The vendor neutral certification is rapidly growing and is gaining increased respect in IT industry. It gives individuals the benefits of learning on a broader knowledge base and enhancing their market values. Whereas it serves as a great way to break into information technology (A+ is very popular for this) for new comers, experienced IT professionals could use high-end vendor neutral certifications (CISSP, CWSP, etc.) to build primary credentials.
The following list includes popular and respectful organizations who offer various vendor neutral certification programs:
Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA)
http://www.comptia.org/
CompTIA offers the popular A+ certification for computer service technicians. The Network+ certification is focused on networking and the i-Net+ is for Internet technologies.
Project Management Institute (PMI)
http://www.pmi.org/
PMI’s Project Management Professional (PMP®) certification is the world’s most recognized professional credential for individuals associated with project management.
International Information Systems Security Certifications Consortium – (ISC)2
https://www.isc2.org/
(ISC)2 offers two high level certification programs in the field of information security:
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional [CISSP]
- System Security Certified Practitioner [SSCP]
Certified Wireless Network Professional Program (CWNP)
http://www.cwne.com/
CWNP is offered by Planet3 Wireless, Inc. for IT professionals in wireless network field. This program includes 4 certification levels:
- Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA)
- Certified Wireless Security Professional (CWSP)
- Certified Wireless Network Integrator (CWNI)
- Certified Wireless Networking Expert (CWNE)
Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA)
http://www.isaca.org/
ISACA is a recognized global leader in IT governance, control and assurance. It currently administers the following two certifications:
- Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
- Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
IT Architect Certification Program
http://www.opengroup.org/itac/
The Open Group’s IT Architect Certification program is the premier, global certification program for certifying skills and experience in the IT architecture community. Based on the proven best practices in the industry, it sets an independent, industry-wide standard for IT Architects and creates a foundation for trust between suppliers and customers.
SANS Institute
http://www.sans.org/
SANS is the trusted leader in information security research, certification and education. The SANS (SysAdmin, Audit, Network, Security) Institute was established in 1989 as a cooperative research and education organization.
Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC)
http://www.giac.org/
The SANS Institute founded GIAC in 1999 in response to the need to validate the skills of security professionals. This program offers the following certifications:
- GIAC Security Engineer (GSE)
Linux Professional Institute (LPI)
http://www.lpi.org/
LPI offers the Linux Professional Institute Certification (LPIC), a credential for networking and maintenance with Linux.
Certified Internet Webmaster (CIW)
http://www.ciwcertified.com/
Prosoft offers the Certified Internet Webmaster (CIW) certification program whcih covers website design, e-commerce and security.
Institute for Certification of Computing Professionals (ICCP)
http://www.iccp.org/
ICCP offers two certification tracks:
- Associate Computing Professional (ACP)
- Certified Computing Professional (CCP) |
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