Top 11 Web Administrator Certifications

Certifications are an important part of a web administrator’s job market success. A certification validates a web administrator's knowledge and skills in web technologies, giving employers confidence that the candidate is qualified to do the job. Certifications also demonstrate a commitment to professional development and staying up-to-date with the latest industry trends. For employers, certifications can help them differentiate between candidates and make more informed decisions when hiring. Finally, having certifications can give a web administrator an advantage in negotiations for salary or other benefits.

The purpose of this article is to review the various certifications available for web administrators, and to explain how they can help advance a web administrator's career.

What are Web Administrator Certifications?

Web administrator certification is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates proficiency in the field of web administration. It is designed to provide assurance to employers and clients that a web administrator has the necessary skills and knowledge to manage a website or network effectively. Web administrators must demonstrate their understanding of web technologies, such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, SQL, and other related languages; they must also show proficiency in managing web servers, databases, and security.

Web administrator certification can be beneficial for those seeking employment as a web administrator or for those looking to increase their marketability within the industry. It gives employers confidence that an individual has the technical expertise required to perform the job. Furthermore, having certification can help set individuals apart from others competing for similar positions by highlighting their commitment to excellence in the field. Additionally, it can provide opportunities for career advancement by enabling professionals to demonstrate their ability to stay up-to-date on the latest technologies and trends in web administration.

Pro Tip: When considering web administrator certification, make sure to research the different types of certifications available and find one that best fits your career goals. Additionally, be sure to check the requirements for each certification and ensure you have the necessary experience or background before committing to a program.

Related: What does a Web Administrator do?

Top 11 Web Administrator Certifications

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

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

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Server Infrastructure is a certification program that validates a professional’s ability to design, implement, and manage an organization’s server infrastructure. It is designed for IT professionals who specialize in the implementation and management of Windows Server 2012/2016, Microsoft Hyper-V, and System Center 2012/2016.

To get the MCSE: Server Infrastructure certification, you must pass two exams: Exam 70-410: Installing and Configuring Windows Server 2012/2016 and Exam 70-413: Designing and Implementing a Server Infrastructure. The exams cover topics such as network services, Active Directory, storage solutions, server virtualization, failover clustering, disaster recovery planning, system monitoring and maintenance.

It typically takes about three months to prepare for the MCSE: Server Infrastructure certification exams. This includes self-study time with textbooks or online courses; practice tests; hands-on experience with Windows Server 2012/2016; and study groups or forums where you can ask questions and share tips with other candidates.

The cost of the MCSE: Server Infrastructure certification depends on the provider you choose to take the exam from. Generally speaking, each exam costs around $150 USD but this can vary depending on your location.

2. CompTIA A+ Certification

CompTIA A+ Certification is an industry-recognized credential that validates a technician's competency in areas such as installation, preventative maintenance, networking, security and troubleshooting of computer systems. It is the most popular IT certification program in the world and is considered to be a foundational certification for those wishing to pursue a career in IT.

The CompTIA A+ certification typically takes around six months to complete. To obtain the certification, you must pass two exams: Core 1 (220-1001) and Core 2 (220-1002). Both exams are 90 minutes long and consist of multiple choice questions. The cost of each exam varies depending on your location but is typically around $200 USD per exam.

In addition to passing the two exams, you must also meet certain prerequisites before taking the tests. These include having at least 12 months of hands-on experience in the IT field or completing an approved training course. You must also agree to abide by CompTIA's Code of Ethics before taking the exams.

Overall, obtaining CompTIA A+ Certification can be a great way to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in computer technology and open up more job opportunities in the field.

3. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) is a certification program designed to validate an individual's skills in networking and related technologies. It is offered by Cisco Systems, Inc., the world’s leading provider of networking solutions.

The CCNA certification is designed for entry-level network engineers and technicians who are responsible for configuring, installing, troubleshooting, and operating small to medium-sized networks. The certification covers topics such as IP addressing, routing protocols, switching technologies, network security, wireless networking, and more.

It typically takes about 6 months to prepare for the CCNA exam. This includes studying the course material and taking practice exams. To get certified, you must pass both the ICND1 (100-105) and ICND2 (200-105) exams or take the combined CCNA exam (200-125). The cost of each exam varies depending on your location but usually ranges from $150-$300 USD per exam.

In addition to passing the required exams, you must also have a valid Cisco ID in order to become certified. To obtain a Cisco ID you must register with Cisco at their website: https://www.cisco.com/web/learning/certifications/register_for_exam/.

4. Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA)

Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) is a certification that validates an individual's skills in Red Hat Enterprise Linux system administration. This certification is designed for IT professionals who are responsible for the installation, configuration, and management of Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems.

To become RHCSA certified, individuals must complete a hands-on exam that tests their ability to perform common system administration tasks such as managing users, configuring network services, and setting up storage. The exam takes approximately two hours to complete and consists of multiple choice questions and performance-based items.

Getting certified requires passing the RHCSA exam. Individuals can register for the exam through the Red Hat website or through Pearson VUE testing centers. The cost of the exam varies depending on location but typically ranges from $400 to $500 USD.

In addition to passing the exam, candidates must also have a valid Red Hat account in order to receive their certification. Once they have passed the exam and created their account, they will be able to access their official RHCSA certificate online within two weeks of completing the test.

5. Oracle Database Administrator Certified Professional (OCP)

Oracle Database Administrator Certified Professional (OCP) is an industry-recognized credential that validates a database administrator’s technical expertise and proficiency in managing Oracle databases. The OCP certification is designed to demonstrate a high level of knowledge and experience in the areas of installation, configuration, patching, tuning, backup/recovery, security and more.

To become an Oracle Database Administrator Certified Professional (OCP), you must pass two exams: 1Z0-061: Oracle Database 12c: SQL Fundamentals and 1Z0-062: Oracle Database 12c: Administration. Depending on your prior experience with Oracle databases and the amount of time you dedicate to studying for the exams, it can take anywhere from several weeks to several months to prepare for both tests.

The cost for taking each exam varies depending on location but typically ranges from $245 - $295 per exam. You can find out more information about pricing at the Oracle website or by contacting your local testing center.

Once you have passed both exams, you will receive an official OCP certification from Oracle that will be valid for three years from the date of issue. To maintain your certification status, you must complete continuing education requirements every three years by passing one additional exam or attending a relevant training course.

6. Linux Professional Institute Certification (LPIC-1)

Linux Professional Institute Certification (LPIC-1) is a certification program that validates the skills and knowledge of professionals in the Linux operating system. It is designed to demonstrate proficiency in topics such as installation, configuration, and management of Linux systems. The LPIC-1 certification is divided into two exams: Exam 101 and Exam 102.

Exam 101 covers topics such as Linux installation, system startup process, GNU/Linux command line tools, user interfaces and desktops, basic security, file permissions and ownership, networking fundamentals and troubleshooting. Exam 102 covers topics such as advanced storage devices, network services for servers, Samba server configuration and maintenance, web services configuration and maintenance, email services configuration and maintenance, DNS server configuration and maintenance.

It typically takes about 3-6 months to prepare for the LPIC-1 exams depending on your prior experience with Linux systems. To get certified you need to pass both Exams 101 & 102 with a minimum score of 500 out of 700 points each.

The cost for taking the LPIC-1 exams varies depending on where you take them but generally ranges from $100-$200 per exam.

7. Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD): Web Applications

Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD): Web Applications is a certification program designed to validate the skills and knowledge of developers who create web applications using Microsoft technologies. The MCSD: Web Applications certification validates that a developer has the skills to build modern web applications and services using HTML5, CSS3, ASP.NET, JavaScript, Microsoft Azure, and Visual Studio.

The MCSD: Web Applications certification requires you to pass three exams. The three exams are Programming in HTML5 with JavaScript and CSS3 (Exam 70-480), Developing ASP.NET MVC 4 Web Applications (Exam 70-486), and Developing Microsoft Azure and Web Services (Exam 70-487).

To get certified as an MCSD: Web Applications, you must first purchase an exam voucher from Microsoft or an authorized vendor. Each exam voucher costs $150 USD for US customers or €125 for European customers. Once you have purchased the exam vouchers, you can register for the exams online at www.microsoft.com/learning/en-us/mcsd-web-applications-certification.html .

It typically takes between 6 months to 1 year to prepare for all three exams and become certified as an MCSD: Web Applications depending on your experience level with the technology being tested on each exam.

8. Zend Certified PHP Engineer

Zend Certified PHP Engineer is a certification program offered by Zend Technologies, the creators of the popular open-source scripting language, PHP. It is designed to recognize and validate the skills of professional PHP developers. The certification requires passing an exam that tests knowledge in areas such as PHP fundamentals, object-oriented programming, security, web services and more.

The exam typically takes around three hours to complete and consists of multiple choice questions. The cost of the exam varies depending on location but is usually around $200 USD. To get certified, you must first register for an exam at a Pearson VUE testing center. Once registered, you will be given access to study materials and practice tests so that you can prepare for the exam. After successfully passing the exam, you will receive your Zend Certified PHP Engineer certificate from Zend Technologies.

9. Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA): Web Development Fundamentals

Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) Web Development Fundamentals is a certification program designed to provide an entry-level understanding of web development technologies. It provides an introduction to the fundamentals of web development, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and ASP.NET. The certification covers the basics of developing websites and web applications with Microsoft technologies.

The MTA Web Development Fundamentals exam takes approximately 90 minutes to complete and consists of 40-60 multiple choice questions. The exam measures your ability to understand and apply fundamental concepts related to web development technologies such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and ASP.NET.

To get the MTA Web Development Fundamentals certification you must pass the corresponding exam (98-363). You can take the exam at any Pearson VUE testing center or online through your Microsoft account.

The cost of taking the MTA Web Development Fundamentals exam is $127 USD for non-members or $97 USD for members of Microsoft Learning Partners.

10. Citrix Certified Administrator (CCA)

Citrix Certified Administrator (CCA) is a certification program offered by Citrix Systems, Inc. that validates an individual’s knowledge and skills in administering Citrix products and solutions. It is designed to demonstrate expertise in the installation, configuration, and management of Citrix products.

The CCA certification is valid for three years from the date of certification. To get certified as a CCA, an individual must pass one or more exams that are available through Pearson VUE testing centers. The exams cover topics such as Citrix XenApp/XenDesktop 7.x Administration, Citrix NetScaler 10/11 Administration, and Citrix Provisioning Services 7.x Administration.

The cost of the exams varies depending on the exam taken but typically range from $200-$300 USD per exam. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the exam such as registration fees or travel costs to get to a Pearson VUE testing center.

11. VMware Certified Professional – Data Center Virtualization (VCP-DCV)

VMware Certified Professional – Data Center Virtualization (VCP-DCV) is a certification that validates an individual’s knowledge and skills in virtualizing data centers. It demonstrates the ability to install, configure, manage, and troubleshoot VMware vSphere environments. It also covers other related technologies such as vSAN, vRealize Automation, NSX, and Horizon View.

It typically takes around 3 months to prepare for the VCP-DCV exam. To get certified, you must first attend a required training course from VMware or an authorized training partner. After completing the course, you can then register for the VCP-DCV exam online. The cost of the exam varies depending on your country of residence but typically ranges between $250 and $450 USD.

Do You Really Need a Web Administrator Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your career goals and the type of job you are looking for. If you are seeking a career as a web administrator, then having a certificate in web administration can be beneficial in helping you stand out among other applicants. It will also give you the knowledge and skills necessary to handle the technical aspects of web administration.

However, if you are already working in a related field or have experience with web development, then it may not be necessary to obtain a certificate in order to become successful as a web administrator. Many employers prefer candidates who have experience and knowledge of the industry, rather than those who simply possess certificates or degrees. The best way to determine if obtaining a certificate is right for you is to research the job requirements for various positions within your desired field and assess your current skill level against them.

In conclusion, whether or not you need a web administrator certificate depends on your specific career goals. For some individuals, completing an accredited program and obtaining certification may be beneficial in helping them achieve their goals; however, others may find that they can succeed without one. Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide what works best for them.

Related: Web Administrator Resume Examples

FAQs About Web Administrator Certifications

Q1. What is a web administrator certification?

A1. A web administrator certification is a credential that verifies an individual’s knowledge and experience in administering, developing, and maintaining websites. This type of certification helps employers to identify qualified professionals who are knowledgeable in the field of web administration.

Q2. What are the different types of web administrator certifications?

A2. The most common types of web administrator certifications include CompTIA's Web Administrator Certification (WAC), Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Web Applications, and Oracle Certified Professional: Web Administrator (OCP).

Q3. How do I get a web administrator certification?

A3. The process for obtaining a web administrator certification typically involves taking an exam offered by the certifying body or organization, such as CompTIA or Microsoft. You may also need to complete courses related to the specific certification you are seeking prior to taking the exam.

Q4. What is the cost of getting a web administrator certification?

A4. The cost of obtaining a web administrator certification varies depending on which certifying body you choose and which type of certification you pursue. Generally speaking, fees for exams range between $100-$400 USD per exam, not including any applicable course costs or other fees associated with obtaining a certificate from some organizations or bodies.

Q5. Are there any prerequisites for obtaining a web administrator certification?

A5. Yes, depending on which type of certificate you pursue, there may be prerequisites that must be met before attempting an exam or enrolling in courses associated with the certificate program you are pursuing. For example, CompTIA's WAC requires applicants to have at least six months of work experience in website administration prior to being eligible for their exam and certificaiton program