A+ The A+ certification comprises two tests, which cover basic computer knowledge. The first test is over hardware; the second test is over operating systems. The A+ certification is a basic measurement of your knowledge about computers. Think of it as the High School diploma of the IT world. More information available at CompTIA's site.
Network+ The Network+ certification measures your knowledge of network support and administration. The Network+ certification consists of one exam, which covers network media and topologies, protocols and standards, network implementation, and network support. You should have a level of computer knowledge equal to the A+ certification and at least 9 months of experience in network support or administration before you take this exam. More information available at CompTIA's site.
i-Net+ The i-Net+ certification certifies entry-level Internet and e-commerce professionals. It covers Internet basics and clients, Internet development, networking, Internet Security, and Business Concepts. This exam is tailor made for people who want to maintain Internet, intranet, and extranet infrastructures and services. This exam also covers the development of Web-related content and applications. More information available at CompTIA's site.
Server+ The Server+ exam tests your ability to design and maintain server architectures. The Server+ certification shows an employer that you know how to deal with diverse server elements like RAID arrays, SCSI devices, multiple processors, and much more. The test itself covers installation, configuration, upgrading, proactive maintenance for the environment your server is in, troubleshooting and problem determination, and disaster recovery. More information available at CompTIA's site.
Linux+ The Linux+ certification measures your foundation-level knowledge of the Linux operating system. The test covers planning an implementation of Linux, installing the operating system, configuring Linux, administration, system maintenance, troubleshooting, and how to identify, install, and maintain system hardware. More information available at CompTIA's site.
MCP Short for Microsoft Certified Professional, this certification shows that you have a basic grasp over one of Microsoft’s many professional-level tests. You can view which tests will get you an MCP at Microsoft's site . Think of this as the beginning of your journey into Microsoft certifications.
MCSA The Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) certification shows a person has reached an excellent skill level installing, configuration, and administering Microsoft Windows 2000 and XP networks. Think of this as the halfway mark between an MCP and an MCSE. There are four exams that make up this test; three core and one elective. You can view which tests apply towards an MCSA at Microsoft's site. The interesting thing about this certification is that you can apply two CompTIA certifications towards the elective portion of the MCSA: either the A+ and Network+ or the A+ and Server+ certifications.
MCSE The MCSE, or Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer, is the final destination for most people who aspire for Microsoft certifications. The MCSE comprises seven exams: four core exams, one design core exam, and two elective exams. The MCSE certification shows that you have a broad and deep knowledge on how to administer a network made up of Windows 2000 computers. But that is not all…the exams cover a number of other operating systems as well, and how to get those operating systems working on a Windows 2000 network. There are a number of tests to choose from. Since there are so many tests, many start on the path of MCSE but drop out along the way. The MCSE certification is almost as much an endurance test as it is a test of your knowledge. You can view which tests apply towards an MCSE at Microsoft's site .
CCNA Short for Cisco Certified Network Associate, the CCNA certification tests your ability to install, configure, and operate LAN, WAN, and dial-up networks. This includes testing your knowledge over networking protocols and simple router commands. The CCNA certification shows that you know how to work with small networks. This certification is good for three years, and then you must re-certify if you wish to keep your certification.
CCNP Short for Cisco Certified Network Professional, this certification shows that you have the know-how to work with larger networks. This means you can install, configure, and operate LAN, WAN, and dial-up networks with between 100 and 500 nodes (users). There is also a serious review of routing and WAN protocols, as well as routing commands. There are a number of tests you need to take to certify as a CCNP. You can view these tests at Cisco's site.
CCIE Short for Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert, the CCIE certification is the granddaddy of all certification exams. This certification comprises two tests: a qualification exam and a hands-on lab exam. If you can pass this one, then you have reached the top of the certification pyramid.
CNA The basic Novell certification is the CNA, or Certified Novell Administrator. This certification shows that you can handle the day-to-day operations of administering NetWare, intraNetWare, and GroupWise. The type of CNA you become depends on the track you choose. To see the different tests you can take, visit Novel's CNA site. You will need to renew your certification as new versions of the server software emerge.
CNE The CNE, or Certified Network Engineer, is a mid-level certification showing that you have what it takes to plan a Novell network, install and configure that network, and troubleshoot most problems that come your way. There are a number of tracks available to you with this certification, each one specializing in a Novell server product. For more information on those tracks, visit Novell's CNE site.
MCNE Short for Master Certified Novell Engineer, the MCNE program shows that you are a multi-vendor, multi-solution specialist, who can handle every kind of network solution; from the smallest business to the largest enterprise. For more information on the MCNE certification, visit Novell's MCNE site.
Vendor-Independent Certifications
CISSP Short for Certified Information System Security Professional, CISSP is a high-level certification that specializes in security issues for networks. The exam for this certification is notoriously difficult, giving you 6 hours to complete the 250 multiple-choice questions. There are ten subjects covered in the CISSP exam. The subjects are: access control systems and methodology; applications and systems development; business continuity planning; cryptography; law, investigation and ethics; operations security; physical security; security architecture and models; security management practices; and telecommunications, network and Internet security. For more information, visit the CISSP site .
CIW Associate The CIW Associate certification is given to anyone who passes the CIW Foundations exam, or anyone who has passed the i-Net+ exam. You can apply your i-Net+ certification towards your CIW Associate certification. The CIW Associate certification is merely the first step in a chosen CIW path. Since job roles in the Internet are so varied, CIW has created multiple master tracks that each specifies a job role. The tracks are CIW Web Site Manager, CIW Designer, CIW Administrator, and CIW Enterprise Developer. There is a new specialized CIW Certification called CIW Security Analyst. For more information, visit the CIW Associate site . The next level of certification is CIW Professional.
CIW Professional CIW Professional level certifications are awarded to people who pass a job role test in a CIW track. All courses within each CIW Master track is a job role exam, except for Web Languages, Java Programming, and Object-Oriented Analysis and Design, which are all programming courses in the Enterprise Developer track.
CIW Master When you have taken and passed every exam in a CIW track, you are awarded the certification of CIW Master. This means that you have proven knowledge in each of the subjects of the CIW track. The master certifications available are Master CIW Web Site Manager, Master CIW Designer, Master CIW Administrator, and Master CIW Enterprise Developer.