Here at ClearanceJobs.com, employers often mention certifications in their job descriptions. Among the most commonly requested designations are:
1. CISSP® (Certified Information Systems Security Professional®) for mid- and senior-level managers working as CISOs, CSOs or Senior security engineers. Covers application security, continuity and disaster recovery, cryptography, risk management, compliance, investigations, as well as telecommunications, network, information, physical and operations security. Other certifications from (ISC)² include the Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP®).
2. CCNA® (Cisco Certified Network Associate® shows you have the ability to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot route and switched networks. Has concentrations in wireless, security or voice. CCNA Security® shows competency in installation, troubleshooting and monitoring network devices. CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert®) and CCDE (Cisco Certified Design Expert™) cover for network or design professionals.
3. MCSE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer) demonstrates Windows Server expertise. Relevant for systems engineers, technical support engineers, system analysts, network analysts, and technical consultants. For those with one to two years’ experience designing, installing, configuring, and troubleshooting networks.
4. Six Sigma is a business strategy that helps project leaders, technical leaders, and quality improvement team leaders use project management, organizational structure, resources, and statistical skills to improve quality. Many organizations offer Sigma training.
5. PMP® (Project Management Professional) is for those who lead project teams. In addition to passing a test, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree and three years experience (or a high school diploma and 5 years experience) as well as 35 hours of education to earn this certification.
6. MCSA (Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator) shows you know how to manage and troubleshoot network environments running on Windows server systems. It’s relevant to positions such as systems administrator, network administrator, information systems administrator, network operations analyst, network technician, and technical support specialist. You need as little as 30 days experience in working with a desktop operating system, a network operating system, and an existing network infrastructure to start working on the certificate. MCTS (Microsoft Certified Tecnology Specialist) also appears frequently in job postings. It highlights the ability to implement, build, and debug Microsoft technology.
7. CompTIA A+ a vendor-neutral certification. Demonstrates competency as a computer technician for entry-level IT professionals. CompTIA Network+ is a certification for network technicians designed to test the competency of a mid-level network technician in supporting and configuring TCP/IP clients in terms of network design, cabling, hardware setup, configuration, installation, support, and troubleshooting. CompTIA Security+ for veteran security professionals. The Security+ exam covers system security, network infrastructure, cryptography, assessments and audits. CompTIA A+, Network+ and Security+ meet some of DoD’s baseline 8570 certification requirements.
8. GIAC (Global Information Assurance Certification) offers tracks for security, audit, management, operations, legal and software security. Certification is good for four years. GIAC also offers advanced certifications and several of its products meet DoD 8570 requirements.
9. CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor) and CISM (Certified Information Security Manager®) are vendor-neutral certifications. CISA is for audit, control and security professionals. CISM covers information security managers. To earn either credential, you’ll need five years’ experience and a passing exam grade.
10. DAWIA (Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act of 1990) is a certification for the Defense Acquisition Workforce. Level one requires 24 hours of college courses, plus one year of work experience as well as functional training. Higher levels add more functional training and work experience.
11. CPCM (Certified Professional Contracts Manager) and CFCM (Certified Federal Contracts Manager) designations highlight your expertise in federal contracting (CPFC™) and within the government and the commercial arenas (CPCM™). To earn them, you must pass an exam and have a bachelor’s degree, plus one year of experience and 80 hours of continuing professional education.
12. CPA (Certified Public Accountant) is a state-level credential typically earned by passing an exam, gaining 150 hours of college coursework and having on-the-job public accounting experience. Useful for budget analysts, chief financial officers, controllers and other finance-related positions. CMA (Certified Management Accountant), is a similar certification for private-sector accountants.
13. VMware Certified Professional) demonstrates a systems engineer or systems administrator’s expertise in virtual infrastructure and in particular VMware software. To earn the VCP, you must attend a course and pass an exam.
