If you happen to be a professional working in the Information Technology (IT) industry, you would be aware of the intensely competitive nature of the industry and the constant need it imposes on an IT professional to upgrade skill sets as technology evolves. You may have felt the need to conquer a new technology or upgrade your existing skill set or just to see where you stand among your peers. If this is the case, it is time to explore the advantages that acquiring an IT certification can provide.

Here are seven most sought-after IT certifications in no particular order:

- CompTIA Security+ – This is a certification for IT professionals with at least two-years of industry experience. It is not vendor-specific and is a test of the professional’s knowledge of the fundamentals of security.

-Cisco CCIE/CCNA – This is a certification provided by Cisco Systems for networking professionals. The CCIE is a comprehensive certification for experts, and the CCNA is meant to improve the skills of those with some experience.

-CompTIA A+ – This is tailored for validating the expertise in hardware and can be a valuable certification for computer-related maintenance and support professionals.

-Microsoft MCITP – MCITP stands for Microsoft Certified IT Professional and is a prestigious one meant for professionals in database, enterprise and server administration. This new certification offered by Microsoft assesses an individual’s capability in meeting the demands of common job roles in the IT industry.

-Microsoft MCSE/MCSA – MCSE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer) and MCSA (Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator) are two of the earliest certifications offered by Microsoft that still command respect in the industry. Both certifications demand a certain level of experience and involve a number of grueling examinations.

-Microsoft MCA – MCA (Microsoft Certified Architect) is a certification open to professionals who have a minimum of three years of experience on advanced IT architecture. This is a peer-evaluated certification and is awarded to very few of the aspirants. Obtaining this is considered an achievement in itself and is rated highly in the industry.

-RHCE/RHCA – With the proliferation of Linux based systems, there is a great demand for certified Linux professionals and RHCE (Red Hat Certified Engineer) and RHCA (Red Hat Certified Administrator) are two certifications awarded by Red Hat Inc.; one of the prominent distributors of Linux Operating Systems.

It’s a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer’s job to design and create business platforms on Windows server systems. Certified professionals working with Microsoft platforms have access to an assortment of online tools, ranging from official logos to transcripts. Most importantly, they can have access to their very own landing page hosted by Microsoft. In order to get started with this rewarding occupation, however, they’ll have to study a good MCSE training course.

A good MCSE CBT course can help students prepare before examination time. The exams, especially the core ones, consist of questions about Windows, operating systems, networking, and so forth. The total examination, needless to say, can be quite long. As such, students need to prepare a great deal before taking the examination. They can do by taking a MCSE training course.

Fortunately, while long, the test really isn’t that hard, just as long as the students familiarize themselves with Microsoft Certified Systems. There are also free MCSE practice tests, tips, resources, notes, and more—online. These free resources along with MCSE CBT courses give students all the knowledge they need for passing the examination and receiving their MCSE certifications.

Networking and interacting with one another as well as professionals is a great way for students to receive help and advice. The internet is filled with forums and blogs for which beginners can ask for advice from Microsoft Certified professionals. Beginners need to ask for recommendations in the first place before selecting MCSE training course.

Some of the courses are a waste of time and money, since students don’t learn a thing with them and end up failing the examination. Some MCSE CBT courses and online classes, however, are well worthwhile and very comprehensive. They don’t have to be expensive, either. In fact, some companies will even pay for their employee’s computer based training and certification. The ones who don’t have that luxury, though, need to make sure they find a course that is affordable, but not cheap. They can then get started on the MCSE training course and, if all goes well, pass the examination that will make them a Microsoft Certified System’s Engineer!

‘O’ level course of DOEACC Scheme is equivalent to a Foundation Level Course in Computer Applications. Students can acquire this qualification by undergoing this course and passing the examination conducted by the DOEACC Society. Working professionals can also appear in this examination directly.

Eligibility
i) For students appearing through an institute: 10 + 2 or ITI Certificate ( one year) after class 10 followed in each case by an accredited ‘O’ Level Course.
OR
Successful completion of the second year of a Government recognized polytechnic engineering / diploma course after class 10, followed by an accredited ‘O’ level course concurrently during the third year of the said polytechnic engineering diploma course.
ii) For students-at-large (Direct Applicants): 10 + 2 or ITI Certificate (one year) after class 10 followed in each case, by one-year relevant experience. (Relevant experience cannot job experience in IT, including teaching in a recognized institution as faculty member, excludes coaching.
OR
A pass in the NCVT-DP&CS (Data Processing & Computer Software) Examination conducted by DGE&T (Govt. of India).

Syllabus
The syllabus for ‘O’ level has been diversified.
- three compulsory module and,
- one elective modules.
In the diversified syllabus, new subjects have been added as electives and certain amendments have been made to the syllabus on some of the subjects.

The syllabus for ‘O’ level can be obtained by post or in person from the DOEACC Society.
Papers: The papers for ‘O’ level are as under: -

Subject Code Subject
M1-R3 IT Tools and Application
M2-R3 Business Systems
M3-R3 Internet and Web Design
M4.1-R3 Programming & Problem Solving through C Language
M4.2-R3 Programming through Visual Basic

Examination
Examination for ‘O’ level is being held only under the diversified syllabus from January 2000 onwards. Certificate will be issued to candidates, who are registered at ‘O’ level and have successfully completed two modules under the diversified syllabus for ‘O’ level, including compulsory module of ‘Personal Computer Software’.

At ‘O’ Level there is one project. No marks are assigned. Candidates are expected to carry out a project successfully and submit certificate in the prescribed format from the head of the institute running the accredited course or the organization of which the candidate is an employee.

Government Recognition
The Ministry of Human Resource Development, Govt. of India has recognized ‘O’ level examination conducted by the Computer Society of India (CSI) under the Department of Electronics Accreditation of Computer Courses(DOEACC) Scheme as equivalent to Foundation Level course for the purpose of employment to posts and services under the Central Government w.e.f 1st March 1995 vide their notification No: F 18-23/92-TD.V/TS-IV dated 1st March 1995. In view of the above notification the passed out candidates with ‘O’ level qualification from the DOEACC Society will henceforth be the eligible for registration in employment exchanges for job assistance.

For more Information Log on to :

http://www.doeacc.edu.in

Overview

Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) is a performance-based test that measures actual competency on live systems. Called the “crown jewel of Linux certifications,” RHCE proves an individual’s ability to configure networking services and security on servers running a Red Hat OS. RHCE was recently named the hottest certification in all of IT by CertCities.com.

The RHCE Exam

Becoming a Red Hat Certified Engineer requires passing a five-and-a-half-hour hands-on exam. There are four different approaches to preparing for the exam depending on your existing level of Linux expertise.

Level of Linux Expertise

To determine your level of experience, take our pre-assessment questionnaires or read the descriptions below for the Standard and Rapid Tracks.

For more information:

http://www.redhat.com/certification/rhce/

Candidates have the option of gaining the certification by passing two tests (ICND1 640-822 and ICND2 640-816), or one single test (CCNA 640-802); the two-test option has the advantage of allowing the candidate to focus on certain subjects.

The certification is valid for three years; at that time a CCNA holder must either

* re-take the CCNA or ICND exam, or
* take and pass an exam for one of the Professional or Specialist level certifications (excluding the sales specialist exams), or pass the CCIE written exam.

These exams are known by their corresponding numbers. When the curriculum of the exam changes the exam number also changes. The current exam number for CCNA is 640-802. New ICND Part1 (640-822 ICND1) and ICND Part2 (640-816 ICND2) available from 15 Aug 2007.

These exams are conducted by authorized test centers at a cost of $125 each for the INTRO or ICND exams and $150 for the full CCNA exam.

There is also the Cisco Networking Academy, which brings the CCNA and CCNP curricula into traditional educational institutions in over 150 countries.Students enrolled in Cisco Networking Academy can request exam vouchers that allow them to take the retired exam for an extended period of time.

Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (or MCSE) is the best-known and premiere Microsoft certification. It qualifies an individual as being able to analyze the business requirements for information systems solutions, and design and implement the infrastructure required. As of 2007, the MCSE is available for two different product lines; Windows 2000 and Windows Server 2003, each of which requires a different set of exams.

For the MCSE 2003, candidates must pass six core design exams (Four networking exams, one client operating system and one design exam) and one elective exam, for a total of seven exams. For the MCSE 2000, a candidate needs to pass five Core Exams (Four operating system exams, one design exam) and two electives. For the MCSE NT 4.0 (which is no longer available to earn, though it is still recognized as a valid certification), a candidate needed to pass four Core Exams (Networking Essentials, Windows NT Workstation, Windows NT Server and Windows NT Server in the Enterprise) and two electives.

A Microsoft certificate is a diploma of sorts that prove to future employers that a person knows the special skills for a certain job. Each person that decides to gain the knowledge in Microsoft programs and skills can achieve this fairly simply. This type of item is a fabulous tool to receive a brand new job with different types of companies. Various opportunity fields can be accomplished when a person seeks out training and schooling to obtain a Microsoft certificate. There a different methods in achieving this piece of paper.

An individual can take college courses at a traditional school to achieve this goal. An individual may be able to find online colleges that specialize in this degree. However, a person does not need to go to school to achieve a Microsoft certificate. There are online resources that can be helpful to accomplish this. An individual can teach themselves everything they need to know with free tutorials and information on the internet. A person can find practice tests designed to assist a person in achieving this degree. When an individual believes he knows everything that is required to pass the test, there are locations in each town that can give the test for a small fee. If a person passes the exam, they will receive a Microsoft certificate in the mail within a few weeks. It is that simple.

This is a smile process and an individual can begin towards their new career quickly and without much effort. Through classes, books and online resources anyone can pass the test efficiently. Everyone will find a brand new job and begin making the income that everyone deserves. An individual does not need to take a 4 year college course to have a diploma in a field that they will enjoy. With free online services and direction to the type of career a person desires, this can become a dream come true for anyone that is involved. If an individual is struggling with bills each month and cannot find a solution out of the problemScience Articles, this may be the perfect opportunity to succeed.

As a developer, you have a choice of earning two different credentials to highlight your Microsoft .NET knowledge and expertise: Microsoft Certified Application Developer (MCAD) and Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD). Discover which certification best suits your skills and career goals.
Choose the MCAD credential if you:
•    Develop, test, deploy, and maintain department-level applications, components, Web or desktop clients, or database and network services using Microsoft tools and technologies.
•    Have one to two years of experience building, deploying, and maintaining applications.

The MCAD credential was created in response to industry demand for a certification that allows developers to show they have the skills necessary to successfully implement functional specifications and build, deploy, and maintain Microsoft Windows and Web applications. Achieving the MCAD credential can be a step toward earning the MCSD credential for advanced developers.

Related job titles: programmer, programmer/analyst, and software developer.
•    Find out more about the MCAD for Microsoft .NET credential
Choose the MCSD credential if you:
•    Analyze and design leading-edge enterprise solutions with Microsoft development tools, technologies, and platforms.
•    Have at least two years of experience in a lead developer role analyzing business and technical requirements, and defining solution architecture.

The MCSD credential is one of the most widely recognized technical certifications in the industry. By earning the premier MCSD for .NET credential, individuals demonstrate that they have the skills necessary to lead organizations in the successful design, implementation, and administration of business solutions with Microsoft products.

Related job titles: software engineer, software development engineer, software architect, and consultant.

In this course, you are learning Enterprise Linux Server configuration, Setup and Troubleshooting. After the completion of following three stages , one can sit for RHCE Certification .The RHCE Certificate is granted upon passing the RHCE Exam, a performance-based test on live equipment that measures actual competencies at server system administration, setup of networking services, network security, diagnostics and troubleshooting.

Examination Structure

1. A server install and network services configuration lab (3 hours)
2. A troubleshooting and maintenance lab (2.5 hours).
RH033 Linux Essentials

Understand the Linux file system, Perform common file maintenance tasks Use and customize the GNOME interface, Issue essential Linux commands from the command line, Perform common tasks using the GNOME GUI , Open, edit, and save text documents using the vi editor, File access permissions , Launch applications from command line and GNOME interface, Printing commands and utilities, Customise X Window System, Regular expression pattern matching and I/O redirection, Copy files to and from a floppy diskette, Install, upgrade, delete, and query packages on your system, Network utilities for the user, Power user utilities, Miscellaneous topics

RH133 Linux System Administration and RHCT

Install Red Hat Enterprise Linux interactively and with Kickstart, Control common system hardware, Create and maintain the Linux filesystem, Configure an NFS client and autofs, Understand system and service initialization, Perform user and group administration, Integrate a workstation with an existing network running common, network services, Configure a workstation as a client to NIS, DNS, and DHCP services, Administer the Linux printing subsystem, Automate tasks with at, cron, and anacron , Maintain and interpret system logs, Back up filesystems to tape and tar archive, Install, update, query and remove software packages with RPM, Update the Linux kernel from an RPM, Configure the X Window System and the GNOME desktop, environment, Perform basic performance, memory, and process management, Configure basic host security, Perform basic troubleshooting.

RH253 Linux Networking & Security Administration

Networking services on Enterprise Linux. server -side setup, configuration, and basic administration of common networking, services: DNS, NIS , Apache, SMB, DHCP, Send mail, FTP. Other common services: tftp, pppd, proxy. Security administration using Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Introduction to security, Developing a security policy, Preparation, Local security, Files and file system security, Password security, Kernel security, Basic elements of a firewall, Red Hat Enterprise Linux-based security tools, Responding to a break-in attempt, Security sources and methods, Overview of OSS security tools
Course Duration: 75 hours (30 days)

Microsoft’s MCSD (Microsoft Certified Solution Developer) is a high-level certification for advanced developers who design and develop leading-edge enterprise solutions, using Microsoft development tools and technologies as well as the Microsoft .NET Framework. The MCSD builds on the more entry-level MCAD (Microsoft Certified Application Developer) certification by encompassing not only development, testing, deployment and maintenance, but also analysis and design.

The MCSD for Microsoft .NET got its start back in the summer of 2002. Prior to that, the MCSD was based on Visual Studio 6 technologies and was sometimes referred to as the MCSD on Windows 2000. The .NET MCSD certification does not retire but newer versions of it may be released as technology changes. There are no specific prerequisites for the MCSD, although Microsoft recommends that you have two years of experience developing and maintaining solutions and applications. As soon as candidates pass their first qualifying exam for the MCSD program, they achieve a Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) certification. Moreover, a candidate that is working towards the MCSD will achieve the MCAD certification along the way. To achieve the MCSD, a candidate must pass a total of five exams: four core and one elective.