IT professionals can take certification exams to become qualified advocates of specific computing industry standards. Certifications cover hardware, operating systems, and networking, and can improve an individual’s skill set and job prospects.
There are different types of IT certification exams that an individual can take to become a qualified advocate of specific standards set by the computing industry. Some certifications determine whether a professional is qualified to repair or replace specific components on a computer workstation or server without relying on the manufacturer to complete the actual service.
Successful completion of other certification exams can allow a technician to troubleshoot or maintain the operating system needed to run the hardware a company uses under software developer guidelines and requirements, which were designed for a specific technical team . Network engineers require completely different types of IT certification exams that deal with communication, security and protocol standards and practices to efficiently support the company’s network and infrastructure.
Hardware is one of the most common areas in which an IT professional is certified. For example, on Windows-based workstations, the A+ certification requires precise knowledge of installing, configuring, and troubleshooting desktop systems, but can be awarded to people in specialized disciplines such as an IT technician, warehouse technician, or technical support technician. An Apple Certified Macintosh technician qualifies an individual to troubleshoot and repair Apple hardware, following the manufacturer’s standards and procedures.
Whether a technician or engineer supports Microsoft Windows, Apple or Linux software, programs that offer IT certification exams that focus on a specific operating system can be highly beneficial for the future. Certifications directly related to workstation and server operating systems include Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician, Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer, Apple Certified Support Professional, Apple Certified Help Desk Specialist, and Linux certifications, Junior, advanced and senior.
There are several networking certification exams available for engineers and administrators responsible for supporting and maintaining a company’s network infrastructure. Different types of IT certification exams can include the CCNA, an acronym for Cisco Certified Network Associate, which certifies that an individual is qualified to install, configure, and maintain medium-sized routed and switched networks. This also includes remote wireless network configurations. Overall completion and passing of the networking certification exam demonstrates an IT professional’s knowledge of managing, supporting, and configuring a basic network infrastructure. The resume, skill set and attractive qualities of an IT professional will greatly improve if any of the IT certification exams offered are seriously taken and successfully completed.
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