four domains, including risk identification, assessment, and evaluation, risk response, risk monitoring, and IS control design and implementation.
In conclusion, IT certifications are a great way to enhance your knowledge and skills in cybersecurity and demonstrate your expertise to potential employers. The certifications discussed in this article are some of the best IT certifications for cybersecurity professionals in 2021. Whether you are an experienced professional or just starting in the field, there is a certification that can help you achieve your career goals.
Cloud Computing Certifications to Boost Your Career in 2021
In today’s digital age, cloud computing has become an essential part of businesses worldwide. As more companies move their operations to the cloud, the demand for skilled professionals in this field continues to grow. If you’re looking to advance your career in cloud computing, obtaining a certification can help you stand out from the competition and demonstrate your expertise.
Here are some of the best cloud computing certifications to consider in 2021:
1. AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is one of the leading providers of cloud computing services, and their Certified Solutions Architect – Associate certification is highly sought after by employers. This certification validates your ability to design and deploy scalable, fault-tolerant systems on AWS.
To obtain this certification, you’ll need to pass the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate exam, which covers topics such as designing resilient architectures, selecting appropriate AWS services, and estimating costs.
2. Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert
Microsoft Azure is another popular cloud computing platform, and the Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification demonstrates your ability to design and implement solutions that run on Azure. This certification requires passing two exams: AZ-303 and AZ-304.
The AZ-303 exam covers topics such as implementing and monitoring Azure infrastructure, while the AZ-304 exam focuses on designing and implementing Azure solutions. By obtaining this certification, you’ll be able to showcase your skills in designing and implementing cloud solutions using Microsoft Azure.
3. Google Cloud Certified – Professional Cloud Architect
Google Cloud Platform (GCP) is a fast-growing player in the cloud computing market, and the Professional Cloud Architect certification demonstrates your ability to design and manage GCP solutions. To obtain this certification, you’ll need to pass the Google Cloud Certified – Professional Cloud Architect exam.
This exam covers topics such as designing and planning a GCP solution architecture, managing and provisioning GCP resources, and ensuring solution and operations reliability. By obtaining this certification, you’ll be able to demonstrate your expertise in designing and managing cloud solutions on the Google Cloud Platform.
4. CompTIA Cloud+
The CompTIA Cloud+ certification is vendor-neutral, meaning it covers cloud computing concepts and technologies across multiple platforms. This certification validates your ability to deploy, maintain, and troubleshoot cloud infrastructure services.
To obtain this certification, you’ll need to pass the CompTIA Cloud+ exam, which covers topics such as cloud architecture and design, security, deployment, and troubleshooting. By obtaining this certification, you’ll be able to demonstrate your knowledge of cloud computing concepts and technologies across multiple platforms.
5. VMware Certified Professional – Cloud Management and Automation
VMware is a leading provider of virtualization and cloud computing software, and their Certified Professional – Cloud Management and Automation certification demonstrates your ability to install, configure, and administer VMware vRealize Automation solutions.
To obtain this certification, you’ll need to pass the VMware Certified Professional – Cloud Management and Automation exam, which covers topics such as installing and configuring vRealize Automation, creating and managing blueprints, and configuring and administering tenants and business groups. By obtaining this certification, you’ll be able to demonstrate your expertise in managing and automating cloud solutions using VMware vRealize Automation.
In conclusion, obtaining a cloud computing certification can help you advance your career in this rapidly growing field. Whether you choose to specialize in a specific platform or pursue a vendor-neutral certification, there are plenty of options available to suit your needs. By demonstrating your expertise in cloud computing, you’ll be able to stand out from the competition and take your career to the next level.
ITIL Certifications: Why They Matter and Which Ones to Get
In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing world, IT professionals need to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and trends. One way to do this is by obtaining IT certifications. These certifications not only demonstrate your expertise in a particular area but also increase your chances of getting hired or promoted.
One of the most popular IT certifications is ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library). ITIL is a framework that provides best practices for IT service management. It helps organizations align their IT services with their business goals and improve their overall efficiency and effectiveness.
There are several levels of ITIL certifications, each building upon the previous one. The first level is the ITIL Foundation certification, which covers the basics of ITIL and its key concepts. This certification is ideal for those who are new to ITIL or have limited experience in IT service management.
The next level is the ITIL Practitioner certification, which focuses on applying ITIL concepts in real-world situations. This certification is ideal for those who have already obtained the ITIL Foundation certification and want to further their knowledge and skills in IT service management.
The third level is the ITIL Intermediate certification, which has two streams: Service Lifecycle and Service Capability. The Service Lifecycle stream covers the five stages of the ITIL service lifecycle: Service Strategy, Service Design, Service Transition, Service Operation, and Continual Service Improvement. The Service Capability stream covers four areas: Operational Support and Analysis, Planning, Protection, and Optimization, Release, Control, and Validation, and Service Offerings and Agreements.
The fourth level is the ITIL Expert certification, which requires candidates to have obtained a minimum of 17 credits from the previous levels. This certification demonstrates a deep understanding of ITIL and its application in various contexts.
Finally, there is the ITIL Master certification, which is the highest level of ITIL certification. This certification requires candidates to demonstrate their ability to apply ITIL concepts in complex and challenging situations.
So, why do ITIL certifications matter? For starters, they demonstrate your expertise in IT service management, which is a critical skill in today’s digital age. They also increase your chances of getting hired or promoted, as many organizations require ITIL certifications for certain roles.
Moreover, ITIL certifications can help you improve your organization’s IT service management practices. By applying ITIL concepts, you can align your IT services with your business goals, improve your service quality, and reduce costs.
Now that we’ve covered the different levels of ITIL certifications and their importance, let’s discuss which ones to get. If you’re new to ITIL, start with the ITIL Foundation certification. This will give you a solid foundation in ITIL concepts and prepare you for the higher-level certifications.
If you already have the ITIL Foundation certification and want to further your knowledge and skills, consider obtaining the ITIL Practitioner certification. This certification will teach you how to apply ITIL concepts in real-world situations and improve your organization’s IT service management practices.
If you’re interested in specializing in a particular area of IT service management, consider obtaining the ITIL Intermediate certification in that area. For example, if you’re interested in service design, obtain the ITIL Intermediate certification in Service Design.
Finally, if you want to demonstrate your deep understanding of ITIL and its application in various contexts, consider obtaining the ITIL Expert certification. This certification will set you apart from other IT professionals and demonstrate your expertise in IT service management.
In conclusion, ITIL certifications are essential for IT professionals who want to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and trends. They demonstrate your expertise in IT service management, increase your chances of getting hired or promoted, and improve your organization’s IT service management practices. So, whether you’re new to ITIL or an experienced IT professional, consider obtaining an ITIL certification to take your career to the next level.
Project Management Certifications for IT Professionals
In today’s fast-paced world, IT professionals need to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and trends. One way to do this is by obtaining IT certifications. These certifications not only enhance your skills but also increase your credibility in the industry. Project management certifications are particularly important for IT professionals as they help them manage projects effectively and efficiently.
The Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is one of the most recognized project management certifications globally. It is offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) and requires a minimum of three years of project management experience. The PMP certification covers various aspects of project management, including planning, execution, monitoring, and control. It also emphasizes the importance of leadership and communication skills in project management.
Another popular project management certification is the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM). This certification is also offered by PMI and is designed for individuals who are new to project management. The CAPM certification covers the fundamental concepts of project management, including project scope, time, cost, quality, risk, and procurement management. It is an excellent starting point for those who want to pursue a career in project management.
The Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) certification is another valuable certification for IT professionals. It is offered by the Agile Alliance and covers agile methodologies such as Scrum, Kanban, Lean, and XP. The ACP certification emphasizes the importance of collaboration, flexibility, and continuous improvement in project management. It is ideal for IT professionals who work in agile environments or want to transition to agile methodologies.
The Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) certification is specifically designed for individuals who work in Scrum teams. It is offered by the Scrum Alliance and covers the principles and practices of Scrum. The CSM certification emphasizes the importance of teamwork, communication, and iterative development in project management. It is an excellent certification for IT professionals who work in software development or other industries that use Scrum.
The PRINCE2 certification is a project management certification that is widely used in Europe and other parts of the world. It is offered by AXELOS and covers the PRINCE2 methodology, which is a structured approach to project management. The PRINCE2 certification emphasizes the importance of business justification, product-based planning, and risk management in project management. It is an excellent certification for IT professionals who work in multinational organizations or want to work in Europe.
In conclusion, project management certifications are essential for IT professionals who want to advance their careers and stay competitive in the industry. The PMP, CAPM, ACP, CSM, and PRINCE2 certifications are some of the best project management certifications available in 2021. Each certification covers different aspects of project management and is suitable for different levels of experience. By obtaining these certifications, IT professionals can demonstrate their expertise in project management and increase their value to employers.
Data Science Certifications for IT Experts
In today’s digital age, data science has become an essential part of the IT industry. With the increasing demand for data-driven decision-making, companies are looking for professionals who can analyze and interpret complex data sets to provide valuable insights. This is where data science certifications come into play.
Data science certifications validate a professional’s skills and knowledge in various areas of data science, including data analysis, machine learning, and statistical modeling. These certifications not only enhance your resume but also increase your chances of getting hired by top companies.
Here are some of the best data science certifications for IT experts in 2021:
1. IBM Data Science Professional Certificate
The IBM Data Science Professional Certificate is a comprehensive program that covers all aspects of data science, including data analysis, machine learning, and data visualization. The program consists of nine courses that can be completed online at your own pace. Upon completion, you will receive a certificate from IBM, which is recognized by top companies worldwide.
2. Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Scientist Associate
The Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Scientist Associate certification validates your skills in using Azure technologies to build and deploy machine learning models. This certification requires you to pass two exams, one on Azure fundamentals and the other on designing and implementing machine learning models.
3. Google Cloud Certified: Professional Data Engineer
The Google Cloud Certified: Professional Data Engineer certification validates your skills in designing and building data processing systems on the Google Cloud Platform. This certification requires you to pass an exam that tests your knowledge of data engineering, data modeling, and data analysis.
4. SAS Certified Data Scientist
The SAS Certified Data Scientist certification validates your skills in using SAS software to analyze and interpret complex data sets. This certification requires you to pass five exams that cover topics such as data preparation, statistical analysis, and machine learning.
5. Cloudera Certified Data Analyst
The Cloudera Certified Data Analyst certification validates your skills in using Cloudera technologies to analyze and interpret big data sets. This certification requires you to pass an exam that tests your knowledge of Hadoop, Hive, Pig, and Impala.
6. EMC Proven Professional Data Scientist Associate (EMCDSA)
The EMC Proven Professional Data Scientist Associate certification validates your skills in using EMC technologies to analyze and interpret complex data sets. This certification requires you to pass an exam that tests your knowledge of data analytics, machine learning, and statistical modeling.
In conclusion, data science certifications are a great way to enhance your skills and knowledge in the field of data science. They not only validate your expertise but also increase your chances of getting hired by top companies. So, if you’re an IT expert looking to advance your career in data science, consider getting certified in one or more of these top data science certifications in 2021.
Networking Certifications to Enhance Your IT Skills
In today’s digital age, IT skills are in high demand. As technology continues to evolve, businesses require professionals who can keep up with the latest trends and advancements. One way to demonstrate your expertise in the field is by obtaining IT certifications. These certifications not only enhance your knowledge but also increase your credibility as an IT professional.
Networking certifications are particularly valuable for those looking to advance their IT careers. They provide a comprehensive understanding of network infrastructure, protocols, and security. Here are some of the best networking certifications to consider in 2021:
1. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
The CCNA certification is one of the most popular networking certifications. It covers a wide range of topics, including network fundamentals, routing and switching, wireless networking, and security. The certification is designed for entry-level network engineers and demonstrates proficiency in configuring, managing, and troubleshooting Cisco networks.
2. CompTIA Network+
The CompTIA Network+ certification is vendor-neutral and covers essential networking concepts such as network architecture, protocols, and troubleshooting. It is ideal for individuals who want to start a career in networking or those who want to validate their existing skills. The certification is recognized globally and is a prerequisite for many other IT certifications.
3. Juniper Networks Certified Associate – Junos (JNCIA-Junos)
The JNCIA-Junos certification is designed for individuals who have a basic understanding of networking and want to specialize in Juniper Networks products. It covers topics such as Junos OS fundamentals, routing essentials, and security. The certification is ideal for network administrators, support personnel, and resellers who work with Juniper Networks products.
4. Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate
The Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate certification validates your skills in managing Azure resources, implementing and managing storage solutions, and configuring virtual networks. It is ideal for IT professionals who want to specialize in cloud computing and work with Microsoft Azure.
5. VMware Certified Professional – Network Virtualization (VCP-NV)
The VCP-NV certification is designed for individuals who want to specialize in network virtualization using VMware NSX. It covers topics such as NSX architecture, installation, configuration, and management. The certification is ideal for network administrators, architects, and engineers who work with VMware NSX.
Obtaining a networking certification requires dedication and hard work. However, the benefits are worth it. Not only do certifications enhance your knowledge and skills, but they also increase your earning potential. According to a survey conducted by Global Knowledge, IT professionals with certifications earn an average of 15% more than those without certifications.
In addition to increasing your earning potential, networking certifications also open up new career opportunities. Employers often look for certified professionals when hiring for specialized roles. Certifications also demonstrate your commitment to the field and show that you are willing to invest in your professional development.
In conclusion, networking certifications are an excellent way to enhance your IT skills and advance your career. Whether you are just starting out in the field or looking to specialize in a particular area, there is a certification that can help you achieve your goals. Consider obtaining one of the certifications mentioned above to take your IT career to the next level.
