Career Designations for IT Professionals
IT is a broad field that encompasses many different roles. Some IT professionals prefer to focus on specific areas of the profession and pursue career designations that allow them to do so. There are many different types of career designations available for IT professionals, including certifications, professional qualifications, and more specialized training programs. Once completing these programs successfully, list the designation on your resume and LinkedIn profile for hiring managers and recruiters to notice your level of expertise.
To help you decide which designation is right for you, we’ve outlined some key differences between each type:
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
The AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification is designed to ensure that your cloud knowledge is up-to-date. It covers the essentials of using AWS and its most popular services, including Amazon EC2, Amazon S3 and others.
In addition to this certification, there are several other types of credentials available: the Associate Developer Certification; the Solution Architect Associate Certification; the SysOps Administrator Associate Certification; and finally, the DevOps Engineer Associate Certification. All four are designed to help an individual increase their knowledge base in IT industry through practical experience rather than theoretical education alone.
CCIE Data Center
The CCIE Data Center certification is an advanced-level, professional certification for network engineers who design, build and maintain complex data center networks. It is also known as the “Data Center Expert” certificate.
The skills you learn when obtaining this certification will help you to successfully manage and support large-scale Data Centers, as well as assist in designing new ones.
CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker)
A Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) is a professional who understands how to test the security of an organization’s network, system and applications from the outside. Ethical hacking has become an important aspect of IT security.
The CEH certification is offered by several training institutions, including EC-Council and SANS Institute. The course takes roughly two months to complete and includes around 100 hours of practical lab exercises that help you gain hands-on experience with real-world systems.
CCNP Security Certification
The Cisco Certified Network Professional Security (CCNP Security) is a professional-level certification that requires you to have at least two years of experience in networking. You must be able to demonstrate technical expertise in security technologies, products and architectures, and Cisco products including routers, switches and firewalls. There are three specific areas of focus for the CCNP Security certification: network security; compliance management; and cryptography.
Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
The Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) certification is a professional certification for information security professionals. It demonstrates a mastery of the concepts and techniques necessary to be an effective information security manager.
The CISM exam is vendor-neutral, which means that it does not focus on any one product or program, but instead measures your ability to use information security best practices in any environment. The certification also offers international recognition: it is valid in more than 90 countries worldwide and has been offered since 1992.
CISM Certification
The CISM certification is a professional certification offered by ISACA that demonstrates your knowledge in the field of information security management, risk management and governance.
The CISM Certification has been designed to be used as part of an organization’s overall human resources strategy; it helps identify managers and executives with information security expertise who can help organizations achieve their business objectives while meeting regulatory requirements. CISM certification also provides you with an internationally recognized credential as well as an opportunity for career advancement.
CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional)
The CISSP is a vendor-neutral certification that measures advanced information security knowledge and skills. It is one of the most sought after IT designations, and candidates must pass an examination to receive it.
CISSP stands for “Certified Information Systems Security Professional.” According to the (ISC)² site, it’s “the globally recognized standard” for this field and “a benchmark for best practices in IT security.” The organization provides training courses to help prepare applicants for their exam. The exam itself tests you on specific knowledge areas such as access control systems and network architecture security management.
The test includes 250 questions (split between multiple choice and drag-and-drop) over five hours’ time—so be prepared! If you’re able, it’s definitely worth taking the time to study up beforehand so that when you sit down at your computer screen on test day, all you’ve got left to do is answer questions correctly!
Cisco Certified Design Professional (CCDP)
The Cisco Certified Design Professional (CCDP) is an advanced certification that validates your ability to design and deploy complex enterprise network solutions.
- The CCDP certification is a CISCO certification.
- It’s an intermediate level certification in the Cisco Design Specialist series.
- It’s a professional level certification in the Cisco Architect series.
- It’s a vendor neutral certifications, so you can use it anywhere you want without worrying about learning any vendor specific materials or technologies.
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) credential is a vendor-neutral certification for entry-level network engineers. This certification requires a minimum of six months’ experience in networking, as well as one year of networking experience to earn the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP).
To take the exam and earn the CCNA, you must have at least six months of job-related experience with networking devices and have basic knowledge of routing and switching fundamentals. In addition to meeting these requirements, you’ll also need to complete coursework on topics like IP addressing, Ethernet LANs/WANs, Layer 2 VPNs, IPv4 subnetting and troubleshooting Cisco routers/switches/hubs/bridges with IOS commands before taking your first CCNA course or exam.
Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCISE)
The Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCISE) certification is a vendor-neutral certification. This designation shows that you have the expertise to design and implement enterprise networks, including those that use Cisco products.
CISM is an international certification designed for professionals who are responsible for designing and implementing complex network solutions in medium-sized organizations. It demonstrates your ability to manage risk, solve problems, and make sound technical decisions based on your understanding of networking technologies.
This professional designation requires that you pass two exams: one focused on networking fundamentals and another focused on security fundamentals or security technologies.
Certified Data Professional
CDP certification is a vendor-neutral credential that validates the knowledge and skills of data professionals. It’s aimed at professionals who work in business intelligence, data warehousing, and analytics—and it can help you land a job in this rapidly growing field.
The CDP exam is based on the Data Management Body of Knowledge (DAMA-DMBOK). The exam covers six areas: Data Governance; Data Management; Information Architecture; ETL/ELT; Metadata Management; Master Data Management.
Certified Data Privacy Solutions Engineer (CDPSE)
The Certified Data Privacy Solutions Engineer (CDPSE) certification is designed for IT professionals who design and implement data privacy solutions, including information security management systems (ISMS), audit, compliance and risk management. To earn the designation, candidates must complete a rigorous training program that covers both technical and business aspects of privacy.
As a Certified Data Privacy Solutions Engineer (CDPSE), you will be responsible for designing and implementing security policies that protect sensitive customer data while enabling business innovation and growth. You’ll also be able to explain how to develop an ISMS based on ISO/IEC 27001:2013 standards as well as interpret them into concrete implementation strategies. Additionally, because this certification is aimed at IT professionals who work on complex projects in their field of expertise—including business strategy development—you must be able to demonstrate an understanding of best practices related to regulations such as GDPR or California Consumer Protection Act Section 1798 et seq., which require organizations selling personal information about consumers online in California or abroad provide opt-in consent before gathering such data from third parties like Google Analytics cookies used by websites owned by other companies like Facebook Inc., Instagram Inc., Twitter Inc., LinkedIn Corp., Pinterest Inc., WhatsApp Messenger Service Provider etc…..
CompTIA Security+
CompTIA Security+ is a vendor-neutral certification that validates the competency of knowledge of security, risk management and business continuity principles. The exam tests a candidate’s skills in a variety of areas, such as threats and vulnerabilities, application security, access control and authentication, and cryptography.
The CompTIA Security+ exam consists of 90 multiple-choice questions that must be answered within 90 minutes.
Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
The Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) is a certification for IT professionals. As an advanced qualification, it is designed to help candidates demonstrate their leadership skills in the field of information systems auditing, by providing them with the knowledge and practical experience necessary to effectively plan and execute their audits. The CISA designation was first offered in 1984 by ISACA (Information Systems Audit and Control Association), which has since become one of the world’s largest professional bodies specializing in governance, risk management, internal control and IT governance.
As an international qualification available in multiple languages worldwide — English being just one — this cert is recognized globally as being among the most prestigious certifications that exist for IT professionals who want to demonstrate their expertise at a managerial level within an organization without having to take on executive responsibility for entire departments or divisions within their companies
Certified ScrumMaster
The Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) is a professional development and certification program. The CSM is the only globally recognized certification for Scrum Masters. The CSM recognizes the expertise of individuals who have demonstrated their proficiency in the Scrum framework through a comprehensive, industry-recognized certification process.
Scrum is an Agile methodology that helps teams move from “unsuccessful” to “highly successful.” It was developed by Ken Schwaber and Jeff Sutherland, two of today’s most influential experts on Lean and Agile principles. To become a Certified ScrumMaster (CSM), one must demonstrate knowledge of how to apply these principles to real-world business problems through a rigorous exam process.
Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
The Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) is a global standard for project management. It covers the principles, techniques and best practices of project management. This certification can be earned in less than 2 days, making it an ideal entry level certification for new IT professionals.
Certified Information Security Manager
As an IT professional, you probably have a lot of questions about how to build your resume and credibility with current and future employers. A Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) certification is a good place to start.
The CISM designation is accredited by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC2), a nonprofit organization devoted to promoting information security best practices by developing and administering vendor-neutral certifications in the field. The CISM certification program was established in 1999 as a way for individuals who work in information security roles to demonstrate their knowledge of enterprise risk management and governance frameworks such as COBIT 5® and NIST SP 800-53®, among others.
Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT)
The Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT) designation is a professional certification that validates the knowledge and skills necessary to design, implement and manage enterprise IT. The CGEIT credential is offered by the Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP), an international association that promotes IT professionalism through education, research and advocacy.
The CGEIT certification focuses on governance issues involving managing change, risk management and compliance in an enterprise environment. Candidates are expected to have experience selecting technology solutions for their organization as well as understanding how these solutions impact overall business strategy.
Cybersecurity Nexus (CSX-P)
Cybersecurity Nexus (CSX-P) is a designation by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC2). The CSX-P is an advanced certification for practitioners who have a broad base of knowledge and experience in cybersecurity.
Prerequisites for becoming a CSX-P include:1) Completing at least 200 credits from an accredited university; 2) Passing the ISC2 Certified Information Systems Security Professional exam with at least 700 points; 3) Participating on a panel organized by ISC2 or taking other professional development activity approved by them; 4) Completing work experience requirements set by ISC2 with at least four years of paid full-time IT work experience within three years immediately preceding submission of application materials
HDI Certifications
HDI Certifications are available to IT professionals, project managers and business leaders who want to advance their careers.
HDI Certifications are recognized by employers worldwide. They provide a way for individuals to demonstrate their competence in specific areas of information technology and business process knowledge.
HDI Certifications are developed in collaboration with our global network of subject matter experts that include certification examiners and members of the HDI Board of Directors.
ITIL® Foundation Certificate in IT Service Management
The ITIL® Foundation Certificate in IT Service Management is a globally recognized certificate that provides an overview of the ITIL® framework. This course is a great starting point for anyone looking to learn more about IT service management and certification, as well as practical implementation skills. The course consists of three modules: Service Strategy; Service Design; and Service Transition, with each module lasting five days.
MCSE: Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert
The MCSE designation stands for Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert. It is a collection of certifications that IT professionals can earn from Microsoft. The certification is designed to recognize individuals with skills in multiple disciplines related to Microsoft technology, including Windows Server and cloud computing as well as business productivity applications such as Office 365 and SharePoint. To earn the MCSA: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure certification, you must pass one exam: 70-347 Implementing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions.
MTA (Microsoft Technology Associate)
The Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) is an entry-level credential for individuals who are interested in pursuing a career in technology. It’s also a great way to build your skills while working toward higher-level credentials or certification.
Microsoft is the leading platform and productivity vendor, with more than 1 billion products installed worldwide. This makes it easy to find work across many different industries, from healthcare and manufacturing to retail and transportation. MTA can help you get your foot in the door of this large industry and put you on your way toward achieving IT success.
Oracle Certified Professional
If you’re looking to become an Oracle Certified Professional (OCP), the best way to prepare is by taking the Oracle Certification Exam. The exam consists of two parts: Part 1 and Part 2. In order to qualify for Part 1, which is a multiple choice test, candidates must have taken an eligible course at a recognized training facility or be able to provide evidence that they have worked with Oracle products in some capacity. For Part 2, which is an essay exam, candidates must pass both Parts 1 and 2 of the certification process within 12 months of beginning their application process.
Project Management Professional (PMP)
Project Management Professional (PMP) is a project management certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). The PMP exam is available in more than 100 countries, in multiple languages and can be taken at any time. It is a very popular and globally recognized certification for professionals working in the project management field. The exam is difficult but if you pass it, you will be able to prove your skills as a project manager to employers or clients.
Passing this exam shows that you have knowledge of best practices in managing projects and that you are able to make informed decisions while working on them. After passing this exam, many organizations will give their employees who hold a PMP certificate more responsibility within their organization because they know that these individuals have proven themselves as competent project managers
SAP Certified Technology Associate
SAP Certified Technology Associate (SAP CTA) is a certification for individuals who understand how to use SAP software and can perform basic tasks. A job as a CTA will require you to have knowledge of how to install and configure an instance of the SAP ERP system, along with its underlying processes.
You should have a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related field, experience in software development or IT support roles, and knowledge of data structures, algorithms and programming languages.
Salesforce Certified Platform Developer – App Builder/ Salesforce Certified Professional/Advanced Adminstrator
If you are a developer who specializes in building and deploying applications on the Salesforce platform, the Salesforce Certified Platform Developer – App Builder is a great certification to pursue. This certification focuses on application development, rather than data management. It’s also a good stepping stone towards Salesforce Certified Professional (CSDX) or Advanced Administrator.
There are many IT designations and certifications to choose from. If you need any assistance with navigating your career, contact us for a customized approach to your needs.