Tag Archives: CCDA

15 Top Paying Certifications for 2013

15 Top Paying Certifications for 2013
Randy Muller, Global Knowledge Instructor, MCT, MCSE, MCSA, MCDST

Having earned an IT certification, many individuals think they are automatically entitled to a huge raise. The truth is that several factors, including geography, industry, experience, and yes, certifications, combine to play a major role in determining an individual’s salary. However, certain certifications do have greater impact on the earning potential of an individual. Here, we take a look at the 15 certifications with the highest earning potential for 2013.

Note: The rankings below are derived from certifications that received the minimum number of responses to be statistically relevant in the Global Knowledge annual salary survey completed in October 2012. Certain certifications pay more, but are not represented due to their exclusive nature. These include CCIE: Cisco Certified Internetworking Expert and VCDX: VMware Certified Design Expert, for example.

1. PMP: Project Management Professional – $105,750
The Project Management Institute’s (PMI) Project Management Professional (PMP) credential is recognized as the most important certification for project managers. It is globally acknowledged, in heavy demand, and highly sought after by corporations and individuals alike. A Project Management Professional designation demonstrates that you have not only the experience but also the education to successfully lead and direct projects. The PMP credential is for experienced project management professionals, as the qualifications and testing for this certification are rigorous, as are the required continuing education requirements. All of these factors ensure that the PMP credential is widely respected. The PMP experience and exam requirements focus on five process groups: Initiating, Planning, Executing, Controlling, and Closing.

2. CISSP: Certified Information Systems Security Professional – $103,299
The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) credential is primarily intended for security managers and profes¬sionals who develop policies and procedures in information security. The CISSP certification has become the gold standard in information security certifications and education. Earning and maintaining a CISSP certification is required for many government, military, and civilian security positions. The CISSP was the first credential in the field of information security, accredited by the ANSI (American National Standards Institute) to ISO (International Organization for Standardization) Standard 17024:2003.

3. MCSD: Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer – $97,849

The Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer is the new Microsoft developer certification that replaces the old Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer certification. The new certification validates a candidate’s ability to design and build application solutions. These solutions may span multiple versions of a single technology or integrate multiple technologies. Developers are expected to analyze and design enterprise solutions using different Microsoft languages and development tools.

Currently, there are three separate certification tracks for those seeking to earn this certification: MCSD: Windows Store Apps, MCSD: Web Applications, and MCSD: Application Lifecycle Management. Each MCSD track requires anywhere from three to six separate exams. Microsoft has introduced a recertification requirement for the new MCSD. Current certification holders will have to recertify every two years, ensuring that they remain current on the base technology that will have changed due to service packs, revisions, and new product releases. (Those holding MCSE certifications will have to recertify every three years).

4. MCDBA: Microsoft Certified Database Administrator – $95,950

Access to information is critical in today’s fast-paced, global environment. Corporations are even more dependent on quick and reliable systems to process and retrieve information. This means they must operate their own database servers and business intelligence software to access this information in order to grow and become more successful, and Microsoft Certified Database Administrators (MCDBA) are the ones who provide this expertise. An MCDBA-certified individual has proven his or her ability to design, implement, and manage SQL Server 2000 databases. This certification was retired on September 30, 2012, though if you achieved it before that date it will still appear on your transcript as a legacy certification. There are two new MCSE certifications for SQL 2012: Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Data Platform and Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Business Intelligence.

5. CCDA®: Cisco Certified Design Associate – $94,799

The Cisco Certified Design Associate (CCDA) indicates that the certified individual has a strong foundation and apprentice knowledge of network design for Cisco converged networks. A CCDA certification is for network design engineers, technicians, and support engineers, who enable efficient network environments. The CCDA-certified individual has the skills to design a routed and switched network infrastructure and services involv¬ing LAN, WAN, and broadband access for businesses and organizations.

6. MCAD: Microsoft Certified Application Developer – $93,349

The Microsoft Certified Application Developer (MCAD) credential provides industry recognition for professional developers who build powerful applications using Microsoft Visual Studio .NET and Web services. Responsibilities include implementing requirements, developing, testing, deploying, and maintaining department-level applications components, Web or desktop clients, or back-end data services by using Microsoft tools and technologies. The MCAD certification is appropriate for Programmers, Analysts, Software Engineers, Software Application Specialists and Application/Software Developers.

7. VCP-DV: VMware Certified Professional Datacenter Virtualization – $92,400

Virtualization, and those who are knowledgeable on virtualization products, are in heavy demand, especially those professionals with datacenter virtualization skills. In the highly competitive virtualization market it is essential to distinguish yourself with a certification that validates your technical capabilities. VMware is one of the leading vendors of virtualization products and earning a VMware certification is the first step toward gaining industry-recognized expertise in virtual infrastructure. Earning the VCP-DV certification demonstrates that you have not only completed a VMWare-authorized training course but also have the necessary experience and training to successfully install, deploy, scale, and manage VMware vSphere environments.

8. CNE: Certified Novell Engineer – $91,350

The Certified Novell Engineer (CNE) shows that those certified individuals have the expertise and knowledge to solve advanced company-wide support problems and high-level network problems. They perform planning, installation, configuration, troubleshooting, and upgrade services for networks. The Certified Novell Engineer (CNE) has been recognized as one of the IT industry’s leading certifications for advanced networking and troubleshooting professionals.

9. ITIL v3 Foundation – $90,900

The Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITILv3) is a foundational process that provides for quality IT Service Management. The success of ITIL is through the use of documented and proven processes that cover the entire Service Lifecycle. The ITIL Expert level is the third of four levels. The ITIL Expert level certification is aimed at those individuals who are interested in demonstrating a superior level of knowledge of ITIL Version 3 (v3) in its entirety. Once you have achieved ITIL Expert level you will also satisfy the pre-requisite entry criteria for the ITIL Master Level; the highest level of certification within the ITIL v3 scheme, though the Master level is still under development.

10. CCA: Citrix Certified Administrator – Citrix XenServer 6 – $90,850

The Citrix CCA is an entry-level certification. Earning this certification validates the candidate’s skills with one of 11 specific Citrix products, the most popular being XenApp, XenDesktop, and XenServer. The Citrix Certified Administrator (CCA) for Citrix XenServer 6 certification validates the certified individual’s ability to effectively install, configure, administer, troubleshoot, and maintain XenServer 6.0 Enterprise edition and Provisioning Services 6.0 in an enterprise environment.

11. MCITP: Database Administrator – $90,200

The MCITP certification validates that the IT professional is capable of deploying, building, designing, optimizing, and operating technologies for a particular job role. MCITP certifications builds on the technical proficiency measured in the Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) certifications. In order to earn the MCITP: Database Administrator you must first pass the Microsoft Certified Technical Specialist certification in SQL Server 2008 (by passing the 70-432 exam) and then pass the 70-450 exam. The MCITP Database Administrator demonstrates knowledge of SQL Server instances and database solutions, database server security solutions, high availability databases, backup and recovery solutions, monitoring strategies, database management and maintenance strategies, and data distribution strategies.

12. MCTS: SQL Server 2005 – $90,100

Those who have earned the MCTS: SQL Server 2005 certification are IT professionals who may pursue careers as database administrators, database developers, or business intelligence developers. They may also be people who do not work with Microsoft SQL Server as a part of their primary job functions but who want to show their breadth of technology experience, such as developers, systems administrators, and others. This certification validates that the IT professional can implement and maintain databases by using specific instructions and specifications.

13. MCT: Microsoft Certified Trainer – $89,949

Those holding the Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCTs) certification are the premier technical and instructional experts on Microsoft technologies. An MCT has earned at least one premier certification on a Microsoft product and maintains that certification. Some of the benefits of earning and maintaining an MCT include access to the complete library of Official Microsoft Learning Products; substantial discounts on exams, books, and Microsoft products; members-only newsgroups and online community resources; and invitations to exclusive events and programs. MCT’s must renew each year by completing an online application, pay an annual fee, and meet a number of program requirements to renew your certification for the coming year.

14. CCNP®: Cisco Certified Network Professional – $89,749

There are two tracks available at the Associate and Professional levels – Designing and Networking. The Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) demonstrates that you have the ability to plan, implement, verify, and troubleshoot local and wide-area enterprise networks. A CCNP-certified individual is expected to work collaboratively with other Cisco specialists on advanced products such as security, voice, wireless, and video solutions.

15. CCA: Citrix Certified Administrator – Citrix XenDesktop 5 – $89,499

The Citrix CCA is an entry-level certification. Earning this certification validates the candidate’s skills with one of 11 specific Citrix products, the most popular being XenApp, XenDesktop, and XenServer. The CCA for Citrix XenDesktop 5 certifies the expertise required to install, administer, and troubleshoot an enterprise environment containing a XenDesktop implementation, including Provisioning Services, XenServer, XenApp and the Desktop Delivery Controller
Summary

Earning a certification does not guarantee that you will walk into a higher paying job. Certification counts, but employers look at several factors, including experience. There was a time when certification holders were reasonably assured of landing a job. Today it is more of a qualifier – not having a certification means you may not even get an interview.
About the Author

Randy Muller (MCT, MCTS, MCSE, CEH) is an instructor with Global Knowledge, specializing in teaching Microsoft Office 365, Exchange, Lync Server as well as Windows Server 2008.


MCTS Training, MCITP Trainnig

Best Microsoft MCTS Certification, Microsoft MCITP Training at certkingdom.com

 

 

MCITP Self-Paced Training Kit (Exams 70-640, 70-642, 70-643, 70-647):

MCITP Self-Paced Training Kit (Exams 70-640, 70-642, 70-643, 70-647):

Windows Server® 2008 Enterprise Administrator Core Requirements 3400 pages |
Microsoft Press; Pap/Cdr edition (July 14, 2008) | 0735625727 | PDF | 49 Mb Your
all-in-one kit for the skills measured by the core exams for Microsoft Certified
IT Professional: Enterprise Administrator certification and on the job. Covering
Exams 70-640, 70-642, 70-643, and 70-647, these four official Microsoft® study
guides provide in-depth exam prep plus practice tests to help maximize your
performance.

This kit comes packed with the tools and features that exam candidates want most
including self-paced training based on final exam content; rigorous,
objective-by-objective review; exam tips from expert, exam-certified authors;
and customizable testing options. It also provides labs and exercises for skills
and expertise you can apply to the job.

Focusing on Windows Server 2008 enterprise administration, topics include
configuring, managing, and supporting user accounts, computer accounts, groups,
Domain Name System (DNS) zones and client settings, group policy objects, Active
Directory Lightweight Directory Service, and Active Directory Rights Management
Service; configuring remote access, Network Access Protection, Network
Authentication, IPv4 and IPv6 addressing, and DNS Replication; working with
Terminal Services, Web services infrastructure and security, Media Server,
Windows SharePoint® Services server options, File Server, Print Services,
network maintenance, and Simple Network Management Protocol; planning networks
and application services; designing core identity and access management
components; implementing PKI; and designing virtualization strategy.

You ll work at your own pace through the lessons and hands-on exercises. Then
assess yourself by using more than 1200 practice and review questions on the CD,
which features multiple, customizable testing options. Choose timed or untimed
testing mode, generate random tests, or focus on discrete objectives or
chapters. You get detailed explanations for right and wrong answers including
pointers back to the book for further study. You also get an evaluation version
of Windows Server 2008 Enterprise Edition and an exam discount voucher making
this kit an exceptional value and a great career investment.


Key Book Benefits
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1200+ practice and review questions  Test engine that enables customized
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 Handy exam-mapping grid  Evaluation version of Windows Server 2008 Enterprise
Edition  15 percent exam discount voucher from Microsoft (limited-time offer) Â
All four study guides in searchable eBook format

Can I Get appointed to this Dream job

Can I Get appointed to this Dream job

Server and Network Engineer
Job Title: Server and Network Engineer
Location: Miami
Job Type: Permanent
Salary: $155000.00 – $1440000.00 per annum

Job Description:
We are looking for an experienced Server and Network Engineer who is capable of
managing and maintaining an IT department.

– Management of all IT related aspects of the department’s IT systems including
support and maintenance of the current server and network infrastructure.
· Definition, and ongoing management, of processes to cover all aspects of
operation including the following:
o Data management; including capacity planning and backup configuration
o Disaster recovery testing
o Licensing and software administration; tracking of all software and associated
licensing requirements including liaison with Software Licensing manager where
required.
o Management of user accounts and access control across the department’s IT
environment; including firewall  access, domain accounts, etc.
o Setup and maintenance of a structured environment for projects, covering data
storage areas and development  software environments.
· Generation of client datasets as required.
· Assist with system upgrades and designs.
· Maintaining system documentation.
· Processing incidents & problems escalated from the Helpdesk within clearly
defined processes aligned to ITIL  best practice.
· Liaison with other support teams to ensure that incidents are escalated and
resolved within the Service Level  Agreements.
· Flexibility to work occasional overtime and on-call may be required from
time-to-time
· Flexibility to work at other locations may be required from time to time.

The Individual
· Extensive experience of server operations and support. Further experience
could be substituted for  educational qualifications; ideally further
professional qualifications
· MCSE 2003, IT or numerate discipline degree as a minimum
· Experience of supporting common server applications and operating systems
including software and hardware configuration.
· Methodical self starter able to meet objectives in a timely and effective
manner.
· The ability to quickly assimilate new technologies and to solve complex
problems is a must.
· Excellent communication and customer facing skills.
· Calm under pressure with well developed prioritization skills.
· A willingness to take on ownership of problems to resolution.
· MCSE would be beneficial but is not essential.

Key technologies:
Hardware
· HP ProLiant Servers
· HP StorageWorks SAN
· Cisco networking equipment
· Nokia firewalls running Check Point Firewall-1

Software
· Windows Server 2003, including Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, etc.
· Symantec Backup Exec
· Perforce
· Ipswitch WS_FTP server

This is just a normal job description that many people dream to get one, but you
need to struggle and trained your self to be a qualified person that matches all
above requiems, you aren’t going get your dream job easily, My suggestion that
trained your self to new dimension of IT be an
MCSE 2003,
MCITP,
CCNA, HP Technician,
Comptia Technician or IBM Technician.

This is rapid changing dynamic world every this is changing we are always on
move, yesterday you were able to match your challenges and successfully
fulfilled it also but now you have new challenges are you prepared for it what
is your stimuli or responses to those challenges,

These were the question which I use to ask my self yesterday but now I am
changed there is no stopping now there is no relaxation and there is no day
without work in my life. Start prepared your self with MCSE 2003, MCITP, MCTS,
CCNA, CCIE, CompTIA, Cisco, or any other certification join Certkingdom.com i
passed my exam and achieve my certification on the first attempt, Certkingdom
have changed my life through learning and effective knowledge  don’t waste
your time and money they have said it right "Consider your-self Certified"



 

The New Microsoft IT Pro Certifications and Exams

The New Microsoft IT Pro Certifications and Exams

Introduction
f you have been in the IT field for any length of time, you are more than
aware of the plethora of certification providers and their certifications.
Trying to fathom what each certifications means; the worth of a certification,
and how a certification from one vendor compares to a certification from other
vendor (where applicable, ofcourse – having a certification on MS SQL cannot
readily compare to having a certification with Juniper Networks). One question
that is asked repeatedly by both employers and IT pros is whether there is value
or worth in obtaining a certification. This question comes from a number of
different quarters. To answer the question succinctly: yes, certifications are
valuable, to both employers and for IT pros. This white paper will address why
certifications are valuable. It will also cover the new Microsoft certifications
in general and the MCSA/MCSE Windows
Server 2003 to MCTS/MCITP Windows
Server 2008 upgrade path specifically



Microsoft Certifications
Reasons Why You Should Get Certified
There are a number of valid reasons why an individual should certify, and
why companies should encourage their employees to become certified and hire
certified individuals. Several studies show that companies that hire certified
individuals and encourage their employees to earn certifications do prosper
better than companies that don’t.


Top Ten Reasons To Hire a Microsoft Certified Profession (MCP)

1. Improve Project Deployments
Independent research1 has shown that organizations with a majority of their
teams certified by Microsoft reported significant improvements in delivering
projects on time and within budget.

2. Increase Customer Satisfaction
Certified staff help to increase customer satisfaction through improved
service, higher productivity, and greater self-sufficiency.

3. Improve Support Costs
Independent research2 has shown that organizations with certified staff
experience less network downtime and lower dependency on unplanned support.


4. Validate Vendor Qualifications
When outsourcing projects, certification provides assurance of vendors’
technical qualifications.

5. Gain a Competitive Advantage
Employees who hold Microsoft certifications bring more advanced skill sets
to provide higher levels of service and productivity, giving your business a
competitive advantage.

6. Benefit by Investing in Your Staff
Organizations that invest in certifying internal technicians generally
attain successful revenue results 3. 7. Increase Employee Satisfaction Employee
satisfaction and retention are higher when management facilitates employees’
career goals.

8. Objectively Benchmark Your Staff’s Talent
Certification serves as a reliable benchmark for hiring and promoting staff
employees, and ensures your organization is built on top-quality technical
talent.

9. Reward Employee Expertise
Certification recognizes and rewards productive employees by validating
their expertise. Certification also provides re-training opportunities so
existing employees can work more effectively with new technologies.

10. See Objective Results of Your Training Investments
Certification provides an excellent return on training and certification
investments by providing a standard method of determining training needs and
measuring results.

A November 2006 IDC study found that team performance increases when each new
team member becomes certified—every time.
• For each new team member who becomes a Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP),
team performance increases every time.
• The skill level of a team is directly responsible for how an organization
performs in several key IT functional areas.
• When you increase the concentration of Microsoft certified team members on a
team, you directly affect team performance.
• On average, MCPs make up 40 percent to 55 percent of top performing teams.
• Seventy-five percent of managers believe that certifications are important to
team performance.
• Sixty-six percent of managers believe that certifications improve the level of
service and support offered to customers.
• "…for each additional member of a team certified, team performance increases.
Whether the increase is
from 37 percent to 38 percent of the team being certified or from 60 percent to
61 percent of the team, the team performance increases overall." IDC, Value of
Certification: Team Certification and Organizational Performance, November 2009



MCITP Online Training
MCITP Online Certification
MCITP Online Exams

What you need to know about Windows Server 2008 certifications

What you need to know about Windows Server 2008 certifications

As you have probably heard for some time now, Microsoft is transitioning away
from the MCP/MCSA/MCSE certifications to the new
MCTS (Technology Specialist) and MCITP
(IT Professional) certifications and exams. The first question you will probably
have is: "Does that mean that my current MCP/MCSA/MCSE certifications are no
longer going to be valid?" and the answer is no. Your current certifications
will still be valid and will not expire. If you are currently job hunting, the
older certifications are still highly valued, as most hiring managers are used
to sorting resumes by the old certifications and it will take them some time for
them to catch on to the new line of certifications.


Why did Microsoft move to an entirely new line of certifications?
They were trying to get away from
the "one title fits all" mentality of the MCP/MCSA/MCSE tracks. For example, I
could pass the 70-270 Windows XP exam and achieve the MCP certification. You
could take the 70-291 2003 Network Infrastructure exam, a much more difficult
exam and also achieve the MCP certification. When sorting through resumes, how
does a hiring manager know that your MCP achieved through a more difficult exam
is worth more than my MCP achieved through an easier exam? They don’t – hence
the change to the new line of certifications.

The MCTS (Technology Specialist) designation is technology specific, so for
example, a MCTS in Windows Vista Configuration can be easily distinguished from
a MCTS in Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure Configuration. The MCTS
credential expires when Microsoft technical support for that product expires,
whereas there is no expiration for a MCP certification (because it is so
generic).

The MCITP (IT Professional) designation is role specific. For example, a
MCITP Sever 2008 Administrator is
distinguished from a MCITP Server 2008 Enterprise Administrator as a role that
is more akin to a junior level administrator. The MCITP certifications don’t
expire but will have continuing certification requirements to stay current.

So What is gold membership



The Complete package
will allow you to download whatever exam files you need, at any time. Unlimited
Lifetime Access. Unlimited downloads and updates to all current exams.


After Purchasing this package you can
have access to all the exams files, unlimited access package. You will also have
access to all future exams added and all updates. Which Included all the product
available in Certkingdom.com and also future products also.

Our Gold Level Members get….
1. Life time membership
2. Unlimited access to all exams material
3. Instant downloads
4. Unlimited updated for life
5. Get hand on the every new study material
6. 24/7 customer support

So where do you get started with the Windows Server 2008 certification
process?

That depends on whether or not you are currently certified as a Windows
Server 2003 MCSA/MCSE (MCP doesn’t count). If you are already 2003 MCSA/MCSE
certified, there is a direct upgrade path to Server 2008 MCTS/MCITP. If you are
not Windows 2003 MCSA/MCSE certified, then you will have to take all the core
and required Server 2008 exams. Here’s a table that breaks it down for you:

Exams required to achieve MCTS & MCITP Certifications

  Current Windows 2003 Certification
MCTS Certification MCSA MCSE None
MCTS AD Configuration 70-648 70-649 70-640
MCTS Network
Infrastructure Configuration
70-648 70-649 70-642
MCTS Application
Platform Configuration
70-648 70-649 70-643
MCITP Server 2008
Administrator
70-646 70-647
Plus a client exam
(70-620 or 70-624)
MCITP Server 2008
Enterprise Administrator
  70-646
Not required to pass 70-620, 70-624, 70-647
70-647
Plus 70-620 or 70-624
Not required to pass 70-646

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As you can see from the table, the 70-648 and 70-649 exams will only upgrade
you to a MCTS designation, and you have to take additional exams to achieve
MCITP. The 70-648 exam is taken in lieu of 70-640 and 70-642 but you must
already be a Windows Server 2003 MCSA. The 70-649 exam is taken in lieu of
70-640, 70-642, and 70-643 but you must already be a Windows Server 2003 MCSE.

  • There are no upgrade paths for those who hold a Messaging or Security
    specialization in Windows Server 2003.
  • There is no upgrade path from Windows Server 2000 certifications – another
    reason to finish out the Windows Server 2003 track if you are already on it.
  • Server 2008 Upgrade
    Takes you from a Windows 2003 MCSA/MCSE to a Windows Server 2008 MCTS/MCITP.
    If you are Windows 2003 MCSA certified, you need to pass 2 exams (70-648,
    70-646) to achieve MCITP Server 2008 Administrator and if you are a Windows
    2003 MCSE you need to pass 3 exams (70-649, 70-647, 70-620) to achieve MCITP
    Server 2008 Enterprise Administrator.
     
  • MCSE 2008
    Takes you from Windows NT4/2000/no certifications to a Windows Server 2008
    MCTS/MCITP. You will need to pass 3 exams (70-640, 70-642,70-646) to achieve
    MCITP Server 2008 Administrator and 5 exams (70-640, 70-642, 70-643, 70-647,
    70-620) to achieve MCITP Server 2008 Enterprise Administrator. 70-646 is not
    required but you can optionally take it.

It has taken Microsoft five years to get to a new round of certifications.
There is a plethora of Windows 2000/2003 certified MCPs/MCSAs/MCSEs out there
competing for jobs. Achieving the 2008 certification early on will help
distinguish you from all of the other currently certified professionals. I
expect our classes will fill quickly as Certkingdom alumni finally have a new
Microsoft certification to achieve.

I look forward to seeing you in class and helping you achieve your Windows
Server 2008 certifications.