Top 11 Server Certifications

Server certifications are important in the job market because they demonstrate to employers that an individual has a specific set of skills and knowledge that are required for working with servers. Certifications also provide evidence of an individual's commitment to their profession, as they show that the individual has taken the time and effort to become certified. This can be especially important for jobs that involve high-level server administration or security tasks, as certification can prove that the individual is qualified to handle such responsibilities. Additionally, certifications can help individuals stand out from other applicants when applying for a server job, as employers may view them as more reliable and knowledgeable than those who do not have certifications.

This article reviews some of the most beneficial certifications for servers and explains how they can help advance a server's career.

What are Server Certifications?

Server certification is a process of validating the security, reliability, and performance of a server. This is typically done through an independent third-party vendor that will assess the server's configuration, hardware, software, operating system, and other components to ensure that it meets industry standards. By certifying a server, businesses can be confident that their IT infrastructure is secure and reliable. Additionally, server certification can help businesses save money by reducing the need for additional maintenance or upgrades in order to meet compliance requirements. It also helps to ensure that the server is meeting its intended purpose and providing maximum value to the organization. Additionally, certifications can provide peace of mind when sharing sensitive data among customers or partners since they know that the data is safe and secure on certified servers.

Pro Tip: When selecting a server certification, make sure to research the different types of certifications available and look for ones that are accredited by a reputable third-party organization. This will ensure that the certification is up-to-date and offers the most comprehensive coverage of server technology.

Related: What does a Server do?

Top 11 Server Certifications

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

1. CompTIA Server+

CompTIA Server+ is an industry-recognized certification that validates the skills of IT professionals who work with server hardware and software. It is designed to demonstrate a person’s competency in server technologies and covers topics such as installation, configuration, maintenance, security, troubleshooting, disaster recovery and more.

It typically takes about 40 hours of study to prepare for the CompTIA Server+ exam. The exam itself consists of 90 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within 90 minutes. To get the CompTIA Server+ certification, you must pass this exam with a score of at least 750 out of 900 points.

To get CompTIA Server+, you must first register for the CompTIA Server+ exam. This can be done online or through a local testing center. After registering for the exam, you will need to purchase study materials and take practice tests to ensure that you are adequately prepared for the exam.

The cost of taking the CompTIA Server+ exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $250-$300 USD.

2. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Server Infrastructure

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Server Infrastructure is a certification that validates an individual’s expertise in designing, implementing, and managing server infrastructure solutions based on Microsoft Windows Server 2012. This certification covers topics such as networking, storage, virtualization, identity management, system management, and business continuity.

It typically takes around three to six months of study and practice to prepare for the MCSE: Server Infrastructure certification exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and hands-on labs covering areas such as installation, configuration, deployment, maintenance, troubleshooting, and security of Windows Server 2012.

To get the MCSE: Server Infrastructure certification you must pass one or more exams from the list of available exams. You can find these exams on the Microsoft website or through a Microsoft Learning Partner. The cost of each exam varies depending on your location but generally ranges from $100-$150 USD per exam.

Once you have passed all required exams you will be awarded the MCSE: Server Infrastructure certification. To maintain your certification you must complete at least one continuing education activity every three years.

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

Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA): Windows Server 2016 is a certification program that validates the technical skills and knowledge of IT professionals who want to deploy, manage, and maintain Windows Server 2016. It is an entry-level certification for IT professionals who are looking to build their career in the field of Windows server administration.

How long does it take to get it?

It typically takes around 3-6 months to complete the MCSA: Windows Server 2016 certification depending on your experience and dedication.

How to get it?

In order to obtain the MCSA: Windows Server 2016 certification, you must pass two exams: 70-740 Installation, Storage, and Compute with Windows Server 2016; and 70-741 Networking with Windows Server 2016. Both exams are available through Microsoft’s official testing centers or through Pearson VUE.

How much does it cost?

The cost of the two exams required for the MCSA: Windows Server 2016 certification is $165 each. Therefore, the total cost of obtaining this certification is $330.

4. Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA)

Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) is a certification program designed to validate the skills of system administrators and other IT professionals who use Red Hat Enterprise Linux in their day-to-day work. The RHCSA certification is the most popular and widely recognized Linux certification available today.

The RHCSA exam typically takes about two hours to complete and covers topics such as installation, configuration, maintenance, security, networking, storage management, and troubleshooting of Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems. To get certified as an RHCSA, you must pass a single exam that tests your knowledge and skills in these areas. The exam is administered by Pearson VUE, an authorized testing center for Red Hat certifications.

To prepare for the RHCSA exam, it is recommended that you have at least six months of hands-on experience with Red Hat Enterprise Linux or equivalent distributions such as CentOS or Fedora. You can also take courses offered by Red Hat or other training providers to help you prepare for the exam.

The cost of the RHCSA exam varies depending on where you take it and which version of the exam you are taking (e.g., RHEL 7 or 8). Generally speaking, the cost ranges from $400-$500 USD.

5. Oracle Database 12c Administrator Certified Professional

Oracle Database 12c Administrator Certified Professional is a certification program designed to help professionals demonstrate their expertise in administering Oracle databases. This certification is designed for database administrators, system architects, and developers who want to prove their knowledge of the Oracle Database 12c platform.

It typically takes about six months to a year of studying and hands-on experience to prepare for the Oracle Database 12c Administrator Certified Professional exam. The exam consists of two parts: a multiple choice section and a hands-on lab section. It covers topics such as installation and configuration, data management, security, backup and recovery, performance tuning, and more.

To get certified as an Oracle Database 12c Administrator Certified Professional, you must first pass the two-part exam. You can register for the exam online or through an authorized testing center. The cost of the exam varies depending on your location but generally ranges from $250-$400 USD.

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

VMware Certified Professional 6 – Data Center Virtualization (VCP6-DCV) is a certification program that validates an individual’s skills and knowledge in the areas of virtualization, storage, networking, and data center operations. It is designed for IT professionals who want to demonstrate their expertise in VMware vSphere 6.x technologies and solutions.

It typically takes three to four months for an individual to complete the VCP6-DCV certification process. To get certified, individuals must first take a required training course from an authorized VMware training partner and pass the associated exam. After completing the training course, individuals must then pass two additional exams: the VMware Certified Professional 6 – Data Center Virtualization Exam (VCP6-DCV) and either the VMware Certified Advanced Professional 6 – Data Center Design Exam (VCAP6-DCV Design) or the VMware Certified Advanced Professional 6 – Data Center Operations Exam (VCAP6-DCO).

The cost of getting certified varies depending on which training provider you choose and which exams you take. The cost of taking a required training course can range from $2,000 to $4,000 USD depending on the provider. The cost of taking the VCP6-DCV exam is $250 USD while each VCAP exam costs $450 USD.

7. Cisco Certified Network Associate Data Center (CCNA Data Center)

Cisco Certified Network Associate Data Center (CCNA Data Center) is a certification program that validates an individual’s skills and knowledge in the areas of data center infrastructure, data center networking technologies, and data center storage. It is designed to provide IT professionals with the necessary skills to install, configure, manage, and troubleshoot Cisco data center solutions.

The CCNA Data Center certification requires two exams: one exam on the fundamentals of data centers and another on the specific technology you choose to specialize in. The first exam covers topics such as network fundamentals, virtualization concepts, storage networking technologies, unified computing systems, and security. The second exam focuses on either Cisco Unified Computing System (UCS), Cisco Nexus switches and FabricPath technology, or storage area networks (SANs).

It typically takes about six months to prepare for the CCNA Data Center certification. During this time you should focus on studying for both exams as well as gaining hands-on experience with Cisco products in a lab environment. You can also take advantage of online resources such as practice tests and study guides to help you prepare for the exams.

The cost of the CCNA Data Center certification varies depending on which exams you choose to take. Each exam costs $300 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with taking practice tests or purchasing study materials.

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

Citrix Certified Professional – Virtualization (CCP-V) is a certification offered by Citrix that validates an individual’s knowledge and skills in deploying, managing, and troubleshooting virtualized environments. The certification is designed for IT professionals who are responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of virtualized infrastructure solutions based on Citrix products.

The CCP-V certification requires passing two exams: the 1Y0-311 Citrix XenApp 6.5 Administration exam and the 1Y0-312 Citrix XenDesktop 5 Administration exam. Both exams must be passed within 18 months of each other to receive the certification.

To get the CCP-V certification, individuals must first register with Pearson VUE to take both exams. Each exam costs $200 USD and can be taken at any authorized testing center or online through Pearson VUE’s online proctoring service. Once both exams have been passed, individuals will receive their official CCP-V certificate from Citrix.

In total, getting the CCP-V certification will cost approximately $400 USD in exam fees plus any additional fees associated with taking the exams at a testing center or using Pearson VUE’s online proctoring service.

9. IBM Certified System Administrator – AIX V7 Administration

IBM Certified System Administrator – AIX V7 Administration is a professional certification that validates the knowledge and skills necessary to install, configure, manage, and maintain an AIX V7 system. It demonstrates the ability to use the AIX operating system for tasks such as setting up users and groups, configuring devices, managing storage, setting up networks, and maintaining system security.

The duration of this certification program is approximately 5-6 hours. To get certified, you must pass an online exam which consists of multiple choice questions. The cost of the exam varies depending on your country/region. Generally it costs around $200 USD.

10. HPE ASE - ProLiant Server Solutions Integrator V2

HPE ASE - ProLiant Server Solutions Integrator V2 is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the design, implementation, and management of HPE ProLiant server solutions. This certification validates an individual’s ability to integrate HPE ProLiant server solutions into customer environments and provide expert support for those solutions.

The HPE ASE - ProLiant Server Solutions Integrator V2 exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. The exam covers topics such as system architecture, installation and configuration, system maintenance, performance optimization, troubleshooting, and more.

To get certified as an HPE ASE - ProLiant Server Solutions Integrator V2 you must pass the associated exam. You can register for the exam online at PearsonVUE or through an authorized testing center.

The cost of the HPE ASE - ProLiant Server Solutions Integrator V2 certification exam is $250 USD.

11. Dell EMC PowerEdge Professional Certification

Dell EMC PowerEdge Professional Certification is a certification program designed to help IT professionals gain an in-depth understanding of the Dell EMC PowerEdge server hardware and software. This certification covers topics such as system architecture, storage, networking, virtualization, and automation.

The certification exam takes approximately 90 minutes to complete and consists of multiple choice questions. The cost of the exam varies depending on the country you are taking it in. The exam fee is typically around $200 USD.

To get certified, you must first register for the exam with Dell EMC and then take the online training course offered by them. This course will cover all the topics required to pass the exam. After completing the course, you will be able to schedule your exam date with Dell EMC. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your official certification from Dell EMC.

Do You Really Need a Server Certificate?

A server certificate is a type of digital certificate used to authenticate the identity of a server. It is typically used to establish an encrypted connection between a web server and a client’s web browser. In other words, it helps protect your website from malicious attacks by verifying that the website is who it says it is.

The answer to whether or not you need a server certificate depends on several factors, including what type of content you are serving and how sensitive the data being transmitted is. If your website contains any confidential information or handles any kind of financial transactions, then you should absolutely consider getting a server certificate. This will ensure that all communications between your website and its visitors’ browsers are secure and protected from potential attackers.

In addition, if you are running an e-commerce site or any other kind of business that requires customers to provide personal information, then having a server certificate can give them an added sense of security and trust in doing business with your company. Furthermore, some search engines may rank websites higher in their results if they have an SSL certificate installed, which can help drive more traffic to your site.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a server certificate comes down to what type of content you are serving up and how sensitive the data being exchanged is. If the information being exchanged is at all sensitive or confidential, then it’s highly recommended that you get one for added protection.

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FAQs About Server Certifications

Q1. What is a server certification?

A1. A server certification is a credential that verifies an individual's knowledge and skills related to managing, configuring, and deploying servers. It typically requires passing an exam from a vendor or industry-recognized organization.

Q2. What are the benefits of getting certified?

A2. Server certifications can help improve job prospects and salaries, demonstrate expertise in the field, and provide credibility with employers and peers. Additionally, it can help keep up with the latest technologies and trends in the industry, as well as staying ahead of competition in the job market.

Q3. Are there any prerequisites for getting certified?

A3. Depending on the certification you are pursuing, some may require prior IT experience or other certifications as prerequisites. Generally speaking, most certifications do not have any prerequisites but it is best to check with the specific provider for more information on their requirements before starting your application process.

Q4. How long does it take to get certified?

A4: The amount of time it takes to get certified varies depending on which certification you pursue and how much preparation you put into it beforehand. Most certifications require passing an exam which can take anywhere from 1-3 hours depending on the complexity of the topics covered in the exam. Additionally, many providers offer study materials or prep courses that can help reduce the amount of time needed to prepare for an exam and increase chances of success when taking it.

Q5. How much does a server certification cost?

A5: The cost of server certifications vary depending on provider as well as type of certification being pursued (e.g., entry-level vs advanced). Generally speaking, most certifications range from $100-$500 USD per exam attempt although discounts may be available if multiple exams are taken at once or if combined with other services such as coursework or practice tests offered by the provider