March 10, 2023

The Next Steps Up The Job Ladder & The Certifications Required

In our most recent blog post we identified how the CompTIA A+ and other entry-level certifications prepare you for an entry-level IT position. However, the value of obtaining a certification doesn’t just stop with entry-level roles. There are a plethora of further certifications that can help you build your career into more senior positions or other areas of IT. Below we have broken them down for you:

 

CompTIA Network+

If you’re considering a career in networking then the CompTIA Network+ certification could be just the certification for you, as it confirms a candidate’s knowledge and ability in areas like:

  • Managing network connectivity
  • Principles of routing and switching
  • Securely configuring network hardware
  • Newer foundational technologies like cloud computing

Obtaining the CompTIA Network+ will help you get roles such as:  Junior Network Administrator, Network Support Specialist and Junior Systems Engineer positions. 

 

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

Once again if you’re looking at a networking qualification to enter the market then the Cisco CCNA remains a dominant force in the market for producing networking hardware such as switches and routers. Their CCNA certification confirms an IT professional’s general networking capabilities when it comes to Cisco products. Whereas CompTIA certifications are vendor neutral (which we feel is worth mentioning)

 

CompTIA Security+

Cyber security has been a massive growth sector especially since IT security is more important than ever. The CompTIA Security+ helps you to make that dream a reality. Considered to be the first stop on the CompTIA cyber security pathway, the CompTIA Security+ confirms an IT pro’s ability to identify and fix system vulnerabilities and validates familiarity with concepts like risk management. After becoming CompTIA Security+ certified you will be able to get jobs such as Cyber Security Analyst.

 

CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)

The CompTIA CySA+ certification is the next level up from the CompTIA Security+ and this certification confirms skills in the area of cybersecurity analytics. Holders of this mid-level certification can identify network behaviour that might signify a cyberattack and know what steps to take to protect the network and preserve valuable data. 

There are a number of other certifications on the market that can, in collaboration with CompTIA CySA+, help security pros confirm their ability to identify and defend against the kind of cybersecurity threats now facing businesses large and small. First is CompTIA PenTest+, which is also a mid-level cyber security certification but looks at cybersecurity from the offensive angle versus defensive.

After a few years of experience working in cyber security, pursuing high-level cybersecurity certifications like CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) can give your career a boost and take you to the upper chalonce of pay too. 

So there you have it. Further certifications which can help boost your career prospects beyond entry level positions.

If you are interested in starting an IT career or even developing an existing IT career then  please do not hesitate to get in touch with our team of Course and Career Advisors and let us guide you through the best options for your career aspirations. 

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