The IT Nerd's Guide to Computer Certification

Though students in certification programs come from a wide range of high-tech backgrounds, nearly all are looking for a leg up in the industry. Whether you have a technology degree or on-the-job training, proper computer certification can help you get moving in the right direction.
Certification programs are available in a range of coding languages, technical specializations, and management levels. Microsoft, Oracle and Sun all offer a number of certifications, and plenty of programs affiliated with specific schools or other companies are also available.

Benefits of Computer Certification

According to an IDC study on Microsoft certification, it can have a real impact on your career. Some of the most notable findings include:

• 75% of managers believe that certification is important to team performance
• 66% of managers believe that certifications improve the level of service and support offered to IT end-users and customers
• Teams described as "top-performing" on average employ 40-55% certified team members

If you are or want to be an IT professional, certification can help demonstrate your skills to hiring managers. While no certification program can guarantee a particular career or salary, the figures above suggest that managers take certification seriously.

Popular Computer Certifications

Depending on your goals in the IT industry, the ideal certification program might involve business or management practices, developer training, or any number of other specializations. Each certification test requires a specific type of technical knowledge. For example, the popular Microsoft Certified Systems Engineers (MCSE) certification prepares students to design and implement infrastructure solutions based on Windows Server System software.
Whether you're a seasoned professional or a recent high school graduate, online career training can help you prepare for certification testing. Many online programs offer focused curricula, informative instructors, and a flexible, user-friendly environment.
Source:
Microsoft Certification

Amelia Gray is a teacher and freelance writer in San Marcos, TX. Amelia earned a Bachelor's Degree in English Literature from Arizona State University.