http://www.networkcomputing.com/data-centers/11-best-it-certifications-for-cutting-edge-skills/d/did/1278617?_mc=EM_IWK_WP_1KITMGR062414&image_number=1
11 Best IT Certifications For Cutting-Edge Skills Susan Fogarty 6/17/2014
Networking and infrastructure professionals looking to improve their job skills should consider these
groundbreaking training programs.
The networking industry is suffering a bit of an identity crisis, making the once clear path to networking
success seem mighty murky. Industry leaders are debating basic ideas like whether networks should be
hardware or software, and a significant percentage of the most experienced architects and engineers
are veering off into such disciplines as virtualization, cloud architecture, and even application
development.
Cisco's CCIE has long been the pinnacle of networking certifications. But in a time of uncertainty, the
predictable route may not be the best one. Even Cisco is introducing new education programs to adapt
to the changing technology landscape, as you'll see.
So, this might not be the best time to lean back on that old CCNA and take it easy. In fact, it's probably
an excellent time for enterprising IT pros to explore the new opportunities in emerging technologies and
job roles. We've assembled a list of certification and training programs in areas that show large amounts
of growth for networking professionals. Check them out and consider just where your career path might
take you next.
Amazon Web Services Solution Architect
How many businesses do you know of that don't use AWS at all? Right, neither do we. That's why it
might be a very good idea to look into the Amazon Web Services certification program. The Professional
level of the Solutions Architect certification aims at networking pros with two or more years of
experience designing and deploying cloud environments on AWS. Their job would entail evaluating
cloud application requirements and making architectural recommendations for implementation,
deployment, and provisioning applications, as well as providing guidance on design across multiple
applications, projects, or the enterprise as a whole. AWS offers three-day training classes to help
prepare for the certification exams.
http://www.networkcomputing.com/data-centers/11-best-it-certifications-for-cutting-edge-skills/d/did/1278617?_mc=EM_IWK_WP_1KITMGR062414&image_number=1
VMware network virtualization training
Based upon its NSX network virtualization platform, VMware has launched a series of NSX training and
certification classes slated to become full certification programs later this fall. The company stresses,
however, that its education is not simply about its product, but about the changing nature of network
architecture and providing expanding opportunities for IT professionals in a changing environment. It
even points out how its programs align to Cisco certifications on its web page. The first class, in beta
now, focuses on network virtualization in the context of the software-defined data center and is five
days long.
Certified ScrumMaster
Although this certification sounds like something you might have pretended to be in the basement with
a group of dorky high-school friends, the Certified ScrumMaster is actually a sought-after designation in
application development. Scrum refers to an iterative and team-based approach to agile development;
the ScrumMaster plays a crucial role leading teams through the process helping them work together. As
DevOps flourishes, these professionals will be in high demand.
Offered by the Scrum Alliance, the ScrumMaster certification requires taking a two-day live class and
passing an exam. Recipients must also agree to a path of continuous improvement, involvement in the
Scrum community, and incorporating Scrum principles and practices into daily work.
CRISC certification
Barely a day goes by without news of yet another major retail or international security breach, leading
us to think that risk management is a pretty good bet for beefing up your skills. The Certified in Risk and
Information Systems Control (CRISC) certification was introduced by the non-profit security organization
ISACA in 2010. Since then, the cert has gained an excellent reputation, rising to number one on Global
Knowledge's list of top-paying certifications for 2014 earlier this year (with recipients earning $118,000
per year on average).
http://www.networkcomputing.com/data-centers/11-best-it-certifications-for-cutting-edge-skills/d/did/1278617?_mc=EM_IWK_WP_1KITMGR062414&image_number=1
Of course, one cannot attain the CRISC designation overnight; it is intended for IT professionals who
work in the field managing complex information security controls. In addition to passing the required
exam, candidates must have three years of work experience against three of the domains covered by
the certification. These include risk identification, assessment and evaluation; risk response; risk
monitoring; information systems control design and implementation; and information systems control
monitoring and maintenance. The exam must be taken in person, and is offered only in June and
December.
Hurricane Electric IPv6 hands-on learning
Many networking professionals are finding themselves faced with depleted IPv4 addresses, impending
IPv6 migration, and the many resulting questions. Although the protocol is covered in many broad Cisco
certifications and a few companies provide classes in IPv6, if can be difficult to demonstrate "official"
proficiency. Internet service provider Hurricane Electric offers a series of free IPv6 certification
exams aimed at helping individuals demonstrate familiarity with IPv6 concepts and the ability to
correctly configure IPv6 systems. The program is presented as a series of tasks the student must
perform by applying complex knowledge learned along the way. Merit badges are awarded as the
student progresses, all the way from "Newbie" to "Sage," the highest level.
Mirantis OpenStack certifications
Software startup Mirantis is offering its own OpenStack Certification Exams, currently the only company
to offer a vendor-agnostic certificate in the open-source cloud platform. As OpenStack becomes a
prominent feature of corporate architectures around the world, IT professionals with expertise in the
field will be sitting pretty. Mirantis offers Associate and Professional level exams now, with plans for a
Master level in the future, according to the company's website. In addition to proctored exams,
prospective students can also purchase study materials and three-day bootcamp sessions.
SNIA Certified Storage Network Expert
Who doesn't need more storage? With the constant mushrooming of data quantities and the
acceleration of big data analysis, enterprises are storing -- and accessing -- more data than ever. What's
more, storage environments are increasingly heterogeneous, connecting a variety of storage
technologies, from SAN to NAS to cloud-based file sharing. By attaining this designation from the
vendor-neutral Storage Networking Industry Association, infrastructure pros can ready themselves for
what will undoubtedly be a dynamic future on the storage front. Even better, they can expect an
immediate 5% to 11% bump in pay, as well as a 30% to 40% increase in their market value when it
comes time to consider making a career move, according to SNIA.
Certified Wireless Networking Professional
Having made the transition from luxury to necessity, wireless networks are integral to the enterprise
landscape and only gaining in importance. The same can be said of the skills required to design, build,
http://www.networkcomputing.com/data-centers/11-best-it-certifications-for-cutting-edge-skills/d/did/1278617?_mc=EM_IWK_WP_1KITMGR062414&image_number=1
and maintain those wireless networks, making the Certified Wireless Network Professional group of
certifications from the vendor-neutral standards organization of the same name some of the fastestgrowing specialties in IT. Most in demand, according to professional research firm Foote Partners, are
the CWSP security specialization and the highest ranking CWNE expert level. Pay for these certifications
was up 35% and 42% respectively in the year from April 2013 to 2014, said the firm.
Cisco network programmability
Networking hardware giant Cisco, which awards more professional certifications in the industry than
any other entity, is creating new education for networking job roles that will focus on network
programmability services and architectures. As part of this, it's offering a short Introduction to Network
Programmability Fundamentals course online now, and will launch four new certifications in the fall of
2014. These include the Business Application Engineer, Network Application Developer, Network
Programmability Designer, and Network Programmability Support.
Geared toward software developers and networking professionals working in software-defined and
open network environments such as Cisco One and ACI, these programs are intended to accelerate the
pace of software development, applications deployment, operations, and troubleshooting for
programmable network environments.
VMware Certified Design Expert-Cloud
The growth of cloud computing and software-defined data center technologies in the enterprise is
clearly increasing, and the role of VMware technology -- considering its base of virtualization -- promises
to be a large one. The VCDX-Cloud builds on vSphere and data center virtualization skills to focus on the
software-defined data center and delivering Infrastructure-as-a-Service with comprehensive
management and security. To obtain the VCDX, candidates must submit and successfully defend a
production-ready VMware solution before a panel of veteran VCDX-holders. This process ensures that
those who achieve the title are peer-vetted, says VMware.
http://www.networkcomputing.com/data-centers/11-best-it-certifications-for-cutting-edge-skills/d/did/1278617?_mc=EM_IWK_WP_1KITMGR062414&image_number=1
PMI Project Management Professional
As projects get more complex, managing them is even more essential, and businesses are starved for
employees who understand the details of the technology yet can provide effective leadership and
communication. ThePMP certification is the preeminent project management credential, both in IT and
other project-driven industries, providing training in five different domains: initiation, planning,
execution, monitoring/controlling, and closing projects. And if you're leaning toward software, PMI also
offers a specialty inagile project management. The certification requires significant experience and a
tough exam, but, on average, leads to 16% higher pay than for non-certified project managers,
according to PMI's research. More importantly, you'll be learning skills that are transferable to any
company, in any industry. You can even use this stuff at home!