Protected: 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

Published by Tommy Droste