Formal qualifications.
WHAT CERTIFICATIONS DEMONSTRATE
A defined body of knowledge, assessed independently.
WHAT THEY DO NOT DEMONSTRATE
Practical capability.
WHY THEY STILL MATTER
They are used to filter applications, particularly early in a career.
WHAT TYPES EXIST
Vendor-neutral fundamentals, covering hardware, systems, networking and support Vendor-specific, covering particular products Specialist, in security, cloud or networking
WHAT TO START WITH
Fundamentals, unless a specific employer requires otherwise.
WHY
They cover what everything else assumes.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH BEFORE COMMITTING
Whether employers in your market actually ask for it The total cost, including renewal Whether it expires
WHAT TO RESEARCH
Job advertisements for roles you want.
WHY
They show what is actually required, rather than what providers claim.
WHAT TO COMBINE THEM WITH
Practical experience, and something you can demonstrate.
WHAT EMPLOYERS ASK ABOUT IN INTERVIEWS
What you have actually done.
