IT Infrastructure Qualifications

CompTIA A+

CompTIA Network+

The CompTIA A+ certificate is vendor-neutral and serves to verify the fundamental knowledge and abilities of IT newcomers. Its purpose is to assess the competency of individuals in areas such as computer hardware and software system installation, maintenance, networking, security, and troubleshooting. This certification holds global recognition and is frequently a prerequisite for entry level IT infrastructure support jobs.

Having CompTIA A+ and Network+ certificates can qualify you for several jobs in the IT industry including:
1st Line IT support or Helpdesk Engineer, 2nd Line or Deskside IT Support Engineer, Network or Infrastructure Engineer

Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) – retired certificate

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) – retired certificate

The MCSA certification validates a candidate's skills and knowledge in Microsoft technologies, including Windows Server, SQL Server, Office 365, and Azure. It requires passing one or more exams, depending on the specific certification track.
The MCSE certification is a higher-level certification that builds upon the MCSA certification.

Microsoft Certified Azure Solutions Architect Expert

The Microsoft Certified Azure Solutions Architect Expert is a certification offered by Microsoft that validates an individual's expertise in designing and implementing solutions on the Microsoft Azure cloud platform.

To obtain this certification, candidates need to pass two exams: AZ-303: Microsoft Azure Architect Technologies, which focuses on designing and implementing solutions using Azure infrastructure and services, and AZ-304: Microsoft Azure Architect Design, which focuses on designing advanced solutions using Azure services.

The Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification demonstrates that an individual has a deep understanding of Azure services, can design and implement solutions that meet business requirements, and can provide guidance throughout the project lifecycle.

This certification is ideal for professionals who work with Azure cloud technology and want to advance their careers as systems architects, solutions architects or cloud architects.

Microsoft Certified: Azure Support Engineer

The Microsoft Certified Azure Support Engineer certification is a professional certification offered by Microsoft that demonstrates an individual's expertise in supporting Microsoft Azure cloud services.

The certification verifies that an individual has the skills to provide technical support for Azure-based solutions, including managing Azure subscriptions, configuring virtual machines and storage, implementing network security and connectivity, and monitoring and troubleshooting Azure resources.

To earn the certificate, candidates must pass the Microsoft Azure Support Engineer certification exam (AZ-900) and demonstrate their proficiency in Azure support services. The exam covers topics such as Azure cloud concepts, Azure services, security and compliance, pricing and support, and monitoring and troubleshooting.

Job Roles: Cloud Administrator, Azure Support Engineer

Microsoft Certified: Azure Network Engineer

The Microsoft Certified Azure Network Engineer certification is a credential that validates a professional's expertise in designing, implementing, and managing Azure networking solutions. This certification is part of the Microsoft Azure certification program, which is designed to help individuals demonstrate their expertise in various Azure-related areas.

To earn the Microsoft Certified Azure Network Engineer certification, individuals must pass the AZ-700: Designing and Implementing Microsoft Azure Networking Solutions exam. This exam covers topics such as implementing virtual networking, implementing load balancing and network security, designing and implementing site-to-site and hybrid networking, and monitoring and troubleshooting Azure networking solutions.

Job Roles: Cloud Administrator, Azure Support Engineer, Cloud Systems Engineer

Microsoft 365 Certified: Fundamentals

The Microsoft 365 Certified Fundamentals certification is an entry-level certification that validates a candidate's understanding of the Microsoft 365 suite of services, including Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive, Exchange, and other related technologies.

The certification is intended for individuals who are interested in pursuing a career in IT or for those looking to enhance their knowledge of Microsoft 365. The exam covers topics such as cloud concepts, Microsoft 365 services, and concepts, security, compliance, privacy, and support.

Job Roles: 1st line IT support, IT helpdesk support, Office 365 Administrator

Microsoft 365 Certified: Exchange Online Support Engineer Certificate

The Microsoft 365 Exchange Online Support Engineer certification validates the skills and expertise of individuals in supporting and administering Exchange Online, a component of the Microsoft 365 suite of products.

The certificate is designed for IT professionals who are responsible for supporting Exchange Online environments, including troubleshooting issues related to certificates, authentication, and connectivity.

To obtain the certification, individuals must pass a single exam, which covers topics such as configuring and managing mail flow, managing mailboxes and recipient objects, and troubleshooting Exchange Online.

Job roles – IT Support Engineer, Cloud Engineer, Exchange Administrator

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

The CCNA certification is designed to validate an individual's understanding and skills in the installation, configuration, and operation of medium-sized networks.

Covering a broad range of networking concepts, including network fundamentals, LAN switching technologies, routing technologies, WAN technologies, infrastructure services, security, and wireless concepts. It also includes hands-on experience with Cisco routers and switches, allowing individuals to configure and troubleshoot networks.

Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)

A more advanced certification in networking, the CCNP certification validates the skills and knowledge required to plan, implement, verify, and troubleshoot local and wide-area enterprise networks.

The CCNP certification program covers various networking technologies, such as routing, switching, security, wireless, collaboration, and data centre. To earn the CCNP certification, candidates must pass a series of exams that demonstrate their proficiency in these areas.

Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE)

A professional certification offered by Cisco Systems, Inc. CCIE is the highest level of certification in the networking industry, and it is designed for experienced network engineers, architects, and other IT professionals who specialise in designing, implementing, and managing complex networking infrastructure.

To obtain the certification, candidates must pass a rigorous exam that covers advanced networking concepts, protocols, technologies, and best practices. The exam is divided into two parts: a written exam and a hands-on lab exam. The written exam tests the candidate's theoretical knowledge of networking, while the lab exam tests their ability to design, configure, troubleshoot, and optimize complex network setups.

CCIE certification is highly respected in the IT industry and is recognized worldwide as a mark of excellence in networking expertise.

Job roles – IT Network Support, Communications Engineer, Cyber Security Specialist

Google Cloud Certified - Associate Cloud Engineer

The Google Cloud Certified - Associate Cloud Engineer certification is designed to validate your skills in deploying, managing, and operating cloud systems on the Google Cloud Platform (GCP). Holding this certification demonstrates that you have the foundational knowledge and skills to deploy and manage cloud applications and infrastructure on GCP.

As an Associate Cloud Engineer, you can work in a variety of roles that involve deploying and managing cloud solutions on GCP, including:

Job Roles: Cloud Engineer, Cloud Support Engineer, Cloud Consultant, DevOps Engineer

Google Cloud Certified - Professional Cloud Architect

Holding this certification demonstrates that you have a deep understanding of GCP services and can design and implement cloud solutions that meet business objectives.

As a Professional Cloud Architect, you can work in a variety of roles that involve designing and implementing cloud solutions on Google Cloud Platform, including:

Job Roles: Cloud Consultant, Cloud Engineer, Cloud Solutions Architect, DevOps Engineer, Infrastructure Architect