Top 11 Mainframe Analyst Certifications

Certifications are essential for mainframe analysts in the job market. They demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge that employers value, as well as give potential employers confidence in the analyst’s ability to perform their duties. Certifications also show that the analyst is up-to-date on the latest technology and techniques related to mainframes, which can be invaluable in a competitive job market. Additionally, certifications can often provide access to exclusive resources and special offers from vendors, giving an analyst a competitive edge over other applicants in the job search process.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Mainframe Analysts and explain how they can help enhance a mainframe analyst's career.

What are Mainframe Analyst Certifications?

Mainframe analyst certification is a type of certification program designed to help individuals develop the skills needed to become an effective and knowledgeable mainframe analyst. Mainframe analysts are responsible for providing technical support, troubleshooting, and maintenance on large-scale mainframe computers. Mainframes are used in many different industries, including finance, banking, manufacturing, healthcare, and government.

Mainframe analyst certification programs typically include courses on mainframe hardware, software, operating systems, networking protocols and technologies, system design concepts, and troubleshooting techniques. The program also covers topics such as system performance tuning and evaluation, disaster recovery planning and implementation, security management strategies and practices, capacity planning strategies and tools. Upon completion of the certification program, students will be able to understand how all parts of a mainframe system interact with each other; analyze problems related to the mainframe; identify solutions; monitor system performance; configure systems for optimal performance; evaluate security risks associated with the use of mainframes; design backup plans; implement disaster recovery procedures; develop maintenance plans; manage user accounts; maintain application software compatibility with hardware components; and provide technical support for users.

Having a mainframe analyst certification can help individuals stand out from their peers when applying for positions in the IT industry that require expertise in using or managing large-scale computer systems. It can also open up new career opportunities in areas such as data warehousing or business intelligence where employers are looking for qualified professionals with experience working with large-scale computer systems. Finally, having a mainframe analyst certification demonstrates one’s commitment to professional development which can be beneficial when seeking promotions within an organization or applying for higher level positions in different companies.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the different types of mainframe analyst certifications available and find out which one best fits your career goals. Also, look into any pre-requisites or educational requirements for the certification you are considering, as they can vary widely from one certification to another.

Related: What does a Mainframe Analyst do?

Top 11 Mainframe Analyst Certifications

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

1. IBM Certified Systems Programmer - Mainframe

IBM Certified Systems Programmer - Mainframe is a professional certification program for experienced mainframe systems programmers. It is designed to validate the skills and knowledge of professionals who develop, customize, and maintain z/OS system software.

The IBM Certified Systems Programmer - Mainframe certification requires passing one exam that covers topics such as z/OS installation, customization, maintenance and troubleshooting. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

To get this certification you must have a minimum of three years experience in z/OS systems programming or related areas. You must also be familiar with the z/OS operating system architecture and its associated components (e.g., Sysplexes, Coupling Facilities). Additionally, you should be knowledgeable about basic concepts such as JCL, TSO/ISPF, CICS, DB2, IMS DB/DC and other related topics.

The cost of the IBM Certified Systems Programmer - Mainframe certification exam varies depending on your country or region but typically ranges from $200-$400 USD.

2. IBM Certified System Administrator - Mainframe

IBM Certified System Administrator - Mainframe is a certification program offered by IBM to recognize professionals who have demonstrated their expertise in the administration of IBM mainframe systems. It is designed for system administrators who are responsible for the installation, configuration, and maintenance of IBM mainframe systems.

To obtain this certification, individuals must pass an exam that covers topics such as system configuration and administration, performance tuning and monitoring, problem determination and resolution, security management, storage management, and disaster recovery. The exam typically takes between two to three hours to complete.

The cost of the exam varies depending on the country where it is taken. In the United States, the cost is typically around $200 USD.

In order to prepare for this certification exam, candidates should have experience with z/OS operating system fundamentals; knowledge of hardware components such as processors, memory devices, I/O channels; familiarity with software products such as CICS Transaction Server and DB2; and understanding of network protocols such as TCP/IP.

3. IBM Certified Application Developer - Mainframe

IBM Certified Application Developer – Mainframe is a professional certification program that recognizes the skills and knowledge of application developers who use IBM Z software. It is designed for professionals who develop, maintain, and support applications on the IBM Z platform.

To get certified, applicants must pass two exams: C2090-622 (Application Development with IBM CICS Transaction Server V5.3) and C2090-623 (Application Development with IBM WebSphere MQ V7.0). The exams are administered by Pearson VUE and cost $200 USD each. Depending on experience level, it can take anywhere from 1 to 6 months to prepare for the exams.

The cost of becoming an IBM Certified Application Developer – Mainframe depends on how much time you spend preparing for the exams. If you choose to purchase study material or take a training course, those costs will be additional.

4. IBM Certified Database Administrator - Mainframe

IBM Certified Database Administrator - Mainframe is a professional certification program designed to recognize the technical skills and knowledge of experienced database administrators. The certification validates an individual's ability to manage, configure, and maintain IBM DB2 for z/OS databases. It also demonstrates expertise in the use of IBM DB2 utilities and SQL.

The certification requires passing two exams: one on the fundamentals of IBM DB2 for z/OS, and one on advanced administration topics. The exams can be taken in any order but must both be completed within 12 months of starting the program.

To get this certification, you will need to register with Pearson VUE, which is an online testing service that administers IBM's certification exams. Once registered, you can purchase exam vouchers from Pearson VUE or from IBM's website. Each exam voucher costs $200 USD.

Once you have purchased your exam vouchers, you will need to schedule your exams with Pearson VUE. You can do this online or by phone. When scheduling your exams, make sure to allow enough time for study and preparation before taking each exam; most candidates take at least two weeks to prepare for each exam.

Once you have passed both exams, you will receive your official IBM Certified Database Administrator - Mainframe certificate from IBM via mail or email within 4-6 weeks after completion of the program.

5. IBM Certified Solution Designer - Mainframe

IBM Certified Solution Designer - Mainframe is a professional certification program designed to demonstrate an individual's expertise in designing, developing and deploying IBM mainframe solutions. It is designed for IT professionals who have experience in the design, development and deployment of mainframe solutions. The certification requires passing one exam, C2090-622: IBM Certified Solution Designer – Mainframe Solutions V1.

It typically takes about two months to prepare for the exam and pass it. Preparation includes studying the material covered in the exam and taking practice tests or courses to become familiar with the topics.

To get certified as an IBM Certified Solution Designer - Mainframe, you must first register with Pearson VUE, an online testing provider. Once registered, you can purchase the exam voucher from Pearson VUE or directly from IBM. The cost of the exam voucher varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $200 to $250 USD.

Once you have completed your preparation and purchased your exam voucher, you can schedule your exam at any Pearson VUE testing center worldwide. You will need to bring a valid form of identification (such as a driver's license or passport) when you arrive at the testing center. Upon completion of the exam, you will receive your official score report within two weeks after taking the test. If you pass the exam, you will be awarded an IBM Certified Solution Designer - Mainframe certification.

6. CompTIA Storage+ Powered by SNIA Certification

CompTIA Storage+ Powered by SNIA Certification is a vendor-neutral certification that validates the knowledge and skills of IT professionals who design, implement, manage, and troubleshoot storage solutions. It is designed to demonstrate an individual’s expertise in storage technologies such as RAID, SANs, NAS, virtualization, backup/recovery, data replication and more.

To earn the CompTIA Storage+ Powered by SNIA certification you must pass one exam: SY0-601. This exam consists of 90 multiple-choice and performance-based questions and has a time limit of 90 minutes. The passing score for this exam is 750 on a scale of 100-900.

You can register for the CompTIA Storage+ Powered by SNIA exam through Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers. The cost of the exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $300 to $400 USD.

It usually takes around 3 months to prepare for the CompTIA Storage+ Powered by SNIA exam if you are studying full time. However, you may need more or less time depending on your experience level with storage technologies.

7. Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) – Database Administration Fundamentals

Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) – Database Administration Fundamentals is a certification program designed to provide an entry-level understanding of database administration fundamentals. It is intended for individuals who are new to the field of database administration and want to gain a basic understanding of the concepts, terminology, and technology related to this profession. The MTA certification program provides a comprehensive introduction to the concepts and principles that are essential for success in a career as a database administrator.

The MTA – Database Administration Fundamentals certification exam typically takes between 45 minutes and 1 hour to complete. The exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as database design, security, data integrity, backup/recovery, performance tuning, and troubleshooting.

To get the MTA – Database Administration Fundamentals certification you must pass the associated exam. You can register for the exam through Pearson VUE or Prometric Testing Centers. The cost of the exam varies by location but typically ranges from $100-$150 USD.

8. Oracle Database 12c Administrator Certified Professional

Oracle Database 12c Administrator Certified Professional is a certification offered by Oracle that validates the skills and knowledge of database administrators in managing Oracle Database 12c. It is designed to demonstrate expertise in areas such as installation, configuration, patching, backup and recovery, security, performance tuning, and more.

To become an Oracle Database 12c Administrator Certified Professional, you must first pass the Oracle Database 12c: Administration I (1Z0-062) and Oracle Database 12c: Administration II (1Z0-063) exams. The cost of each exam is $245 USD. Both exams must be taken within one year of each other to be eligible for the certification.

Once both exams have been passed successfully, you will receive your Oracle Database 12c Administrator Certified Professional certification. This certification does not expire; however, it may need to be renewed every three years if you wish to maintain your status as a certified professional.

The total cost for becoming an Oracle Database 12c Administrator Certified Professional is approximately $490 USD for the two exams plus any applicable taxes or fees.

9. Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA)

Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) is a certification program offered by Red Hat, Inc. that validates the skills of system administrators who manage and maintain Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems. The certification is designed to test an individual’s knowledge of core system administration tasks such as installing, configuring, and managing services; setting up users and groups; creating file systems; setting up network services; troubleshooting system issues; and more.

The RHCSA exam typically takes two hours to complete and consists of multiple-choice questions. To become certified, you must pass the exam with a score of at least 70%.

To get the RHCSA certification, you must first register for the exam through Red Hat's website or through an authorized training partner. You will then need to study for the exam using materials provided by Red Hat or by taking a course from an authorized training partner. Once you have completed your studies, you can take the exam at any Pearson VUE testing center or online via proctored remote access.

The cost of the RHCSA exam varies depending on where it is taken and whether it is taken online or in person. In general, the cost ranges from $400 to $600 USD.

10. VMware vSphere 6 Foundations Exam

The VMware vSphere 6 Foundations Exam is a certification exam designed to validate the skills and knowledge of IT professionals who are using vSphere 6. The exam covers topics such as installing, configuring, maintaining, and troubleshooting vSphere 6 environments. It also covers topics such as virtual machine management, storage management, networking concepts, security best practices, and more.

The exam takes approximately two hours to complete and consists of 65 multiple-choice questions. To pass the exam, candidates must score at least 300 points out of 500 possible points.

To get the VMware vSphere 6 Foundations Exam certification, you must first purchase an exam voucher from VMware's website or a third-party provider. The cost of the voucher varies depending on where it is purchased but generally ranges from $125 to $250 USD. After purchasing the voucher, you can register for the exam through Pearson VUE's website or by phone. Once registered for the exam, you will receive an email with instructions on how to schedule your appointment at a testing center near you.

In addition to the cost of the exam voucher, there may be additional fees associated with taking the test at certain locations (such as proctoring fees). These fees vary depending on location and should be verified prior to scheduling your appointment.

11. EMC Proven Professional Data Scientist Associate (EMCDSA)

EMC Proven Professional Data Scientist Associate (EMCDSA) is a certification program that validates the skills and knowledge of data scientists who are responsible for designing, developing, deploying, and managing data science projects. It is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the fundamentals of data science and its associated technologies.

The EMCDSA certification can be obtained by taking the EMC Data Science Associate Exam. This exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as machine learning, big data analytics, data visualization, and predictive analytics. The exam takes approximately two hours to complete and costs $250 USD.

To prepare for the exam, applicants should review the EMC Proven Professional Data Scientist Associate Study Guide which outlines the topics covered in the exam as well as provides sample questions and study tips. Additionally, applicants should also review any relevant coursework or experience they have in order to become familiar with the material covered in the exam.

Once applicants have successfully passed the EMCDSA exam they will receive an official certificate from EMC recognizing them as an EMC Proven Professional Data Scientist Associate.

Do You Really Need a Mainframe Analyst Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your individual goals. If you are currently working as a mainframe analyst and want to increase your knowledge of the technology or improve your skills in order to advance within the industry, then yes, obtaining a mainframe analyst certificate could be beneficial. This certification can help demonstrate your commitment and knowledge in the field, which could open up more opportunities for career advancement.

However, if you are just starting out in the field or do not plan on staying in this profession long-term, then it may not be necessary to obtain a mainframe analyst certificate. It is important to weigh the cost of obtaining this certification against the potential benefits it could provide for your career before making a decision. In some cases, investing time and money into additional education or training may be more beneficial than obtaining a certificate.

Ultimately, it is up to you to decide whether or not a mainframe analyst certificate is right for you. Consider all of your options carefully and make an informed decision that will best benefit your individual career goals.

Related: Mainframe Analyst Resume Examples

FAQs About Mainframe Analyst Certifications

1. What is a Mainframe Analyst Certification?

Answer: A Mainframe Analyst Certification is an industry-recognized certification that validates an individual’s expertise in the field of mainframe computing. It verifies the technical skills and knowledge necessary to effectively analyze, develop, and maintain mainframe systems.

2. How do I become certified as a Mainframe Analyst?

Answer: To become certified as a Mainframe Analyst, you must pass one or more exams designed by the vendor or organization providing the certification program. Some certifications may also require additional experience, training, or other qualifications prior to taking an exam.

3. What are the benefits of having a Mainframe Analyst Certification?

Answer: Having a Mainframe Analyst Certification can help demonstrate your expertise in mainframe computing and give you an edge over non-certified professionals when applying for jobs or promotions. It can also provide access to exclusive resources and discounts from vendors offering products related to mainframes.

4. What types of jobs require a Mainframe Analyst Certification?

Answer: Many employers require candidates for mainframe analyst positions to have specific certifications from vendors such as IBM, Oracle, Microsoft, and others. Additionally, some companies may prefer candidates with certifications when considering them for IT management roles or other positions requiring advanced knowledge of mainframes.

5. How much does it cost to obtain a Mainframe Analyst Certification?

Answer: The cost of obtaining a Mainframe Analyst Certification varies depending on the vendor providing it and any additional requirements (such as experience). Generally speaking, most certification programs range in price from several hundred dollars up to several thousand dollars depending on the complexity of the exam(s) taken and any additional fees required by the vendor.