Where can I find more information about computing certifications?

Computing certifications are a hot item at present. With new tests popping up all the time, it's likely that any computing skill you're interested in has a related certification. Since the list of computer certifications grows weekly, see About.com's Computer Certification page for updates and news on certifications.

Listed below are some of the more popular certifications, their intended audience, and some additional links to get you started.

Software certifications

Microsoft

Note: This is not a comprehensive list of Microsoft certifications. For more, see Microsoft Learning: Certification.

• MCSD (Microsoft Certified Solution Developer): Often confused with its cousin the MCSE, the MCSD actually serves a completely different audience. You must pass four tests from a multitude of options to earn this title, meant primarily for experienced programmers. Visual Basic, C++, and FoxPro are the supported languages.
  
  
• MCSE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer): The MCSE is the most sought-after certification on the market. It tests your knowledge of the setup and maintenance of Windows networking environments, primarily Windows 2000 and 2003 Server. You must pass nine tests to become fully MCSE-certified. Since the MCSE is so popular, a large amount of information is available online.
  
  
• MCITP (Microsoft Certified IT Professional): The MCITP certification is intended for IT professionals with 2 or more years of experience, and helps validate that an individuals has the comprehensive set of skills necessary to perform a particular job role, such as database administrator or enterprise messaging administrator.
  
  
• MCP (Microsoft Certified Professional): The MCP is less involved: simply pass any Microsoft test except Networking Essentials, and you are a certified professional in that field.
  
  
• MCTS (Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: The MCTS certification provides a foundation for Microsoft Certification. To earn the MCTS specification, you must prove your ability to successfully implement, build on, troubleshoot, and debug a particular Microsoft technology (e.g., Windows, Microsoft Exchange Server, Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft Visual Studio).
  
  
• MOS (Microsoft Office Specialist): The MOS (previously known as MOUS) exams are interactive and test your ability to accomplish discrete tasks in Microsoft Office applications. The MOS program offers three levels of certification: Core, Expert, and Master.

  At Indiana University Bloomington and IUPUI, IT Training offers MOS training, preparation materials, and certification exams. For more, visit the IT Training MOS site.

Hardware certifications

• CompTIA A+ certification: This is the standard hardware certification for entry-level service technicians. It covers general aspects of computer hardware and software, and goes into some detail.

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