IT Certification Roadmap

Have you ever wondered how valuable IT certifications are for your professional IT career. IT certifications are more than just a piece of paper. IT certifications can increase your value in the eyes of companies. When HR looks at a resume, they always look for the skills and certification a candidate has acquired. But most people get stuck between choosing a right IT certification, they lack the right it certification roadmap.

IT certifications help you to show your skills and knowledge in the information technology field. They can help you to get a job, get promoted, or switch to a new and better job than the previous one. 

There are many different IT certifications which you can get as per your qualification and experience in the IT field. It is very important to choose the right certification for you. This step could be a game changer for you and your professional career ahead in the future.

IT Certification Paths

IT certifications are organised by job role or specialisation. You don’t have to stick to certifications from one provider. Depending on your career goals and the skills you want to learn, you might benefit from different certifications from various providers. Here are some IT certifications paths which you can use as per your interest and career goals

1. Network and Infrastructure

This path is about setting up and taking care of computer networks. If you like working with computers and how they connect, this is a good choice.

Certifications:

  • CompTIA Network+
  • Cisco CCNA
  • Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate

2. Security

This path is about keeping computer systems safe from hackers and other threats. If you want to protect information and systems, this is for you.

Certifications:

  • CompTIA Security+
  • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
  • Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

3. Cloud Computing

This path involves working with online services to help running businesses. You’ll learn how to use and manage cloud platforms that store and run software over the internet.

Certifications:

  • AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate
  • Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert
  • Google Cloud Certified – Professional Cloud Architect

4. Programming and Development

This path is for people who want to create software and write code. If you have interest in building apps and programs, this path is for you.

Certifications:

  • CompTIA Cloud+
  • Oracle Certified Professional
  • Java SE 11 Developer
  • Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate

5. Data Management and Analytics

This path helps you work with data to make decisions. It’s about organizing and understanding information so businesses can use it to plan and grow.

Certifications:

  • Certified Analytics Professional (CAP)
  • Microsoft Certified: Data Analyst Associate (Power BI)
  • Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate
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6. Database Administration

This path is about managing and looking after database systems. If you’re interested in making sure databases work well and are secure, this is a good fit.

Certifications:

  • Microsoft Certified: SQL Server Database Administrator
  • Oracle Certified Professional (OCP)
  • IBM Certified Database Administrator – DB2

7. DevOps and Automation

This path combines development and operations to make work easier and faster. It’s about using tools to improve how software is built and maintained.

Certifications:

  • Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional (AWS)
  • Microsoft Certified: DevOps Engineer Expert
  • Docker Certified Associate (DCA)

8. IT Service Management

This path is about managing IT services and support. It’s for people who help to deliver and maintain IT services in an organized way in a company.

Certifications:

  • ITIL Foundation
  • Certified ServiceNow System Administrator
  • HDI Customer Service Representative (HDI-CSR)

9. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

This path is about making smart technology that can learn and make decisions. If you’re interested in creating AI and machine learning systems, this is the way to go.

Certifications:

  • Google Professional Machine Learning Engineer
  • Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate
  • IBM AI Engineering Professional Certificate

10. Business Analysis

This path is about finding out what a business needs and finding different ways to solve those needs with technology. 

Certifications:

  • Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP)
  • Certified Agile Business Analyst (CABA)
  • PMI Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA)

Choosing the right IT certification path means knowing what you want to do in your job and what interests you. Each path has different certifications that focus on various IT areas, like setting up networks, keeping systems safe, using cloud services, and building software. Picking the right path helps you learn new skills, move up in your job, and stay current with technology. Whether you’re new to the field or want to get better at something specific, the right certification will help you reach your goals and be successful in your IT career.

Types of IT Certifications

There are three main types of IT certifications which any individual can get. 

Beginner Certifications: These are for beginners or those just starting in IT. They cover basic skills and are great if you’re new to the field or a recent graduate.

Professional Certifications: These are for people with some experience in IT. They cover more advanced topics which help you to move up in your career. Some of them start with basic concepts and go to more complex ones.

Advanced Certifications: These are for experienced people who want to become experts in a specific area. They show a high level of skill and are useful for those who are looking to specialize and want to become masters of their skill. 

Popular IT Certifications

Here are some popular IT certifications and focuses which these certifications are targeting throughout the course. 

CertificationFocus
Google IT Support Professional CertificateBasic IT support and Google Cloud technologies
CompTIA A+General IT skills, hardware, and software
CompTIA Network+Networking fundamentals and troubleshooting
CompTIA Security+Cybersecurity principles and practices
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)Cisco networking technologies and configurations
Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect AssociateCloud architecture and design on Microsoft Azure

The best certification for you depends on your goals and interests. Think about what you want to do in IT and what skills you need to get there.

Beginner Certifications

Google IT Support Professional Certificate

Focus: Basic IT support and Google Cloud technologies

CompTIA A+

Focus: General IT skills, hardware, and software

Microsoft 365 Certified: Fundamentals

Focus: Basics of Microsoft 365 apps like Word and Excel

Professional Certifications

CompTIA Network+

Focus: Networking fundamentals, setup, and troubleshooting

CompTIA Security+

Focus: Cyber security principles and practices

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

Focus: Cisco networking technologies and configurations

Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Associate

Focus: Cloud architecture and design on Microsoft Azure

Advanced Certifications

Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)

Focus: Advanced networking knowledge and skills

AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional

  1. Focus: Advanced cloud computing with AWS

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Focus: High-level cyber security skills

Remember, the best way to choose the right certification is to do your own research and talk to people who have already earned the certification.

You can choose any course from the above mentioned certifications as per your current stage in the IT field. It is very important to identify your current stage in the It field, choosing a wrong course or wrong certification can give you a loss of your time and money as well, so think wisely to choose the right certification in the It field. 

Microsoft IT Certification Roadmap

Who has not heard of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Microsoft Office? These tools are used all over the world. If you manage to get a Microsoft certification, it means you know how to use these popular tools. This can really help you get a job because many companies use Microsoft tools every day.

Microsoft certifications are special exams that help you show off your skills in Microsoft technologies to different companies where you are currently working or want to work. When you pass these exams, you get a certificate that will be proof that you know how to use Microsoft tools and services. This can help you land a job, get a promotion, or you also can switch to another better job. The certifications cover different levels of knowledge, from basics to advanced skills, which are designed to match the jobs that use Microsoft technology.

How to Get Microsoft Certifications

  • Choose Your Certification: First, decide which Microsoft certification you want to get. Microsoft offers different certifications for different skills and jobs, like using Microsoft 365, Azure, or Dynamics 365. Think about which suits you best, what interests you or what job you want
  • Check the Requirements: Each certification has its own requirements. Some need basic knowledge, while others may require some experience or previous certifications. Look at the official Microsoft website to find out what you need for your chosen certification.
  • Prepare for the Exam: Once you know what you need, start preparations for your certification exam. Microsoft provides you all the study materials, like online courses and practice exams. You can also find books and videos online to learn more deeply. Make a study plan and stick to it. 
  • Take the Practice Tests: Before you go to the real exam, try practice tests. These will help you to see what types of questions you will face and how to answer them.
  • Register and Take the Exam: When you’re ready, sign up for the exam on the Microsoft website. Choose a test centre or take the exam online.
  • Get Your Certification: After passing the exam, you’ll receive your Microsoft certification. This certificate can help you show your skills to employers and enhance your value. 

 It Audit Certification Roadmap

Every company and organization works well until it keeps check and balance on everything happening inside the company, whether it could be people, policies, tools or something else. That’s why they hire an Auditor who finds loopholes and flaws in their company to make it better. Same goes with It companies, they hire auditors too for an audit of their tools, workings, and everything. This task is done by the IT auditor. 

To become an IT auditor, you have to pass different exams and have to get different It certifications which are mentioned below.

Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

This is a globally recognized certification. By doing this certification, you will get a proof of your expertise in IT auditing, control, and assurance. 

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

The primary focus of this certification is cyber security, but it also cover the IT Audit and control concepts which will help in auditing companies 

Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) This certification provides you with proof of your ability to manage an organization’s information security program, including IT audit and risk management.

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