Although this list should be helpful in your search, the list of certifications currently available is always growing. There are several out there and if you need additional help finding the right one for your career goals, join our forum and post your query. You are sure to get help from many industry experts. Also check out the glossary on this site. It's continually growing and should be a great reference.
Networking & Sys Admin
MCP - $100 - This is the most basic Microsoft Certification available and is always the first step to any other MS Cert. You can take and pass any Microsoft exam to achieve the MCP. Be sure to review the list of exams and pick one that applies to networking and to the next certification level (i.e. MCSA or MCSE).CCDA or CCNA - $125 - A certification designed for individuals who will design simple routed LAN, routed WAN, and switched LAN networks with fewer than 100 nodes that utilize Cisco routers and switches.
IBM Certified Specialist - $175 - If you will be working with IBM products this certification will show that you can perform basic planning, configuration, installation, support, or maintenance of IBM products. There is a bewildering number of specializations available at this level so be sure to pick the area you will be working with.
A+ - $278 - This is probably the most popular entry level certification. You will need a bit of experience with hardware or just some really good study materials. This is for PC technicians who want to prove their expertise.
Server+ - $400 - The next step up from A+, this certification is for those seeking to become certified on advanced hardware issues. Server+ deals with Industry Standard Server Architecture (ISSA) issues, such as RAID, SCSI, multiple CPUs, SANs, and others.
MCSA - $400 - If you have been involved in IT at some level and want a certification to move ahead, this cert from Microsoft is just for you. Falling between the MCP and MCSE, the MCSA certification is designed for professionals who want to implement, manage, and troubleshoot existing network and system environments.
Internet & E-Commerce
CEC - Price Varies - The CEC gives you a non-technical certification designed for executives, managers and professionals who want to show demonstrated e-commerce business skills. The CEC can be obtained through current university credits, experience, or training and must be maintained through continuing education credits.BCIP - $100 - This Brainbench cert offers a cheap way to get a certification proving your expertise with internet technologies. Four exams are required and they range in price so the $100 is just an estimate. It could be more or less. Concentrations for the BCIP include Web Administrator, Designer, or Developer.
CIW Associate - $125 - This is the first step on the CIW certification ladder. You will be required to demonstrate knowledge of HTML, networking and Internet fundamentals.
i-Net+ - $199 - This cert is for those who are looking to get their hands dirty with hands-on implementation and maintenance of Intranet and Extranet infrastructure and services. You will also learn how to develop the related applications.
Macromedia Certs - $100 - If you are looking into website development, consider getting a Flash or Dreamweaver certification from Macromedia.