The field of information technology (IT) is quite broad, with areas of expertise ranging from cybersecurity and computer systems to software and hardware. If you’re thinking about getting into IT as a career path, one thing you might want to consider is pursuing some kind of IT specialist certification along with your formal degree.
What is an IT specialist and what are the benefits of having additional certifications in this field? We’re covering that, as well as some of the most popular certifications, so you can better determine which path may be right for you.
An In-Depth Look at IT Specialist Certifications
Before you start thinking about which IT specialist certifications may suit your interests and career goals, it’s important to understand what these designations entail and why they’re such an essential aspect of developing your career in IT.
What Are IT Specialist Certifications?
IT specialist certifications are designations that you earn in a certain area of IT. For example, if you want to focus on cybersecurity and helping businesses protect themselves against attacks, then you might pursue a cybersecurity certification to learn more about information security, vulnerability testing, and different types of web attacks.
Usually, certifications are offered to IT professionals who already have a formal degree or diploma in the field, but this can vary. Likewise, certifications usually involve taking one or more classes and possibly even passing a certification exam to complete. It is not uncommon for certifications to need to be renewed every few years, which may come with additional requirements, like renewal fees and proof of continuing education.
The Role and Importance of IT Certifications in Career Development
IT certifications are a critical part of most IT professionals’ career development. This is because the field of IT is extremely broad, with many potential paths that professionals can explore. Certifications are an excellent way for IT professionals to sharpen their skills and knowledge in a very specific area of the field that interests them most. This may allow them to narrow down their practice area and potentially find jobs more relevant to their interests.
Types of IT Specialist Certifications
A quick online search for IT certifications will show you that there are plenty of options to choose from. As you explore your IT specialist support certification options, you’ll notice that there are two main types: vendor-specific and vendor-neutral.
Vendor-Specific vs. Vendor-Neutral Certifications
Vendor-specific certification options are centered around a certain IT brand or vendor. Examples include:
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
- Microsoft Fundamentals Certification
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
On the other hand, vendor-neutral certifications are less focused on teaching you how to work with specific software or a certain brand. Instead, these certifications may be more centered around general IT theories and concepts. Examples include IT support specialist certification and cloud security certification.
Popular IT Certifications for Specialists
There are many certifications popular among IT specialists, with some of the top options including:
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Comp TIA A+
- Cisco Certified Network Associate
- Comp TIA Network+
Benefits of Earning IT Certifications
Even once you’ve obtained a formal degree in IT, there are still some compelling reasons to consider earning additional IT certifications.
Career Advancement Opportunities
For instance, consider that earning IT certifications allows you to really focus on the areas of the field most interesting to you. This then empowers you to build your relevant IT skills and knowledge in these areas. H2: Choosing the Right IT Certification for Your Career Path
Now that you have a better understanding of why it may make sense to pursue certifications in IT, you may be wondering which one is right for you. First, remember that you aren’t limited to just one certification. It is not uncommon for IT professionals to diversify their skill sets with several certifications, but where should you start?
Assessing Your Career Goals and Skills
Begin by taking inventory of your current skills and strengths within the IT field, as well as how these align with your unique interests and what you might want to learn in the future. This can help you begin to narrow down your options and move onto the next step.
Researching Industry Demand and Certification Value
Before pursuing an IT certification, it’s also a good idea to do a little research of your own. Specifically, take the time to explore the industry demand and projected trends for IT professionals with your certification. This will help you determine not just whether a certification aligns with your interests, but whether obtaining the certification may be worth it in the long run. You can use sites like the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to get a better feel for job outlook projections and other relevant data.
Preparing for IT Certification Exams
Most certification programs, both vendor-specific and vendor-neutral, will require you to pass a certification exam as part of the process. Typically, these exams are extensive in nature and will cost a registration fee with each attempt. This is one of many reasons why it’s ideal to pass the exam the first time around.
Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to best prepare for IT certification exams ahead of time.
Study Resources and Training Programs
First, take your time to explore study resources and training programs that may be specifically available for your certification. Sometimes, these resources may already be included as part of your registration, but it is also common to find independent training programs that can provide supplemental material. Specifically, look for training programs that include such resources as study guides and practice exams, which will help you better prepare for the real thing.
Tips for Successful Exam Preparation
One of the most important things to remember when it comes to preparing for an IT certification exam is that it’s always better to start studying early rather than waiting until the very last minute. Unfortunately, trying to cram for an IT certification exam can often lead to stress, burnout, and lower scores. Instead, give yourself plenty of time to adequately prepare. This way, you can go into test day with a sense of confidence.
The Process of Getting Certified
While the exact process can differ from one certification to the next, there are some general steps you can usually expect from the process.
Registration, Preparation, and Examination
Once you’ve chosen the certification that you wish to pursue, you will be prompted to register for the program and choose an exam date/time. During this step, you will usually be asked to pay for the entire exam registration or at least a portion of the fee. From there, you will want to prepare and study for the exam as much as possible, which may include taking relevant courses to your certification. Finally, you will take your formal exam; these may be offered at a formal testing center in your area or online.
Maintaining and Renewing Your Certification
Once you pass your certification exam, you will be eligible for your certification. That said, most IT certifications are only good for a couple of years before they need to be renewed because the world of IT is constantly changing and evolving. To renew your certification, you may need to take an additional exam or show proof that you’ve been keeping up with your professional development. You may also need to pay a renewal fee.
Real-World Applications of IT Certifications
In numerous ways, IT certifications can help you sharpen your skills within the IT field while preparing you for career advancement opportunities.
How Employers View IT Certifications
When employers see that a job applicant has IT certifications in addition to a formal degree, this demonstrates to them that the applicant has gone above and beyond to pursue their interests and passions in the field. This may increase their chances of being called in for an interview when compared to an IT professional with zero certifications.
Overcoming Common Challenges in IT Certification
Pursuing certifications in IT can be a great idea, but it doesn’t come without some inherent obstacles.
Financial Costs and How to Manage Them
For many, the costs associated with pursuing a certification, including exam fees and renewal fees, can be a challenge. However, it’s important to look at these costs as an investment in your future. In some cases, there may be financial assistance programs available to help offset these expenses as well.
Balancing Study Time With Work and Personal Life
Certification exams can be rigorous and challenging, so you’ll also need to learn how to balance your time studying with your work and professional life. This is where having excellent time management skills and a strong sense of personal accountability can really pay off.
Future Trends in IT Certifications
Only time will tell what the future holds for IT certifications, but there are some trends already beginning to emerge.
Emerging Technologies and Their Impact on Certifications
With artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning becoming increasingly popular across industries, it is likely that certifications in AI and machine learning will continue to increase in popularity and demand.
The Evolving Landscape of IT Roles and Specializations
As the field of IT continues to evolve, it is also likely that we will continue to see more roles and specializations emerge.
Expand Your Skill Set With a Bachelor’s Degree in IT
There’s a lot you can do in IT with the right education and training. Meanwhile, having additional certifications can broaden your career opportunities even further while providing you with the foundational skills and knowledge that you need to work in any of the field’s niches.
Still looking for the right IT program to help you get started? Florida Technical College offers a bachelor’s degree in information technology with an emphasis in cybersecurity that can be completed in as little as 36 months. We also offer a computer support technician diploma program that can be finished in even less time. Both programs are offered online and on-campus, so you can choose the format that best suits you.
Ready to learn more about either of these programs? Get in touch with Florida Technical College today or get started with your online application for enrollment.
These examples are intended to serve only as a general guide of possible employment opportunities. There are many factors that determine the job an individual may obtain and Florida Technical College cannot guarantee its graduates any particular job. Some positions may require license or other certifications. We encourage you to research the requirements for the particular position you desire.
Sources
https://www.ftccollege.edu/blog-post/what-is-an-it-specialist-certification/
https://www.ftccollege.edu/request-information/
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https://partners.comptia.org/certifications/network
https://www.cybersecurityeducation.org/certifications/cissp/
https://www.ftccollege.edu/program/bachelors-degree/bachelors-degree-in-information-technology-with-emphasis-in-cybersecurity/
https://www.ftccollege.edu/program/diploma/computer-support-technician-diploma/
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/what-is-an-it-specialist
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