List of Professional Certification for IT Leadership

Are you putting your IT best team on the field?

You’re the coach of the IT team. Read on this article to be sure you’ve got the right game plan for your teams, your structure, and your initiatives. It covers:

• Calling IT plays for your rookies, starters, and veterans
• How to keep your special teams sharp (security, cloud, virtualization, etc.)
• How to score with the C-suite by showing ROI
• Get the right team on the field

Table of contents

Game on!
Your Rookies
Your Starters
Your Special Teams
Your Veterans
Get on the Field
What’s the Score?
Be the Champion

Game on!

Regardless of what’s on your business card, you’re the coach of your IT team. Your team is looking to you for a game plan, and your organization’s leadership is looking for results.

Just like a sports team, your IT team has generalists and specialists, rookies and veterans. How do you meet the needs of all of these players? How do you help them achieve their goals?

It’s up to you to field an effective team every day and anticipate the future needs of your organization… all while IT unemployment is at an all-time low.

Welcome to the IT leadership playbook. Finally, you’ve got a resource to help you achieve a winning record.

Your Rookies: Get them in the game

Entry Level

Your young ones. Your green team. Whatever you call them, you’ll always have a few people on your team who are just starting in IT. With tech unemployment as low as 1.9% in the US, you’re bound to need to hire someone with a less than optimal skill set.

Give them a path that starts with the basics, and that’s easy to navigate.

The CompTIA courses and associated certifications are a solid starting point for all IT professionals. Suppose your hires come in with those under their belt, great. If not, or if they need a refresher, you’ve got them covered.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, tech unemployment was at 1.9% in 2018.

Here’s the game plan for your entry-level folks:

• CompTIA A+ (220-901) & (220-902)
  Vendor-neutral hardware and software technologies
  Novice
• MTA – Security Fundamentals – 98-367
  Security fundamentals
  Novice
• MTA – Cloud Fundamentals – 98-369
  Cloud fundamentals
  Novice
• CompTIA Accelerated A+ (220-901/220-902)
  Vendor-neutral hardware and software technologies
  Novice
• End User Security Awareness
  Best security practices for the end-user
  Novice
• CompTIA IT Fundamentals+
  IT Fundamentals+
  Novice
• Linux for Beginners
  Getting started in Linux for new users
  Novice
• MTA – Windows Operating System Fundamentals – 98-349
  Windows operating system fundamentals
  Novice
• MTA – Server Fundamentals – 98-365
  Windows server administration fundamentals
  Novice

Desktop Support

Desktop support is a key area for all organizations and is a good, early step in the career of an IT professional. While the ideal ratio of end-user to the IT service desk worker is 70:1, this number varies widely.

Most organizations use this role as a springboard to more advanced IT positions, so it’s a great place for your youngsters to dig in.

If you’re supporting a Windows shop or a Mac shop solely, you’ve got a single layer of complexity. Supporting both? Make sure your team is cross-trained to handle every situation. Really, who doesn’t need a few more desktop support folks?

According to Gartner, the ideal IT end user to IT service desk worker ratio is 70:1.

Here’s the game plan for your desktop support team:

• CompTIA A+ (220-901) & (220-902)
  Vendor-neutral hardware and software technologies
  Novice
• AntiVirus / AntiMalware
  Detection and solutions
  Novice
• Building a PC
  Assembly and configuration
  Novice
• CompTIA Accelerated A+ (220-901/220-902)
  Vendor-neutral hardware and software technologies
  Novice
• Virtualization Technologies
  Fundamentals of Virtualization
  Novice
• CompTIA IT Fundamentals+
  IT Fundamentals+
  Novice
• Linux for Beginners
  Getting started in Linux for new users
  Novice
• MTA – Windows Operating System Fundamentals – 98-349
  Windows Operating system fundamentals
  Novice
• ACA Mac Integration Basics 10.13
  Apple Certified Associate
  Novice
• Windows Server 101
  Introduction to Windows Server
  Novice
• End User Security Awareness
  Best Security Practices for the End User
  Novice

Your Starters: Keep them at their prime with new skills

System Administrators

These are the folks that keep the engines running in your organization — systems administrators and network administrators. Your system admins are experts in any system you may throw at them. Your network admins keep the network operating smoothly. If these folks don’t do their job, you’ll hear about it… loudly. If they do, it’s business as usual, and that’s a good thing.

As a coach, you need to approach them with the right balance of a manageable workload with challenging tasks and continual upskilling.

Here’s the game plan for your system administrators:

• CompTIA A+ (220-901) & (220-902)
  Vendor-neutral hardware and software technologies
  Novice
• Microsoft Office 365 – 70-346
  Managing Office 365 Identities and Requirements
  Intermediate
• Microsoft Office 365 – 70-347
  Enabling Office 365 Services
  Intermediate
• CompTIA Accelerated A+ (220-901 / 220-902)
  Vendor-neutral hardware and software technologies
  Novice
• MCSA Windows Server 2016 – 70-740
  Installation, Storage, and Compute with Windows Server 2016
  Intermediate
• MCSA Windows Server 2016 – 70-741
  Networking with Windows Server 2016
  Intermediate
• MTA – Windows Operating System Fundamentals – 98-349
  Windows Operating system fundamentals
  Novice
• CompTIA Network+ (N10-007)
  Vendor-neutral networking
  Intermediate
• CompTIA Server+
  Planning, Maintaining and Securing Server Equipment
  Intermediate
• CompTIA Linux+
  Powered by LPI
  Intermediate
• MCSA Windows Server 2016 – 70-742
  Identity with Windows Server 2016
  Intermediate
• SharePoint 2016 – 70-339
  Planning and Administering SharePoint 2016
  Intermediate
• Microsoft Exchange 2013 – 70-341
  Core Solutions of Microsoft Exchange Server 2013
  Advanced
• Microsoft Exchange Server 2016 – 70-345
  Designing and Deploying Microsoft Exchange Server 2016
  Advanced
• System Center 2012 Configuration Manager – 70-243
  SCCM
  Advanced
• Advanced SharePoint 2016 – 70-339
  Advanced Technologies of SharePoint 2016
  Advanced
• MCSE Windows Server 2016 – 70-744
  Securing Windows Server 2016
  Advanced

Here’s the game plan for your network administrators:

• MCSA Windows Server 2016 – 70-742
  Identity with Windows Server 2016
  Intermediate
• CompTIA A+ (220-901) & (220-902)
  Vendor-neutral hardware and software technologies
  Novice
• CompTIA Network+ (N10-007)
  Vendor-neutral networking
  Intermediate
• CompTIA Security+
  Vendor-neutral IT Security
  Intermediate
• CompTIA Accelerated A+ (220-901 / 220-902)
  Vendor-neutral hardware and software technologies
  Novice
• CCNA Routing and Switching
  Cisco Certified Network Associate
  Intermediate
• CCENT
  Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician
  Novice
• MTA – Networking Fundamentals – 98-366
  Networking Fundamentals
  Novice
• CompTIA Linux+
  Powered by LPI
  Intermediate
• MCSA Windows Server 2016 – 70-740
  Installation, Storage, and Compute with Windows Server 2016
  Intermediate
• MCSA Windows Server 2016 – 70-741
  Networking with Windows Server 2016
  Intermediate
• CCNP Routing and Switching – ROUTE
  Implementing Cisco IP Routing
  Advanced
• CCNP Routing and Switching – SWITCH
  Implementing Cisco IP Switched Networks
  Advanced
• CCNP Routing and Switching – TSHOOT
  Troubleshooting and Maintaining Cisco IP Networks
  Advanced
• CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner
  CASP
  Advanced
• Cisco ASA Express Security
  Next-Generation Firewall
  Advanced
• FirePOWER with Advanced FireSIGHT Administration
  SSFIPS
  Advanced
• MCSE Windows Server 2016 – 70-744
  Securing Windows Server 2016
  Advanced

Your Special Teams: Stay ahead with advanced skills

Special Teams

As the IT landscape expands and your responsibilities as an IT leader grow, you’ll need more specialized players to get the job done. Your special team’s group is just that — a group that plugs in for specific needs and goes deep on their expertise in the field.

Whether it’s your cloud specialists, cybersecurity experts, virtualization crew, or DBAs, suit them up with the right training.

Cloud

There are so many variables with your cloud computing approach. You’ve got multiple vendors (AWS, Microsoft Azure Certificate, Google Cloud) and different deployment options (public, private, community, hybrid). Your cloud specialists can ensure you’re getting the most value from the cloud.

In 15 months, 80% of all IT budgets will be committed to cloud solutions.

Here’s the game plan for your cloud team:

• MCSA Windows Server 2016 – 70-742
  Identity with Windows Server 2016
  Intermediate
• MCSE Windows Server 2012 – 70-413
  Designing and Implementing a Server Infrastructure
  Advanced
• MCSE Windows Server 2016 – 70-414
  Implementing an Advanced Server Infrastructure
  Advanced
• MCSE Windows Server 2012 – 70-744
  Securing Windows Server 2016
  Advanced
• MCSE Private Cloud – 70-246
  Monitoring and Operating a Private Cloud
  Advanced
• MCSA Windows Server 2016 – 70-740
  Installation, Storage, and Compute with Windows Server 2016
  Intermediate
• MCSA Windows Server 2016 – 70-741
  Networking with Windows Server 2016
  Intermediate
• AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate
  Designing distributed applications on the AWS platform
  Intermediate
• AWS Certified SysOps Administrator
  ACSA
  Intermediate
• CompTIA Network+ (N10-007)
  Vendor-neutral networking
  Novice
• MTA – Cloud Fundamentals – 98-369
  Cloud Fundamentals
  Novice
• MCSE Private Cloud – 70-247
  Configuring and Deploying a Private Cloud
  Advanced
• Certified Cloud Security Professional
  CCSP
  Expert
• Architecting Microsoft Azure Solutions – 70-535
  Microsoft Azure
  Advanced
• Implementing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure – 70-533
  Microsoft Azure
  Advanced

Virtualization

While all of your team should be familiar with virtualization technology, you’ll need folks to take a deep dive. Your go-to people should understand the technology common to all virtualization tools and know the main tools inside and out.

Here’s the game plan for your virtualization team:

• MCSA Windows Server 2016 – 70-742
  Identity with Windows Server 2016
  Intermediate
• CompTIA A+ (220-901) & (220-902)
  Vendor-neutral hardware and software technologies
  Novice
• MCSA Windows Server 2016 – 70-740
  Installation, Storage, and Compute with Windows Server 2016
  Intermediate
• MCSA Windows Server 2016 – 70-741
  Networking with Windows Server 2016
  Intermediate
• VMware Certified Associate 6 VCA6-DCV
  Data Center Virtualization
  Novice
• VMware Certified Professional 6 VCP6-DCV
  Data Center Virtualization
  Intermediate
• MCSE Private Cloud – 70-246
  Monitoring and Operating a Private Cloud
  Advanced
• MCSE Private Cloud – 70-247
  Configuring and Deploying a Private Cloud
  Advanced
• MCSE Windows Server 2016 – 70-744
  Securing Windows Server 2016
  Advanced

Cybersecurity

Your security pros are in demand. They must be familiar with the basics, plus pen-testing tools, cryptography, malware detection, and more. Are they tasked with running your end-user security awareness program as well? Arm them with the best, most current training around.

According to Forbes, there will be as many as 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity positions by 2021.

Here’s the game plan for your cybersecurity team:

• CompTIA A+ (220-901) & (220-902)
  Vendor-neutral hardware and software technologies
  Novice
• MTA – Security Fundamentals – 98-367
  Security Fundamentals
  Novice
• CompTIA CySA+ (CS0-001)
  CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst
  Intermediate
• MTA – Server Fundamentals – 98-365
  Networking Fundamentals
  Novice
• MTA – Networking Fundamentals – 98-366
  Windows server administration fundamentals
  Novice
• CCENT
  Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician
  Novice
• CompTIA Network+ (N10-007)
  Vendor-neutral networking
  Intermediate
• ECES
  EC-Council Certified Encryption Specialist
  Intermediate
• CompTIA Security+
  Vendor-neutral IT Security
  Intermediate
• CEH v9
  Certified Ethical Hacker
  Intermediate
• CHFI v9
  Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator
  Intermediate
• CompTIA Linux+
  Powered by LPI
  Intermediate
• CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner
  CASP
  Advanced
• CyberSec First Responder
  Logical Operations
  Advanced
• GIAC Security Essentials
  GSEC
  Intermediate
• CISA
  Certified Information Systems Auditor
  Advanced
• Systems Security Certified Practitioner
  SSCP
  Advanced
• CISM
  Certified Information Security Manager
  Expert
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional
  CISSP
  Expert
• Certified Cloud Security Professional
  CCSP
  Expert
• CCNA Cyber Ops (210-250 SECFND)
  Cisco Cybersecurity Fundamentals
  Advanced
• CCNA Routing and Switching
  Cisco Certified Network Associate
  Intermediate
• CCNA Security
  Cisco Certified Network Associate Security
  Intermediate

Database Administrators

The DBA is the heart of an organization, running queries and slicing and dicing info upon request.

Here’s the game plan for your DBAs:

• CompTIA A+ (220-901) & (220-902)
  Vendor-neutral hardware and software technologies
  Novice
• Microsoft SQL Server 2012 – 70-462
  Administering Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Databases
  Intermediate
• CompTIA Accelerated A+ (220-901 / 220-902)
  Vendor-neutral hardware and software technologies
  Novice
• Microsoft SQL Server 2014 – 70-461
  Querying Microsoft SQL Server 2014
  Intermediate
• CompTIA Server+
  Planning, Maintaining and Securing Server Equipment
  Intermediate

Your Veterans: Advanced their skills even further

Veterans

The team members with a ton of experience can help take you to a new level with advanced certifications. Get your IT team to perform at optimum levels and keep them there with processes and disciplines that are proven at organizations globally.

Whether you choose ITIL®, Lean Six Sigma®, Agile, Project Management Professional (PMP), PRINCE2® or CompTIA Project+, the key is applying the learnings your team brings to the table and using these strategies to optimize your organization.

ITIL® certification is among the top 5 highest paying IT certifications.

Here’s the game plan for your IT project and service management gurus:

• CompTIA Project+
  Project Management
  Novice
• Accredited SIAM Foundation
  SIAM Foundation
  Novice
• Accredited ITIL® Foundation
  Foundation
  Novice
• Accredited ITIL® Intermediate – RCV
  Release Control and Validation
  Intermediate
• Accredited ITIL® Intermediate – OSA
  Operational Support and Analysis
  Intermediate
• Accredited ITIL® Intermediate – PPO
  Planning, Protection and Optimization
  Intermediate
• Accredited ITIL® Intermediate – SOA
  Service Offerings and Agreements
  Intermediate
• Accredited ITIL® Intermediate – Service Design
  Service Design
  Intermediate
• Lean Six Sigma® – Green Belt
  Green Belt
  Novice
• Lean Agile Project Management
  Project Management
  Novice
• Accredited PRINCE2® 2017 Foundation
  Introductory certification to PRINCE2® 2017 project management
  Novice
• Accredited ISO/IEC 20000:2011
  Information technology – Service management
  Novice
• Accredited ITIL® Intermediate – Service Operation
  Service Operation
  Intermediate
• Accredited ITIL® Intermediate – Service Strategy
  Service Strategy
  Intermediate
• Accredited ITIL® Intermediate – Service Transition
  Service Transition
  Intermediate
• Accredited ITIL® Intermediate – CSI
  Continual Service Improvement
  Intermediate
• PMI: Organizational Change Management
  Implementing transformational projects
  Intermediate
• Accredited Agile Project Management Foundation (Scrum)
  Agile Foundation
  Novice
• Lean Six Sigma® – Yellow Belt
  Yellow Belt
  Intermediate
• Accredited ITIL® – Practitioner ITIL®
  Practitioner
  Advanced
• Project Management Professional 6
  PMP
  Advanced
• Accredited ITIL® Expert – MALC
  Planning, Protection and Optimization
  Expert
• Accredited PRINCE2® 2017 Practitioner
  PRINCE2® Project Management 2017 Practitioner Level
  Expert
• How To Become an ITIL® Master
  The most prestigious of the ITIL® qualifications
  Expert

Get on the Field

Now that you know the paths for your team, how do you get each person on the right one and keep them there? An easy way is to invest in a training platform that is broad enough to meet everyone’s needs but also dives deeply enough to get beyond surface knowledge. Look for a platform that specializes in IT training.

Your chosen platform should also track everyone’s progress, allow you to assign and unassign seats, set learning paths and assign courses.

Tips for making sure your team is engaged in training:

• Include a segment on training at regular team meetings
• Discuss milestones at your one-on-one meetings with direct reports
• Share progress reports with the team
• Display certs in department hallways/conference rooms
• Publicly celebrate certifications achieved
• Tie training goals to individual and team KPIs
• Ensure managers are checking in on training metrics

What’s the Score?

You’ll truly know the score when you can show the return on investment (ROI) of your training spend. Here are a few metrics that can be part of your reporting:

• Track certifications achieved and how those certs add value to your team
• Note new skills added — cloud, security, etc. — with no travel expenses or time away from work at training/conferences
• Calculate the reduction in outsourcing needs when you upskill your existing team
• Show the number of episodes watched as a metric for how your team is staying ahead of tech

Be the Champion: How do you win at IT leadership?

Your team wins

when you have team members who feel that their careers are moving forward with new skills and certs.

Your organization wins

when you are maintaining systems, retaining employees, anticipating needs, and preventing lapses in service.

You win

when your workload is manageable, your staff is content, and your leaders trust you to get the job done.

Now get out there and grab your trophy!

Source: ITProTV