Why Getting Certified Can Help Launch Your IT Networking Career
As part of becoming IT professionals, students complete courses that prepare them for industry certifications. Almost every course we teach prepares students for passing industry certification exams. Below are the seven compelling reasons why getting certified will help you launch your IT computer support career or get a promotion in your organization.
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IT certifications help differentiate candidates during the hiring process. Certification itself is a strong credential that helps illustrate your knowledge in a specific technology and demonstrates discipline and dedication. |
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Certifications are generally designed to provide a wide variety of knowledge. Having a certification gives employers confidence that people can do the work that is covered as part of certification. |
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Certification preparation can provide the motivation needed for students to set aside the time and energy needed to truly study a topic. |
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The organization through which you received your certification training is generally an ongoing source of information, networking and career development. |
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Many certifications require a specified amount of continuing education to maintain your certification. This ongoing educational requirement provides additional motivation to keep current regarding your industry. |
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The best certification training provides not only the “what” and the “how”, but also the “why”. This “why” helps provide insights into the rationale behind the creation of seemingly unneeded or less obvious product features. |
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After completing your certification, your training/study materials can be a great technical reference and job-aid to assist you in your daily work. |
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Milwaukee Area Technical College is a proud Academy Partner of CompTIA – the voice of Information Technology. |
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MATC classes in the IT networking program ready students to take these certifications
CompTIA A+
The CompTIA A+ is the quintessential certificate to jump-start your career in the information technology (IT) industry. The certificate covers the essentials of PC, laptop, mobile device, printer and operating system maintenance. This certificate can lead to higher salaries and opens up opportunities for a more fulfilling career.
In order to receive the CompTIA A+ certification, you will be required to pass two exams.
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Required Exam(s) |
Jobs that use the CompTIA A+ certification
- IT Support Technician
- IT Support Specialist
- Field Support Technician
- Technical Support Specialist
CompTIA Network+
The CompTIA Network+ certification is the sign of a qualified networking professional. Companies such as Dell, HP and Apple required the Network+ certification for all of their network technicians. It is also a certification that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Defense. The exam covers the subjects of network technologies, management, security, network topology, and virtual networking.
In order to receive the CompTIA Network+ certification, you will need to pass COMPTIA Network+ Exam.
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Required Exam(s) |
Jobs that use the CompTIA Network+ certification
- Network Engineer
- Network Technician
- Network Administrator
- Network Installer
CompTIA Security+
CompTIA Security+ is an international certification that will help you demonstrate competency in network security, access control, threats, vulnerabilities, and operational security and compliance. Not only will you be able to apply knowledge to security concepts, you will also be able to anticipate threats and help to guard against them.
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Required Exam(s) |
Jobs that use CompTIA Security+ certification
- Security Engineer
- Security Architect
- Security Consultant
- Security Administrator
Microsoft MCP/MCSA: Server 2012
The MCSA: Windows Server 2012 certification will teach you the skills needed to install, configure and support infrastructures that run Microsoft Server 2012. Such skills include identifying and resolving operating system and application issues, maintaining and managing Windows Server 2012 & 2012 R2, and identifying the cause of and resolving security issues.
Taking a single MCSA Exam will grant you a MCP Certification, but to receive the MCSA: Server 2012 you will need to pass 3 exams to achieve this goal.
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Required Exam(s) |
Microsoft MCP/MCSA: Windows 7
The MCSA: Windows Server 2012 certification will teach you the skills needed to install, configure and support infrastructures that run Microsoft Windows 7. Such skills include identifying and resolving operating system and application issues, maintaining and managing Windows 7, and identifying the cause of and resolving security issues.
Taking a single MCSA Exam will grant you a MCP Certification, but to receive the MCSA: Windows 7 you will need to pass 2 exams to achieve this goal.
The MCTS: Windows 7, Configuration Certification is still available for Windows 7 using the exam 70-680.
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Required Exam(s) |
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Cisco CCNA
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Routing and Switching is a certification program for entry-level network engineers that helps maximize your investment in foundational networking knowledge and increase the value of your employer’s network. CCNA Routing and Switching is for Network Specialists, Network Administrators and Network Support Engineers with 1-3 years of experience. The CCNA Routing and Switching validates the ability to install, configure, operate and troubleshoot medium-size routed and switched networks.
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Required Exam(s) |
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VMware VCP
This industry-recognized certification requires completion of a VMware-authorized training course and hands-on experience with VMware technologies. VCP-DCV certification confirms that you have the education needed to successfully install, deploy, scale and manage VMware vSphere environments, as well as the skills obtained by a minimum of six months experience with VMware infrastructure technologies.
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Required Exam(s) |
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VMware Certified Professional 5 – Data Center Virtualization (VCP5-DCV) |
EMC ISM
EMC ISM focuses on information storage and management in classic, virtualized and cloud environments. It includes data center key elements, intelligent storage systems, storage networking technologies, and various business continuity options – along with security and management of a storage infrastructure. It also covers various aspects of cloud computing.
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Required Exam(s) |