The New Year is here- what better time to set some goals to help advance your career. Earning a professional certification is an excellent way to improve your skill set, get more responsibility on the job and earn more money. Sometimes the biggest challenge is figuring out which technical certifications will be in demand, but don’t worry – we’ve done the hard part for you and put together a list of the top 5 in-demand certifications for 2013:
1. MCSA (Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate)
- Salary Range: $52,000 to $115,000
- Average Salary: $59,000
- MCSA Certification Preparation
Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) certifications validate the core technical skills required to build a sustainable career in IT. MCSA opens the door to multiple career paths and is a requirement for MCSE certifications. Earning a MCSA certification in 2013 will give you a foundation in basic information technology know-how and prepare you for higher Microsoft certifications. We recommend starting with one of these popular certifications:
- MCSA: Windows 2012 Server
- MCSA: SQL Server 2012
- MCSA: Windows 8
- MCSA: SharePoint 2013
2. MCSE: Private Cloud
- Salary Range: $52,000 to $102,000
- Average Salary: $61,000
- MCSE Certification Preparation
If you’ve stepped in an IT department over the last year, you know “cloud” is the buzzword on the tip of everyone’s tongue. After only 9 months of being released, this Private Cloud certification is already as popular as the rival CompTIA and CCP cloud certifications. The popularity of cloud computing has increased demand for IT professionals who can build private cloud computing solutions using common technology platforms. Microsoft is also discontinuing the popular MCITP program in 2014 and directing individuals to become MCSE’s. This makes 2013 the perfect year to obtain the MCSE certification and get jump start on those who convert in 2014.
The following training classes will prepare you to earn your MCSE: Private Cloud Certification:
- 10750: Monitoring and Operating a Private Cloud with System Center 2012
- 10751: Configuring and Deploying a Private Cloud with System Center 2012
3. PMP (Project Management Professional)
- Salary Range: $65,000 to $93,000
- Average Salary: $86,000
- PMP Certification Preparation
The Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification is one of the world’s most in-demand certifications. Today, PMP Certified project managers are among some of the most sought after professionals. It is recognized as the fastest growing, globally accepted professional certification. Project management is a fundamental skill that will remain relevant over time with continuosly evolving technologies. Having strong understanding of project management principles and techniques enables IT professionals to plan, budget, manage time, and reduce costs. With many companies reducing staff and seeking more efficient operations, project management skills will make IT professionals more valuable to the organizations they serve.
4. VCP (VMware Certified Professional)
- Salary Range: $59,000 to $80,000
- Average Salary: $69,000
- VCP Certification Preparation
Virtualization is used to improve scalability and reduce infrastructure costs in hardware-intensive computing environments. The virtualization industry is still young and full of potential, and VMware is the industry leader in both virtualization software and virtual certifications. With the increasing popularity of virtualization technologies and cloud computing, Vmware’s certifications are becoming more valuable than ever.
5. CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional)
- Salary Range: $65,000 to $111,000
- Average Salary : $80,000
- CISSP Certification Preparation
It is critical for organizations to protect their systems, data, and networks, and as a result, information security professionals are in high demand. With the shift towards storing data in cloud systems, security experts have a vital role to play in ensuring these systems remain as secure as servers maintained in-house. CISSPs are information assurance professionals who define the architecture, design, management and/or controls that assure the security of business environments. The CISSP certification is highly respected and extremely popular, generally warranting the highest average salary for IT security positions.