by Natalie Aranda

In todays competitive IT job market, an IT certification is often a prerequisite to get a high-paying job or a salary increase. Professional certifications are the best way to demonstrate your skills and expertise in any given technical field to present to prospective employers. Through education and certification, professionals gain the skills, knowledge, and validation needed to be recognized as an expert in diverse products or technologies. MCSE Certification, CCNA Certification, A+ Certification, and SAP Certification are a few of the many certifications or credentials an IT professional may achieve.

Microsoft Certifications

Microsoft certification programs are considered to be the major advancement to gain both professional and education background. The Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) certification prove an individuals expertise in designing and implementing the required infrastructure for any type of business solutions based on the Microsoft Windows 2000 platform and Microsoft Windows Server System. Other Microsoft certifications include MCAD (Microsoft Certified Application Developer) certification, MCSA (Microsoft Certified Systems Analyst) and MCT (Microsoft Certified Trainer).

Cisco Certifications

The CCNA certification (Cisco Certified Network Associate) indicates a foundation in apprentice knowledge of networking with certified professionals able to install, configure, and operate WAN, LAN, and dial access services for small networks with 100 nodes or fewer. Operation and configuration services also includes but are not limited to use one but several of the following protocols: Serial, Frame Relay, IP RIP, IP, IGRP, VLANs, RIP, and Ethernet, Access Lists. CCNE, CCIE and CCNP are other Cisco certifications.

SAP Certification

SAP Certification is sponsored by SAP corporation - a leading business software (ERP, CRM and Supply Chain software) vendor. It is one of the few credentials in the world of business with additional value only issued to those professionals who demonstrated their abilities by passing demanding, process-oriented exams through rigorous study or direct experience.

A+ Certification

A+ certification is different from the others because it is not promoted by one company only, but by a whole group of PC manufacturers and other companies in the hardware market and its acceptance as an industry-wide credential offers additional benefits. A+ Certification prove the competency of entry-level service technicians in the computer industry and it is an internationally recognized testing program sponsored by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA).

Computer Based Training (CBT) has been proven to be one of effective tools to help IT professionals to gain the desired certifications. Many CBT vendors offer courses in various format - software or online training course.
NETg is software developed by Thomson Learning Company that facilitates self-study through its courses on multi media presentations. Thomson NETg training is a worldwide leader in computer-based training with an impressive list of corporate clients that helps businesses and institutions to create learning programs, which influence directly employee and student performance. NETg is a regular feature in many universities. The specialty of NETg is that it has training modules to cater to industry specific needs.

Career Academy uses CD-ROMs and round the clocks online service to help clients get computer-based training. Career Academy offers one on one interaction with the professors for uninterrupted guidance.

CBT direct is a certified partner of Microsoft and oracle for computer-based training. CBT direct offers IT, business and medical field related specific training. Microsoft, Oracle, Cisco, CIW and APlus certification training are given by CBT direct. Apart from providing training, CBT direct has scholarships for meritorious candidates.

Natalie Aranda writes about technology.