Top 11 Technical Consultant Certifications

Certifications are an important part of a technical consultant's job market because they demonstrate the consultant’s knowledge and expertise in their field. Having certifications not only demonstrates to potential employers that you have the qualifications needed to do the job, but also shows that you have taken the initiative to stay updated on industry trends and practices. Certifications also offer recognition from professional organizations and peers, which can help boost your reputation in the job market. Finally, certifications can provide access to valuable resources such as discounts on training materials, networking opportunities with industry experts, and even career advancement opportunities.

The article reviews top certifications for Technical Consultants and explains how they can provide career advancement opportunities.

What are Technical Consultant Certifications?

Technical consultant certification is a specialized form of professional certification that recognizes an individual's expertise in providing technical consulting services. It is designed to help technical consultants demonstrate their qualifications and prove their ability to provide sound, effective advice to clients.

The certification process involves rigorous testing and evaluation of the applicant's knowledge and experience in the areas of technology, business, and management. Technical consultants must pass exams covering topics such as project management, system architecture, network design, software engineering, database administration, security, and more. They must also demonstrate a deep understanding of their chosen field through practical projects and case studies.

By earning technical consultant certification from a recognized organization or institution, professionals can gain greater credibility with potential employers and clients. The certification shows that they have the skills necessary to provide high-quality technical advice and support services. It may also lead to higher salaries or better job opportunities in the field. Additionally, certified technical consultants are often seen as more reliable sources of information on technology issues than those without certification.

Pro Tip: Before pursuing a technical consultant certification, research the credentials and certifications that employers in your field value most. It is important to choose a certification program that will give you the specific skills needed to stand out in the job market. Additionally, make sure to take advantage of any continuing education opportunities offered by the certification provider to stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices.

Related: What does a Technical Consultant do?

Top 11 Technical Consultant Certifications

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

1. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is an independent information security certification governed by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium, also known as (ISC)². It is a globally recognized standard of achievement that confirms an individual's knowledge in the field of information security.

The CISSP certification requires five years of cumulative, paid work experience in two or more of the eight domains of the CISSP Common Body of Knowledge (CBK). The CBK includes topics such as asset security, security engineering, communications and network security, identity and access management, software development security, and security assessment and testing.

To obtain the CISSP certification, applicants must pass a rigorous examination that covers all eight domains. The exam consists of 250 multiple-choice questions over a six-hour period. Applicants must also agree to adhere to (ISC)²’s Code of Ethics and Continuing Professional Education (CPE) requirements.

The cost for taking the CISSP exam varies depending on location but typically ranges from $699 - $1,599 USD. Additionally, there are other costs associated with obtaining the certification including membership fees and study materials which can range from $200 - $400 USD.

2. Certified Network Professional (CNP)

Certified Network Professional (CNP) is a certification program designed to validate the knowledge and skills of networking professionals. It is administered by the Cisco Networking Academy, a global leader in IT education. The CNP certification is designed to demonstrate an individual's proficiency in designing, configuring, managing, and troubleshooting networks.

To earn the CNP certification, individuals must pass two exams: the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) exam and the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) exam. Both exams are offered through Pearson VUE testing centers around the world.

The CCNA exam covers topics such as network fundamentals, routing protocols, switching technologies, wireless technologies, network security, and network services. The CCNP exam covers topics such as advanced routing protocols, advanced switching technologies, advanced wireless technologies, network security management and design principles.

The cost of taking both exams varies depending on the country you live in and whether or not you have already taken any other Cisco certification exams. Generally speaking though, it will cost approximately $500 USD for both exams combined.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to study for both exams and obtain your CNP certification. However this can vary greatly depending on how much time you are able to dedicate to studying each day/week as well as how quickly you are able to learn new concepts and apply them in practice scenarios.

3. Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)

The Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) is an information security certification that demonstrates a professional’s expertise in cloud security. It is offered by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC2). The CCSP credential is designed for IT professionals who have at least five years of experience in information security, with three of those years specializing in cloud security.

In order to obtain the CCSP credential, candidates must pass the CCSP exam which consists of 125 multiple-choice questions and takes up to four hours to complete. The exam covers six domains: Cloud Concepts, Architecture, Design, Platform and Infrastructure Security, Data Security and Operations, Legal and Compliance.

To prepare for the exam, ISC2 recommends that candidates take their official training course or use self-study materials such as books or online courses. Candidates should also have a minimum of five years of experience in IT security with three years specializing in cloud security before attempting the exam.

The cost of the CCSP certification varies depending on where you take it but typically costs around $600 USD.

4. Certified Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) Practitioner

Certified Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) Practitioner is a certification program for IT professionals. It is designed to help IT professionals understand and apply the best practices of the IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL). The ITIL Practitioner certification is the highest level of certification available in the ITIL framework.

The ITIL Practitioner certification requires completion of an accredited training course, which typically takes three days to complete. After completing the course, candidates must pass an exam to become certified. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and covers topics such as service management, service design, service transition, service operations, and continual improvement.

To get an ITIL Practitioner certification, you must first take an accredited training course and pass the associated exam. There are several providers that offer accredited courses and exams for the ITIL Practitioner certification. These providers include AXELOS Global Best Practice, PeopleCert, EXIN, APMG International, BCS Professional Exams Ltd., and ISEB/ISTQB Exams Ltd.

The cost of taking an accredited training course can vary depending on the provider and location of the course. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $1,000-$2,500 USD for a three-day course plus exam fees.

5. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE)

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) is a certification program that demonstrates an individual’s ability to design, deploy, and manage Microsoft-based solutions. It is a globally recognized credential that validates an individual’s expertise in Microsoft technologies.

It typically takes around six months to achieve the MCSE certification. The process includes studying for the exam, taking practice tests, and passing the required exams. To get certified, you must pass one of the following exams:

* Exam 70-410: Installing and Configuring Windows Server 2012

* Exam 70-411: Administering Windows Server 2012

* Exam 70-412: Configuring Advanced Windows Server 2012 Services

* Exam 70-413: Designing and Implementing a Server Infrastructure

* Exam 70-414: Implementing an Advanced Server Infrastructure

The cost of the MCSE certification varies depending on the country where you are taking the exam. Generally, it costs around $150 per exam or $750 for all five exams.

6. Oracle Database Administrator Certified Professional (OCP)

Oracle Database Administrator Certified Professional (OCP) is a certification program offered by Oracle Corporation. It is designed to validate the skills and knowledge of database administrators in the Oracle Database environment.

The OCP certification is divided into two levels: Associate Level and Professional Level. The Associate Level requires passing one exam, while the Professional Level requires passing two exams.

To get the OCP certification, you must first complete an Oracle training course from an authorized training provider. Once you have completed the course, you can register for the appropriate exams through Oracle University. The cost of each exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $200-300 USD per exam.

Once you have passed both exams, you will receive your OCP certificate from Oracle University. The entire process usually takes up to six months to complete and can cost up to $1,000 USD or more depending on the number of courses taken and exams taken.

7. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) is a certification offered by Cisco Systems that validates an individual’s knowledge and skills in networking. It is the entry-level certification for those who want to pursue a career in networking. To obtain the CCNA certification, individuals must pass two exams: ICND1 and ICND2. The ICND1 exam focuses on network fundamentals, while the ICND2 exam covers routing and switching protocols and technologies.

The time it takes to get the CCNA certification depends on the individual’s background, experience, and study habits. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from three months to one year of dedicated study to prepare for the exams.

In order to get the CCNA certification, individuals must first register with Cisco and then schedule their exams through Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers. After passing both exams, candidates will receive their official CCNA certificate in the mail within four weeks of passing their last exam.

The cost of obtaining the CCNA certification varies depending on where you take your exams, but typically ranges from $250-$400 USD per exam ($500-$800 total).

8. VMware Certified Professional (VCP)

VMware Certified Professional (VCP) is a certification program that demonstrates an individual’s proficiency in VMware virtualization technologies. It is the industry standard for validating virtualization skills and knowledge, and it is recognized by employers around the world.

To earn a VCP certification, individuals must complete a course of study in VMware technologies and pass a rigorous exam. The course of study typically takes two to four weeks to complete, depending on the individual's experience level. After completing the course, individuals can take the VCP exam at any Pearson VUE testing center. The cost of the exam is $250 USD.

The VCP certification is valid for two years from the date of issue. To maintain active status, individuals must either retake the exam or complete continuing education requirements every two years. This includes attending VMware-authorized courses or completing online training modules offered through VMware’s Learning Zone platform.

9. CompTIA A+ Certification

CompTIA A+ certification is an industry-recognized credential that validates the knowledge and skills of IT professionals. It is a vendor-neutral certification, meaning it is not tied to any particular technology or product. CompTIA A+ is the most popular entry-level IT certification for those looking to break into the field of information technology.

It takes approximately 90 hours to prepare for the CompTIA A+ exam. This includes studying materials, taking practice tests, and attending training courses. The two exams required for CompTIA A+ certification are Core 1 (220-1001) and Core 2 (220-1002). Both exams must be passed in order to receive your certificate.

To get CompTIA A+, you need to register with Pearson VUE by providing your contact information and payment details. You will then receive an email confirmation with instructions on how to schedule your exam date and time.

The cost of CompTIA A+ certification varies depending on where you take the exams, but typically ranges from $200-$300 USD per exam ($400-$600 USD total).

10. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a globally recognized certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge and experience in project management, and is considered the gold standard for project management professionals.

The PMP certification process typically takes 3-6 months to complete. To become certified, individuals must first meet certain eligibility requirements, including having a minimum of 4500 hours of professional project management experience and 35 contact hours of formal education in project management. Once these requirements are met, applicants must pass the PMP exam, which consists of 200 multiple choice questions.

The cost of obtaining the PMP certification varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member of PMI. For members, the cost is $405 for the application fee and $555 for the exam fee; for non-members it is $555 for the application fee and $555 for the exam fee. Additionally, there are various study materials available that can help prepare you for the exam, such as books and online courses; these may incur additional costs.

11. Amazon Web Services Certified Solutions Architect – Associate

Amazon Web Services Certified Solutions Architect – Associate is a certification program designed to validate the technical skills and knowledge of individuals who design, deploy, and operate applications and infrastructure on Amazon Web Services (AWS). This certification is designed for those with experience in designing distributed applications and systems on the AWS platform.

The exam typically takes about 2 hours to complete. It consists of multiple-choice questions that assess the candidate’s knowledge of various AWS services, such as EC2, S3, CloudFormation, Lambda, IAM, VPC, Route 53, and more.

To get certified as an AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate you need to pass the exam. You can take it either online or at an authorized testing center. Before taking the exam you should have some hands-on experience with AWS services. You can also use training materials from AWS or third-party providers to prepare for the exam.

The cost of the exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $150-$300 USD.

Do You Really Need a Technical Consultant Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual and their goals. If you are looking to become a technical consultant or specialize in a certain technical field, then having a technical consultant certificate could be beneficial. It can give you an edge over other applicants and demonstrate your expertise in the field. It may also be necessary for some positions that require certification or special qualifications.

However, if you are already working in the field as a technical consultant or have extensive experience in the industry, then having a certificate may not be necessary. Many employers value experience and knowledge more than credentials. Having a certificate may not necessarily increase your chances of getting hired or progressing up the career ladder; it simply serves as proof of your knowledge and skills.

In short, whether or not you need a technical consultant certificate ultimately depends on your personal circumstances and goals. Consider what type of job you want to get and what qualifications are required before deciding whether or not it is worth investing time and money into obtaining one.

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FAQs About Technical Consultant Certifications

1. What are the benefits of becoming a Technical Consultant?

Answer: Becoming a Technical Consultant can provide many valuable benefits, such as increased job security, higher earning potential, and the ability to work on complex projects. It also allows you to stay up-to-date with industry trends and technologies, as well as gain valuable experience in providing technical advice and guidance to customers.

2. How do I get certified as a Technical Consultant?

Answer: To become certified as a Technical Consultant, you must first obtain the appropriate qualifications from an accredited institution or professional organization. This typically involves completing a series of courses and exams that cover topics related to technology consulting. Additionally, some employers may require prior experience in their specific field before certifying you as a consultant.

3. What is the cost of getting certified?

Answer: The cost of certification varies depending on the type of certification program you choose and the provider offering it. Generally speaking, most programs range from hundreds to thousands of dollars in tuition fees and exam costs.

4. How long does it take to become certified?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to become certified depends on several factors, including the type of certification program chosen, how much study time is allocated for each course/exam, and if any additional training is required for certain certifications (e.g., specialized IT training). Generally speaking, most certification programs can be completed within 6-12 months depending on these factors.

5. Are there any prerequisites for becoming a Technical Consultant?

Answer: Most certification programs require applicants to have at least two years of experience working in information technology or related fields prior to applying for certification. Additionally, many programs require applicants to pass various exams related to their chosen field before they can be awarded their certificate or diploma.