Vendor Certifications Possible through Online Education

If you are in the IT industry, you already know that certification is vital to staying ahead of the technology curve. Certification in any vendor-specific software program or equipment can open new career opportunities, as well as prepare you for advancement. More importantly, earning a vendor certification can keep you marketable as an employee during the economic downturn.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the best job opportunities for computer programmers, software engineers, and database administrators should be for those with both classroom experience and advanced training in programming languages and software tools.

Vendor Certifications: Online Degree Options

A majority of vendor certifications can be earned through online degree programs as most vendors offer their own degree and certification programs. Some of the most popular certifications include:

• Cisco
• CompTIA A+
• Microsoft
• Oracle

Cisco offers four levels of certification, entry-level, associate, professional, and expert within seven career paths. CompTIA A+ certification has become the standard, internationally recognized certification for network technicians. Microsoft has a series of certifications including desktop support, professional series, architect series, and more. Oracle offers over twenty certifications in diverse areas, from database administration to server integration.

Vendor Certification: Staying in the Game

According to a recent survey from Robert Half Technology, an informational technology consulting firm, only four percent of corporate information officers surveyed expected to reduce staff during the first quarter of 2009. Although the overall employment outlook for IT professionals should remain steady during the economic downturn, the demand for qualified, experienced, and credentialed employees continues to grow. A slowing economy, coupled with cautious hiring practices in the informational technology sector, should mean one thing for IT professionals: keep learning to stay ahead of the technology curve.
Sources:
Adobe, Adobe Certified
Bureau of Labor Statistics [PDF]: Training for Techies: Career Preparation in Information Technology
Bureau of Labor Statistics, Computer Programmers
Bureau of Labor Statistics, Computer Software Engineers
Bureau of Labor Statistics, Database Administrators
Certification Magazine, Calling all Network Pros: Obtain Expert Status
Certification Magazine, Despite Recession, IT Still in Demand
Cisco, IT Certification and Career Paths
CompTIA, CompTIA A+ Certification
Microsoft, Microsoft Certifications Overview
Oracle, Oracle Certification Program

Linda Goin is a freelance writer and graphic designer who writes about education, personal finances and design. She earned her bachelor's degree in visual communications and her master's degree in history after raising a daughter as a single mom.