Microsoft Certifications:

Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP)
Anyone passing a single Microsoft exam on the way to earning any of the multi-exam certifications listed automatically receives an MCP certification. An MCP gains the ability to access the private Microsoft certified website (MCP Site) and to receive certain publications and other information not available to the general public. This certification may also satisfy some training or company certification requirements. It is considered more of a stepping-stone in the industry, rather than a true certification to meet business requirements.

Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST)
Microsoft’s latest, and lowest-level certification that requires passing more than one exam, is the MCDST. It is designed for helpdesk support personnel who troubleshoot Windows XP and Microsoft desktop applications.

Microsoft Certified Data Base Administrator (MCDBA)
This certification is for anyone who designs, maintains, and administers Microsoft’s database management software, known as SQL (pronounced see-quel) Server.

Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA)
There are, as of this writing, two versions of the MCSA certification: one for Windows 2000 Server and one for Windows Server 2003. This certification is designed for system administrators who maintain and service Windows-based networks. These individuals are generally not expected to be capable of designing a network from the ground up. Instead, it is generally assumed that they will fall-in on a network whose systems and infrastructure has already been deployed. The primary difference in the two versions is in the core exam requirements, which focus on one server platform versus the other.

Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE)
The MCSE certification also has a Windows 2000 Server and a Windows Server 2003 version. This certification focuses on design and planning networks, with additional emphasis on large networks divided into multiple sites (often separated by geographical regions). These individuals should be able to step into a company that has no network in place and design a functional specification from scratch. Again, the primary difference between the two versions of the certification is in the focus of which server platform is used for the basis of the corporate network.

MCSA and MCSE Specializations
Microsoft recently added two specializations to the MCSA and MCSE certifications. These deal in the areas of security and messaging, respectively.  The first of the specializations allows the individual to focus on network security requirements. In particular, this person will be able to use Microsoft’s security tools, to include Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server. The primary focus of the messaging specialization is on Microsoft’s messaging server, known as Exchange Server. The MCSA specialization mainly deals with maintenance and administration tasks. The MCSE covers the design and planning of the networks. The specializations are available to both the Windows 2000 Server and Windows Server 2003 sets of credentials.

Microsoft Certified Application Developer (MCAD)
Microsoft’s developer certifications deal mostly with application development. Individuals with the MCAD certification may be required to write, test, debug, and maintain client/server (desktop) or web based programs. The certification is not designed for those who must design large, complex applications or who manage wide-scale projects.

Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD)
While those with the MCSD must also know how to program, the focus of this certification is on those who design and manage large programming projects. While those with the MCAD may chose to specialize in either desktop or web programming applications, the MCSD is intended to be a master of all. This individual should be familiar with all of Microsoft’s application development suites.

Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT)
This certification is for those who provide training to assist students in obtaining the certifications listed above. They must demonstrate ability to lead a classroom and meet annual requirements to maintain the certification. These requirements are updated each year. In order to teach at a Microsoft Certified Technical Education Center (CTEC), an instructor must hold the MCT certification. Another requirement of the MCT is that the individual also hold one of the premium certifications listed above, which includes the MCDBA, MCSE, or MCSD.

CompTIA Certifications:

A+
A+ is for entry-level computer technicians with 6-months or less experience in the industry. An A+ certification proves a broad base of knowledge and competency in core hardware and operating system technologies including installation, configuration, diagnosing, preventive maintenance and basic networking.

Network+
The Network+ certification is for professionals with at least nine months of experience in network support or administration. It demonstrates technical abilities in networking administration and support, and validates knowledge of media and topologies, protocols and standards, network implementation, and network support.

Server+
Server+ certification is for mid- to upper-level technicians responsible for server hardware functionality. It validates technical competency of server issues and technology, including installation, configuration, upgrading, maintenance, troubleshooting, and disaster recovery.

Linux+
The Linux+ certification is for technicians with six-months experience installing, operating, and maintaining Linux operating systems. It validates technical competency and provides a broad awareness of Linux operating systems. Those holding Linux+ demonstrate critical knowledge of installation, operation, administration, and troubleshooting services.

Security+
The Security+ certification tests for security knowledge mastery of an individual with two years on-the-job networking experience, with emphasis on security. Areas deal with communication security, infrastructure security, cryptography, access control, authentication, external attack, and operational and organization security.

Internet (i-Net)+
The i-Net+ certification demonstrates entry-level competency in knowledge of Internet, Intranet, and Extranet technologies. Those holding i-Net+ demonstrate knowledge and competency in Internet basics and clients, development, networking, Internet security and business concepts.

Certified Technical Trainer (CTT)+
The CTT+ certification is for technical instructors. It’s intended to demonstrate core competencies that include instructor knowledge and credibility, classroom performance, and effective communication and presentation skills.