Top 11 Implementation Engineer Certifications

Certifications are important for an implementation engineer in the job market because they demonstrate a commitment to professional development and knowledge of industry standards. Employers use certifications to gauge the potential of applicants, and having specific certifications can be beneficial when applying for jobs. Certifications also provide evidence that an engineer is competent in their field, which can be especially helpful when competing against other candidates with similar qualifications. Furthermore, certifications can open up opportunities for further training and advancement within an organization.

The purpose of this article is to review the most beneficial certifications for Implementation Engineers and demonstrate how they can enhance an implementation engineer's career.

What are Implementation Engineer Certifications?

Implementation Engineer Certification is a professional certification designed to ensure that individuals possess the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully design, deploy, manage, and support enterprise IT systems. This certification is offered by multiple vendors and organizations, such as Cisco, Microsoft, CompTIA, HPE, and Oracle. The certification covers a range of topics related to designing, deploying, managing, and supporting IT infrastructure solutions.

The primary benefit of obtaining an Implementation Engineer Certification is that it demonstrates an individual's knowledge of best practices in the field of IT systems implementation and management. For example, the certification may include courses on system architecture design principles; network security fundamentals; project management principles; software installation procedures; system troubleshooting techniques; performance optimization methods; Microsoft Windows Server Administration; virtualization technologies; storage technologies; data backup and recovery strategies; cloud computing concepts; server clustering solutions; scripting languages like PowerShell and Bash; monitoring tools like Nagios and Prometheus; automation tools like Puppet or Ansible; container technologies like Docker or Kubernetes. With these skills in hand, certified engineers will be better equipped to successfully implement complex IT infrastructures for their organizations.

In addition to providing a proof-of-knowledge credential for employers to consider when hiring new staff members or evaluating existing team members for promotions or other opportunities within the organization, having an Implementation Engineer Certification may also lead to higher salaries as well as increased career opportunities in the field of IT systems implementation and management.

Pro Tip: When considering an implementation engineer certification, make sure to research the certifying organization and its credentials. Also, ensure that the certification is up-to-date with current industry standards and that it covers topics relevant to your specific field or job role.

Related: What does an Implementation Engineer do?

Top 11 Implementation Engineer Certifications

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

1. Certified Implementation Engineer (CIE)

A Certified Implementation Engineer (CIE) is a professional who has been certified to install, configure, and maintain complex software systems. CIEs are responsible for understanding the architecture of the system, installing and configuring the system, integrating it with existing systems, and providing ongoing maintenance.

In order to become a CIE, you must take an exam administered by a third-party certification provider such as Microsoft or Oracle. The length of time it takes to complete the exam depends on the complexity of the software being tested. Generally speaking, exams can range from one hour to several days in length.

The cost of taking the exam varies depending on the certification provider and type of certification being sought. Generally speaking, exams can cost anywhere from $100 to $1000 or more.

In addition to taking an exam, CIEs must also have experience working with the software they are certifying in order to be successful in their role. This means that applicants should have at least two years of experience working with the technology before attempting to take an exam for certification.

2. Certified DevOps Engineer (CDE)

A Certified DevOps Engineer (CDE) is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in the principles, practices, and tools of DevOps. The certification is designed to help IT professionals develop the skills needed to effectively manage and deploy software applications in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment.

The CDE certification requires applicants to pass an exam administered by an accredited testing center. The exam covers topics such as continuous integration/delivery, automation, infrastructure as code, security and monitoring. It takes approximately 3-4 hours to complete the exam.

To get certified, individuals must first register for the exam online at the official website of their chosen testing center. Applicants must then pay a fee to take the exam which varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $200-$400 USD. Once registered and paid for, applicants will receive instructions on how to access their exams online or at a local testing center.

The CDE certification is valid for two years after which individuals must recertify by taking another exam or completing continuing education credits.

3. Certified Cloud Solutions Architect (CCSA)

The Certified Cloud Solutions Architect (CCSA) is a professional certification program that validates an individual's knowledge and skills in designing, deploying, and managing cloud computing solutions. It is designed to equip IT professionals with the necessary skills to develop and implement cloud-based architectures.

It typically takes about three months of study and preparation for the CCSA exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as cloud computing fundamentals, cloud architecture, security, networking, storage, virtualization, automation and orchestration.

In order to get certified as a CCSA, you must pass the CCSA exam offered by a certified testing center. The cost of the exam varies depending on the testing center but can range from $200 to $400 USD. After passing the exam, you will receive your certification from the vendor who administered it.

4. Certified Network Security Engineer (CNSE)

Certified Network Security Engineer (CNSE) is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and skills in network security. It is designed for IT professionals who want to specialize in the implementation, management, and support of secure networks. The certification provides a comprehensive view of network security technologies and best practices.

To obtain the CNSE certification, individuals must pass two exams: the CNSE Core Exam and the CNSE Practical Application Exam. The Core Exam covers topics such as network security fundamentals, authentication methods, encryption techniques, firewalls, intrusion detection systems, virtual private networks (VPNs), and more. The Practical Application Exam tests an individual’s ability to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios.

The cost of the CNSE certification varies depending on where you take the exams. Generally speaking, it costs around $500 for both exams combined. Additionally, some employers may require additional training or experience before taking the exam.

In terms of time commitment, it typically takes about three months to prepare for both exams if you are studying full-time; however this could vary depending on your background in network security and how much time you are able to dedicate to studying each day.

5. Certified Systems Administrator (CSA)

A Certified Systems Administrator (CSA) is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and experience in the field of system administration. The CSA credential is awarded by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC2).

The CSA exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as network security, system architecture, operating systems, system administration, and system performance. Candidates must have at least two years of experience in the field to qualify for the exam.

The exam takes approximately three hours to complete and costs $250 USD. To get certified, candidates must pass the CSA exam with a score of at least 75%. After passing the exam, candidates will receive their official CSA certification from ISC2.

Candidates can prepare for the CSA exam by taking courses or studying independently using books or online resources. There are also practice exams available that can help candidates become familiar with the type of questions they may encounter on the real exam.

6. Certified Database Administrator (CDBA)

A Certified Database Administrator (CDBA) is a professional designation for individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to manage and maintain database systems. This certification is awarded by the Oracle Corporation, which is one of the leading providers of database software. The CDBA certification is designed to recognize individuals who have a deep understanding of database administration principles, as well as an ability to apply those principles in real-world scenarios.

To become certified, applicants must pass two exams: the Oracle Database 12c: Administration I exam and the Oracle Database 12c: Administration II exam. Both exams are two hours long and consist of multiple choice questions. The exams cover topics such as installation, configuration, security, backup/recovery, data integrity, performance tuning and troubleshooting.

The cost of taking these exams varies depending on where you take them; however, it typically ranges from $200-$400 per exam. In addition to the cost of the exams themselves, there may also be additional costs associated with preparation materials and training courses.

Once you have passed both exams successfully, your name will be added to the list of certified professionals on Oracle's website. You will then receive a certificate from Oracle that recognizes your achievement as a Certified Database Administrator (CDBA).

7. Certified Solutions Architect (CSA)

Certified Solutions Architect (CSA) is a certification program offered by Amazon Web Services (AWS). It is designed to validate the skills and knowledge of experienced IT professionals who design, deploy, and manage applications and services on the AWS platform.

The CSA certification is divided into two levels: Associate and Professional. The Associate level focuses on core AWS services such as EC2, S3, VPC, RDS, CloudFormation, and more. The Professional level covers advanced topics like security, high availability, scalability, and cost optimization.

It usually takes around 3-6 months to prepare for the CSA exam. To get certified you must pass a multiple choice or multiple answer exam that consists of 65 questions in total. The exam is timed with a maximum duration of 80 minutes.

The cost of the CSA certification varies depending on your location and currency. In the US it costs $150 for the Associate level exam and $300 for the Professional level exam.

8. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE)

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) is a certification program designed to validate an individual’s technical knowledge and skills in designing, implementing, and managing Microsoft-based solutions. The MCSE certification is intended for IT professionals who are responsible for the implementation, maintenance, and support of Windows Server-based networks.

To earn an MCSE certification, individuals must pass several exams that cover topics such as networking fundamentals, server administration, system security, and software development. The exams are typically taken at a Microsoft Certified Partner or other authorized testing center.

It usually takes six to twelve months to complete the necessary exams for the MCSE certification. However, this timeline can vary depending on an individual’s experience level and how quickly they can study and learn the material.

The cost of taking the exams varies depending on the location of the testing center and which exams are being taken. Generally speaking, each exam costs between $100 - $150 USD per exam.

9. Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)

Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) is a certification offered by Cisco Systems, Inc. It is designed to validate an individual’s skills in networking and related technologies. To become a CCNP, an individual must pass four exams: Routing and Switching (R&S), Security, Service Provider, and Collaboration.

The CCNP certification typically takes between six months to one year to complete depending on the individual's experience level and dedication. In order to get the CCNP certification, individuals must first pass the Cisco Certified Entry Network Technician (CCENT) exam or any of the current CCNA certifications before taking any of the four required exams for the CCNP program.

The cost of each exam varies depending on location and currency exchange rates; however, each exam typically costs around $200 USD. Additionally, there are various resources available such as books, online courses, and practice tests that can help individuals prepare for their exams which may incur additional costs.

10. VMware Certified Professional – Data Center Virtualization (VCP-DCV)

VMware Certified Professional – Data Center Virtualization (VCP-DCV) is a certification program designed to validate an individual’s skills and knowledge in the area of VMware vSphere. It is a vendor-neutral certification that demonstrates an individual’s ability to install, configure, manage, and troubleshoot vSphere environments.

To get the VCP-DCV certification, individuals must first complete a mandatory training course from an authorized VMware training provider. Once the course is completed, individuals must pass two exams: the VMware Certified Professional 6 – Data Center Virtualization Exam (VCP6-DCV) and the VMware Certified Professional 6 – Data Center Virtualization Delta Exam (VCP6-DCV Delta). The VCP6-DCV exam covers general knowledge of vSphere features and functionality while the VCP6-DCV Delta exam focuses on more advanced topics such as troubleshooting and performance optimization.

The cost for taking these exams varies depending on where you take them but typically ranges between $225-$250 USD per exam. The total cost for both exams can range anywhere from $450-$500 USD depending on your location.

Once both exams are passed, individuals will be officially certified as a VMware Certified Professional – Data Center Virtualization (VCP-DCV). This certification is valid for three years after which time individuals must retake the VCP6-DCV Delta exam in order to maintain their certification status.

11. Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA).

Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) is a certification program designed to validate the skills of system administrators who have experience working with Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems. The RHCSA certification is intended to demonstrate that an individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to perform essential system administration tasks on Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems.

The RHCSA exam typically takes two hours to complete and consists of multiple choice questions, hands-on exercises, and performance-based tasks. To become certified, an individual must pass the RHCSA exam with a score of at least 70%.

To get started on the path to becoming an RHCSA, individuals should first become familiar with Red Hat Enterprise Linux by taking courses or self-study. After gaining some experience in system administration, individuals should register for and take the official Red Hat Exam Prep course. This course will provide students with the information they need to prepare for and pass the RHCSA exam.

The cost of the RHCSA exam varies depending on location but generally ranges from $400-$500 USD.

Do You Really Need a Implementation Engineer Certificate?

The short answer to this question is no, you do not need an implementation engineer certificate in order to pursue a career as an implementation engineer. However, having such a certificate can certainly give you an edge over other job applicants who don’t have one.

In today's job market, employers are looking for candidates with the necessary skills and qualifications to fill positions quickly and efficiently. An implementation engineer certificate can demonstrate that you understand the complexities of software development and deployment, as well as the technologies used in the process. It also shows that you have taken the time to gain additional knowledge and training in this field, which gives employers assurance that they are hiring someone who is committed to their profession.

Having a certification also demonstrates your dedication to staying up-to-date on trends and advancements in technology. Employers appreciate professionals who are constantly learning new things and expanding their skill set so they can stay ahead of the competition. Additionally, certifications often come with continuing education requirements, which helps ensure that engineers stay current on best practices and industry standards.

Finally, having an implementation engineer certificate may open doors for advancement opportunities within your company or even access to new job opportunities elsewhere. By having a certification under your belt, you prove yourself as a knowledgeable professional who has taken the initiative to further their career by investing in their own education. This may make you stand out from other candidates when applying for jobs or promotions within your organization or outside of it.

Overall, while an implementation engineer certification isn't necessarily required for success in this field, it can give you a major leg-up in terms of gaining experience and recognition from potential employers. Investing in yourself through continuing education courses or certifications is always worth it if it means achieving greater success!

Related: Implementation Engineer Resume Examples

FAQs About Implementation Engineer Certifications

Q1: What is an Implementation Engineer Certification?

A1: An Implementation Engineer Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates a person’s knowledge and skills in designing, building, deploying, and maintaining technology solutions. The certification typically requires passing an exam and meeting other requirements such as experience or continuing education.

Q2: What are the benefits of having an Implementation Engineer Certification?

A2: Benefits of having an Implementation Engineer Certification include improved job prospects, increased recognition in the industry, better salary and benefits packages, increased credibility with employers and clients, and more opportunities for career growth.

Q3: How do I become certified as an Implementation Engineer?

A3: To become certified as an Implementation Engineer, you must meet the requirements of the certification program you choose. This typically includes passing an exam, demonstrating relevant experience or continuing education credits, and agreeing to adhere to a code of ethics.

Q4: How long does it take to get certified as an Implementation Engineer?

A4: It can take anywhere from several weeks to several months to become certified as an Implementation Engineer depending on your individual circumstances. Factors such as your existing knowledge level, availability of preparation materials, test scheduling times, etc. can all affect your timeline for certification.

Q5: Is there any cost associated with obtaining an Implementation Engineer Certification?

A5: Yes – many certifications require payment of fees for registration, examination fees, and/or annual renewal fees.