Top 10 Top Ten Certifications to get in 2006

by Dori Reuscher

for About.com

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In the 2005 salary survey, I asked which certification readers would be working towards next, in 2006. The results were interesting, with several top contenders and a couple of ties. These results are based entirely on reader responses . . .

1. Cisco CCNP

And the winner is . . . Cisco Certified Network Professional. This is no surprise, although you usually find the CCIE in the top slot. This certification requires 2 to 4 exams depending upon your certification path.

2. Cisco CCNA

Cisco really wins the day with placement in each of the top three slots. The CCNA is an associate level certification and is obtained by passing one exam.

3. Cisco CCIE

Widely known as one of the toughest and most well-respected IT certifications out there, the CCIE tends to rank high in lists such as these.

4. CompTIA Network+ & Microsoft MCSA

It's a tie for fourth place. Both the CompTIA Network+ and MCSA are mid-level certifications that are often obtained in addition to, or prior to a high-level cert such as the MCSE.

5. Microsoft MCSE & CompTIA A+

Another tie shows us to very different certifications in the same spot. Get more information on the CompTIA A+ and Microsoft MCSE

6. Microsoft MCSD

7. CISSP

8. Microsoft MCP

9. PMP & Microsoft MCDBA

Get more information: MCDBA or PMP

10. Cisco CCDA

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