If you’re looking for a rewarding career in IT and you happen to be targeting area, earning a computer certification could put you on the fast track to employment. Earning computer certifications makes for a smooth path for individuals to launch or advance a career in the IT field. Below are five computer certification trends for the D.C. area. This information was provided by fast payout casinos computer training a local IT certification training company.

Certified Ethical Hacker

Typically, when we hear the word hacker, we immediately think of a threat. It sounds strange, but being able to list being a hacker on your resume can help you snag your dream job. Of course, we’re referring to the Certified Ethical Hacker certification.

The CEH certification is offered by EC-Council. Individuals take a course that provides in-depth knowledge regarding the hacking world. This includes everything from simple automated programs to the latest hacking techniques. After passing the 312-50 exam, a person is awarded their CEH certification. To be eligible for the CEH course and exam, applicants must have a minimum of two years of security-related experience.

Security+

The field of security has grown rapidly within the IT world, and the popularity of the Security+ certification in D.C. only helps to confirm that. In earning this certificate, individuals learn about important topics such as network security, threats and vulnerabilities, cryptography and more. The program also trains participants in the course to not only react to threats, but anticipate them as well.

Offered by CompTIA, the Security+ certification lets individuals enter a number of security positions. The exam lasts 90 minutes with 100 questions, and a score of 750 on a 0-900 scale is required. Careers ranging from security engineering to network administration are available to those who earn the certificate.

Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate

The MCSA certificate has always been one of the most popular credentials in the IT world. As a part of the Microsoft Certified Professionals program, the MCSA serves as a gateway to a career in IT or being able to earn an MCSE.

Microsoft recently overhauled the entire program, including the MCSA. The new MCSA credential features a larger focus on cloud-related skills. In addition to this, a strong amount of the material is geared towards teaching students to build technology solutions from the ground up.

Cisco Certified Network Associate

Networks are the backbone of modern IT, and the CCNA certificate is designed to validate the knowledge of individuals who want to work with them. Earning the certificate requires being able to manage every aspect of a network: Installation and configuration are key, as well as troubleshooting any issues that may arise during normal operation.

To obtain a CCNA, a person needs to pass either the 640-802 CCNA exams or a combination of the 640-822 ICND1 and 640-816 ICND2 exams. The length of time for attainment varies by the person. Usually, a person with little technical background can expect to spend a year learning all of the material, while a person with some background in networking might earn their CCNA in as fast as 3 months. After earning a CCNA, the credential stays valid for 3 years.

Project Management Professional

The PMP certification is one of the most popular certifications best high roller online casino right now. The credential is offered by the Project Management Institute, and is considered one of the gold standards in the industry. The requirements to earn the certificate are tough: A person must possess a bachelor’s degree and three years of experience in project management.

The material covered in the courses required to obtain the credential is spread out over different aspects of project management. Initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and closing the project are all covered. At the end of the training curriculum, individuals take a multiple choice exam in order to earn their PMP. A PMP doesn’t expire in a set amount of time, but it can expire if certain maintenance standards aren’t met.

Conclusion

The IT world moves at a rapid pace, but these certificates have developed solid reputations over the years. Any of these credentials will set you apart from the rest of the candidate pool and let employers know that you’re knowledgeable in your field. With so much flexibility in earning a certification, they’re truly the best way to advance your career.