The 10 Most Popular IT Certifications of 2019

Add an IT certification to your résumé and you will immediately stand out from your competitors. With the growing skills gap in the IT job market, many employers no longer value traditional college degrees. Instead, they are looking for highly-skilled candidates with certifications to fill their technical positions.

Are you looking to add more credentials to your résumé? Below are the 10 most popular and highest-paying IT certifications of 2019 that you should seek to enhance your career.

1. MCSA: Linux on Azure

This widely acclaimed Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) certification demonstrates the candidate’s ability to design, architect, implement and maintain complex cloud-enabled Linux solutions that efficiently leverage Microsoft Azure open source capabilities. The intensive course you will take to prepare for this exam will provide you with Linux system administration skills that will improve your fluency in this fast, cloud-adapting world.

2. CCNA Routing and Switching

The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification with specialization in routing and switching prepares students with the skills to install, operate and troubleshoot the company’s branch network. It develops a working knowledge of routing, switching, network applications, protocols and services. This certification is the perfect gateway to obtain an entry-level job at a top company.

3. VMware Certified Professional 7: Desktop and Mobility (VCP7-DTM)

The VCP7-DTM certification endorses candidates’ skills and knowledge in performing in-depth configuration and management of VMware Horizon environments. The course introduces you to the foundation in vSphere implementation and administration; you learn to create and administer virtual machines, configure host networking and work with DRS, HA and other cluster-related vSphere features.

4. MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure

The Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert certification is another highly recognized Microsoft certification. This expert level program specializes in cloud technology, identity management, systems management, virtualization, storage and networking. Students acquire the skills needed to run a highly efficient and modern data centre. MCSA is a prerequisite for this certification.

5. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

Offered by ISACA, the CISA certification confirms candidates’ high skills in auditing, monitoring, controlling and assessing a company’s IT systems. It demonstrates knowledge in identifying and managing vulnerabilities, and proposing controls, processes and updates to company’s policies to ensure compliance with the latest IT standards.

6. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

The CISSP certification is offered by International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium or (ISC)2. The curriculum is divided into eight different domains and proves candidates’ security expertise. Professionals with this certification aim to keep their company’s data safe from any threats and attacks. They also create policies that help set the frameworks for proper controls and oversee risk management and software development security.

7. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

With security becoming the foremost concern in the IT world, CISM — offered by ISACA — has emerged as a very popular choice among graduates and professionals. The certification demonstrates candidates’ ability to identify critical issues and customize company-specific practices to match the best IT standards. It also shows their basic understanding of the relationship between an information security program and broader business goals.

8. Citrix Certified Professional – Virtualization (CCP-V)

This high-paying IT certification validates candidates’ skills to manage, maintain, monitor and troubleshoot Citrix technologies, particularly XenDesktop. The associate level CCA-V certification is a prerequisite for this certification. The exam tests your knowledge of installing required technologies, configuring technical components and testing configurations.

9. VMware Certified Professional 6 – Network Virtualization (VCP6-NV)

The intensive VCP6-NV course gives students the up-to-date skills and knowledge to install, configure and administer NSX virtual networking implementations, regardless of the underlying physical architecture. The certification also demonstrates your ability to create and administer a virtual network, layer 2 switching, dynamic layer 3 routing, and edge services like NAT, DHCP and DNS. Prerequisites include completion of the vSphere 6 foundations exams.

10. Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE)

The RHCE certification highlights a range of skills, knowledge and abilities to configure static routes, packet filtering and network address translation. In the course, students will learn to configure an Internet Small Computer System Interface (iSCSI) initiator and use shell scripting to automate system maintenance tasks. There are no prerequisites for this certification.

Pick one of these 10 certifications and give your IT career a much-needed boost. Make sure to pick a quality IT college to prepare you for the exam.