Top 10 Infrastructure Analyst Certifications

Certifications are an important asset for any infrastructure analyst in the job market. They provide evidence of technical proficiency and expertise, demonstrate a commitment to ongoing professional development, and can help to validate an individual’s skillset. Additionally, certifications can open the door to more complex projects, higher salaries, and more career opportunities. Certified professionals often have access to exclusive resources such as industry-specific training programs, networking events, and knowledge sharing forums that can help them stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in the field. Furthermore, certifications can be used as a way of distinguishing one's self from other applicants when applying for jobs or promotions within an organization.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the top certifications for Infrastructure Analysts and explain how they can enhance an analyst's career prospects.

What are Infrastructure Analyst Certifications?

Infrastructure analyst certification is a type of professional certification that is designed to give IT professionals the skills and knowledge needed to design, implement, and maintain IT infrastructure systems. It covers topics such as computer hardware, networking, storage, operating systems, virtualization, security, and cloud computing. With these certifications, IT professionals can demonstrate their understanding of the core components of an IT infrastructure system and prove their expertise in this area.

By obtaining an infrastructure analyst certification, IT professionals can gain greater credibility within the industry and increase their job prospects. This certification can also help them to better understand the complexities of modern IT infrastructure systems and how they interact with one another. Additionally, it can provide a competitive edge when applying for jobs or negotiating contracts with clients. Furthermore, it can help them stay up-to-date on the latest technologies and trends in the industry so that they are well equipped to handle any challenges that may arise in their workplace. Finally, having an infrastructure analyst certification can open up career opportunities in a variety of sectors such as banking and finance, healthcare, education, government services, manufacturing and retail industries.

Pro tip: Before investing in an infrastructure analyst certification, research the certifying organization to ensure that it is accredited by a recognized authority and has a good reputation for providing quality training. Additionally, make sure to ask questions about the program's curriculum and course materials to ensure that they meet your specific needs.

Related: What does an Infrastructure Analyst do?

Top 10 Infrastructure Analyst Certifications

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

1. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Cloud Platform and Infrastructure

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Cloud Platform and Infrastructure is a certification program designed to help IT professionals demonstrate their expertise in cloud-related technologies. It focuses on the design, implementation, and management of cloud solutions that span across multiple platforms and services. The MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure certification validates an individual’s ability to deploy, configure, manage, and maintain cloud-based solutions using Microsoft Azure.

The MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure certification requires passing two exams: Exam 70-535: Architecting Microsoft Azure Solutions, and Exam 70-532: Developing Microsoft Azure Solutions. Both exams are available through Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers.

It typically takes between 3-6 months to prepare for the MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure certification depending on your current level of knowledge and experience with the topics covered in the exams. To get started, it’s recommended that you have a good understanding of cloud computing concepts such as virtualization, storage, networking, security, scalability, availability, monitoring and automation. You should also have experience working with Windows Server 2012/2016 or later versions as well as Azure services such as Virtual Machines (VMs), Web Apps & API Apps, Storage Accounts & Containers, Networking & Security Groups.

The cost for each exam is $165 USD per exam plus any applicable taxes or fees charged by the testing center.

2. Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Routing and Switching

Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Routing and Switching is a certification program designed to validate the skills of network engineers in designing, implementing, configuring, and troubleshooting local and wide area networks. It is one of the most sought-after certifications for networking professionals.

To get the CCNP Routing and Switching certification, you must first pass three exams: 300-101 ROUTE (Implementing Cisco IP Routing), 300-115 SWITCH (Implementing Cisco IP Switched Networks), and 300-135 TSHOOT (Troubleshooting and Maintaining Cisco IP Networks). These exams are available through Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers.

It typically takes around six months to a year to prepare for the CCNP Routing and Switching certification. The amount of time it takes depends on your current knowledge level, experience with networking technologies, as well as how much time you have available to dedicate to studying.

The cost of taking the exams varies depending on where you take them. Generally speaking, each exam costs around $300 USD. This means that the total cost for all three exams would be $900 USD.

In addition to passing the three required exams, there is also a recertification requirement every three years in order to maintain your CCNP Routing and Switching certification status. To recertify, you must either pass one of the professional-level exams or earn a certain number of continuing education credits from approved courses or activities related to networking technologies.

3. CompTIA Network+

CompTIA Network+ is a certification that validates an individual’s knowledge of networking concepts and technologies. It is designed to provide a foundation-level understanding of networking topics, such as network design, network installation, network security, network troubleshooting, and network maintenance. CompTIA Network+ certification is vendor-neutral and covers the most current technologies used in today’s networks.

The exam for CompTIA Network+ typically takes 90 minutes to complete and consists of 90 multiple-choice questions. To get the certification, you must pass the exam with a score of at least 720 out of 900 points.

You can take the CompTIA Network+ exam at any Prometric or VUE testing center worldwide. The cost for taking the exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $250 to $300 USD.

4. CompTIA Security+

CompTIA Security+ is an internationally-recognized certification that validates a professional’s knowledge and skills in IT security. It is an entry-level certification for IT professionals who want to demonstrate their expertise in the field of information security.

The CompTIA Security+ exam covers topics such as network security, compliance and operational security, threats and vulnerabilities, access control and identity management, cryptography, and more. The exam consists of 90 multiple-choice questions and takes up to 90 minutes to complete.

To get CompTIA Security+, you will need to take the SY0-501 exam. You can register for the exam online or through a Pearson VUE testing center. The cost of the exam varies depending on where you take it but generally ranges from $320-$360 USD.

In terms of preparation, there are many resources available online to help you prepare for the exam including practice tests, study guides, tutorials, and more. Additionally, some training providers offer courses designed specifically to help you pass the CompTIA Security+ exam.

5. Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certified Solutions Architect – Associate

Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certified Solutions Architect – Associate is an industry-recognized certification that validates an individual’s technical expertise in designing and deploying scalable, secure, highly available, and cost-effective solutions on the AWS platform. This certification demonstrates an individual’s ability to design and deploy applications on AWS using best practices for security, high availability, scalability, and cost optimization.

The exam typically takes about 130 minutes to complete and consists of multiple choice questions. The exam covers a wide range of topics including basic cloud computing concepts, networking concepts, storage services, database services, security services, application services, deployment strategies, monitoring and troubleshooting techniques.

To get certified as an AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate you must pass the AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate Exam. You can take this exam online or at a testing center near you. To prepare for the exam you can use various resources such as practice tests, study guides and online courses offered by Amazon or third-party providers.

The cost of the AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate Exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $150 USD to $300 USD.

6. Microsoft Azure Administrator Certification

Microsoft Azure Administrator Certification is a certification that validates an individual’s knowledge and skills in managing cloud services in Microsoft Azure. This certification demonstrates an individual’s ability to manage cloud services, including storage, networking, virtual machines, identity, security, and other services.

The Microsoft Azure Administrator Certification typically takes three to six months to complete. To get the certification, individuals must pass two exams: AZ-103: Microsoft Azure Administrator and AZ-104: Microsoft Azure Administrator Advanced. Both exams are administered by Pearson VUE and cost $165 each.

To prepare for the exams, individuals can take online courses or self-study using official Microsoft materials such as books and practice tests. Additionally, there are various third-party training providers that offer instructor-led classes for a fee.

Upon successful completion of both exams, individuals will receive their certificate from Microsoft and be recognized as an official Microsoft Certified Azure Administrator.

7. VMware Certified Professional 6 – Data Center Virtualization (VCP6-DCV)

VMware Certified Professional 6 – Data Center Virtualization (VCP6-DCV) is a certification program designed to validate the skills and knowledge of IT professionals who install, manage, deploy, and support VMware vSphere 6 environments. It is the most popular VMware certification and it is considered an industry standard for virtualization professionals.

In order to obtain VCP6-DCV certification, you must first take a required training course from an authorized VMware training provider. After completing the course, you must pass two exams: the VMware Certified Professional 6 – Data Center Virtualization (VCP6-DCV) Exam and the VMware Certified Professional 6 – Data Center Virtualization Delta Exam. The VCP6-DCV exam covers topics such as installation and configuration of vSphere components; managing virtual networks; configuring storage solutions; deploying virtual machines; monitoring performance; troubleshooting vSphere components; using automation tools; and more.

The length of time needed to complete the training and exams varies depending on your experience level. However, it typically takes between four to six weeks to complete all requirements for VCP6-DCV certification.

To get started with VCP6-DCV certification, you will need to purchase a training course from an authorized VMware training provider. The cost of these courses varies depending on the provider but typically range from $2,000-$3,000 USD. In addition to this cost, you will also need to pay for any applicable exam fees which are currently $250 USD each for both exams.

8. Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA)

Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) is a certification program designed to validate the skills and knowledge of system administrators who manage Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems. It is an entry-level certification that demonstrates a candidate’s ability to configure local storage, deploy and manage network services, and secure systems with firewalls and SELinux.

It typically takes around 40 hours of study time to prepare for the RHCSA exam. Candidates must have a basic understanding of Linux commands, file management, user administration, package installation, networking configuration, security settings, and troubleshooting before attempting the exam.

The RHCSA exam is available online or in-person at any authorized testing center. The cost of the exam varies depending on the location but typically ranges from $400-$500 USD.

To become certified as an RHCSA, candidates must pass a single performance-based exam that tests their ability to perform tasks on a live system rather than multiple choice questions. The exam consists of 8–12 tasks related to system administration that must be completed within 2–3 hours.

9. Citrix Certified Professional – Virtualization (CCP-V)

Citrix Certified Professional – Virtualization (CCP-V) is a certification program offered by Citrix Systems, Inc. to demonstrate an individual’s proficiency in virtualization technologies. This certification validates that the professional has the skills and knowledge necessary to configure, deploy, manage, and troubleshoot Citrix XenServer environments.

It typically takes around 6 months of study and practice to prepare for the CCP-V exam. The exam itself consists of 65 multiple choice questions and must be completed within 90 minutes. It costs $200 USD to take the exam.

To get certified as a CCP-V, you must first register for the exam through Prometric or Pearson VUE testing centers. You will then need to purchase a study guide from Citrix or another third-party provider such as ExamCollection or PrepAway. Once you have studied for the exam and feel confident that you are ready, you can schedule your test date with Prometric or Pearson VUE. Upon successful completion of the exam, you will receive your official CCP-V certificate from Citrix Systems, Inc., validating your expertise in virtualization technologies.

10. ITIL Foundation Certification

ITIL Foundation Certification is a globally recognized qualification that provides an understanding of IT service management and how it can be used to improve the delivery of IT services. It is based on the IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) framework, which is a set of best practices for managing IT services. The certification focuses on key concepts such as service strategy, service design, service transition, service operations and continual service improvement.

The certification process typically takes between two to four weeks to complete depending on the individual’s experience and learning style. To become certified, individuals must pass an exam administered by an accredited provider. The exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions and requires a minimum score of 65% to pass.

To get certified, individuals must first purchase the official ITIL Foundation study guide from an accredited provider or download it from the AXELOS website. Once they have studied the materials thoroughly, they can register for an exam date with their chosen provider. After passing the exam, they will receive their certificate within 4-6 weeks.

The cost of obtaining ITIL Foundation Certification varies depending on where you take your exam and which provider you use. Generally speaking, prices range from $150-$250 USD for the course materials and $200-$300 USD for the exam fee.

Do You Really Need a Infrastructure Analyst Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on a few factors. If you are looking to get into the field of infrastructure analysis, then a certificate can certainly help. It will demonstrate your knowledge and skills in the area, as well as give you an edge over other applicants. However, if you already have experience in the field, then a certificate may not be necessary. Ultimately, it comes down to what is best for your individual situation and career goals.

In general, an infrastructure analyst certificate can be beneficial because it allows you to demonstrate your expertise in the field and show potential employers that you have taken the extra time to learn about relevant topics. Additionally, depending on where you work, having a certification may even be required or preferred by employers. Furthermore, having a certificate can provide credibility when negotiating salaries or promotions.

At the same time, getting an infrastructure analyst certificate requires dedication and hard work- both in terms of studying for tests and completing coursework. Therefore, if you already have experience working in this field or if it is not essential to your career goals, then obtaining a certificate may not be worth the effort or cost involved.

In conclusion, whether or not you need an infrastructure analyst certificate ultimately depends on your individual situation and career goals. If having a certificate will help further your career prospects or make you more attractive to potential employers then it may be worth considering; however if it is not necessary for your current job or does not fit into your longer term plans then it might not be worth pursuing at this time.

Related: Infrastructure Analyst Resume Examples

FAQs About Infrastructure Analyst Certifications

1. What is an Infrastructure Analyst Certification?

Answer: An Infrastructure Analyst Certification is a credential that demonstrates a person's knowledge and proficiency in the areas of infrastructure analysis, design, and management. It is typically awarded by professional organizations such as CompTIA or EC-Council.

2. What are the benefits of obtaining an Infrastructure Analyst Certification?

Answer: Benefits include increased job opportunities, higher salaries, improved career prospects, and more recognition within the industry.

3. How long does it take to complete an Infrastructure Analyst Certification?

Answer: The amount of time required to complete an Infrastructure Analyst Certification varies depending on the specific certification program and the individual's prior experience and learning style. Generally speaking, most certifications can be completed within 6-12 months with dedicated study and practice.

4. What are the prerequisites for an Infrastructure Analyst Certification?

Answer: Prerequisites vary depending on the specific certification program but generally include a combination of experience in IT infrastructure systems, passing a written exam, and completing relevant training courses or modules.

5. Are there any renewal requirements for Infrastructure Analyst Certifications?

Answer: Yes, most certifications require periodic renewal to ensure that holders remain up-to-date with industry best practices and standards. Renewal usually requires completion of continuing education activities such as online courses or workshops as well as passing periodic exams or assessments.