Obtaining certifications is an integral part of a successful career in Information Technology. Certifications have their place in other fields too, but it is safe to say that their pursuit is almost expected in I.T. culture. Many of the rules & best practices of I.T. are contantly changing, so certifications provide assurance to employers that the person they are interviewing really does have a grasp on the subject matter and they are not simply fabricating their resumé.

There are hundreds of certifications ranging from broad to specific technologies provided by the likes of Cisco, Microsoft, Apple, and Google, just to name a few. Some may be obtainable right out of college, and some may take years of dedication to climb toward. They may test on conceptual knowledge using a test, they may require concrete experience, or something in between. Regardless, they all provide credibility, marketability, and professional & personal development. They can make a huge difference when one is applying or negotiating pay for a new position because it confirms that one has a certain level of experience.

The purpose of this blog entry is to provide a space for me to brainstorm which certifications I would like to pursue and then track my progress for obtaining said certifications. My future employers may find this information particularly useful as well.

[This information is always being updated.]

CompTIA  A+  (OMITTED)

CompTIA A+ covers the following content:

- Demonstrate baseline security skills for I.T. support professionals
- Configure device operating systems, including Windows, Mac, Linux, Chrome OS, Android and iOS and administer client-based as well as cloud-based (SaaS) software
- Troubleshoot and problem solve core service and support challenges while applying best practices for documentation, change management, and scripting
- Support basic I.T. infrastructure and networking
- Configure and support PC, mobile and IoT device hardware
- Implement basic data backup and recovery methods and apply data storage and management best practices
- Identify and protect against security vulnerabilities for devices and their network connections

I have already made my entrance into the field and proven my baseline skills by assuming the position of Computer Systems Technician at MGRL. I think it would be an attractive addition to my credentials, but at this time it is unclear whether it is actually worth the hundreds of dollars that I would have to pay to take the test, not to mention the time it would take to prepare myself for the test. I already have a degree, job experience, and plenty of continuous practice with basic I.T. skills. Therefore, I have decided that I will hold off on A+ until something causes me to believe it is really necessary.

CompTIA  Network+  (IN PROGRESS - STUDYING)

Network+ ensures an I.T. professional has the knowledge & skills to:

- Design and implement functional networks
- Configure, manage, and maintain essential network devices
- Use devices such as switches and routers to segment network traffic and create resilient networks
- Install and configure identity and access services, as well as management controls
- Identify benefits and drawbacks of existing network configurations
- Implement network security, standards, and protocols
- Troubleshoot network problems
- Support the creation of virtualized networks

The Network+ exam is an important milestone in my career plan, and I am currently studying to take the exam in 2022. Completing this certification would be valuable to me because it would expand my horizons as far as future employment goes. While I believe I already have a grasp on the fundamentals of networking, this accomplishment would provide proof of this knowledge to myself and others. I will post my updates here in the future.

CompTIA  Security+  (QUEUED)

Successful candidates will have the following skills:

- Install, configure, and deploy network components while assessing and troubleshooting issues to support organizational security
- Implement secure network architecture concepts and systems design
- Troubleshoot and problem solve core service and support challenges while applying best practices for documentation, change management, and scripting
- Install and configure identity and access services, as well as management controls
- Configure and support PC, mobile and IoT device hardware
- Implement and summarize risk management best practices and the business impact
- Install and configure wireless security settings and implement public key infrastructure

I think that, now more than ever, organizations are beginning to realize how important it is to have robust network security. Hence, I'm hoping that this certification will give these organizations more reason to believe I am a valuable asset. My past experience in college will help me immensely, specifically my two years in competition with the Mercer University Cybersecurity Team for the National Collegiate Cyber Defense tournament.

Cisco  CCNA  (QUEUED)

CCNA candidates have a vast knowledge of:

- Network fundamentalss
- Network access
- IP connectivity
- IP services
- Security fundamentals
- Automation and programmability

CCNA is a vendor-specific certification, but is held very highly in the community. The exam covers a wealth of information and is longer than the previously mentioned certifications. For more information on CCNA, visit the online list of exam topics.