Last year I published an article about the best certificates of 2009. The number of readers is indicative that we are still facing confusion. I am adamant about telling the IT student/professional to look at relevancy. One must ask:

1. Is it relevant to my current job?

2. Which company offers the certification? Of course, one can never go wrong with Microsoft, Cisco, HP, Planet 3.

3. What is the demand now and in the future?

The Gartner Group recently released its top ten technologies for 2010. Leading the way is Cloud Computing followed by Advanced Analytics. Also included in the top ten are client computing, green computing, social computing, flash memory, security and virtualization. I tend to agree with the number one pick considering that Clouding is tied to virtual technology. Therefore, my number one recommendation for the best certification would be VCP offered by VMWare. Although expensive, it will be the most sought after qualification in 2010. VMWare will also offer an advanced certification, the VMWare Certified Design Expert.

Green IT is a dark horse in this IT race. Again, this certificate is tied to virtualization. Companies are paying attention to sustainability and cost savings. Symantec’s VP of Global Solutions recently stated, “Perhaps in the past, Green IT was a wish-list item, now it’s essential for almost every company we surveyed.” An important factor driving interest in Green is the conservation of electricity. Some businesses are paying between $21 and $27 million per year for electricity use. There are certifications offered by organizations such as the Green Building Certification Institute (LEED); cisco; IBM. Unknown terminology like Green Datacenters is now being thrown around. So my second choice for hot certificates would be GREEN.

Social computing and the rise of Web 2.0 have further boosted network security. Facebook, Digg, MySpace, wikis, blogs all need to be addressed in today’s work environment. Certifications that will continue to be in demand are Security+ (a bright start to a security career), CISSP, MCSE Security, CCSE from CheckPoint, CCSP from Cisco, and CWSP offered by Planet 3. My recommendation for potential students is to bag a certificate IT security. with your grades.

Although we are witnessing a change in requests for certified professionals, we must not forget the old ones. Microsoft has made a major move with the release of its 64-bit Windows Server 2008. This certification will not disappear. Microsoft Certified Desk Help Desk Technician is ideal for beginners and can be included with CompTIA Network+. MCSE Messaging is also in high demand. A quick browse through dice.com or itjobs.com will reinforce the sentiment that Red Hat Linux is a moneymaker (RHCE 302). Software as a Service (SaaS) is another innovative technology taking the IT world by storm. I hope one has identified the effect of virtualization. I read an article recently where the author said “do you want to travel the world? Get a virtualization certificate! I agree!

Career changers, in order not to be left out, should focus on developing a solid understanding of networking technology. I recommend a class that teaches data communication theory. CompTIA Network+ is a great class. The Cisco CCNA is a highly marketable certificate for beginners and will place the serious student in great surroundings.

Specializations are another way to get in. Mobility is in, so Blackberry and any messaging certification are well worth it. A strong understanding of Active Directory, Exchange, Group Policy can be rewarding. Today’s healthcare industry is fully computerized. Security and compliance certificates are also in demand. All in all, I can go on and on with the certificates and their value. Basically, it comes down to relevance and, to a large extent, what you enjoy. There is a certification that adapts to each professional. With a little legwork, you’ll find it. Go ahead!

Project management is sadly in need. Two certifications come to mind, Project Management Professional from PMI and CAPM. This exam requires a great deal of skill and experience, but the financial reward — $101,000, according to ZDNet — is tempting. I have identified a high demand for Microsoft Dynamics. Although I am not informed about this qualification, there is a demand for CRM professionals. At this point, I will mention a technology that I think will definitely catch on over time, and that is WiMAX. Verizon and AT&T are working on this technology and I think we’ll soon see certificates being offered.

My top ten certified list would look like this:- (Experienced)

1.VMWare VCP

2. Cisco Cloud Computing

3.MCSE-Security

4. Cisco CCIE Security

5.SQL

6.MCITP

7. RCE

8. Green IT

9.CWSP

10.anythingcitrix

My recommendation for career changer would be:- (Beginner)

1.Red+

2. GCDST

3.Security+

4.CompTIA A+

5. Exam MCTS 70-620 Vista Configuration

6. Installation and configuration of Windows 7

7.CWNA

8.CWSP

9.Microsoft Excel

10.MCITP 70-646 Windows Server Administration

6.CCNA

My recommendation to freelancers (self-employment consulting)

1. Microsoft Small Business Server

2.SharePoint

3.ITIL v2

4.LMS

5.Windows 2003/2008 server.