High Tech Certification

As the pace of technological change increases, so do opportunities for careers in networking, web authoring, personal computer servicing, systems engineering and software development. With the rapid pace of change in this industry, much of the training required for employment is short-term and may not be offered through public secondary or post-secondary institutions. This page is intended to provide you with some idea of certification available in high tech fields. For more formal and long-term training, refer to the Program Choices section.

Some of the training for the certificates listed below is available over the internet. Some is available from the companies and some from private or public training institutions. Check with the contacts at each of the industry websites for more information.

• A+ Certification
• Microsoft
• Sun Microsystems
• Oracle
• IBM
• Cisco Systems, Inc.
• Nortel Networks

A+ Certification is an industry-recognized credential that certifies the competency of PC Service Specialists. The program is backed by over 50 major computer hardware and software manufacturers, vendors, distributors, resellers and publishers. A-Plus (A+) is the name of a process, developed by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), a large trade group, that certifies individuals for knowledge about and competency in installing, maintaining, customizing, and operating personal computers.

To qualify for A+ certification, a candidate should have at least 6 months experience in the computer service and repair industry, and the ability to pass both components of the two-part A+ certification examination. These two examination components are: 1) a Core exam that tests knowledge in basic computer hardware and operating software technologies, installation and upgrading, diagnosis, service and repair, preventative maintenance, safety, and customer relations; and 2) a Specialty exam in the DOS/Windows operating software system. The exam is administered by Sylvan Prometric and there is a fee. A number of companies provide in-house or self-taught preparation for the exam.

For more complete information about A+ certification visit the CompTIA web site.

Other CompTIA Certification

The CompTIA Network+ Certification Program is intended for network technicians who have a suggested 18 to 24 months of work experience in the information technology industry, although CompTIA does not exclude anyone with less experience from taking the Network+ Certification examination. To receive the Network+ certification designation, candidates need only have the knowledge and ability to pass this examination. This certification has no prerequisite education or training requirements; however, it does presuppose that candidates have acquired certain basic knowledge of computer hardware, operating software, and applications software in addition to specific knowledge regarding networking technologies and practices.

Microsoft Corporation offers a range of certifications that accompany their product lines. There are eight MCP certifications.

For more information on Microsoft certifications, visit the Microsoft website.

Sun Microsystems offers a range of certification programs.

For a complete description, visit the Sun Microsystems website.

There is information on certification for the range of Oracle products and services. Oracle offers a certificate as an Oracle Certified Professional in five areas.

IBM offers a wide variety of certificates relating to their products and services. For an overview check out the IBM website. There are certificate programs in Advanced Technical Expert, Associate Professional Server Expert, Developer, Developer Associate, Enterprise Developer, Instructor, Professional Server Expert, Professional Server Specialist, Solution Developer, Solutions Expert and Specialist.

Cisco Career Certifications allows you to become certified at various levels of technical proficiency across the disciplines of network design or network support.

More information on these certificate programs is found at Cisco's web site.

Nortel Networks offers six certificates.