Certifications for Tech Service Professionals
Listed below are some certifications for technology professionals that you may encounter. Certifications may be issued from hardware or software manufacturers, independent organizations and schools.
Business Software
Manufacturers of software and hardware solutions may provide certification for their solutions. Check the software manufacturer's website to see if a certification program exists.
Technology Infrastructure
These certifications relate to computers, networks and security.
| Certification | Description |
|---|---|
| A+ | A+ certification validates the skills needed by computer support professionals. The vendor-neutral certification proves competence in areas such as installation, preventative maintenance, networking, security and troubleshooting. |
| Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) | Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) validates the ability to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot medium-size route and switched networks, including implementation and verification of connections to remote sites in a WAN. |
| Microsoft Certified System Engineer (MCSE) | The Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) credential covers design, implementation, and administration of infrastructures for business solutions based on Microsoft Windows Server and other Windows server platforms. Implementation responsibilities include installing, configuring, and troubleshooting network systems. |
| Network+ | Network+ proves a technician's competency in managing, maintaining, troubleshooting, installing and configuring basic network infrastructure. |
| Security+ | CompTIA Security+ is an international, vendor-neutral certification that proves competency in system security, network infrastructure, access control and organizational security. |
Project Management
These certifications are not hardware or software specific, they relate to the methodology of project management.
| Certification | Description |
|---|---|
| Project+ | The Computer Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) is a non-profit trade association for information technology (IT) professionals and companies including manufacturers, distributors, resellers, and educational institutions. |
| Project Management Professional (PMP) | The Project Management Institute (PMI) is the world's leading not-for-profit association for the project management profession. |
Website Design & Development
Web design and development certificates come primarily from colleges and universities. Certification may not be as important here since it is easier to check work samples.
