| Those who are interested in going to work in the | | | | Keep in mind that this is not an all-inclusive list of |
| information technology field are probably aware that | | | | entry-level IT certifications. Be sure to research your |
| certifications are very important. When hiring IT | | | | geographic market, industry, and type of position |
| workers, employers frequently look for candidates | | | | desired to learn which types of certifications will be the |
| who have specific certifications. | | | | most beneficial to you. |
| For entry-level positions, employers want to see | | | | How Do I Get Certified? |
| certifications that validate that applicants truly have | | | | Before you take a certification exam, it is a good idea |
| basic skills and an aptitude for IT work. Some | | | | to make sure that you have the knowledge and skills |
| companies will not even consider hiring entry-level | | | | necessary to be successful. There are a number of |
| candidates who do not have at least one professional | | | | different practice tests for most certification exams. |
| certification. Even in cases where certification isn't | | | | These practice tests can give you an idea of whether |
| mandatory, it is certainly something IT employers view | | | | or not you are ready to sit for certification, or if you |
| favorably. | | | | need to complete additional training prior to testing. |
| Which Certifications Do I Need? | | | | If you do need additional training, check out your |
| There are many different types of IT skills and jobs. | | | | options for online training as well as instructor-led |
| Accordingly, there are many different certifications, | | | | training in your local area. Once you have the skills you |
| each of which validates a specific skill set. The type of | | | | need, then it may be time to register for your chosen |
| certification that you will need depends upon a number | | | | exam. |
| of factors, including: the industry you want to enter, the | | | | Each vendor has different policies, fees, and |
| geographic location where you want to work, a | | | | requirements. Most IT certification exams are available |
| company's requirements, your background, and many | | | | at your local PearsonVUE testing center. Choose a |
| other variables. | | | | convenient, comfortable testing center that meets your |
| Popular Entry-Level Certifications: | | | | needs. Exam vendors frequently offer special pricing |
| Some of the most popular certifications for entry-level | | | | and promotions, so you should check for the best |
| computer technical support professionals include:o | | | | deals on certification testing vouchers. Your local |
| Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP)o CompTIA | | | | testing center is often a good resource for information |
| Network+o CompTIA Security+o CompTIA A+o | | | | about the best deals on test vouchers. |
| Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) | | | | |