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Careers: Hottest IT Skills and IT Certifications


What are the top IT skills and certifications sought out by employers, even in the midst of a devastating recession that has pushed unemployment to its highest level in decades? Foote Partners, a research firm specializing in employment matters, has compiled 'Hot Lists' of the top Non-Certified IT Skills and the top IT Certifications. Better still, Foote Partners has broken it down further to specializations and listed the top paying skills and certifications in descending order. Where do you fit?
 
  • What are the top IT skills and certifications sought out by employers, even in the midst of a devastating recession that has pushed unemployment to its highest level in decades? Foote Partners, a research firm specializing in employment matters, has compiled “Hot Lists” of the top Non-Certified IT Skills and the top IT Certifications. Better still, Foote Partners has broken it down further to specializations and listed the top paying skills and certifications in descending order. Where do you fit?

    By Jessica Davis

  • Hot List of Non-Certified IT Skills

    1.Java EE, SE, ME
    2.Linux
    3.Virtualization
    4.Microsoft .NET
    5.NetWeaver (SAP)
    6.Flex
    7.Business process management/modeling/improvement
    8.SAP SM (Service Management)
    9.Security
    10.SAN (storage area networking)

  • Hot List of IT Certifications

    1.GIAC Certified Incident Handler
    2.EMC Proven Professional Technology Architect-Expert
    3.Citrix Certified Integration Architect
    4.HP/Master Accredited Systems Engineer
    5.Cisco Certified Security Professional
    6.CheckPoint Certified Master Architect
    7.GIAC Certified Forensics Analyst
    8.GIAC Certified Intrusion Analyst
    9.EMC Proven Professional Implementation Engineer - Expert
    10.GIAC Certified Incident Manager

  • Top paying Systems/Networking Skills

    Virtualization
    Network security management
    SAN (storage area networking)
    Infrastructure architecture
    Security (various, project-based)
    VOIP telephony
    Wireless network management (LANs, GSM)

  • Top paying App Dev Tools and Platforms skills

    NetWeaver
    RAD/Extreme Programming/Agile Programming
    Java/J2EE, SE, ME
    Oracle Developer Suite
    Business Objects

  • Top paying Web/eCommerce Development skills

    Microsoft .NET
    Ajax
    Microsoft Commerce Server
    Apache HTTP web server
    Documentum
    Microsoft Identity Integration Server
    Oracle Workflow
    Websphere

  • SAP/Enterprise Business Application Skills

    SAP Financial Accounting
    SAP HCM (SAP HR)
    SAP ERP (multiple skills)
    SAP Solution Manager
    NetWeaver BI (SAP BW)
    SAP Controlling (CO)
    Oracle Enterprise Apps
    SAP Retail
    SAP Netweaver Applications Server
    SAP BW (BI) Accelerator

  • Messaging and Communications Skills

    Unified communications/messaging

  • Database Skills

    Oracle DB 8i, 9i, 10g, 11i
    Microsoft SQL Server
    Database management
    Master Data Management

    Management, Process and Methodology Skills
    Business process management, modeling, improvement
    Project management
    CRM

  • Applications Development and Programming Languages certifications

    Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD)
    IBM Certified SOA Solution Designer
    Sun Certified Enterprise Architect for Java Platform

  • Database certifications

    Oracle DBA Administrator Certified Master (OCM)
    Teradata Certified Master

  • Systems Administration and Engineering/NOS certifications

    Citrix Certified Integration Architect (CCIA)
    HP Master Accredited Systems Engineer (Master ASE)
    Microsoft Certified Architect (MCA)

  • Networking/Internetworking

    Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE, all variations)
    Cisco Certified Design Expert (CCDE)
    EMC Proven Professional Technology Architect - Expert
    SNIA Certified Storage Networking Epert
    SNIA Certified Architect
    Cisco Certified Design Professional (CCDP)
    Certified Systems Instructor (CCSI)
    Cisco Certified Voice Professional (CCVP)
    Cisco IP Telephony Design Specialist
    CWNP/Planet3 Certified Wireless Network Expert (CWNE)

  • Security certifications

    Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
    GIAC Security Expert (GSE)/Security Leadership (GSLC)
    Information Systems Security Engineering Professional (CISSP/ISSEP)
    Information Systems Security Architecture Professional (CISSP/ISSAP)
    Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
    Information Systems Security Management Professional (CISSP/ISSMP)
    GIAC Secure Software Programmer (GSSP)
    GIAC Certified Forensics Analyst (GCFA)
    Check Point Certified Master Architect (CCMA)
    Cisco Certified Security Professional (CSP)

  • Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

    GIAC Certified Intrusion Analyst (GCIA)
    GIAC .NET (GNET)
    GIAC Auditing Wireless Networks (GAWN)
    GIAC Certified Incident Manager (GCIM)
    Security Certified Network Architect

  • Architecture and Project Management

    Master IT Certified Architect (ITAC/The Open Group)
    Project Management Professional (PMP)

  • General/Beginner Training

    Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT)
    CompTIA Certified Technical Trainer (CTT+)