IN THESE challenging times where job cuts and redundancies are on the rise, the mantra seems to be - 'survival of the fittest'. Simply put, if one has to survive, one needs to be fit and ahead of the pack.

"Judging by the current state of economy, we are expecting an even more competitive job market in 2009," said Georgette Anderson, lead applications instructor, Microsoft Office specialist at New Horizons Computer Learning Centers, Kingston.

Importance of certification

The Microsoft Office instructor said that getting a certification works for both individuals and organisations.

"For individuals, getting a certification can ensure greater job retention probability, salary maintenance and eligibility to be hired or promoted," Anderson said. "For companies, having employees with relevant certifications will give them a competitive edge."

Get an edge

Andre Harris, lead technical instructor and systems engineer at New Horizons Computer Learning Centers, further added that getting certification has become a necessity as job volumes become less and organisations cut costs. "Organisations will become more discriminating when it comes to hiring and retaining their workforce," Harris said.

He detailed some certifications that are and likely to be in demand in 2009.

Certifications in high demand

Project Management Professional (PMP)

PMP credentials are awarded by the Project Management Institute (PMI). PMI credentials reflect achievement and that you have. These credentials show that you have demonstrated excellence in the field by meeting standard requirements established by global project management practitioners.

Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)

Cisco Certified Network Professional is the technical networking certification offered by Cisco. Over the years, this certification has identified networking professionals with the level of expertise.

Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

The technical skills and practices that CISA promotes and evaluates are the building blocks of success in the field. "Possessing the CISA designation demonstrates proficiency and is the basis for measurement in the profession," Harris said.

The Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

This certification is developed specifically for experienced information security managers and those who have information security management responsibilities.

Individuals earning the CISM certification become part of an elite peer network, and the CISM job practice also defines a global job description for the information security manager and a method to measure existing staff or compare prospective new hires.

Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL)

ITIL gives an adaptive and flexible framework for managing IT services and encourages the use of common sense than to follow a rigid set of rules. ITIL can deliver huge cost savings for an organisation by promoting the optimum use of people, process and technology.

Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE)

Red Hat Certified Engineer is a performance-based test that measures actual competency on live systems. Referred to as crown jewel of Linux certifications, RHCE proves an individual's ability to configure networking services and security on servers running a Red Hat Operating System.

Sun Certified Developer for the Java Platform (SDJP)

This performance-based certification is for developers interested in demonstrating advanced proficiency in the Java programming language using the Java SE.

The SCJP lays the groundwork to many other development certifications and is ideal for all web developers. 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).

The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

This is an independent information security certification governed by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (commonly known as ISC). IT professionals with security expertise are often in high demand, and the CISSP is one metric by which that expertise can be demonstrated.

Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD)

The Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD) or Microsoft .NET credential is the top-level certification for advanced developers who design and develop leading-edge enterprise solutions by using Microsoft development tools and technologies in addition to the Microsoft .NET Framework 1.0 and Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1.

The Microsoft Certified Solution Developer certification is designed for people who like to problem-solve.

Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE)

The strength of Windows Server 2003 in the market today indicates that demand for related IT expertise will continue for years to come.

The best way to demonstrate your expert skills on Windows Server 2003 and to inspire confidence in a hiring manager, your team and yourself is by earning the Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) first and then going to next level of Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer credentials.

"Getting certification can give you momentum and also create confidence which can come handy during turbulent times," Harris said.

amitabh.sharma@gleanerjm.com