Top 11 Vendor Certifications

Certifications are an important way for vendors to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in a particular area. They help potential employers evaluate the qualifications of job applicants, allowing them to make more informed hiring decisions. Certifications can also be used as a way to differentiate your skillset from other candidates and give you an edge in the job market. Having certifications can also show that you have taken the initiative to stay up-to-date on industry trends and technologies, which are key qualities that employers look for.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Vendors and explains how they can help to advance a vendor's career.

What are Vendor Certifications?

Vendor certification is the process of verifying that a vendor meets certain standards and criteria. It can help ensure that the vendor provides quality goods or services and is reliable in their delivery. Vendor certification also helps to create trust between vendors and customers, as it provides a third-party validation of the vendor's quality. This can help reduce the risk associated with doing business with unknown vendors, as well as provide assurance that goods or services will be delivered on time and according to agreed upon specifications. Additionally, vendor certification can help to reduce costs by eliminating the need for lengthy research into potential vendors. Finally, vendor certification can also help companies meet regulatory compliance requirements, such as those related to data security or environmental standards.

Pro Tip: When researching a vendor certification program, make sure to look into the specific requirements and benefits of the program. This can help you determine if it is the right fit for your business needs and whether the cost of certification is worth the potential return on investment.

Related: What does a Vendor do?

Top 11 Vendor Certifications

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

1. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE)

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) is a certification program designed to provide IT professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to build, deploy, and manage solutions on the Microsoft platform. The MCSE certification is intended for individuals who have at least two years of experience in designing and implementing solutions based on Microsoft technologies.

To earn an MCSE certification, you must pass a series of exams that cover topics such as Windows Server, Exchange Server, SharePoint Server, SQL Server, System Center Configuration Manager, Azure Infrastructure Solutions, Office 365 Solutions and Cloud Platforms. The number of exams required varies depending on the specific technology track you choose.

It typically takes between six months to one year to complete all of the necessary exams for an MCSE certification. However, this timeline can vary depending on your level of experience and how much time you are able to dedicate to studying for each exam.

To get started on your journey towards becoming an MCSE certified professional, you will need to register for the appropriate exams through Microsoft’s website or a third-party testing center. The cost of each exam varies but typically ranges from $125 - $200 USD per exam.

2. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) is a certification program designed to validate an individual's knowledge and skills in networking. It is the entry-level certification for Cisco's portfolio of certifications, and it is highly sought after by employers in the IT industry.

The CCNA certification takes between 6 to 12 months to complete, depending on how much time you are able to dedicate to studying. To get the certification, you must pass two exams: ICND1 and ICND2. The cost of these exams varies depending on where you take them, but typically range from $150-$300 USD each.

To prepare for the exams, there are numerous resources available online such as study guides, practice tests, and instructor-led courses. Additionally, Cisco offers its own training program called “Cisco Networking Academy” which provides students with hands-on experience and prepares them for the CCNA exam. The cost of this program varies based on location but typically ranges from $500-$1000 USD.

3. CompTIA A+

CompTIA A+ is a globally recognized certification for computer technicians. It is an entry-level certification that validates the knowledge and skills required to install, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot basic computer hardware and operating systems. The certification is offered by CompTIA (Computing Technology Industry Association).

It typically takes between 6-12 months to study for the CompTIA A+ exam. This includes reading textbooks, taking practice tests, and studying online courses. The exam consists of two parts: Core 1 (220-1001) and Core 2 (220-1002).

To get the CompTIA A+ certification, you must pass both parts of the exam. Each part consists of 90 multiple choice questions that must be completed within 90 minutes. You can take each exam separately or take them at the same time.

The cost of the CompTIA A+ certification varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it costs around $200 USD for both parts of the exam.

4. VMware Certified Professional (VCP)

VMware Certified Professional (VCP) is a certification program designed to validate the skills and knowledge of IT professionals who work with VMware technologies. The VCP certification demonstrates that an individual has the technical expertise to install, configure, manage, and troubleshoot VMware vSphere environments.

To become a VCP, individuals must first attend one of the authorized training courses offered by VMware. After completing the course, they must pass a proctored exam to receive their certification. The cost of the course varies depending on the type of training taken and can range from $2,500 - $4,000 USD.

The exam itself costs $250 USD and takes approximately two hours to complete. To maintain your VCP status you are required to take a recertification exam every two years. The cost for this exam is also $250 USD.

5. Oracle Certified Professional (OCP)

Oracle Certified Professional (OCP) is an industry-recognized certification that validates a professional’s skills and knowledge in Oracle Database technologies. It demonstrates that the individual has the expertise to install, configure, manage, and troubleshoot Oracle databases.

It typically takes between six months and one year to prepare for the OCP exam. The preparation involves taking classes, reading books and manuals, attending seminars, and doing hands-on practice with Oracle databases. The exact amount of time needed will depend on an individual's experience level.

To get certified as an OCP, you must pass two exams: the Oracle Database 12c Administrator Certified Associate (1Z0-062) exam and the Oracle Database 12c Administrator Certified Professional (1Z0-063) exam. Both exams are administered by Pearson VUE testing centers worldwide.

The cost of the OCP certification varies depending on the country where you take the exam. Generally speaking, it can range from $200 to $400 per exam plus any applicable taxes or fees.

6. Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA)

Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) is a certification program offered by Red Hat, Inc. It is designed to validate an individual's skills in administering and managing Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems. This certification is the most popular among IT professionals who are seeking to demonstrate their expertise in Linux system administration.

The RHCSA exam typically takes around two hours to complete and consists of multiple-choice questions. The exam covers topics such as installation and configuration of Red Hat Enterprise Linux, security, storage management, network services, troubleshooting and more. To be eligible for the RHCSA certification, candidates must have at least six months of experience working with Red Hat Enterprise Linux or equivalent distributions.

To get the RHCSA certification, individuals must pass the exam administered by Red Hat. The cost of the exam varies depending on location but typically ranges from $400-$500 USD. The cost includes access to online practice exams and other study materials that can help prepare for the exam. After passing the exam, individuals will receive an official certificate from Red Hat that is valid for three years from the date of issue.

7. Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certified Solutions Architect – Associate

Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certified Solutions Architect – Associate is an entry-level certification for individuals who have a strong understanding of the AWS platform and its services. This certification validates an individual’s ability to design, deploy, and manage applications on the AWS platform.

The time it takes to get this certification depends on the individual's experience level and their study habits. Generally, it can take anywhere from one to three months of studying for individuals with some experience in cloud computing or IT. For those without any prior knowledge or experience, it may take longer.

To get this certification, you must first pass the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate exam. The exam is a multiple choice test that covers topics such as designing highly available and fault tolerant architectures, selecting appropriate AWS services based on data requirements and application needs, estimating costs associated with using AWS services, and more. You can find more information about the exam here: https://aws.amazon.com/certification/certified-solutions-architect-associate/.

The cost of taking the exam varies depending on your location; however, in most cases it costs around $150 USD per attempt.

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

Citrix Certified Professional – Virtualization (CCP-V) is a certification program designed to validate the skills and knowledge of IT professionals in virtualization technologies. This certification demonstrates that an individual has the expertise to design, deploy, manage, and troubleshoot Citrix virtualization solutions.

It typically takes around 5-6 months to get CCP-V certified. The process involves taking a comprehensive training course from a Citrix Authorized Learning Center (CALC). After completing the training course, you must pass two exams: 1Z0-926 Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops 7 Administration and 1Z0-927 Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops 7 Advanced Administration.

The cost of CCP-V certification depends on the type of learning center you choose. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $2,000 to $3,500 USD. This cost includes both the training course and exam fees.

Once you have successfully completed both exams and earned your CCP-V certification, you will be able to demonstrate your expertise in virtualization technologies and be recognized as a qualified professional in this field.

9. Juniper Networks Certified Internet Specialist (JNCIS)

Juniper Networks Certified Internet Specialist (JNCIS) is a certification program offered by Juniper Networks, Inc. It is designed to validate the knowledge and skills of IT professionals who design, configure, manage, and troubleshoot Juniper Networks-based networks. The JNCIS certification is an intermediate-level credential that requires a minimum of two years of networking experience.

The JNCIS exam consists of 65 multiple-choice questions and has a time limit of 90 minutes. To pass the exam, candidates must score at least 75%. The cost of the exam varies depending on location but typically ranges from $200 to $400 USD.

To get certified as a JNCIS, individuals must first complete the prerequisite courses: Junos Fundamentals and Junos Intermediate Routing (JIR). Once these courses are completed, individuals can register for the JNCIS exam through Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers. Candidates should expect to spend around 8 hours studying for the exam in order to be adequately prepared.

10. Symantec Certified Specialist (SCS)

Symantec Certified Specialist (SCS) is a certification program offered by Symantec, the world’s leading provider of security, storage and systems management solutions. With this certification, IT professionals demonstrate their expertise in Symantec products and technologies and gain recognition for their knowledge and skills.

The SCS program consists of four levels: Expert, Professional, Associate and Foundation. Each level requires a different set of exams to be passed in order to earn the certification. The time it takes to get certified depends on the level you are aiming for and how much preparation you put into it.

To get certified at any level, you must first purchase an exam voucher from Symantec or one of its authorized resellers. The cost of the voucher varies depending on the exam type and level you are taking. After purchasing the voucher, you can register for your chosen exam online through Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers.

Once registered for an exam, you will need to prepare for it by studying material provided by Symantec or other sources such as books or online courses. Once ready, take your chosen exam at a designated testing center and upon successful completion you will receive your SCS certificate in the mail within 4-6 weeks after passing your exam(s).

In summary, getting an SCS certification requires purchasing an exam voucher from Symantec or an authorized reseller, registering for the appropriate exam(s), preparing for them using study material provided by Symantec or other sources such as books or online courses, taking the exams at a designated testing center and finally receiving your certificate in the mail within 4-6 weeks after passing your exams.

11. IBM Certified Systems Expert – Cloud Computing Architecture V1

IBM Certified Systems Expert – Cloud Computing Architecture V1 is a professional certification program that validates the skills and knowledge of IT professionals in designing, deploying and managing cloud computing architectures. It is designed to help IT professionals demonstrate their expertise in cloud computing architecture and design, as well as their ability to deploy and manage cloud solutions.

This certification requires that you pass two exams: C9020-660 IBM Cloud Computing Architecture v1 and C9020-661 IBM Cloud Computing Architecture v2. The exams are available through Pearson VUE or Prometric Testing Centers. The total cost for both exams is approximately $750 USD.

The time it takes to get this certification depends on your experience level and how much time you can dedicate to studying for the exams. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from 3 months to 1 year to complete the program depending on your availability and dedication.

To get started, you need to register for the exams through Pearson VUE or Prometric Testing Centers. Once registered, you will need to study for the exam using IBM’s official training materials such as books, practice tests, and online courses. After successfully passing both exams, you will be awarded with the IBM Certified Systems Expert – Cloud Computing Architecture V1 certification.

Do You Really Need a Vendor Certificate?

Yes, you do need a vendor certificate. A vendor certificate is an official document that proves that a vendor is approved to conduct business with a particular company. It shows that the vendor is legitimate and has been verified by the company in question. This certificate also serves as proof of the vendor’s good standing with the company and helps to protect both parties from potential legal issues or disputes that may arise from their business dealings.

A vendor certificate also ensures that all transactions between the two companies are conducted in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. This document also helps to ensure that there are no hidden fees or costs associated with any products or services purchased from the vendor, which can lead to unexpected expenses down the line. Furthermore, it serves as evidence of a professional business relationship between two companies and can help to protect both parties in the event of any disputes or allegations of wrongdoing.

Overall, obtaining a vendor certificate is essential for any company looking to do business with another organization. It demonstrates trustworthiness and reliability on behalf of both parties, while providing added protection against potential legal issues or disputes. For these reasons, it is important for companies to obtain a valid vendor certificate before entering into any kind of transaction with another firm.

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FAQs About Vendor Certifications

1. What is a Vendor Certification?

Answer: A vendor certification is a type of professional certification that verifies an individual's knowledge and skill in a specific product or service offered by a particular vendor. It proves that the individual has the necessary expertise to work with the vendor’s products or services.

2. How long does it take to get a Vendor Certification?

Answer: The amount of time required to obtain a vendor certification varies depending on the type of certification, the level of difficulty, and the specific requirements for each exam. Generally speaking, it will take anywhere from several weeks to several months to complete all requirements for certification.

3. What are the benefits of getting Vendor Certified?

Answer: Benefits of being certified include increased credibility, greater job opportunities, higher pay, and access to more resources and support from the vendor in question. Additionally, many vendors offer discounts on their products or services for certified professionals.

4. Is there an expiration date on my Vendor Certification?

Answer: Yes, most vendor certifications have an expiration date associated with them. The exact length of time varies depending on the type of certification and the specific requirements set forth by each vendor. It is important to stay up-to-date with any changes in order to maintain your certification status.

5. Are there any prerequisites for obtaining Vendor Certifications?

Answer: Yes, most vendors have certain prerequisites that must be met before taking any exams related to their certifications programs. This typically includes having prior experience with the product or service in question as well as meeting certain educational or technical requirements set forth by the vendor itself.