Top 11 Junior Systems Administrator Certifications

Certifications are very important for junior systems administrators in the job market because they demonstrate to employers that the candidate possesses a certain level of knowledge and experience with specific technologies. Certifications can also be used as evidence of technical competency, allowing employers to quickly assess an applicant’s qualifications and decide if they are a suitable fit for the role. Furthermore, certifications provide recognition for an individual’s hard work and dedication in mastering a technology or discipline, which can give them a competitive edge in the job market.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Junior Systems Administrators and explain how they can help advance a junior systems administrator's career.

What are Junior Systems Administrator Certifications?

Junior Systems Administrator Certification is a certification that provides an individual with the knowledge and skills needed to manage and maintain computer systems. The certification is designed to help those interested in becoming a systems administrator or network administrator by providing them with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for success in these roles. By obtaining this certification, individuals can demonstrate their proficiency in system administration, networking, and security topics.

The certification covers topics such as system installation, configuration, troubleshooting, security measures, backup processes, and disaster recovery plans. It also includes instruction on how to configure hardware components such as servers, routers, switches, firewalls, and storage devices. Additionally, it provides hands-on experience working with operating systems such as Windows Server and Linux/Unix.

Having Junior Systems Administrator Certification can help individuals stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs in the IT field. It shows employers that they have the technical knowledge needed to be successful in this role. Furthermore, having this certification demonstrates that an individual has taken initiative to further their education and stay up-to-date with current technologies and trends in the industry.

Pro Tip: Consider pursuing a certification in junior systems administration to demonstrate your knowledge and technical skills to potential employers. Certification can also help you better understand the responsibilities of a junior systems administrator, allowing you to make more informed decisions on the job.

Related: What does a Junior Systems Administrator do?

Top 11 Junior Systems Administrator Certifications

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

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

Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA): Windows Server 2016 is a certification that validates an individual’s ability to manage, configure, and troubleshoot Windows Server 2016. The MCSA: Windows Server 2016 certification demonstrates that the individual has the skills and knowledge necessary to perform a wide range of tasks related to managing and maintaining a Windows Server 2016 environment.

It typically takes around 6 months or more to get the MCSA: Windows Server 2016 certification depending on how much experience you have with the technology. To get the 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. You can find study materials for these exams online or in bookstores.

The cost of getting the MCSA: Windows Server 2016 certification varies depending on where you take the exam. Generally, it costs around $165 USD per exam, so expect to pay around $330 USD total for both exams. Additionally, there may be other costs associated with taking the exam such as registration fees or travel expenses if you are taking it at a physical testing center.

2. CompTIA A+ Certification

CompTIA A+ is an industry-leading certification program designed to provide IT professionals with the skills needed to support and troubleshoot computers, networks, and other hardware. It is a globally recognized credential for IT professionals who want to demonstrate their expertise in computer technology.

The CompTIA A+ certification consists of two exams: 220-901 and 220-902. The exams cover a variety of topics including hardware, networking, mobile devices, operating systems, security, troubleshooting, software installation and configuration. To become certified, you must pass both exams within three years of each other.

To get CompTIA A+ certified, you must first purchase the exam voucher from CompTIA's website or from an authorized reseller. After purchasing the voucher, you can register for the exam at any Pearson VUE testing center. Once registered for the exam, you will need to study and prepare for it by using practice tests or taking courses offered by CompTIA or its partners.

The cost of the CompTIA A+ certification varies depending on where you purchase your exam voucher from. Generally speaking, it costs around $200 per exam (for both 220-901 and 220-902). Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with registering for the exam at a Pearson VUE testing center.

3. Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA)

Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) is an entry-level certification program designed to provide a foundational knowledge of Microsoft technologies. It provides an introduction to core technology concepts and helps individuals understand the various technologies available from Microsoft. The MTA certification validates basic technology knowledge in areas such as software development, database design, networking, security, virtualization, and cloud computing.

The MTA certification exam takes about 90 minutes to complete and covers topics such as operating systems, networking fundamentals, mobile device development, web development, software development fundamentals, and database design. Each exam contains between 40-60 questions and requires a passing score of 700 out of 1000 points.

To get the MTA certification you must first pass one or more exams offered by Microsoft. These exams are available online through the Microsoft Learning website or at a testing center near you. You can also take practice tests online to help you prepare for your exam. Once you have passed your exam(s), you will receive an email with your certificate number which allows you to access your digital badge on the Microsoft Learning website.

The cost of taking a Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) exam varies depending on where you take it and which version of the exam you are taking (e.g., Windows Server 2016 or Office 365). Generally speaking, exams range from $99-$159 USD per attempt.

4. CompTIA Network+ Certification

CompTIA Network+ is an industry-recognized certification that validates the knowledge and skills of IT professionals in networking technologies. It is designed to ensure that network administrators, system engineers, and network technicians have the necessary skills to manage, maintain, troubleshoot, install, and configure basic network infrastructure.

The CompTIA Network+ certification exam consists of 90 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. The exam covers topics such as network architecture, network operations, network security, troubleshooting, industry standards and protocols, and more.

To get CompTIA Network+ certified you must pass the exam with a score of 700 or higher on a scale of 100-900. You can register for the exam through Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers.

The cost for the CompTIA Network+ certification exam varies depending on the country you are taking it in but typically ranges from $200-$300 USD.

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

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Cloud Platform and Infrastructure is a certification program designed to demonstrate an individual's expertise in deploying, managing, and maintaining Microsoft cloud solutions. This certification covers topics such as Windows Server, Hyper-V virtualization, system center, Azure infrastructure solutions, and more.

It typically takes around six months to complete the MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure certification if you are already familiar with the technology. If you are new to the technology then it could take up to one year or more to complete the certification.

To get the MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure certification, individuals must first pass two exams: 70-533 Implementing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions and 70-534 Architecting Microsoft Azure Solutions. These exams can be taken at any Pearson VUE testing center or online through Microsoft’s website.

The cost of taking these exams varies depending on where you take them; however, they generally range from $150-$200 each. In addition to the exam fees, there may also be additional costs associated with training materials or courses that may be required in order to prepare for the exams.

6. Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA)

Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) is a certification program offered by Red Hat, Inc., the world’s leading provider of open source solutions. The RHCSA certification is designed to recognize IT professionals who demonstrate the skills required to manage and maintain Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems.

It typically takes around 40 hours of study time and practice to prepare for the RHCSA exam. In addition, it is recommended that you have at least 6 months of experience working with Red Hat Enterprise Linux before attempting the exam.

To get certified, you must pass an online exam administered by Red Hat. The exam consists of performance-based items that require you to perform tasks on a live system, rather than multiple choice questions. The cost of the exam varies depending on your location and can range from $400-$500 USD.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive an official certificate from Red Hat and will be listed in their database as a certified professional. This certification is valid for three years after which time you must retake the exam in order to remain certified.

7. Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT)

Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT) is an entry-level certification from Cisco Systems that validates the ability to install, operate, and troubleshoot a small enterprise branch network. It is the first step in Cisco's three-level certification path and is designed to provide IT professionals with the basic knowledge needed to work with networks.

The CCENT certification requires passing a single exam, ICND1 (Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices Part 1). This exam covers topics such as networking fundamentals, routing technologies, LAN switching technologies, WAN technologies, infrastructure services and maintenance. The exam consists of 45-55 multiple choice questions and typically takes 90 minutes to complete.

To obtain the CCENT certification, you must pass the ICND1 exam with a score of at least 825 out of 1000. The exam costs $125 USD and can be taken at any Pearson VUE testing center or online through the Cisco website. It is recommended that candidates have at least one year of networking experience before attempting this exam.

8. Linux Professional Institute Junior Level Administration (LPIC-1)

The Linux Professional Institute Junior Level Administration (LPIC-1) is a certification that validates the skills and knowledge of Linux system administrators. It is designed to assess the competency of an individual in administering, managing, and troubleshooting Linux systems. It is the first step for those who are interested in becoming a certified Linux professional.

It typically takes about three months to complete the LPIC-1 certification process. The process involves studying for and passing two exams: Exam 101 and Exam 102. Both exams cover topics such as installation and configuration of a Linux system, basic networking, security, user management, file permissions, shell scripting, package management, system maintenance tasks such as backups and software updates.

To get LPIC-1 certified you need to register with LPI (Linux Professional Institute) and purchase the exam vouchers. You can then schedule your exams at any Pearson VUE testing center or online via their website. The cost of each exam voucher is $200 USD plus applicable taxes.

In order to pass both exams you must obtain a score of 500 out of 800 points on each exam. Upon successful completion of both exams you will be awarded an LPIC-1 certification which is valid for five years from the date it was issued.

9. Amazon Web Services Certified Solutions Architect – Associate

Amazon Web Services Certified Solutions Architect – Associate is an industry-recognized certification that validates your expertise in designing and deploying scalable, highly available and fault tolerant systems on Amazon Web Services (AWS). This certification demonstrates your ability to design, deploy, and manage applications on the AWS platform.

It typically takes between 4-6 months to prepare for the exam. To get certified, you must pass the AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate exam. The exam consists of multiple choice and multiple answer questions that assess your understanding of the AWS platform.

The cost for taking the exam varies depending on where you take it. In most cases, it will cost around $150 USD. You can also purchase practice exams from third-party vendors to help prepare for the real exam.

To become a certified AWS Solutions Architect - Associate, you must have at least one year of experience working with AWS or equivalent cloud computing technology. Additionally, you should have a good understanding of networking concepts such as IP addressing and DNS management as well as knowledge of system administration tasks such as setting up virtual machines and configuring security groups.

10. 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 an individual’s skills and knowledge in virtualizing and managing data center environments using VMware vSphere 6. It is the most popular VMware certification and is widely recognized by employers.

To get the VCP6-DCV certification, you must first attend an authorized training course from VMware or its partners. After completing the course, you must pass two exams: a VMware Certified Professional 6 – Data Center Virtualization (VCP6-DCV) Exam which tests your knowledge of vSphere 6, and a VMware Certified Associate 6 – Data Center Virtualization (VCA6-DCV) Exam which tests your understanding of basic concepts related to virtualization.

Once you have passed both exams, you will be awarded the VCP6-DCV certification. The entire process typically takes around one month to complete depending on how quickly you can study for and pass the exams.

The cost of getting the VCP6-DCV certification depends on where you take the training course, as well as any other fees associated with taking the exams. Generally speaking, it costs around $3,000-$4,000 USD for all associated expenses.

11. Citrix Certified Associate – Networking (CCA-N)

Citrix Certified Associate – Networking (CCA-N) is a certification program offered by Citrix that validates a candidate’s knowledge of the fundamentals of networking, including basic network concepts, routing and switching, and application delivery. The CCA-N exam tests a candidate’s ability to configure and manage Citrix NetScaler products in complex network environments.

The CCA-N exam takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. It consists of 60 multiple choice questions covering topics such as NetScaler configuration, traffic management, security, optimization, troubleshooting and more. The exam can be taken at any Pearson VUE testing center or online.

The cost of the CCA-N exam is $200 USD. Candidates must pay this fee before they can take the exam. After passing the exam, candidates will receive an email with their official certification from Citrix.

Do You Really Need a Junior Systems Administrator Certificate?

Whether or not you need a Junior Systems Administrator Certificate depends on your individual goals and situation. If you are looking to break into the field of systems administration, then having a certificate may be beneficial in helping you stand out from the competition. Additionally, if you are already working as a system administrator, obtaining a certificate may help you move up the career ladder and gain additional opportunities.

That being said, it is important to consider whether or not the time and money spent on obtaining a certificate will be worth it for your particular circumstances. Depending on the organization that awards the certificate, there may be additional requirements such as taking exams or completing certain courses that could add to your expense. You should also evaluate whether or not certificates in this field are valued by potential employers in your area before investing in one.

Ultimately, it is up to you to decide if obtaining a Junior Systems Administrator Certificate is something that will benefit your career path. If so, then it may be worth pursuing.

Related: Junior Systems Administrator Resume Examples

FAQs About Junior Systems Administrator Certifications

1. What are the qualifications for a Junior Systems Administrator Certification?

Answer: Generally, certifications for junior systems administrators require knowledge and experience in networking, server management, security, system administration and other related topics.

2. How long does it take to complete a Junior Systems Administrator Certification?

Answer: The duration of the certification program varies from provider to provider. However, most certifications can be completed within 6-12 months.

3. What type of job roles will I be qualified for after completing a Junior Systems Administrator Certification?

Answer: After completing the certification program, you may be qualified for entry-level jobs such as network administrator, system administrator, security administrator or database administrator.

4. Are there any prerequisites to become eligible for a Junior Systems Administrator Certification?

Answer: Yes, some certifications require candidates to have prior experience in IT or computer science before they can apply for the certification program. Other requirements may include passing specific exams or completing certain courses in order to be eligible for the certification program.

5. How much does it cost to get a Junior Systems Administrator Certification?

Answer: The cost of getting certified depends on the certification provider and type of certification chosen. Generally speaking, most certifications will range from $500 - $2000 USD depending on the provider and level of difficulty of the coursework/exams required to obtain it.