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7 key I.T. certifications

A number of battle-tested I.T. credentials remain in high demand, the experts say.

“There is a perception that has been in place for a number of years that all those types of jobs have gone from the U.S. to overseas,” especially in the area of tech support, Computing Technology Industry Association spokesman Steven Ostrowski said.

“That is somewhat true, but most organizations still need a person on-site to fix things.”

Networking in particular is still in high demand, Ostrowski said. Over the past 15 years, companies have invested in the basics of networking, and now they’re adding features, such as tying in phone systems. Consider the following tried-and-true credentials:

Systems administration

Systems administrators maintain a company’s computer systems and servers. Certifications include:

1. Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator: Candidates must pass four exams, including two that test core knowledge of networking systems, one on client operating systems and one elective exam.

2. Sun Certified System Administrator: Candidates must pass two exams on the same Solaris Operating System.

Network administration

Network administrators maintain computer network infrastructure. Certifications include:

3. CompTIA Network+: This vendor-neutral certification doesn’t require prior work experience, but CompTIA recommends some experience in a networking environment along with CompTIA A+ certification.

4. Cisco Certified Network Associate: The single exam required for this certification covers extending switched networks, determining IP routes, managing IP traffic and establishing point-to-point connections.

5. Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert: Fewer than three percent of the people who hold Cisco networking certifications achieve this elite title. The hands-on exam is conducted in a lab.

Tech support

Tech-support professionals are responsible for help-desk-type functions, answering computer users’ questions and doing troubleshooting. Certifications include:

6. CompTIA A+: This test verifies proficiency in basic installation, configuration, preventive maintenance and networking, as well as security, safety and environmental issues.

7. Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician: This credential proves you can troubleshoot Microsoft’s Windows operating system. It requires two exams: one on the Windows XP operating system and another on desktop applications.

(By Jessica Lawson and Amanda Miller)