Top 11 Administrator Certifications

Certifications are an important factor for administrators in the job market as they demonstrate a mastery of the skills and knowledge necessary to perform key roles. They serve as a proof that the individual has achieved a certain level of proficiency in their field and can provide employers with confidence that they are qualified to handle complex tasks. Certifications also help identify potential areas of improvement, demonstrate commitment to professional development, and give administrators an edge over competition. Additionally, certifications can open up opportunities for higher pay or career advancement.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of top certifications for Administrators, and explain how they can help to advance their career.

What are Administrator Certifications?

Administrator certification is a type of professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and expertise in managing and administering computer networks. It provides individuals with the skills they need to effectively configure, monitor, troubleshoot, and maintain computer networks. This certification can help improve job opportunities for those who have the necessary technical skills and experience. It also helps employers ensure their IT staff members are up-to-date on the latest technology trends and best practices. Additionally, having an administrator certification shows potential employers that the individual is serious about their career in IT and willing to invest in their own development. With this certification, employers can be confident in hiring someone who has the knowledge and expertise necessary for a successful IT career.

Pro Tip: When pursuing an administrator certification, make sure to research the requirements and the process for obtaining certification in your desired field. Additionally, it is important to stay up-to-date with any changes or updates to the certification requirements and processes as they may change over time.

Related: What does an Administrator do?

Top 11 Administrator Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Administrators today.

1. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Server Infrastructure

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Server Infrastructure is a certification that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in designing, deploying, and managing IT infrastructures that are based on Microsoft technologies. This certification is designed for IT professionals who have a minimum of two years of experience in server administration and who want to validate their skills in Windows Server 2012 and Windows Server 2008.

In order to obtain the MCSE: Server Infrastructure certification, individuals must pass five exams. These exams cover topics such as Windows Server 2012 installation and configuration, Active Directory Domain Services management, network services management, storage solutions, virtualization solutions, and server infrastructure design. The exams can be taken at any authorized testing center or online through Microsoft's website.

The cost of the MCSE: Server Infrastructure certification varies depending on the number of exams taken and whether the exams are taken online or at a testing center. Generally speaking, each exam costs around $150 USD. Therefore, if all five exams are taken online it would cost approximately $750 USD to obtain the certification.

It typically takes between three to six months to prepare for the MCSE: Server Infrastructure certification depending on an individual’s background knowledge and experience with Microsoft technologies.

2. CompTIA A+

CompTIA A+ is an industry-recognized certification for IT professionals. It is designed to demonstrate competency in the areas of hardware, software, networking, security and troubleshooting. The certification is highly valued by employers as it demonstrates a high level of knowledge and experience in the field.

The CompTIA A+ certification exam consists of two parts: Core 1 (220-1001) and Core 2 (220-1002). Each part consists of 90 multiple choice questions that must be completed within 90 minutes. To become certified, you must pass both exams with a score of at least 700 out of 900.

To get the CompTIA A+ certification, you must first register to take the exams through Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers. You can also register online at CompTIA's website. The cost for each exam is $226 USD or $452 USD for both exams combined.

It usually takes around 3 months to prepare for the CompTIA A+ certification exams depending on your background knowledge and experience in IT. It is recommended that you take practice tests before taking the actual exams in order to increase your chances of success.

3. Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA)

Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) is a certification program offered by Microsoft that validates a person’s knowledge and skills in administering Windows-based systems. It is an entry-level certification that demonstrates a professional’s ability to install, configure, and maintain Windows Server operating systems.

It typically takes around three months to prepare for the MCSA certification exam. The preparation involves studying the official Microsoft course material and taking practice tests. Once you have prepared sufficiently, you can register for the exam at a Pearson VUE or Prometric testing center. The cost of the exam varies depending on location but is usually around $150 USD.

The MCSA certification requires passing three exams: one core exam and two elective exams. To obtain the MCSA certification, you must pass all three exams within two years of taking your first exam. After passing all three exams, you will be awarded an MCSA certificate from Microsoft.

4. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) is a certification offered by Cisco Systems, Inc. It is an entry-level certification that validates the knowledge and skills of networking professionals in installing, configuring, operating, and troubleshooting medium-size routed and switched networks.

It typically takes between three to six months to prepare for the CCNA exam. The preparation process includes studying the materials provided by Cisco, attending training classes, or taking online courses. It is also important to practice with hands-on labs and simulations to become familiar with the concepts covered in the exam.

In order to obtain the CCNA certification, you must pass two exams: ICND1 (Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices 1) and ICND2 (Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices 2). You can either take both exams separately or combine them into one exam called CCNAX.

The cost of taking the CCNA exams varies depending on where you take them. Generally speaking, it can range from $250-$400 per exam.

5. VMware Certified Professional (VCP)

VMware Certified Professional (VCP) is a certification program from VMware that validates an individual's skills in virtualization and cloud computing. It is designed to demonstrate the expertise of IT professionals who are knowledgeable about VMware products, technologies, and solutions.

To become a VCP, individuals must first complete a training course in their chosen area of specialization. The courses range from two to five days in length and can be taken either online or in-person. After completing the course, candidates must pass an exam to receive their certification.

The cost of the VCP certification varies depending on the type of training course taken and whether or not it is taken online or in-person. Generally speaking, the cost ranges from $1,000-$3,000 USD for the entire process (including exam fees).

Once certified as a VCP, individuals must recertify every two years to maintain their credentials. Recertification requires passing one additional exam and completing at least 60 hours of continuing education credits over the two year period.

6. Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA)

Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) is a certification program offered by Red Hat, Inc., a leading provider of open source software solutions. The RHCSA certification validates an individual's skills and knowledge in administering Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems. It is designed to demonstrate competence in areas such as installation and configuration of systems, system security, networking services, user management, system maintenance and troubleshooting.

The RHCSA exam typically takes 2-3 hours to complete and consists of multiple-choice questions. In order to become certified, individuals must successfully pass the exam with a score of at least 75%. The cost of the exam varies depending on location but generally ranges from $400-$500 USD.

In order to prepare for the exam, individuals can take advantage of self-study materials such as books or online tutorials. Additionally, there are several training courses available through Red Hat that provide hands-on experience with their products and prepare candidates for the exam.

7. Oracle Database Administrator Certified Professional (OCP)

Oracle Database Administrator Certified Professional (OCP) is an Oracle certification program designed to validate and recognize the skills of database administrators. It is a professional-level certification that demonstrates a high level of proficiency in administering Oracle databases.

The OCP certification requires successful completion of two exams: 1Z0-071 Oracle Database 12c SQL and 1Z0-062 Oracle Database 12c: Installation and Administration. The exams are available in both English and Japanese.

It typically takes between 6 to 12 months to prepare for the OCP exams, depending on your experience level. Preparation includes studying course materials, taking practice tests, attending classes or workshops, and gaining hands-on experience with the software.

To get certified, you must register for the exam at Oracle University or through a third-party testing center such as Pearson VUE or Prometric. You must also pay an exam fee which varies depending on the country you are taking the exam in. In the United States, the cost is $245 per exam plus applicable taxes.

In addition to passing both exams, you must also have at least six months of work experience as an Oracle Database Administrator before you can be awarded your OCP certification.

8. Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA): Windows Server 2016

Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA): Windows Server 2016 is a certification that validates an individual’s skills in administering, deploying, and troubleshooting Windows Server 2016. It is designed to provide IT professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage a Windows Server 2016 environment.

To get the MCSA: Windows Server 2016 certification, you must pass two exams: Exam 70-740: Installation, Storage, and Compute with Windows Server 2016 and Exam 70-741: Networking with Windows Server 2016. Both exams must be completed within 12 months of each other to receive the certification.

The cost for each exam varies by region but typically ranges from $165-$200 USD per exam.

To prepare for the exams, Microsoft offers a variety of resources such as instructor-led courses, self-paced training kits, practice tests, virtual labs and more. Additionally, there are many third-party resources available online that can help you prepare for the exams.

9. CompTIA Network+

CompTIA Network+ is an industry-recognized, vendor-neutral certification that validates the knowledge and skills of networking professionals. It is designed to prove a person’s competency in managing, maintaining, troubleshooting, installing and configuring basic network infrastructure.

The CompTIA Network+ certification exam consists of 90 multiple-choice questions and takes 90 minutes to complete. The exam covers topics such as network technologies, installation and configuration, media and topologies, management and security. To earn the certification, a passing score of 720 on a scale of 100-900 is required.

To get the CompTIA Network+ certification, you must first register for the exam through CompTIA's website or through one of their authorized partners. Once registered, you can take the exam at any Pearson VUE testing center around the world.

The cost of taking the CompTIA Network+ exam varies depending on your location but typically costs between $300-$400 USD.

10. Citrix Certified Administrator (CCA)

Citrix Certified Administrator (CCA) is an industry-recognized certification that verifies a person’s expertise in administering and managing Citrix products. The certification covers topics such as installation, configuration, troubleshooting, and security of Citrix solutions. It also covers the integration of virtualization technologies with other enterprise systems.

It typically takes 6-9 months to prepare for the CCA exam depending on prior experience and knowledge. To get certified, individuals must take and pass the CCA exam which consists of 90 questions that must be completed within 120 minutes. The exam fee is $200 USD.

11. AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate

AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate is an industry-recognized certification that validates your ability to deploy, manage, and operate applications on the Amazon Web Services (AWS) platform. This certification demonstrates your expertise in deploying, managing, and operating distributed systems on AWS. It also validates your technical knowledge of the AWS platform and its services.

The exam typically takes around 2 hours to complete. It consists of multiple choice questions that cover topics such as deployment automation, monitoring, security and compliance, networking, storage management, high availability and scalability.

In order to get certified you must first register for the exam through the AWS Certification Portal. The cost of the exam is $150 USD. Once registered you will receive an email with instructions on how to access the exam. After completing the exam you will receive a score report indicating whether or not you passed.

Once you have passed the exam you will be awarded an AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate certificate which is valid for two years from the date of passing. To maintain your certification status you must recertify every two years by passing either a new or recertification exam or by earning continuing education credits through approved activities such as attending conferences or taking online courses.

Do You Really Need a Administrator Certificate?

When it comes to whether or not you need an administrator certificate, the answer is largely dependent on your career goals and current job situation. If you are looking for a career in administration, having an administrator certificate can be a great way to stand out from other applicants and demonstrate your commitment to the field. It can also provide the opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and skills that will help you excel in a leadership role.

On the other hand, if you are already employed in an administrative role, having an administrator certificate may not be necessary. Depending on the organization’s policies and procedures, you may already have access to the same level of training and development without needing a formal certification. In addition, many organizations prefer to hire employees with experience rather than certifications alone.

Ultimately, deciding whether or not to pursue an administrator certificate is up to each individual and their specific career goals. For those looking for advancement in their current role or a new position as an administrator, obtaining a certificate could be beneficial. However, for those who are already working in administration and don’t need additional credentials, it may not be necessary.

Related: Administrator Resume Examples

FAQs About Administrator Certifications

1. What is an Administrator Certification?

Answer: An Administrator Certification is a type of credential that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and skill in the field of administration. It typically involves completing a course or program and passing an exam to prove competency in the area.

2. How long does it take to get certified as an administrator?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to become certified as an administrator can vary depending on the type and level of certification being pursued. Generally, most certifications require at least several months of study, practice, and preparation before taking the exam.

3. What are the benefits of getting certified as an administrator?

Answer: Becoming certified as an administrator can provide many benefits, such as increased job opportunities, higher salaries, professional recognition, career advancement opportunities, and more.

4. Are there any prerequisites for becoming certified as an administrator?

Answer: Yes, most certifying bodies have certain prerequisites that must be met before a person can sit for their certification exam. These may include completing specific courses or having relevant work experience in the field.

5. Is there any cost involved with getting certified as an administrator?

Answer: Yes, there may be some costs associated with obtaining certification as an administrator such as course fees or exam registration fees. Depending on the certifying body, these costs may vary significantly so it’s important to research each organization thoroughly before registering for their program.