Top 11 Installation Manager Certifications
Updated 17 min read
Certifications are an important tool for installation managers in the job market. They demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge that employers look for when hiring professionals in this area. Certifications also show potential employers that a candidate has taken the time to further their education and understand the latest technologies, best practices, and industry standards. This is especially important for installation managers, as they must stay abreast of changes in their field and be able to effectively manage complex projects. In addition, certifications provide assurance to clients that a manager is qualified to handle their project, making them more likely to hire someone with the appropriate certification.
This article reviews some of the most beneficial certifications for Installation Managers and provides an overview of how they can be used to enhance a career in this field.
What are Installation Manager Certifications?
Installation Manager Certification is a professional certification program designed to provide industry-recognized credentials for individuals who work in the field of installation management. This certification program is intended to enhance the knowledge and skills of installation managers by validating their expertise in installation processes and procedures, including project planning, cost control, quality assurance, and safety. The program also covers topics such as developing a successful team, communication strategies, and risk management.
The Installation Manager Certification can help an individual demonstrate their commitment to excellence in installation management. By obtaining this credential, professionals are able to show employers that they have the necessary qualifications to manage installations effectively and efficiently. The certification also provides a valuable way for employers to recognize qualified individuals and confirm their ability to perform the tasks associated with this role. Additionally, it can help enhance job prospects by providing proof of up-to-date knowledge of installation management practices.
Pro Tip: Make sure to have a clear understanding of the requirements for installation manager certification before starting the process. This will help you ensure that you are properly prepared and qualified to complete the certification successfully. Additionally, it is important to stay up-to-date on any changes or updates in installation manager certification requirements so that you can remain certified.
Related: What does an Installation Manager do?
Top 11 Installation Manager Certifications
Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Installation Managers today.
1. IBM Certified System Administrator – Installation Manager
IBM Certified System Administrator – Installation Manager is a professional certification program that validates the skills and knowledge of system administrators who install, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot IBM software products. It is designed to help organizations ensure that their IT staff are knowledgeable about the installation and configuration of IBM products.
It typically takes around three months to complete the program. The first step is to register for an online course through an authorized training provider. After completing the course, you must pass a series of exams in order to earn your certification. The cost of the certification varies depending on the training provider and exam fees.
In order to get certified, you must have at least six months of experience working with IBM software products. You must also meet certain prerequisites such as having a basic understanding of operating systems and networking concepts. Additionally, you must be familiar with IBM's licensing policies and procedures.
The cost of the certification varies depending on the training provider but can range from $500-$3000 USD.
2. Red Hat Certified System Administrator – Installation Manager
Red Hat Certified System Administrator – Installation Manager (RHCSA-IM) is a certification program developed by Red Hat that validates an individual’s skills in installing, configuring and managing Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems. The RHCSA-IM certification is designed to demonstrate the knowledge and skills required to successfully install, configure, and manage Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems.
The RHCSA-IM exam consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical lab exam. The written exam covers topics such as installation, configuration, system administration tasks, troubleshooting, security, networking and storage. The practical lab exam requires the candidate to demonstrate their ability to perform specific tasks on a live system.
It takes approximately 8–10 hours to complete the RHCSA-IM certification process including both the written and practical exams. Depending on your learning style and experience level with Red Hat Enterprise Linux you may need more or less time to prepare for the exams.
To become certified as an RHCSA-IM you must first register for the certification program through the Red Hat website. Once registered you will be given access to study materials which include practice tests and other resources which can help you prepare for the exams. You will also be able to schedule your exams online through the Red Hat website.
The cost of becoming certified as an RHCSA-IM varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $400-$600 USD for both the written and practical exams combined.
3. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) – Installation Manager
Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Installation Manager is a certification that validates an individual’s ability to plan, deploy, and manage Microsoft server products. This certification demonstrates expertise in the installation, configuration, and maintenance of Windows Server environments.
How long does it take to get it? It typically takes 4-6 months of study and preparation to pass the MCSE: Installation Manager exam.
How to get it? To become certified as a MCSE: Installation Manager, you must pass three exams: Exam 70-740 (Installation, Storage, and Compute with Windows Server 2016), Exam 70-741 (Networking with Windows Server 2016), and Exam 70-742 (Identity with Windows Server 2016). You can register for these exams through the Microsoft website.
How much does it cost? The cost of each exam is $165 USD. Therefore, the total cost for all three exams is $495 USD.
4. Oracle Certified Professional – Installation Manager
Oracle Certified Professional – Installation Manager (OCP-IM) is an Oracle certification that demonstrates a professional’s ability to install, configure, and manage the Oracle Database. The certification requires passing a single exam, which covers topics such as installation, configuration, patching, cloning and upgrades.
The exam takes approximately 2 hours to complete and consists of multiple-choice questions. The cost of the exam varies by country but typically ranges from $125 to $200 USD.
To become certified, you must pass the OCP-IM exam with a score of at least 65%. After passing the exam, you will receive an official Oracle Certification card and digital badge that can be used to demonstrate your expertise in Oracle Database installation and management.
In order to prepare for the OCP-IM exam, it is recommended that candidates have hands-on experience with Oracle Database 12c or later versions as well as knowledge of database administration concepts. Additionally, there are several online resources available to help prepare for the exam such as practice tests and study guides.
5. VMware Certified Professional (VCP) – Installation Manager
VMware Certified Professional (VCP) – Installation Manager is a certification program offered by VMware that recognizes the skills and knowledge of professionals who install, configure, and manage VMware vSphere environments. This certification is intended for IT professionals who are responsible for the installation and configuration of VMware vSphere environments.
It typically takes about two months to prepare for the VCP – Installation Manager exam. The cost of the exam varies depending on which version of the exam you choose to take. The standard version costs $250 USD, while the advanced version costs $450 USD.
To become certified as a VCP – Installation Manager, you must first complete an authorized training course from VMware or an approved training provider. After completing the training course, you will then need to pass a proctored exam administered by Pearson VUE. Once you have passed the exam, you will be awarded your VCP – Installation Manager certification.
6. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) – Installation Manager
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) – Installation Manager is a certification program offered by Cisco Systems. It is designed to help network administrators and engineers gain the skills and knowledge required to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot medium-sized routed and switched networks. The CCNA Installation Manager certification validates the ability to install and manage Cisco network infrastructure in small to medium-sized businesses.
To obtain the CCNA Installation Manager certification, you must first pass two exams: the Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices Part 1 (ICND1) exam and the Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices Part 2 (ICND2) exam. Both exams are 90 minutes long and consist of multiple choice questions. After passing both exams, you will receive your CCNA Installation Manager certification.
The cost of obtaining a CCNA Installation Manager certification varies depending on where you take the exams. Generally speaking, each exam costs around $300 USD. However, some training providers may offer discounts or promotions that can reduce this cost significantly. Additionally, some employers may cover part or all of the cost for their employees who are pursuing this certification.
In terms of time commitment, it typically takes 4-6 months to prepare for both ICND1 and ICND2 exams. This includes studying course materials such as books or online resources, attending instructor-led classes or virtual sessions, taking practice tests, etc. Once you have passed both exams successfully, you will receive your CCNA Installation Manager certification within 2-4 weeks after submitting your application form to Cisco Systems.
7. CompTIA A+ Certification – Installation Manager
CompTIA A+ Certification is an industry-recognized credential that validates the knowledge and skills of IT professionals. It is the foundation for a career in IT and is recognized worldwide. The A+ Certification covers a broad range of topics, including installation, configuration, diagnostics, preventive maintenance, networking, security, and troubleshooting.
The CompTIA A+ Installation Manager certification requires a candidate to demonstrate their ability to install and configure hardware components such as motherboards, processors, memory modules, storage devices, power supplies, video cards and other peripherals. Candidates must also be able to perform basic software installation tasks such as installing operating systems and applications.
It typically takes between 6-12 months of study to prepare for the CompTIA A+ Installation Manager exam. Candidates should be familiar with computer hardware components and have a basic understanding of computer networks before attempting the exam.
To get CompTIA A+ Certification as an Installation Manager you need to pass two exams: 220-1001 (Core 1) and 220-1002 (Core 2). Both exams are available online or at Pearson VUE testing centers. The cost of each exam varies depending on the country but usually ranges from $200-$300 USD per exam.
Once you have passed both exams you will receive your CompTIA A+ Certification as an Installation Manager which is valid for three years. You can renew your certification by taking continuing education courses or passing new exams every three years in order to maintain your certification status.
8. CompTIA Network+ Certification – Installation Manager
CompTIA Network+ Certification is a vendor-neutral certification that validates the knowledge and skills of networking professionals. It is designed to ensure that IT professionals have the necessary skills to manage, maintain, troubleshoot, install, operate, and configure basic network infrastructure.
The CompTIA Network+ Certification requires passing a single exam (N10-007). The exam covers topics such as network technologies, installation and configuration, media and topologies, management, and security. To take the exam you must have at least 18 months of experience in network support or administration or have earned CompTIA A+ certification.
The exam takes approximately 90 minutes to complete and costs $319 USD. You can register for the exam through Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers. Once you pass the exam you will be awarded your CompTIA Network+ Certification.
9. Symantec Certified Specialist (SCS) – Installation Manager
Symantec Certified Specialist (SCS) – Installation Manager is a certification program offered by Symantec. It is designed to recognize individuals who have the knowledge and skills necessary to install, configure, and manage Symantec products. The SCS – Installation Manager certification validates an individual’s ability to install and configure Symantec products in a production environment.
The SCS – Installation Manager certification requires passing one exam: 250-449: Administration of Symantec Installation Manager 8.5. This exam tests an individual’s understanding of installation and configuration of Symantec products, including best practices for deployment, troubleshooting, and support.
It typically takes about two weeks to prepare for the exam, depending on the individual's existing knowledge and experience with Symantec products. To prepare for the exam, individuals should review the official course materials from Symantec as well as practice questions from third-party sources such as ExamCollection or PrepAway.
The cost of the SCS – Installation Manager certification varies depending on which training provider you choose to use for your preparation. Most providers offer packages that include both the exam fee and training materials for around $200-$300 USD.
Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your official certificate from Symantec within 4-6 weeks.
10. Juniper Networks Certified Internet Associate (JNCIA) – Installation Manager
Juniper Networks Certified Internet Associate (JNCIA-IM) is a certification program designed to validate an individual's knowledge of the installation, configuration, and troubleshooting of Juniper Networks routers, switches, and security devices. The JNCIA-IM certification is the first step in Juniper’s professional certification track.
It takes approximately 10 hours to complete the JNCIA-IM course. To get certified, individuals must pass a single exam that covers topics such as Junos OS fundamentals, routing fundamentals, switching fundamentals, and security fundamentals.
The cost for the JNCIA-IM exam varies depending on the country you reside in. In the United States, it costs $200 USD per exam attempt.
11. Citrix Certified Professional (CCP) -Installation Manager
Citrix Certified Professional (CCP) -Installation Manager is a certification designed to validate an individual's skills in installing, configuring, and managing Citrix products. It is targeted at IT professionals who are responsible for the installation, configuration and management of Citrix products.
The CCP-Installation Manager certification requires an individual to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the following topics:
- Installing and configuring XenApp/XenDesktop components
- Configuring authentication methods
- Managing user access
- Troubleshooting installation issues
- Optimizing performance and scalability
- Managing virtual applications and desktops
- Securing the environment with policies and profiles.
It typically takes several weeks to prepare for the CCP-Installation Manager exam. The exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within 90 minutes. The cost of taking the exam is $200 USD.
Do You Really Need a Installation Manager Certificate?
An Installation Manager certificate is not a requirement to become an installation manager, but it can be beneficial. The certificate demonstrates that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in the field. It also gives employers confidence that you are knowledgeable about installation and management processes, as well as the latest technology trends.
The certificate can provide a competitive edge when applying for jobs or promotions. Employers may view applicants with an Installation Manager certificate as more qualified than those without one. Employers often require certifications as proof of competence in certain areas and having a certification can make you stand out from other applicants.
In addition, having a certification will help you stay up to date on the most current industry practices and technologies. This will allow you to remain competitive in the job market and give employers confidence that you have the skills necessary for success in their organization.
Overall, whether or not you need an Installation Manager certificate depends on your individual goals and situation. If you are looking for a career in installation management, then obtaining a certification may be beneficial for your professional development and career prospects.
Related: Installation Manager Resume Examples
FAQs About Installation Manager Certifications
1. What is the benefit of earning an Installation Manager Certification?
Answer: An Installation Manager Certification provides recognition of your knowledge and skills in the installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of computer systems and networks. It also serves as a valuable credential for job seekers in the IT field.
2. How do I become certified as an Installation Manager?
Answer: To become certified as an Installation Manager, you must pass a certification exam administered by a recognized organization such as CompTIA or Microsoft. The exam covers topics such as hardware setup, software installation, network configuration, and troubleshooting techniques.
3. How long does it take to complete an Installation Manager Certification?
Answer: The length of time needed to complete an Installation Manager Certification depends on several factors including your prior experience with computer systems and networks, the type of certification you are pursuing, and the amount of time you are able to dedicate to studying for the exam. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from three months up to a year or more to prepare for and pass the certification exam.
4. What is the cost associated with obtaining an Installation Manager Certification?
Answer: The cost associated with obtaining an Installation Manager Certification varies depending on which certification program you choose and whether or not you require additional training materials or courses in order to prepare for the exam. Generally speaking, most programs range from $500-$1000 USD.
5. Are there any prerequisites for taking the Installation Manager Certification Exam?
Answer: Most organizations that offer certifications have specific prerequisites that must be met before taking the exam. These may include having at least two years’ experience working with computer systems and networks or successfully completing certain courses related to installation management before taking the exam