Highly Paid top 6 certifications in year 2008

——————————————————————————–

1. PMI Project Management Professional (PMP) – $102,000 average salary in 2008
2. PMI Certified Associate in Project Management
3. ITIL v. 2 – Foundation
4. (ISC)2’s Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
5. Cisco CCIE – $93,500 average Salary in 2008
6. Cisco Certified Voice Professional – $88,600 average Salary in 2008

Just for comparison purposes, the highest paying Microsoft certification is the Microsoft Certified Solution Developer ($84,522).

and

While the top 6 hot certs list is compiled of up-and-coming certifications, many hiring managers’ top choices are still “oldies but goodies.” Here are the top 10 certs they told us they look for:

1. Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP)
2. Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE): Windows 2003
3. Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA): Windows 2003
4. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
5. CompTIA A+
6. Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST)
7. MCSE: Security
8. Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA): SQL 2000
9. CompTIA Network+
10. MCSE: Messaging

And for 2009:

1. CCIE
The CCIE always ends up on lists like these, and with good reason. With a pass rate of only 26% it is certainly the most difficult of all IT certifications. Once you place this on your resume, you know you have a truly impressive credential and can expect to earn an average salary of $93,000.

2. CISA
With the economic climate these days, big business needs auditors more than ever. The CISA is designed to certify audit skills, both technical and ethical. According to GoCertify.com, the average CISA can earn as much as $115,000.

3. CCSE
The CCSE is another high level security certification that created for individuals who work with Checkpoint products and must maintain secure VPNs. The demand for this certification is evident in the pay as shown on PayScale.

4. MCSD
The Microsoft Certified Solution Developer certification is designed for people who like to problem-solve. You are expected to know about enterprise solutions and Microsoft products. You will be expected to use business analysis skills to decide which solution is best for a particular environment or business. Here is the PayScale for the MCSD.

5. PMP
The Project Management Professional certification is here because it is another that requires an extensive amount of skill and experience to obtain. Once you have passed the exam and fulfilled the requirements you can pull in around $101,000 (based on a ZDNET Salary Survey).

6. CISSP
Notice a theme on this list? Security certifications are very hot right now. The Certified Information Systems Security Professional demands a good salary (around $94,000) and can be obtained with just a few years of experience or equivalent education. Only one exam is required.

7. RHCE
If you can configure networking and security on a Red Hat OS then the Red Hat Certified Engineer is a great certification for you. The exam is not actually an exam, it’s a five-hour hands-on test of your Linux skills. You certainly can’t braindump your way through this one. Although it is not exactly entry level, Red Hat has several training programs for all levels of experience. Once you get through the testing process your salary could jump to $83,000.

8. SCJP 6.0
Ideal for all web developers, the SCJP is a start on the path to many other development certifications. You can build on the SCJP to get the SCJD (Sun Certified Developer for the Java 2 Platform), SCWCD (Sun Certified Web Component Developer for the J2EE Platform), SCMAD (Sun Certified Mobile Application Developer), or the SCBCD (Sun Certified Business Component Developer).
You can also use your SCJP 6.0 Certification toward the Oracle Certified Solution Developer and Oracle Certified Enterprise Developer programs, and the Master CIW Enterprise Developer certifications.
SCJP 6.0 covers a few new topics including Console, NavigableSet, and NavigableMap. Salaries for SCJP certified professionals range from $75,000 to 100,000.

9. CAPM

The CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management) certification is a great choice for project managers who can verify 1,500 hours of project management experience (versus the more demanding 3-5 years of experience for a PMP). The CAPM is for team members who support projects.

The group that offers the CAPM and PMP is the Project Management Institute (PMI). The PMI is highly respected in the industry and the demand for good project managers is steadily growing. These two facts put together are the reason why the CAPM is on the list. Once you are certified you can earn up to $75,000.

10. MCSD
Earning the MCSD (Microsoft Certified Solution Developer) certification shows that you are not just a developer. You also have the skills to analyze and design leading-edge Microsoft enterprise solutions. This is a certification for software engineers and software architects. Salaries for MCSD’s range from $70,000 to over $100,000.

The correct answer is:
B. Detection

Explanation:
Detection risks are directly affected by the auditor’s selection of audit procedures and techniques. Inherent risks usually are not affected by the IS auditor. Control risks are controlled by the actions of the company’s management. Business risks are not affected by the IS auditor.

22. During a review of a customer master file, an IS auditor discovered numerous customer name duplications arising from variations in customer first names. To determine the extent of the duplication, the IS auditor would use:
A. test data to validate data input.
B. test data to determine system sort capabilities.
C. generalized audit software to search for address field duplications.
D. generalized audit software to search for account field duplications.

The correct answer is:
C. generalized audit software to search for address field duplications.

Explanation:
Since the name is not the same (due to name variations), one method to detect duplications would be to compare other common fields, such as addresses. Subsequent review to determine common customer names at these addresses could then be conducted. Searching for duplicate account numbers would not likely find duplications, since customers would most likely have different account numbers for each variation. Test data would not be useful to detect the extent of any data characteristic, but simply to determine how the data were processed.

23. When communicating audit results, IS auditors should remember that ultimately they are responsible to:
A. senior management and/or the audit committee.
B. the manager of the audited entity.
C. the IS audit director.
D. legal authorities.

The correct answer is:
A. senior management and/or the audit committee.

Explanation:
The IS auditor is ultimately responsible to senior management and the audit committee of the board of directors. Even though the IS auditor should discuss the findings with the management staff of the audited entity (choice B), this is done only to gain agreement on the findings and develop a course of corrective action. Choice C is incorrect because the IS audit director should review the report that the IS auditor prepared, but is not the person who will make the decisions regarding the findings and their potential consequences. Choice D is incorrect because the responsibility for reporting to legal authorities would rest with the board of directors and their legal counselors.

24. In an audit of an inventory application, which approach would provide the BEST evidence that purchase orders are valid?
A. Testing whether inappropriate personnel can change application parameters
B. Tracing purchase orders to a computer listing
C. Comparing receiving reports to purchase order details
D. Reviewing the application documentation

The correct answer is:
A. Testing whether inappropriate personnel can change application parameters

Explanation:
To determine purchase order validity, testing access controls will provide the best evidence. Choices B and C are based on after-the-fact approaches, and choice D does not serve the purpose because what is in the system documentation may not be the same as what is happening.

25. An IS auditor attempting to determine whether access to program documentation is restricted to authorized persons would MOST likely:
A. evaluate the record retention plans for off-premises storage.
B. interview programmers about the procedures currently being followed.
C. compare utilization records to operations schedules.
D. review data file access records to test the librarian function.

The correct answer is:
B. interview programmers about the procedures currently being followed.

Explanation:
Asking programmers about the procedures currently being followed is useful in determining whether access to program documentation is restricted to authorized persons. Evaluating the record retention plans for off-premises storage tests the recovery procedures, not the access control over program documentation. Testing utilization records or data files will not address access security over program documentation.

• Visit http://www.isaca.org/cisaapp

• Now look for these lines

For those who took the exam in 2006 or later:
Download Application (PDF, 93K) or request an application from the Certification Department

• Download the form.
• Downloaded form is also attached with this mail
• Now read the page marked as below :-

Application for CISA Certification
Requirements to Become a Certified Information Systems Auditor

• This page contains all the requirements to become CISA.

• The first and foremost condition is passing CISA Exam, which you have already done.

• Second condition is Experience of 5 years.

• There are some relaxations in experience for some specific experience / qualifications.

• Some of them are as under :-

• Max 1 Year of Exp. with One Year of IS Audit OR IS Security OR IS Control.
Plus
• Max 1 years for Degrees like BA, B Com, B Sc etc.
OR
• Max 2 years for 4 Year Degrees like BE, B Tech.
OR
• Max 1 Year for a Degree in IS Security (like PRISM Program of Mumbai or IS Program of ICFAI)
Plus
• Max 1 year for Min. 2 Years full time teaching in IS Security at University.

• Now count how many of experience you require ?

• This experience must be in related fields as we studied in CISA Exam.
• Third Condition is to abide by ISACA Code of Professional Ethics.

• Fourth Condition is abide by IS Standards by ISACA.

• Fifth Condition is CPE
o (will be required after becoming CISA – we shall discuss this in detail in a separate email)

• Now Go to Page Marked as Under

Application for CISA Certification
Instructions for Completion of Forms

• Read these instructions before completing the form.

• Now go to page 1 of the form.

• Here give names and addresses of 3 persons who will certify your experience. These may be your seniors or ex-employer(s). These people will be contacted / called to confirm your claim.

• Now go to page 2

• Fill in the details related to work experience.

• Tick against areas (domain) we studied in CRM.

• Now go to part B and claim experience waivers.

• Complete all details on page 2.

• Now go to page 3.

• Take print-out or make 3 copies.
• Give one copy each to the persons from whom you are receiving the references.
• These certificates must be kept in separate covers but may be sent with the same big cover in which you are sending the CISA Application.

• Now put these 3 covers in one big cover

• Also put the application form in big cover.

• Send this cover to ISACA at the address :-

Certification Coordinator
ISACA
3701 Algonquin Road, Suite 1010
Rolling Meadows, IL 60008-3124 USA

• You will receive your certification confirmation via email.

Hope this will help you in claiming your CISA Certificate.

Please note that ISACA is strict in verification and any wrong information may lead to rejection/cancellation of your certificate.

Mukesh Pandya, CISA
Manager (IT)

The topic outline for the Configuring Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure exam (70-642) specifically mentions routing and routing protocols as exam topics. Specifically mentioned are RIP, OSPF, and static routing – three topics every CCNA and CCNP candidate will be well prepared to handle!

IPSec isn’t part of the CCNA exam, but you’ll see it on at least one CCNP exam, and it’s also listed as a 70-642 exam topic. IPv6 and IPv4 addressing are both covered on the 70-642 as well.

Microsoft’s website lists the following major skills you should expect to see on this exam:

Configuring IP addresses and Services (routing with RIP and OSPF, static routing, persistent routing, addressing, DHCP and DHCP options including relay agents, IPSec policies, Authentication Header and Encapsulating Security Payload, subnetting, supernetting)

Configuring Name Resolution (DNS configuration, zones, records, replication, and integration with Active Directory, and client computer name resolution techniques)

Configuring Network Access (includes NAT, VPNs, RADIUS, 802.1x authentication, MS-CHAP, firewalls, and remote authentication methods)

Configuring File And Print Services (self-explanatory)

Monitoring And Managing A Network Infrastructure (includes SNMP and Windows Server Update Services)

Your CCNA and CCNP preparation will not quite be enough to get you past this exam, but as you can see, it’ll give you a great head start!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Bryant

Only highly trained and experienced software programmers are able to produce very large, complex, yet very secure software applications. No wonder that these programs cost a lot of money, as a highly experienced software programmer is very well paid. However, in order to become a good programmer, one must have a lot of work and training behind him and an associated degree can always help. No one is born a genius and in this ever-changing world of computer technologies, a good programmer must always be in touch with the latest discoveries and programming languages.

The better qualified you are, the higher your chances of getting a well paid job as a computer programmer and this is indeed the dream for every computer science student. That is why having a computer programming degree is very demanded, as it allows you to enjoy the multiple benefits of being a professional and experienced software programmer.

A computer programming degree is a very precious asset in every resume as it allows you to move forward in your software programmer career, ensuring you a better payment. Having a computer programming degree certifies that you are in touch with the latest trends as well as the latest technologies and documentations. Besides the basic skills of code writing, working with compilers and source codes you can get a degree in related topics, such as database programming languages or web based programming languages. If you are searching for a job, such a computer programming degree in your resume can weight a lot. Of course, aside from code writing and other similar jobs you may always be interested in getting a job as a DSP engineer especially since these jobs are getting paid better and better by the year.

Almost any large university offers its student the possibility to acquire a computer programming degree, as they all have computer science courses. Some universities famous for their degrees are Capella University and Kaplan University. Universities such as these offer a large array of computer programming degrees, two of the most important example being the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and Programming degree and Introduction to Computer Programming Language Certificate. These two degrees in computer programming degree can make the difference of you obtaining a programmer’s job and a very well paid, specialized programmer’s job. Businesses require the skills of computer programmers to help develop new programs and the need for good programmers is very high.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dean_Forster

These intrigued and prospective individuals see the attainment of an IT certification as a beginning step toward a road to employment utopia, offering nothing but great job options, wealth and certainty.

Yet, what individuals sometimes finally see is that IT certifications are something completely different than what they expected. And this is not saying that IT certification is negatively-fused. But, what is being said is that there are just some lofty praises, common misconceptions and miscues wrapped around IT certification, one of which is picking an IT certification due to a vogue status.

Selecting An IT Certification “In Vogue”

A large majority of certification hopefuls will select a specific certification solely because of it’s booming and sudden popularity. These IT candidates will almost always have no clue what the certification is comprised of, what its possibilities are or the logistics behind it. But, despite this, many will hop on whichever specific certification train and head, well, wherever it is they’re going. Talk about a blind-folded pursuit. The point here is, know where you’re going by selecting an IT certification that has direction and one that you’re knowledgeable about.

Research First

Selecting any certification requires some research, or in the least looking into what it involves and what’s required of an individual. Selecting an IT certification is a narrowing process that should be based on what one would prefer to do or be, in terms of IT working spheres. Know what you like doing with computers and parallel that over to a specific IT certification.

Know What You Are and What You Can Do

Before heading into a decision such as picking a new and dandy IT certification one should consider a few things. Ask a few questions to yourself. What draws you to computers, anything specific? What’s your background with computers? What’s your computer personality? What are your skill sets? By accessing the above to yourself, it’ll be clearly defined where you’re suited in the IT world, which can help you to narrow down which certification you’ll need.

Keep A Career In Mind

Selecting an IT certification should never be based on what is currently being pursued the most by other hopefuls. Why? Because it’s having faith in an IT opportunity that could very well turn into a fad over night. If the blind pursuit is chosen, one might very well be positioning oneself to go through the certification process, gain certification and at the end, have a mere trend thats only use is to collect dust as a framed and hanging reminder of a failed attempt.

This in mind, select an IT certification based off what you’d like to do, not in general, but in terms of a career. IT certifications are building blocks, not one way tickets to IT success.

So, keep your head about you and avoid IT certifications in vogue. Rather, opt to select an IT certification based off research, knowing yourself and knowing where your career is heading (or will be heading). Keep this in mind, and it’s a guarantee you’ll be heading in the right direction.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=E.S._Cromwell

The importance of Microsoft systems in the world of Information Technology (IT) can not be stressed too highly. The future is going to bring demands for specialized training beyond the current levels, and certification is going to be more than suggested, it is going to be required. In fact, this situation has already become the norm in many major organizations.

Regardless of if you are beginning in the IT field or if you are already working in the field, you are going to need to have a plan in place for your own personal career development. The field is confused because so many new technological advances explode onto the scene almost daily. The competition for positions is already intense, and will grow even more so as the generation raised in the internet and personal computer era comes of age armed with computer related skills that were not even imagined a few short years ago.

MCSE training is the type of thing that is going to be as important on your resume as your name. It will be like the basic high school diploma of ten years ago. Even in situations where you are all ready in the field and employed, MCSE training is going to be the type of thing that will make a difference in the competition for promotion within your IT organization.

Career development is the means by which you prepare now for what the future is going to bring. It means more than finding a job or getting the next promotion as important as those things may be to your future. What it also means is preparing yourself for the challenges of your chosen field. It means gaining the knowledge and skills that will allow you to succeed once the job is won or the promotion is secured. There are many things you are going to need to develop your IT career, but none may be as critical as the MCSE certificate.

Natalie Aranda writes about Information technology. One of the most important certifications in the IT field is the MCSE certification. This is the Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer certificate and it covers a wide range of Microsoft based systems. The MCSE certificate can be earned in a large number of different ways. You can use classroom training, distance or online learning courses, or Microsoft’s own e-learning program.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Natalie_Aranda