To obtain a Certificate 4 in Information Technology, choose one, prepare for the exam, take the exam, update your résumé, and keep it up-to-date.
IT certifications can demonstrate to companies that you have the knowledge base needed of an IT expert. Furthermore, they can increase your competitiveness for employment and promotions. Even if your employer does not require certification, obtaining one will make you stand out in an application. Furthermore, the process of getting a Certificate 4 in Information Technology might teach you new abilities that you can apply to your job.
How to Acquire an IT Certification
1. Select a certification.
The best certification for you will depend on the talents you want to develop and the goals you want to achieve with it. If you’re curious about the many types, you might look into an IT certification roadmap. You can go through various job descriptions for positions that interest you to determine what abilities are required. If you want to stay in your existing place, talk to your boss about which certifications are appropriate for your organization.
Are you just getting started? An entry-level IT certification could be beneficial. These are some examples:
- Certification
- Google IT A+ Support Professional Diploma
- Associate in Cisco Networking (CCNA)
- CompTIA Network+ certification
Please remember that the Google IT Support Professional Certificate is not a certification in and of itself, but you will receive a professional certificate from Google upon completion. If you choose to continue, the course will prepare you for the CompTIA A+ exam (as this writing offers a discounted 20 percent off exam costs). The system should equip you for entry-level work in information technology.
2. Study for the exam.
Certifications typically require you to pass an exam to get the certificate. Preparing for the exam often entails:
Complete all of the prerequisites. Prerequisites for entry-level certifications are typically absent, but more advanced certifications may have more stringent criteria. Check to see if you can take the certification exam you’ve chosen.
Prepare for the exam. Each certification usually includes a matching exam, which is listed on the website of the certification issuer. They may also provide a list of the topics covered on the exam and practice questions. Popular certifications should have many prep courses, books, or other study tools available.
Schedule your examination. Register for your exam on the website of the certification provider; this is also usually when you pay the exam price. The time required to prepare for your certification exam can vary depending on your experience and how much you’ve studied if you’re starting, budget for a few months, or wait until you feel ready to register.
3. Take the test.
Exams can be taken either online or in person. They can include various questions, such as multiple choice, short answer, or exercise-based questions.
Go over the regulations and prerequisites again before your exam. You might be asked to provide a valid ID or wish to know how long the exam would take.
4. Update your resume and LinkedIn profile.
Congratulations on receiving your Diploma of Information Technology certification! You can now place it where people will find it. In your resume and LinkedIn profile, you might include your new credentials here.
Resume: Include your new qualification in the education part of your resume. You can also mention any new talents you’ve acquired, and if you’ve finished any coursework projects, add them to a section showing relevant tasks.
5. Following certification: Renewals and additional certifications
IT certifications, like many other qualifications, might have an expiration date. For example, many CompTIA and entry-level Cisco certifications have a three-year validity period. It’s a good idea to track how extended your certificate will be valid and make a plan. Recertification requirements may involve taking a recertification exam or participating in continuing education programs.
Your next certification will be:
Obtaining another certification may make sense for you if you require more specific knowledge, wish to transition into a different IT field, or want to advance your current career path. After you’ve obtained an entry-level certification, you can consider pursuing certifications in a specialized area of interest, such as networks, cloud computing, or cybersecurity. You can also check with your company to see what abilities they might need.