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JANUARY 2018 WINTER EDITION

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ANDCERTS TAKING STOCK OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LEARNING AND EARNING

Mastering Microsoft Office Use these helpful tips to train and certify your students. PAGE 28 Have Tech, Will Travel Six top countries where you can put your IT skills to work. PAGE 36 Certification Trepidation Is the long-term forecast for IT credentials cloudy or clear? PAGE 44

CERTIFICATION JANUARY 2018 VOLUME 15 ISSUE 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS FEATURES 4 FROM THE EDITOR 14 IT’s all about the numbers. Cody Clark

6 OPINION Certification is a journey, not a destination. Mike Chapple

12 PEOPLE IN CERTIFICATION A man for all certifications. Calvin Harper

16 PEOPLE IN CERTIFICATION Giving students job-ready tech skills in Puyallup. JOBS AND SALARY Calvin Harper 20 2017 SALARY SURVEY 28 CERTIFICATION How to do Microsoft Office certification right. Jeff Randall NUMBERS DON’T LIE. CERTIFICATION IS GOOD 28 CERTIFICATION Make your certification program attractive to all. FOR YOUR TECH CAREER. Peter Manijak

36 TECH KNOW Six more countries where IT pros should look for work. Reena Ghosh

40 TECH KNOW Six tech trends to monitor in 2018. Nathan Kimple 36

44 PARTING WORDS Is the heyday of IT certification behind us? Aaron Axline

CERTIFICATION 3 WELCOME

VOL. 15, ISSUE 1 January 2018

ONCE MORE UNTO PUBLISHER: Noel Vallejo

MANAGING EDITOR: Cody Clark THE BREACH [email protected] ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Calvin Harper BY CODY CLARK [email protected] Cody Clark is the managing SENIOR DESIGNER: Jordan Jones editor of Certification Magazine. [email protected]

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Aaron Axline, Mike Chapple, Cody Clark, Reena Ghosh, ere I sit, hours away from new Salary Survey 75, of course. We Calvin Harper, Nathan Kimpel, the first public screenings also have a list of 50 high-interest certs Peter Manijak, Jeff Randall of Star Wars: The Last Jedi, that many of your certified peers will Hand the long-ago words of Han Solo be working toward earning in the DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC from what used to be called simply months ahead. And, in a new devel- PARTNERSHIPS: Todd Kerby Star Wars are on the tip of my tongue: opment, we asked this year whether [email protected] “Didn’t we just leave this party?” It’s survey respondents are satisfied with true that we live in a world that deliv- their current pay grade. ON THE WEB ers a new Star Wars movie every year. We take aim at a number of oth- CertMag.com, Fans won’t even have to wait a full 12 er topics as well. Microsoft Office twitter.com/CertMag, months for the next one: Solo: A Star certification is sweeping through facebook.com/CertMag Wars Story opens May 25. high schools and junior high schools What I’m really thinking about, around the world, so we have some HOW TO CONTACT US To contact our editorial team: however, is the annual Salary Survey. tips about how to help students suc- [email protected] It’s been a whole year since the last ceed at mastering some of the most To contact our ad sales team: time that this rodeo came to town, yet ubiquitous tools in the IT workplace. [email protected] it still feels like the dust has barely set- We also look ahead to 2018, and look For subscription problems: tled. Thanks to the ongoing series of around to identify more of the best [email protected] Deep Focus articles that we launched countries for IT professionals looking on the Certification Magazine website for work. Certification Magazine is last year, the Salary Survey has be- Some of you are almost certainly published quarterly by come a year-round presence. And now reading these words as a result of GoCertify, 65 North 100 East, it’s back. participating in the Salary Survey and Pleasant Grove, UT 84062 The survey is a numbers game. getting a free or discounted subscrip- Salary is an important, and highly im- tion in return. To you and everyone Certification Magazine, CertMag pactful number for all of us. Sussing else who took the time to answer our and CertMag.com are all out how many thousands of dollars call: Thank you. This issue wouldn’t trademarks of GoCertify. are going into the pockets of certified be possible without your input. Keep Copyright 2017, GoCertify. IT professionals, however, is really certifying, and we hope to hear from All rights reserved. just dancing on the tip of a volumi- you again when it’s time for next nous iceberg of data. When you ask year’s survey. Trust us: It will be here Reproduction without several dozen questions of several before you know it. permission of material thousand individuals, well, that leaves published in Certification you with a lot of raw information. P.S. Won’t you be our neighbor? Magazine is forbidden. We’ve processed some of it already, Look for Certification Magazine on and we think you’ll enjoy reading up Facebook and Twitter (@CertMag. A publication. on those findings. There’s a brand com).

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CERTIFICATION 5 OPINION STILL CERTIFYING AFTER ALL THESE YEARS

The CertMike of CertMag reflects on his journey fromBY MIKE one CHAPPLE IT certification to the next Mike Chapple is Senior Director for IT Service Delivery at the University of Notre Dame. Mike is CISSP certified and holds bachelor’s and doctoral degrees in computer science and engineering from Notre Dame, with a master’s degree in computer science from the University of Idaho and an MBA from Auburn University.

recently hit a major career 1) MCP, 2) MCSE (NT 4.0), 3) milestone: 20 years of working MCDBA, 4) MCSE (2000), 5) CCNA, in and around the IT field. As 6) TICSA, 7) CCSP, 8) CISSP, 9) CISA, I reflect on that time, it occurs to me 10) GCFW, 11) PMP, 12) Security+, 13) that I’ve held a wide variety of IT cer- CSA+ tifications during those two decades Can you pick out the path through and they’ve played important roles as all of those acronyms? Allow me to I’ve moved through different stages of express it in terms of four general my career. phases in my career: Allow me a moment to rattle off Technology Foundation > Security the list of certifications that I’ve held Specialization > IT Leadership > Au- at one time or another, if only to offer thor and Educator you some perspective on my career Allow me to walk you through path. I’ll explain more about the twists each of these phases in the hopes that and turns that my career has taken in you can learn from my experiences, a moment, but those of you who have wherever you are in your career. been around the industry a while can probably get a sense of it just from analyzing this alphabet soup of certifi- cations, in the order in which I earned them:

6 CERTIFICATION Building the Foundation

When I first embarked upon my IT journey, I was like many young professionals. I thought I knew everything but, in reality, knew very little. This hit me hard when I start- ed working with a team of talented professionals at the National Security Agency. I found myself surrounded by some of the world’s best minds in computer science, cybersecurity, net- working, and mathematics. The most important thing I learned from them is how much there is to learn! Fortunately, I was in an environ- ment with a culture of learning. The NSA has one of the nation’s largest technical workforces, and they com- mitted significant resources to many different types of technical training skills off the bat. Sure, I was working and analytics, offering a hands-on programs. I quickly latched on to a in security, but 20 years later, I still programming environment. I use it library of IT training courses they find myself drawing upon that reserve with my own students to help them offered to all employees and simply of foundational IT skills to inform my gain the foundational skills they need started taking courses in everything work. before moving on to more advanced that people around me discussed that The IT training library that I used material. I didn’t understand. during this phase in my career is long I used that library to build a base of gone, but there are others out there Focusing and Specializing practical IT skills, ranging from Win- that offer even greater opportunities dows administration to databases and to today’s developing technology After spending four years work- networking. Those courses helped professional. Two that I would partic- ing with the fantastic team at NSA, me round out the very Linux-focused ularly recommend are Lynda.com and I moved to a private consulting firm skills that I had picked up in my un- DataCamp. based out of Miami, where I had the dergraduate degree program. Lynda.com offers a tremendous opportunity to work with quite a few As I look back at that time in my breadth of content, releasing dozens fascinating clients. I spent five years career, I am thankful that the team of new courses every day. (Full disclo- there before accepting a position around me guided me in the direction sure: I’ve created many of those cours- managing the cybersecurity program of general technical knowledge, rather es.) DataCamp, on the other hand, is at the University of Notre Dame. Both than deepening my cybersecurity focused on the realm of data science were wonderful opportunities and afforded me the ability to continue developing my professional skills. I used this period of about a decade to develop the specialization in cybersecurity that began while I was with the NSA. I earned several When I first embarked upon my IT security-related certifications, includ- journey, I was like many young professionals. ing the credential that I consider the most important one that I’ve held in I thought I knew everything but, in reality, my career: the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) knew very little. certification. The CISSP has a high barrier to en- try: you must demonstrate five years

MY CERTIFICATION JOURNEY

CERTIFICATION 7 OPINION of full-time cybersecurity work experi- experience in addition to passing an exam. Earning the CISSP is therefore I had to learn to let go and recognize that not a ticket to credibility in many corners of the security profession. I think of it only would it be impossible for me to become a sub- as the cybersecurity equivalent of an ject matter expert in every discipline in my portfo- accountant earning a CPA, or an attor- ney passing the bar exam. It demon- lio, but also that I would spend much of my time in strates a long-term commitment to the field and a willingness to absorb a meetings rather than doing what my inner engineer breadth of knowledge outside of one’s considered ‘real work.’ specific work experience.

Moving to Management matter expert in every discipline in my Giving Back to the Profession portfolio, but also that I would spend In the third phase of my career, much of my time in meetings rather Many of you know me best through I transitioned into leadership roles than doing what my inner engineer the books and courses that I’ve of increasing responsibility in the IT considered “real work.” authored in the cybersecurity certi- world, leading teams that became I did pick up a few certifications fication space. While I’m describing more and more diverse in terms of during this period in my career, but this as the fourth stage of my career, their own skillsets, experiences, and certifications honestly weren’t a focus it’s actually been a background theme responsibilities. for me at that stage of my profession- throughout my journey. I’ve been This was a difficult transition for al development. Instead, I dove into writing and teaching in this field since me. I had to learn to let go and recog- developing my leadership skills and publishing my first book 17 years nize that not only would it be impossi- helping my teams grow and flourish. ago and it’s been very professionally ble for me to become a subject rewarding. The reason that I list this phase last is that it answers a question that some of you may have been asking after looking at the chronological list of certifications that I used to open this story. Why would someone with two decades of experience go back and earn credentials like the Security+ and CSA+ certifications? That’s a reasonable question and you’re correct that I didn’t do it for career advancement purposes. I took those exams because I was developing books and courses focused on those certifications and I won’t write a book or teach a course unless I’ve earned the certification myself. Thanks for humoring me through this exploration of my own career journey. I hope that, in reading it, you’ve found some useful nuggets that might help you in your own career. I welcome your feedback and invite you to visit my website at Cert- Mike.com.

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CERTIFICATION 9 PEOPLE IN CERTIFICATION COLIN HAGARTY STUDENT PIERCE COUNTY SKILLS CENTER TECH EDUCATION

1010 CERTIFICATIONCERTIFICATION PEOPLE IN CERTIFICATION

WITH ONE SIX BLOW Savvy IT student enters tech school with no certifications, leaves withBY sixCALVIN HARPER Calvin Harper is an associate editor of Certification Magazine, and a veteran of the publishing industry.

he dictionary defines a “renais- man who knows how to pursue the things sance man” as one with a broad he wants. Raised by supportive parents range of talents and intellectual who encouraged him to learn and try new interests.T These highly capable individuals things, and surrounded by lots of extended face the dual challenge of deciding how to family who were more than willing to dis- best use their abilities and where to expend pense sage advice, he couldn’t help absorb- their energies. They are good at so many ing valuable life-lessons early on. things that they have great flexibility in “I come from a large Irish family where careers. everyone was always talking and teaching,” It would be great to be one of those fortu- he said. Hagarty’s parents and extended nate few who have a sense that their destiny family constantly shared such axioms of lies in a certain field or direction. Most will success as “Always leave a place better than come along at their own speed, however, you found it,” “You are getting paid to do a attempting and succeeding in a variety of job, so do it the best you can,” and perhaps roles before settling on their place in the most importantly, “Learn something new sun. Colin Hagarty, 34, is one such indi- every day.” vidual — multi-talented, intelligent, very His family is close and enjoys gathering; capable, extremely interested in learning holiday events typically draw together 30 new things and, oh yeah, a friendly and or more individuals for food and fun. Each easygoing fellow. Thanksgiving, the Hagarty clan sets up a milk-carton boat, the S.S. Thankful. Each Family first family member writes something they are thankful for on a slip of paper and places Born and raised in New Jersey, Hagarty, it in the boat. They then enjoy reading off carries himself with the confidence of a what different individuals wrote.

CERTIFICATION 11 PEOPLE IN CERTIFICATION

The 2017 reveal was especially attention to detail, the same attributes In addition to being an excellent thrilling as a cousin took the opportu- Hagarty brings to all of his education- student, Hagarty was also voted nity to announce the pending arrival al endeavors. In February 2017, his Student Ambassador of the Computer of a baby. interests turned to IT and he enrolled and Network Support Technology Hagarty does follow the family at Lincoln Technical Institute in program by fellow students and the admonition to daily learn new things. Moorestown, with the goal of becom- institute’s staff. As student ambassa- He has already worked more jobs ing a computer network and support dor, he served as liaison for the class, than most people will during their technician. helped guide peers, and documented entire lives — and proven capable at “I’d always had an affinity for com- student feedback to help the program all of them. Just to name a few, he has puters and lots of exposure growing maintain a high level of quality and been a groundskeeper, a general con- up,” he said. “On all my previous service. tractor, retail sales associate, mason/ jobs, I often did minor troubleshoot- “Colin [Hagarty] is a true suc- boulder layer, actor/tour guide, biolo- ing and basic stuff like attaching cess story for me personally and for gist technician, machinist and, prob- printers.” Lincoln Technical Institute,” said ably his favorite, prosthetic make-up IT instructor Nicholas Mazzagatti. artist who specializes in zombies. Devouring IT courses “Not only did he have the drive and determination to gain certifications in Yes, zombies Like a hungry zombie tucking into advance of his classmates, but he is a feast of brains, Hagarty jumped also a great motivator of students.” Hagarty is a fan of horror movies, wholeheartedly into IT. In addition not for the fear factor, but instead to maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA, Putting IT skills to work for the special effects. His favorite is in less than eight months he earned George Romero’s 1968 cult classic, six TestOut certifications: PC Pro, One of the projects Hagarty found Night of the Living Dead. “I love to do Network Pro, Client Pro, Server Pro, most useful at Lincoln involved de- special effects make-up on myself and Switching Pro, and Routing Pro. “I veloping a mock IT service company. friends,” he said.” really liked the subjects I was learning “Several students and I put together His zombie-prepping skills are self- and never missed a minute of class a pseudo company, complete with a taught by reading books and watching time,” he said. billing and ticketing system,” he said. how-to videos online. And he is really Hagarty credits the feedback “The things I learned and the knowl- good at it: In 2010, he and 4,092 other and hands-on practice of LabSim, edge gained will one day help me like-minded devotees of the undead TestOut’s online learning platform, start my own business in IT.” congregated in nearby Monroeville, with helping him earn so many certs Since October, when he com- for what the Guinness World Records in such a short time. “Initially, I was a pleted his studies, and with his six deemed the largest gathering of zom- bit shell-shocked, but once I got used certifications in hand, Hagarty has bies ever. Hagarty was named Best to the subject, the constant feedback been improving his IT skills working Male Zombie. from LabSim and the practice exams at PCS (Pro Computer Services) in Winning such a title takes a great gave me the confidence to go ahead Moorestown, New Jersey. PCS is an deal of patience, hard work, and and pass my first exam.” up-and-coming organization built

Like a hungry zombie tucking into a feast of brains, Hagarty jumped wholehearted- ly into IT. In addition to maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA, in less than eight months he earned six TestOut certifications.

12 CERTIFICATION PEOPLE IN CERTIFICATION

on the premise that “Finding IT help should be easy.” Working with an IT company striv- ing to be the most helpful in the world She just reached is a good fit for Hagarty, who enjoys helping others. “I like working at PCS out, grabbed my arms because they value their customers with her tentacles and and employees,” he said. An easy-going manner and solid tried to pull me into the skills have helped Hagarty contribute water. to PCS. “Colin has proven to be every- thing we expect with someone with his certs and more,” said PCS Field Coordinator Harold Loeffler. “We like cations, in order to gain a broader un- his initiative and are really happy to derstanding of other aspects of the IT have him here.” field and “eventually figure out which domain I want to focus in.” He is also A varied background pondering various Linux credentials to enhance future opportunities. Prior to landing in the IT realm, Whatever path he chooses, whether Hagarty studied art at Kutztown Uni- deceptively quick giant octopus. working for others as a high-priced versity of Pennsylvania. After three “Octopi are a lot stronger than you IT professional or building his own IT years, however, he realized his pas- think,” he said. “She just reached out, company, Hagarty will continue hav- sions and interests lay elsewhere and grabbed my arms with her tentacles ing varied interests and living by his left school for a lucrative job renovat- and tried to pull me into the water. I motto: “Always remember to maintain ing commercial properties. “I dropped had to struggle to get her tentacles off the initial passion that sparked your out and just didn’t have any ambition me.” interest in the first place.” to go back,” he said. His varied job experiences taught Looking ahead him more useful lessons including the importance of focusing on the task Hagarty’s time at the aquarium at hand and planning for potential and other experiences have made him problems. “I learned to not only look grateful and unafraid to approach oth- out for what may go wrong, but also ers. As an example, upon completion for what may go right,” he said. “To of his six TestOut certifications, he take advantage of opportunities as contacted the owner of the company they come.” on LinkedIn. “I just wanted to thank One such opportunity came along him for what he had created and after high school, when Hagerty land- didn’t expect a response,” he said. A ed a job as a guest experience agent response did come back, along with at Adventure Aquarium, hoping to an invite to join TestOut’s LinkedIn improve his public speaking skills. “I network. wasn’t confident speaking in front of Normally, upon hearing of a people and decided that job would be student achieving six certs within a good way to overcome that personal an eight-month period we envision hurdle,” he said. someone who follows a strict daily The aquarium contains the world’s plan. Not so with Hagarty; rather than longest “shark bridge,” where visi- adhere to a set plan, he approaches tors cross a rope walkway, a mere 21 each day with an admirable noncha- inches above the largest collection of lance and confidence. “I believe that sharks on the East Coast, and daring I have the ability to control what my souls touch and feel some of the most day will become and that I’ll be able exotic shark species in the world. Not- to handle all obstacles and potential withstanding all that, Hagarty’s most derailments,” he said. unusual encounter at work was not For now, his immediate plans in- with a toothy shark, but with a clude earning all of TestOut’s certifi

CERTIFICATION 13 PEOPLE IN CERTIFICATION

Washington’s Pierce County Skills Center prepares IT students for actual IT jobs onday through Friday, than a typical high the Pierce County Skills school class, is fast- BY CALVIN HARPER Center, located in Puy- paced, and that they’ll Calvin Harper is an associate Mallup, Wash., buzzes with activity. get the unvarnished editor of Certification Magazine, The Center’s mission is “to provide truth from instructors and a veteran of the publishing rigorous technical and professional who have “been there industry. experiences that prepare students for and done that.” high demand, high wage jobs and Nowhere is the post-secondary education,” and the truth about a career spoken more Scroggins clearly enjoys his work staff does a terrific job. loudly and with more conviction than and is a no-nonsense mentor and in- Annually, the Center serves more in Room 103, where Adam Scroggins, structor. He expects the best from than 500 juniors and seniors from 26 the Center’s PC Networking and his students and knows that tech high schools with 14 in-demand career Hardware Repair instructor holds skills alone aren’t enough to make one programs ranging all the way from court. At the beginning of each term, successful in IT — you also need to be Aerospace Composites to Pre-Veter- he declares to his students, “I’m here able to work well with others. inary Technology. No slackers these to teach you technical skills, but five “I keep in contact with past students — they want to be in class years from now, these skills will be students. They all say how important and are highly motivated to learn. outdated. So, I’m also going to teach soft skills are: talking to others and They also understand and accept that you things that will help you keep a communicating in written form, and the curriculum involves more work job and grow into a better employee.” so forth,” said Scroggins. “The truth

14 CERTIFICATION PEOPLE IN CERTIFICATION

is that you have to be able to talk to paring for careers in trade, technical ing guidance and ideas on curriculum people and often explain tech stuff to and skilled occupations and future development. “They were a great those who know nothing about tech.” education. resource my first year.” Serving on SkillsUSA’s board of A workplace background directors as an industry representa- Help from the experts tive for five years, Scroggins realized When it comes to applying soft how much he enjoyed working with Scroggins also assembled an ad- skills in the workplace, Scroggins is the high school side of things. “I fell visory committee of trusted industry an expert. He joined the Skills Center out of love with the job I was doing, professionals who have provided in- in 2011 after 10 years as a drafting and into love with teaching. I knew valuable assistance. Over the past six engineer with a local company. While that I wanted to do something where years the committee has grown to there, he worked closely with area I could make a meaningful impact include industry experts, educators high schools to develop a pool of and watch kids realize they are worth and even some former students, all future potential employees with an something and can go on to do great interest in drafting and IT. things.” His primary responsibility was to Reaching out to friends in the identify and place promising stu- teaching field, Scroggins let them Scroggins decid- dents in temporary positions within know of his desire to teach in engi- his company, with the possibility of neering or IT, and soon landed his ed to work directly with full-time jobs upon graduation. “It current position at the Skills Center. was a win/win for all parties,” he said. Once on board, he reached out to young people and pre- “Every spring there was a big push several respected colleagues for assis- emptively teach them to hire kids to help meet production tance in developing an IT curriculum. goals. We had lots of success in hiring “Frank Media and Brandon Brown the skills to succeed these kids for permanent positions are friends and mentors from my time in drafting and IT jobs for software with SkillsUSA,” he said. Media and in a corporate environ- development.” Brown were an immense help provid- ment. As much as he enjoyed his time in the corporate world, Scroggins even- tually decided to leave the industry because he had gotten “sick and tired of firing people after six months who didn’t have soft skills.” Scroggins decided to work directly with young people and preemptively teach them the skills to succeed in a corporate environment. “I felt the need to become a teach- er,” he said. “I realized that through- out my whole career, I was teaching on the corporate side of things: internal training for new hires, and whenever processes changed, and corporate training for clients and busi- ness partners.”

Turning to teaching

While working as a drafting en- gineer and teaching new hires and clients, Scroggins had also gotten involved with SkillsUSA, the national membership association serving more than 400,000 students who are pre-

CERTIFICATION 15 PEOPLE IN CERTIFICATION

of whom provide insights and timely support to the program. One prominent member is the Central Pierce Fire and Rescue (CPFR) Department. CPFR at the time was already involved with the Center’s firefighting training classes as part of their Advisory Committee. A lit- tle-known aspect of modern day fire- fighting is the crucial role information technology plays in saving lives. Because every truck and EMT ve- hicle is also a high-tech mobile office linked to a central network via sophis- ticated wireless devices, CPFR’s IT de- partment was a natural fit for Scrog- gins’ advisory committee. Each year, the CPFR IT department purchases new equipment and sells off their old equipment. Whatever isn’t bought by the community is surplussed to Scrog- gins for use in his classes. “Before CPFR’s IT department got involved, I used to have to beg for equipment wherever I could find it,” said Scroggins. “Without their help, the Center’s IT program would not Earning their way in be where it is today. Single-handedly, classroom solution isn’t possible. If a they have elevated our program with Scroggins’ classes consist almost student is unable to attend a regular donated computers, switches and entirely of juniors and seniors, and class session, Scroggins tells them to routers. Their equipment allows us to the only requirement to enroll in the pretend they are on a business trip do so much more in class.” IT program is that students have to and that they are still responsible for Additional support from commu- have completed at least two years of completing their work back at the nity partners and advisory members high school-level math. Each year new office. comes frequently in the form of job juniors are informed that the only way “LabSim fits perfectly into my shadows and even job placements for they will be allowed back for a second program since students can utilize Scroggins’ students. year is to earn Scroggins’ approval. “I the online content to supplement tell the juniors that this is a year-long any material they miss during a class interview to get into my second-year day,” he said. “TestOut also provides classes,” he said. generous support for our SkillsUSA First-year students dive into a efforts regionally and at the state level Single-handed- curriculum focused on CompTIA A+ by providing us with exam vouchers and basic networking. Second-year for the state-level competitions.” ly, they have elevated students advance to a more in-depth There are two class sessions daily, course load of CompTIA Network+ each running for two-and-a-half our program with and Security+. Scroggins developed hours. Scroggins spends about 70 donated computers, his own personalized curriculum, percent of his time with the first-year and for the past five years has uti- students instructing, and closely switches and routers. lized TestOut Corporation’s PC supervising their actions. Second-year Pro, Network Pro and Security Pro students are being taught to be super- Their equipment al- courseware, all equipped with LabSim visors and managers and as such are lows us to do so much simulation technology, to create many more self-directed in their learning. hands-on classroom activities. A bonus to Scroggins’ curriculum is more in class. Because the Center serves students that students have the opportunity to from so many high schools, with dif- earn TestOut’s own certifications, PC ferent schedules, a one-size-fits-all Pro, Network Pro, and Security Pro. 16 CERTIFICATION PEOPLE IN CERTIFICATION

he said. “The remainder go on to on the first or second attempt. college at the technical, community or “I tell them I’m not running this university level, and a number go into like a high school class. We are com- the military.” peting against the colleges — that is ‘LabSim fits per- my expectation,” said Scroggins. fectly into my program Help from the higher-ups Skills Center officials value that outlook. Scroggins’ success, said since students can uti- One pillar of the program’s success center director Michelle Ledbetter, is is the Center’s administrative team. largely because of his “commitment lize the online content “Our administration is the founda- to ensuring that students not only to supplement any ma- tion of what drives our success,” said understand, but demonstrate, the Scroggins. “In my opinion, we are the leadership and employability skills terial they miss during best skills center in the State because required by our business partners. our administration is always there to “He continually integrates, and a class day,’ he said. provide direction and support.” models, professional communication, Since most of the Center’s instruc- customer service, and a strong work Additionally, since the courseware tors came directly from industry, they ethic. As a result, our students suc- maps directly to CompTIA’s exam have had little if any formal teacher cessfully transition to direct employ- requirements, he strongly encourages training. According to Scroggins, ment and post-secondary training students to attempt the equivalent instructor training is the administra- programs.” CompTIA certifications. As a certified tion’s strong point. “Our profession- CompTIA training partner, he can al development training is always Molding young minds purchase exam vouchers for interest- relevant and specific to our needs,” he ed students. said. Scroggins enjoys teaching young “They are great at listening to us people because “they are eager to Big-picture workplace realities about what training we need and then learn and not set in their ways,” and going and finding it. I just can’t say feels he learns as much from his One facet of Scroggins’ instruction enough good things about the Cen- students as they do from him. “I’m that prepares students to hold actu- ter’s admin team.” challenged every day with questions al IT jobs is an inter-departmental Administration takes pride in and requests for projects,” he said. project that requires them to work Scroggins’ efforts and success with the “Several times a year I have to tell closely with students from different students. While the national average the students ‘I’ve never done that, programs. Working on joint projects for high-schoolers passing their certifi- but I think we can figure it out,’ and with non-IT students requires co- cation exams is 63 percent, during the then we as a class (myself included) ordination of schedules, timely and last three years, 90 percent of the Cen- research, plan and implement the effective communication, goal setting, ter’s IT students passed their exams project.” and meeting strict deadlines. During the spring semester, stu- dents work together to design and manufacture working arcade sys- tems that require them to work with machining, composites, and program- ming programs. For the students, par- ticipating in these inter-departmental projects is a great learning experience and can even lead to full-time employ- ment. “Last spring four of our students were pulled aside by members of the advisory board and requested to ap- ply for jobs that were opening,” said Scroggins. Just completing the IT classes can open doors for students. “Typically, a half-dozen or so students go straight into the work force upon graduation,”

CERTIFICATION 17 PEOPLE IN CERTIFICATION

According to Scroggins, the big- tiple-choice memorization style exams path to success, and that perseverance gest hurdle to teaching high school and focus more on practical testing,” is what’s required for improvement,” students is overcoming their short he said. said Ledbetter. attention spans and lack of “grit.” He “I like to say don’t tell me you bemoans the overreliance on digital know something, show me you know Remembering what’s important assistants like Apple’s Siri. “Students it. I believe certifications will continue use technology as a crutch and have to be a growing part of the industry Teaching young people isn’t always difficulty using it as a tool,” he said. as more niche markets open up. And smooth sailing. There are days when “If they can’t find an answer on Goo- with each certification you can show, the computers fail to do what you gle or YouTube in five minutes or less, your wages will go up.” want, a student is upset and distracted they want to give up.” Feedback from the community sup- about something outside of class, or Because real world projects take ports Scroggins’ view of certifications. a “new and exciting” piece of cur- weeks and often months to com- Local colleges and universities report riculum turns out to not be so new plete, Scroggins teaches students to that students with certifications suc- and exciting. At times like these, it’s take notes, chart a course, track their ceed at higher rates in their programs, understandable that an instructor may progress, and remain focused. “Stu- and local employers report that his question their choice of a career. dents who figure out this aspect of students who enter the workforce Like all good teachers, Scroggins my classes and the industry are the upon graduation rarely stay in entry- has a tried-and-true means of remind- ones that I give personal references to, level positions for long. ing himself why he is teaching. He because they are the ones who will be “I believe in teaching more than the maintains a wall of photos of past and able to invest in the long run and see students need to know to pass their present students, and reflects on how success,” he said. certifications and, as such, the certifi- his classes helped changed the course cation exams become almost a formal- of their lives. Certifications serving students ity. It sets them up for success at the One student he often thinks of next stage in their education or work had a particularly rough upbringing. The emphasis on real world skills life,” said Scroggins. Although not a top student, he was a is why certifications play such a The impact of Scroggins’ approach good student who joined the U.S. Air prominent role in Scroggins’ classes. extends beyond certification. “He Force upon graduation. The student “I believe in certifications as a demon- has established a classroom culture maintained contact with Scroggins stration of a skill set, and would like that allows students to take risks, to and on one visit told him how much to see the industry go away from mul- understand that failure is part of the he had hated learning protocols in his IT classes. Upon enlisting, this former student took a placement test and realized that “the questions on the placement test were all about protocols” that he had learned under Scroggins. He scored so high on the test that he was selected to work in encryption and cryptology. During their visit, Scroggins showed him that what he was doing in the Air Force would earn him a lot of money in the corporate world. The young airman was surprised and somewhat doubtful of deserving that level of success. “My family doesn’t do that,” he said. Scroggins’ response is what every teacher wants to say to students who glimpse new horizons, “Your family didn’t do that,” he said. “But you just changed your family, and you will now be very successful.”

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ANNUAL SALARY SURVEY

U.S. tech compensation bounces back while international IT salaries slump BY CODY CLARK Cody Clark is the managing editor of Certification Magazine.

s we learn from careful and IT professionals in non-U.S. countries The boom in data storage and rigorous analysis of the tailed off from a four-year high of analysis, the urgent and ever-present battlefield maneuvers of $59,000, dipping down a little less than need to secure and protect sensitive storiedA tactician the Grand Old Duke $5,000 to $54,360. When you’re up, information, and exploding demand of York, in some circumstances one is you’re up — and when you’re down, for connectivity and IT infrastructure ascendant, while in other circumstanc- you’re down. are just some of the pressing reasons es one is subjacent. Such conditions, Another notable uptick from this why the world needs more certified of course, are not uniquely present year’s data comes on the employ- professionals. during military engagements. ment front. Of the more than 4,100 Steady demand for IT profession- At this time last year, the average IT professionals who responded to als also manifested in other survey annual salary of certified IT profes- this year’s survey, 95.1 percent are readings. A notable 55 percent of those sionals in the United States was down, employed full-time, versus just 1.6 surveyed got some level of bonus or having tapered off from the previous percent who don’t presently hold incentive pay in 2017, while 71 percent mark established at the start of 2016. employment of any kind. (Part-time of those surveyed got a raise. (A shade The past 12 months, on the other employment, sabbaticals, retirement more than 40 percent double-dipped hand, have brought about a pretty and school enrollment accounts for the at the well of prosperity, both getting a impressive reversal of fortune, and the rest of our IT crowd.) raise and taking home bonus or incen- average annual salary of certified IT That’s an increase of 1.7 percent tive pay.) That’s compared to just 4.1 professionals in the United States is up from last year, when just 93.4 per- percent who took a pay cut. — way up. cent of respondents claimed full-time All three of those figures are im- It’s all the way up to $115,670, a employment. If you have IT-certified provements over the prior year. Just year-over-year increase of almost skills, then there’s very little reason 65 percent of survey respondents got $7,000. The salary tide is ebbing, on to find yourself stewing over employ- a raise in 2016, while only 47 percent the other hand, outside the United ment listings, unless maybe you’re were given bonuses or incentive pay. States. The average annual salary of looking for a job that’s even better At the same time, 5 percent of those than the one you have now. surveyed last year saw their pay cut. So things are looking better all around U.S. Salaries Soar, as we move into 2018. Setback Dings Growth Abroad

20 CERTIFICATION JOBS AND SALARY 2018 SALARY SURVEY

One other item of interest: Bonuses just 63 percent among workers from other hand, 27.7 percent of all respon- and incentive pay were equally com- all other countries. dents are not very satisfied with their mon in 2017 among both U.S. workers Even with all of the good news go- current salary, while 7 percent are not and IT professionals in other countries ing around, however, there are some at all satisfied. — about 55 percent of respondents certified IT professionals who want There’s much more to tell than we were given additional compensation more. A solid 65.3 percent of all sur- have room for in print, and we’re not no matter where you look. Pay raises vey respondents are either completely stopping here. Keep your eyes glued were more common among U.S. work- satisfied (6.3 percent), very satisfied to CertMag.com in the months ahead, ers, however, with about 73 percent (17.5 percent), or satisfied (41.5 per- and we’ll check in there with new getting a salary bump, compared to cent) with their current salary. On the survey data every week.

Simmering Salaries What is the value of an IT certification? Keeping old skills sharp, adding new ones, and remaining in the habit of learning is probably worth more than any amount of money. Certifications can drive salary, however, as an indication to employers of commitment and specialized knowledge. Below is a random sampling of 20 certifications from the more than 900 addressed in our survey. For these 20 certs, average annual salary of the credential holder increased by at least 5 percent — from 2016 to 2017 — in 40 percent of all cases.

HOT HEATING UP HOLDING STEADY (Average increase of more than 5 percent) (Average increase of 3 to 5 percent) (Average change of 2.5 percent or less)

Pegasystems Certified System Architect (CSA) F5 Certified Technology Specialist (F5-CTS) GTM Esri ArcGIS Desktop Associate 2017 Salary (U.S.): $102,090 2017 Salary (U.S.): $130,000 2016 Salary (U.S.): $78,970 2016 Salary (U.S.): $95,070 2016 Salary (U.S.): $124,000 2015 Salary (U.S.): $76,910 Average Gain/Loss: +$7,020 (UP 7.5 percent) Average Gain/Loss: +$6,000 (UP 5 percent) Average Gain/Loss: +$2,060 (UP 2.5 percent)

EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) (ISC)² Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) ISACA Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) 2017 Salary (U.S.): $138,610 2017 Salary (U.S.): $122,470 2017 Salary (U.S.): $133,980 2016 Salary (U.S.): $131,730 2016 Salary (U.S.): $130,460 2016 Salary (U.S.): $114,960 Average Gain/Loss: +$6,880 (UP 5 percent) Average Gain/Loss: +$7,500 (UP 6.5 percent) Average Gain/Loss: +$3,520 (UP 2.5 percent) Okta Certified Administrator SAS Certified Base Programmer 2017 Salary (U.S.): $133,850 GRC Professional 2017 Salary (U.S.): $86,560 2016 Salary (U.S.): $127,600 2017 Salary (U.S.): $132,760 2016 Salary (U.S.): $81,330 Average Gain/Loss: +$6,250 (UP 5 percent) 2016 Salary (U.S.): $130,520 Average Gain/Loss: +$5,180 (UP 6.5 percent) Average Gain/Loss: +$2,240 (UP 1.5 percent) HP ATP – Storage Solutions CompTIA Security+ 2017 Salary (U.S.): $128,210 Microsoft Solutions Associate (MCSA) Office 365 2017 Salary (U.S.): $107,330 2016 Salary (U.S.): $122,500 2016 Salary (U.S.): $88,060 2016 Salary (U.S.): $101,460 Average Gain/Loss: +$5,710 (UP 4.5 percent) 2015 Salary (U.S.): $87,190 Average Gain/Loss: +$5,870 (UP 6 percent) Average Gain/Loss: +$870 (UP 1 percent) GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN) Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) 2017 Salary (U.S.): $137,360 Teradata 14 Certified Professional 2016 Salary (U.S.): $132,290 2017 Salary (U.S.): $128,750 2017 Salary (U.S.): $119,380 Average Gain/Loss: +$5,070 (UP 4 percent) 2016 Salary (U.S.): $121,590 2016 Salary (U.S.): $118,330 Average Gain/Loss: +$7,160 (UP 6 percent) VMware Certified Professional (VCP) 6 Average Gain/Loss: +$1,050 (UP 1 percent) – Data Center Virtualization 2016 Salary (U.S.): $107,500 Cisco Certified Design Associate 2015 Salary (U.S.): $103,130 2017 Salary (U.S.): $127,880 Average Gain/Loss: +$4,370 (UP 4 percent) 2016 Salary (U.S.): $128,330 Average Gain/Loss: -$450 (DOWN 0.5 percent) Amazon Web Services Certified Solutions Architect – Associate 2017 Salary (U.S.): $146,960 2016 Salary (U.S.): $142,140 Average Gain/Loss: +$4,820 (UP 3.5 percent)

IAPP Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP) 2017 Salary (U.S.): $139,380 2016 Salary (U.S.): $134,840 Average Gain/Loss: +$4,540 (UP 3.5 percent)

Oracle Database Professional 2017 Salary (U.S.): $123,410 2016 Salary (U.S.): $119,320 Average Gain/Loss: +$4,090 (UP 3.5 percent)

CERTIFICATION 21 JOBS AND SALARY 2018 SALARY SURVEY The Salary Survey 75

SALARY SALARY SALARY CERTIFICATION (U.S. ONLY) (ALL NON-U.S.) (U.S. AND WORLD) 1) Amazon Web Services Certified Solutions Architect – Associate $146,960 $55,380 $91,580 2) (ISC)² Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) Engineering $145,940 N/A N/A 3) (ISC)² Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) Architecture $144,700 N/A N/A 4) Check Point Certified Security Administrator (CCSA) $144,580 $65,840 $108,790 5) ISACA Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) $143,810 $107,630 $131,960 6) ISACA Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT) $142,500 $103,750 $127,020 7) IAPP Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP) $139,380 N/A N/A 8) (ISC)² Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) $138,610 $92,220 $127,010 9) Cisco Certified Design Professional (CCDP) $138,440 $80,440 $108,560 10) GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN) $137,360 $102,500 $131,430 11) ISACA Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) $136,160 $44,000 $116,160 12) GIAC Certified Intrusion Analyst (GCIA) $136,090 $95,000 $124,380 13) Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) Cloud Platform $135,890 $59,660 $94,090 14) ISACA Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) $133,980 $95,240 $120,410 15) Okta Certified Administrator $133,850 $63,600 $117,990 16) GIAC Web Application Penetration Tester (GWAPT) $133,380 N/A N/A 17) GRC Professional $132,760 $77,580 $116,610 18) Okta Certified Professional $132,640 $71,000 $117,230 19) (ISC)² Certified Authorization Professional (CAP) $131,100 N/A N/A 20) (ISC)² Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) $131,030 $90,640 $115,100 21) Pegasystems Certified DCO Architect (CDA) $130,440 $75,490 $105,620 22) F5 Certified Technology Specialist (F5-CTS) GTM $130,000 $75,660 $94,400 23) PMI Project Management Professional (PMP) $129,630 $74,440 $109,900 24) GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH) $129,330 $104,620 $125,100 25) GIAC Certified Forensic Analyst (GCFA) $128,940 N/A N/A 26) Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) $128,750 $45,900 $76,020 27) Cisco Certified Networking Professional (CCNP) Routing & Switching $128,510 $63,500 $94,530 28) HP ATP – Storage Solutions $128,210 $55,400 $76,640 29) Microsoft Certified Solution Expert (MCSE) Cloud Platform and Infrastructure $127,980 $62,320 $94,390 30) Cisco Certified Design Associate (CCDA) $127,880 $62,390 $96,100 31) Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) $126,730 $44,460 $65,020 32) F5 Certified Technology Specialist (F5-CTS) APM $126,250 $77,560 $92,330 33) Pegasystems Certified Lead System Architect (CLSA) $124,770 $56,890 $85,610 34) Oracle Database Professional $123,410 $46,110 $86,600 35) F5 Certified (F5-CA) BIG-IP Administrator $123,390 $66,830 $87,670 36) EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) $122,470 $59,400 $104,500 37) EC-Council Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI) $122,330 $80,420 $101,790 38) Pegasystems Certified Customer Service Systems Architect (CCSA) $121,670 $44,570 $62,830

22 CERTIFICATION JOBS AND SALARY 2018 SALARY SURVEY

This year’s Salary Survey included more than 900 certifications. (Seriously, people, stop creating new IT certifications.) This list of 75, ranked by average base salary among U.S. credential holders in 2017, was drawn from the most statistically relevant certs in the survey — those held by the largest numbers of survey respondents. Yes, even years after the last time that you rented a powder blue tuxedo or bought a new dress for the high school prom, life is still a popularity contest. (Some things never change.) The Salary Survey is global, but 56 percent of all respondents this year checked in from the United States, roughly 6 times as many as came from any other country. Accordingly, our results are shown with average U.S. salaries listed separately, followed by an average of all non-U.S. salaries, followed by a global average that combines those two groups. Because of the high volume of U.S. respondents, some certifications yielded a U.S. average but were not held by enough IT professionals from other nations to produce global averages.

SALARY SALARY SALARY CERTIFICATION (U.S. ONLY) (ALL NON-U.S.) (U.S. AND WORLD) 39) CompTIA CTT+ $120,180 $58,040 $92,840 40) Teradata 14 Certified Professional $119,380 $44,780 $55,300 41) GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC) $118,660 $91,750 $114,450 42) F5 Certified Technology Specialist (F5-CTS) LTM $118,130 $70,700 $91,780 43) Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) Windows Server 2012 $114,740 $49,960 $79,680 44) Pegasystems Certified Senior System Architect (CSSA) $114,600 $36,940 $56,350 45) Teradata 14 Certified Technical Specialist $114,170 $69,700 $79,580 46) F5 Certified Technology Specialist (F5-CTS) ASM $113,990 $65,800 $80,390 47) Pegasystems Certified Pega Business Architect (CPBA) $113,330 $68,930 $88,360 48) IBM Certified Administrator $113,060 $49,300 $74,250 49) AXELOS ITIL Foundation $112,920 $58,250 $84,910 50) CompTIA Project+ $111,790 N/A N/A 51) Juniper Networks Certified Associate (JNCIA-Junos) Junos $111,390 $60,510 $78,910 52) Linux Professional Institute Level 1 (LPIC-1) $111,090 N/A N/A 53) Cisco Certified Networking Associate (CCNA) Routing & Switching $110,620 $55,430 $82,920 54) Cisco Certified Networking Associate (CCNA) Security $110,600 $60,010 $84,810 55) CompTIA Linux+ $110,380 N/A N/A 56) VMware Certified Professional (VCP) 6 – Data Center Virtualization $107,500 $51,130 $78,820 57) CompTIA Security+ $107,330 $70,960 $102,540 58) Pegasystems Certified System Architect (CSA) $102,090 $33,620 $50,350 59) Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) Database $99,110 $52,380 $75,740 60) CompTIA Server+ $98,060 $51,380 $82,120 61) Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) IT Infrastructure $97,370 $43,770 $75,590 62) CompTIA Network+ $97,260 $59,020 $91,750 63) VMware Certified Associate (VCA) 6 – Data Center Virtualization $97,120 $69,060 $82,090 64) CompTIA A+ $94,730 $62,570 $90,850 65) Microsoft Office Specialist $92,920 N/A N/A 66) Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate: Windows 10 $90,180 $35,590 $64,810 67) Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT) $88,710 $37,520 $74,420 68) Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate: Office 365 $88,060 $55,740 $67,860 69) SAS Certified Advanced Programmer $87,050 $49,190 $64,610 70) SAS Certified Base Programmer $86,560 $40,200 $64,130 71) Esri Enterprise Administration Associate $86,040 $52,660 $66,960 72) Esri ArcGIS Desktop Associate $78,970 $51,670 $64,560 73) TestOut Network Pro $64,360 N/A N/A 74) TestOut Security Pro $60,150 N/A N/A 75) TestOut PC Pro $52,740 N/A N/A

CERTIFICATION 23 JOBS AND SALARY 2018 SALARY SURVEY

FACTS AND FIGURES: SALARY AND CERTIFICATION BETTER PERFORMANCE, MORE MONEY — GET CERTIFIED AND GET THE BENEFITS

ou don’t have to have a Certification can also make you have read about that somewhere. As certification to work in IT. more attractive to potential employ- indicated by the annual income figures And not every worker who ers. More than 70 percent of survey given at the start of this section, IT Yhas a certification is inarguably better respondents either agree (40.1 percent) is probably a pretty good place to be equipped to do his or her job than or strongly agree (32.7 percent) that whether or not you have a list of cre- folks with no professional credentials. they’ve experienced greater demand dentials as long as your forearm. Even Unless your job description is literally for their skills since becoming certi- having just one certification, however, “Drink this but savor it,” however — fied. can make a big difference. not likely, given the exceedingly low Certification can have a positive im- demand at technology firms for quali- pact on salary, of course — you may fied wine tasters — then you are going to need tech skills. And there does seem to be broad MONEY FOR SOMETHING agreement that certification can both teach and sharpen tech skills. A sub- Did you receive a raise in the first year after receiving your most recent IT certification? stantial 50.4 percent of all Salary Sur- vey respondents report that they use RESPONSE U.S. RESPONDENTS NON-U.S. RESPONDENTS skills “learned or enhanced through Ye s 47.4 percent 33.3 percent certification” several times a day at No 52.6 percent 66.7 percent their current jobs. A further 36.1 per- cent rely on their certified skills either About what percent increase did you receive? several times a week (25.6 percent) or RESPONSE U.S. RESPONDENTS NON-U.S. RESPONDENTS several times a month (10.1 percent). More than 15 percent 8.2 percent 15 percent That leaves just 13.5 percent of respondents who reap a direct work- 13 to 15 percent 2.6 percent 7.3 percent place benefit from certification only 10 to 12 percent 9.2 percent 16 percent occasionally (10.2 percent) or rarely 7 to 9 percent 11.4 percent 15.6 percent (3.3 percent). 4 to 6 percent 27.8 percent 26.4 percent The boon to certification hold- 3 percent or less 40.8 percent 19.7 percent ers isn’t strictly limited to IT skills entrenchment, either. A strong 67.6 How important do you think getting your most recent IT certification was in regards to your receiving that raise? percent of those surveyed either agree RESPONSE U.S. RESPONDENTS NON-U.S. RESPONDENTS (42.4 percent) or strongly agree (25.2 percent) that getting certified has in- Getting promoted was a direct result of 7.5 percent 7.7 percent my certification creased their ability to solve problems, while 64.6 percent either agree (40.6 My certification was a key factor 18.1 percent 17.8 percent percent) or strongly agree (24 percent) My certification was one of several key factors 41.7 percent 52.7 percent that getting certified has improved My certification wasn't really taken into account 19.6 percent 12.4 percent their workplace productivity. My certification had no effect at all 13.1 percent 9.4 percent

24 CERTIFICATION JOBS AND SALARY 2018 SALARY SURVEY The Next Big Thing It’s always tricky predicting the future, even if you’re only predicting what will happen to you (and only you) in the next year. Given that 79 percent of survey respondents are planning to earn at least one additional certification in the next 12 months, however, it’s only natural to wonder what’s on their minds. So we asked that, too: Which IT certification is next on your to-do list? These are the 50 most frequently cited answers.

1) (ISC)² CCSP 26) Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Security 2) (ISC)² CISSP 27) Pegasystems Certified System Architect (CSA) 3) Pegasystems Certified Senior System Architect (CSSA) 28) Amazon Web Services Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate 4) Pegasystems Certified Lead System Architect (CLSA) 29) F5 Certified Technology Specialist (F5-CTS) ASM 5) Amazon Web Services Certified Solutions Architect – Associate 30) VMware Certified Professional (VCP) 6 – Data Center Virtualization 6) Pegasystems Certified Pega Decisioning Consultant (CPDC) 31) CompTIA Linux+ 7) Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Routing & Switching 32) ISACA CISA 8) CompTIA Security+ 33) Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) CyberOps 9) EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker 34) Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Routing & Switching 10) Pegasystems Certified Customer Service System Architect (CCSA) 35) Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure 11) Amazon Web Services Certified Solutions Architect – Professional 36) Red Hat Certified Engineer 12) ISACA CISM 37) CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP) 13) Teradata 14 Certified Technical Specialist 38) F5 Certified Solution Expert (F5-CSE) Security 14) Pegasystems Certified Pega Marketing Consultant (CPMC) 39) Okta Certified Administrator 15) Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate: Windows Server 2016 40) Amazon Web Services Certified Developer – Associate 16) Offensive Security Certified Professional 41) Pegasystems Certified Pega Business Architect (CPBA) 17) PMI Project Management Professional 42) Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate: Office 365 18) (ISC)² CISSP Management 43) GCIH - GIAC Certified Incident Handler 19) (ISC)² CISSP Architecture 44) Red Hat Certified System Administrator 20) ISACA CRISC 45) Microsoft Technology Associate: IT Infrastructure 21) F5 Certified Technology Specialist (F5-CTS) LTM 46) Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate: Data Engineering with Azure 22) F5 Certified Technology Specialist (F5-CTS) APM 47) SAS Certified Data Scientist 23) Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate: Cloud Platform 48) (ISC)² CISSP Engineering 24) SAS Certified Advanced Programmer 49) Amazon Web Services Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional 25) CompTIA Network+ 50) Cisco Certified Internetworking Expert (CCIE) Routing & Switching

(Incidentally, Some survey respon- Whatever its impact on salary, who think that the overall worth and dents do indeed have a list of creden- certification isn’t only about short- impact of IT certifications will either tials that might even exceed forearm term gains. More than 42 percent of diminish (8.1 percent) or disappear length: 4.2 percent of those surveyed those surveyed have been working in (1.3 percent) over the next five years. have 16 or more current IT certifica- a job role that directly utilizes one or The vast majority of those sur- tions.) more of their certified skills for longer veyed, on the other hand, think the According to the U.S. Bureau of than 10 years. That kind of longevity glass is half-full: 38.2 percent feel that Labor Statistics, the average weekly suggests that earning and maintaining worth and impact of certifications income for a U.S. “information” work- a certification can keep your moving will remain the same over the next er at the end of 2017 was $1,393.10. forward in your career, perhaps indef- five years, while 52.4 percent predict Among salary survey respondents initely. that certifications will become more who hold just one active certifica- And while bias is certainly a valuable and impactful. We like the tion, however, the comparable figure factor, who better than certified IT optimism. As Star Trek creator Gene derived from our data is $2,078.98. The professionals to look around at the IT Roddenberry once said, “The human comparison isn’t exact, but it does give certification landscape and assess its adventure is just beginning.” a sense of the extent to which certifica- ongoing potential? There are naysay- tion can increase earning power. ers among the total survey population

CERTIFICATION 25 JOBS AND SALARY 2018 SALARY SURVEY

FACTS AND FIGURES: DEMOGRAPHICS AND WORKPLACE THESE ARE THE PEOPLE IN YOUR (CERTIFICATION) NEIGHBORHOOD

lot can happen in five Palmyra and back (twice!) in the next fewer years. It’s two or fewer years for years: The Roman caval- five years, but he or she may change 43 percent of all respondents, and zero ry commander Aurelian jobs, quite possibly more than once. years (1 to 11 months) for 17 percent of becameA emperor, expelled two barbar- There’s a core of survey respondents, all respondents. With that many folks ian hordes from lands controlled by 11.3 percent of those surveyed, who just settling in, relatively speaking, Rome, and reconquered breakaway clearly value stability and have been it seems clear that IT professionals, empires in Gaul and Syria — restoring with their current employer for more probably for a variety of reasons, are Roman rule from the North Atlantic than 15 years. Quite a few others, prone to change jobs. to the Red Sea — all between 270 and however, are far more nomadic. Some might argue that all of those 275. A whopping 65 percent of survey new and relatively new arrivals are Your average certified IT profes- respondents have worked for their merely the vanguard of a rising gen- sional probably won’t lead an army to current primary employer for five or eration of IT workers flooding in from Snapshot of Salary Survey Respondents If you brushed past a fellow Salary Survey respondent at an open-air market in Cairo, or sat next to one on a 12-hours flight from Seoul to San Francisco, you’d probably never know. People who work in IT don’t stand out like, say, soldiers in uniform, or members of a religious order. They do have a few things generally in common, however, as you can see at a glance from this snapshot of age, gender and educational norms, both among those in the United States, and IT pros in the world at large. How does your individual profile match up?

WHAT IS YOUR GENDER? WHAT IS THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF EDUCATION YOU HAVE COMPLETED? U.S. — Male (86 percent), Female (14 percent) All Non-U.S. — Male (90.2 percent), Female (9.8 percent) U.S. High school diploma: 3.5 percent Technical training (no college degree): 9 percent HOW OLD ARE YOU? Two-year college degree: 10.2 percent Bachelor’s degree: 37.1 percent U.S. All Non-U.S. Master’s degree: 34.3 percent 25 to 34: 13.4 percent 19 to 24: 8.9 percent All others: 5.9 percent 35 to 44: 26.8 percent 25 to 34: 38.2 percent 45 to 54: 30.6 percent 35 to 44: 34 percent All Non-U.S. 55 to 64: 24 percent 55 to 64: 14.7 percent High school diploma: 5.2 percent All others: 5.2 percent All others: 4.2 percent Technical training (no college degree): 8.5 percent Two-year college degree: 3.8 percent Bachelor’s degree: 44.2 percent Master’s degree: 32.2 percent All others: 6.1 percent

26 CERTIFICATION JOBS AND SALARY 2018 SALARY SURVEY

colleges and high schools. Weighing Speaking of timing, 21 percent of percent of those surveyed are special- rather heavily against that line of rea- survey respondents worked in IT for ists, followed by comparably sizeable soning, however, is the fact that most less than a year before getting their contingents of rank-and-file employ- of those who responded to the survey first certification. And you don’t have ees (14.5 percent) and managers (11.8 are not spring chickens. to stretch that timetable very far to percent). A topic of concern for many in the capture a much larger slice of the pie. No matter what job title accompa- tech industry is the general aging of Exactly 43 percent of those surveyed nies the picture on their I.D. badge, the workplace population, and this earned their first certification after there’s a pretty strong degree of year’s survey, like the last few we’ve working in IT for between 1 year and confidence and satisfaction among done, bears out that trend. A sobering 5 years. most survey respondents. A sturdy 40 percent of those who responded to As we’ve learned from past sur- 64 percent of those surveyed have no this year’s survey are 45 or older, and veys, there are IT jobs at every rung intention of seeking a different job in 30 percent are between the ages of 35 of the corporate ladder. We’ve found 2018. (Given the indicators discussed and 44. By contrast, just 4.9 percent of pretty consistently, on the other a few paragraphs above this one, it respondents are younger than 25. hand, that the highest concentration sounds as though at least some IT That’s 70 percent of today’s work- of skilled tech professionals tends to workers who are about to change jobs ing professionals who were either reside at the senior specialist level. just don’t know it yet.) born, coming of age, or (gulp) already That was the case this year as well, And though the IT industry as in the workforce the year (1982) that with 40.1 percent of all survey respon- a whole has certainly been subject the first Blade Runner movie was dents declaring themselves senior spe- to employment upheavals in recent released. cialists. The next largest group is the years, most workers are feeling secure, one immediately below on the stan- at least in the short term. A remark- dard-issue company org chart: 16.4 able 93 percent of respondents do not anticipate being laid off in the coming WHAT IS THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF year, while 95 percent are confident EDUCATION YOU HAVE COMPLETED? they won’t have to deal with a pay cut.

U.S. High school diploma: 3.5 percent Technical training (no college degree): 9 percent PERKS OF THE JOB Two-year college degree: 10.2 percent Bachelor’s degree: 37.1 percent Master’s degree: 34.3 percent The benefit my employer provides that I All others: 5.9 percent would be least willing to do without is: All Non-U.S. Medical insurance — 42.8 percent High school diploma: 5.2 percent Paid time off — 16.7 percent Technical training (no college degree): 8.5 percent Flexible scheduling — 12.3 percent Two-year college degree: 3.8 percent 401k or other retirement/pension benefit — 9.6 percent Bachelor’s degree: 44.2 percent Child care — 8.8 percent Master’s degree: 32.2 percent All others: 6.1 percent Paid sick leave — 4.3 percent Vision insurance — 3.0 percent Dental insurance — 2.5 percent CERTIFICATION 27 CERTIFICATION MAKING THE MOS-T OUT OF MICROSOFT OFFICE

Help your students gain a valuable life skill by mastering the Microsoft Office certificationBY JEFF exams RANDALL Jeff Randall is a product manager at TestOut Corporation. He has worked in the IT certification industry for nearly a decade.

ast year, more than 1 million Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification exams Lwere taken by students all over the world. (That’s according to Certi- port, a subsidiary of Pearson VUE that administers the MOS exams for Microsoft Learning.) MOS is a very popular certification, especially with high schools, and that popularity is ex- ploding as more states are purchasing certification exams for high schools. This mean a lot of teachers will be • How do I give individual The help you need asked to prepare students to pass the remediation to students? MOS exams. Those doing so for the Over the past 10 years, I have been first time are likely to find themselves Answers to questions about how around almost every part of the MOS asking some or all of the following to administer the exams and details exams. I’ve met with teachers, and questions: about each exam can be easily found worked with publishers, resellers, at Certiport.com. Tracking down practice test companies, and Certiport • What are the exams like? answers about best practices, tips for itself. In that time, I’ve learned a few • How are the exams adminis- instructors, and best materials to use things about getting students certified. tered? can be more difficult. What follows are some of the tips I • What will I need to add to, or Publishers and vendors love to have picked up over the years. take away from my current say that they “map” to this or that Commitment — Getting students lesson plans? certification, but they rarely provide certified means being committed to • Where do I go to learn about best practices, tips, or a step-by-step making it happen. There will be plenty MOS best practices? guide for individuals seeking certifi- • When are students ready to cation. It’s often left up to educators take the exams? and trainers to figure things out for themselves. 28 CERTIFICATION that, once a student can score 900+ in the Gmetrix test certification mode at least three times, then they are ready to take the exam. Confidence — When teachers are confident, students become confident. The best way to gain that confidence as a teacher is to study for and pass the MOS certification exams yourself. Having that experience is critical. You’ll also have an excellent answer when students ask, “Are you certi- fied?” Finally, by actually preparing and taking the exams, teachers will become both comfortable and familiar with the process and materials they will be using to help students get certified. Use Great Courseware — Choosing the right MOS courseware, will have a huge impact on the overall experi- ence — and, ultimately, the success — of both teachers and students. School budgets may limit choices, but if possible look for a publisher that uses technology to teach technology. It makes learning more engaging and generally save teachers valuable time. Look for a courseware that offers the following: a variety of learning materials, self-paced course progres- sion, plenty of practice and review tools, remediation, assignments, assessments, and reporting tools. Here’s a tip: Give smaller companies a chance, because they are typically hard at work solving the thorny issues and up-to-the-second challenges that big publishers may be reluctant to tackle. of obstacles to overcome, including three-step outline is a proven model At TestOut, we offer an MOS a not insignificant learning curve for for helping students pass certification training solution, Desktop Pro Plus, first-time teachers. It is important for exams. It works best if you size up the that covers all of the suggestions on everyone involved to be committed to various Microsoft Office applications the list above. Even better, however, the end goal of certification. and tackle them one at a time. Start is that Desktop Pro Plus includes From teachers to principals and, at with the easiest Office tools, like Out- fully integrated MOS practice tests at times, district administrators, every- look and PowerPoint, and work your no additional cost. Schools on a tight one needs to support the effort. Being way toward the hardest exam: Excel. budget can now have access to both committed to the end goal is the only Practice tests are a huge help in study materials and practice tests in way to break through challenges, and knowing when students are actually the same low-cost package. keeps everyone focused to boot. It ready to take the exams. Gmetrix prac- Self-Paced Learning — A great also doesn’t hurt if teachers receive a tice tests are often purchased with the teacher can have success with any ap- bonus for students getting certified. exams, and look and feel a lot like the proach, but there are some advantages Learn, Practice, Certify — This real exams. The recommendation is to using a self-paced model when GET MAXIMUM MILEAGE FROM MOS

CERTIFICATION 29 CERTIFICATION certifications are the goal. This is not Students should an easy transition for some teachers learn the 80 objec- as, when students tackle the material tives outlined by Students should learn the 80 at their own speed, teachers may feel Microsoft, and not they are no longer teaching at all. just the 25-to-35 objectives outlined by Microsoft, and The opposite is true, of course: that are tested by While some students race ahead, the MOS exams. In not just the 25-to-35 that are tested teachers are able to concentrate on addition, teachers by the MOS exams. students who need individual help who use the Gmet- and encouragement. The exceptional rix practice tests to you are getting comes with practice students, meanwhile, stay engaged both teach the material and train for labs that both help students learn the and move through the material with- the exam practice aren’t really helping right way, and eliminate confusion. out falling victim to boredom. their students prepare to succeed in Competitions — Once a year, Certi- Students who need more time gen- the real world. Those kids may excel at port hosts an incredible worldwide erally feel less anxious and frustrated taking (and passing) the MOS exams, student competition. It is the Olym- when they can proceed at their own but they won’t excel at actually using pics for Microsoft Office, as students pace, and become less likely to fall Microsoft Office. compete to be the best in the world at behind and give up mentally. Teachers No substitute for practice — This using Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. can also enlist the best students, those is not referring to the practice tests, Participating countries send their best who consistently finish their work but to the importance of day-to-day students (those who had the highest early, to help others who are strug- practice in applying new skills. Like scores and fastest times). gling. Star students who are shy about math, students need to learn by doing. In the United States, Certiport holds helping others can often be enticed by Watching a lecture or video is not a separate competition to determine extra credit and classroom recognition. enough. They need time to practice who will represent the nation. Each Teach beyond the certification — I skills in different ways, and do it over school should strive to have some stu- spoke with a teacher in my communi- and over. dents qualify for the competitions. In ty recently who talked about teaching The more they click on the ribbon, addition, schools (and ideally districts) to the exam questions. I had heard this tabs, and dropdown lists, the more should have their own competitions before, but I thought about it for the they will learn, even if they are mak- and recognize students who get the first time as a parent. Our kids need ing mistakes. The more they practice highest scores and the fastest times in to learn how to use the Office tools the skills they are learning, the more each application. beyond just what is required by the proficient and confident they will Here’s a tip for teachers: Students exams. become. This also comes back to using who show promise should take the great courseware: Be sure that what exam over and over and over and over again. It doesn’t cost anything, but Certiport chooses students with a perfect score at the fastest times. The more they take the exam, the faster they get — and to be in the competi- tions they need to be fast!

Worth the effort

While MOS certification has chal- lenges, it is worth it in the end. Not only do students earn a certification that is valued in the workplace, but teachers and students both gain the satisfaction that comes when a student who has struggled, but kept working hard, passes their first exam. Seeing those smiles and excitement, and watching as self confidence blossoms and grows, makes it all worthwhile.

30 CERTIFICATION CERTIFICATION 31 CERTIFICATION

ALL BY PETER MANIJAK Peter Manijak is a training and certification consultant and also serves as Certification EYES Chair for CEdMA (Computer Education Management Association). An innovator and pioneer of IT certification, Peter specializes in building global, world-class certification and training programs from the ground up. Cer- tification regimes he was worked on include ON ME those affiliated with EMC, Storage Networking Industry Association (SNIA), Hitachi Data Sys- tems, Acquia, and Pegasystems. Peter can be Having a great certification contacted at [email protected]. program doesn’t mean much if no one is paying attention to what you’re doing

32 CERTIFICATION his article is a follow-up of the training. Tell consumers how to my previous two-part your certification answers the ques- article about how to create tions in the preceding paragraph. Tand build your own IT certification If possible, bundle in your exams Take a long look program. Once you’ve done the heavy with training offers. lifting and gotten an IT certification Visibility: If your training and at your exam pricing. If program off the ground, what’s next? certification information is buried your exams are priced too Let’s take look at what can be done on your website, one of the first to make your certification program missions you must undertake is to low, then they may not be attractive to students and IT profes- elevate it. Show the management sionals. team how often those pages have taken as seriously as they For starters, we need to make a few been visited already. Then ask should be. assumptions. Let’s take for granted them to imagine how much those that you’ve already been successful at numbers could increase with a little each of the following: promotional wizardry. too low, then they may not be taken as In my experience, training and seriously as they should be. This is not • Your exams are of high quali- certification pages are usually one a matter of profit, as most companies ty and are effectively measuring of the highest visited areas of any IT primarily strive to break even with the skills and knowledge of your company’s web site. If you make your certification and training. Your certi- exam candidates. certification information high-profile fication represents your organization • The goals of the program have and easy to find, then you are dou- and its products. Exam pricing is a been approved by the leadership bling down on that advantage. matter of market perception. of your company or organiza- Visibility, Part II: Participate in Pricing Part II: India and its tion. salary surveys. Get your program thriving population of tech-savvy • You have the support of your into the annual Certification Magazine up-and-comers is, or should be, on stakeholders. Salary Survey. (That’s a rule I drew every IT certification program’s radar, • You are either the training man- up long before writing any articles for especially if growing your ecosystem ager responsible for the pro- this magazine.) If the program makes is important. This is where having a gram, or the certification manag- the cut, the results can be used as a training partner who can meet the de- er running the program. promotional tool in social media and mand and keep the pricing low makes company events, as a recruitment tool more sense. If not, seriously consider Okay, now that we’ve outlined the for your HR team, and as a sales tool slashing the training costs by 90 per- foundation on which we can effec- to engage with universities that are cent for the India audience. tively build a marketing message considering offering your curriculum. The price of your exam should stay attractive to outsiders, let’s get to it. Exam Levels: Are your entry-lev- the same — remember the importance What are the key ways to make your el exams, truly suited to entry-level of perception. An IT worker in India program stand out? I’ve assembled a candidates? If there is no easy starting who knows he or she will become laundry list of points to ponder as you point, then think about creating an as- employable (or get a better-paying job) move forward: sociate level exam or tier with a lower as a result, will find a way to pay for Understanding: A key element is price point. the exam. always understanding what your au- You should also consider providing Marketing: This is a very important dience is looking for. This understand- the training content for that level ei- aspect of helping your program stand ing must be both internal and external. ther free or at a nominal cost — espe- apart. There are both “push” and What is motivating the individual? Do cially if you want to use a lower-level “pull” strategies to consider. What they want to find a new job? Comply exam to build a pipeline to your more should you push to your audience? with a company directive? Get a better advanced credentials. This type of free What do you have to offer that will salary? training could be short YouTube vid- pull them in? Whatever the case, your program eos, a webinar series, or free e-books. If you don’t think about marketing, needs to be easy to find, easy to If someone is going to make time to nobody else will — it’s as simple as understand, easy to sell, and, most learn, make it as painless as possible that. No matter the size of your orga- importantly, easy to consume. One for them to get started before you go nization, a weekly marketing meeting of the most important items on your deep. will get everyone to focus. Some key action list is to promote the value of Pricing: Take a long look at your categories helpful to track and report the certifications along with the value exam pricing. If your exams are priced on are:

TOOTING YOUR CERTIFICATION PROGRAM’S HORN CERTIFICATION 33 CERTIFICATION

Collateral — Brochures or data Advertising — Place an ad where the shown to leadership), and you also get sheets need to be developed, even IT professionals are looking. Certi- a bump in test taking. Don’t make the if only created as a PDF, as they can fication Magazine and other similar discount open-ended. “Limited time” serve as great leave-behinds for your industry publications are a great place are the magic words here. sales team. to advertise. It shows you are a player. Ad Hoc Projects — Is your certifi- Events — What events should be The graphics can also be used in your cation program listed in Wikipedia attended or created? Many times, social media campaigns. somehow? Can you present your people have no idea there are others Social Media — If you have a Twitter program at the new hire/onboard- out there just like them, and want to account for your academy or learning ing training held by employers that be part of a community, as this will group, tie this into your corporate ef- use your products? Should you have help them in their jobs and careers. Be forts. Get some training on how to be awards? Constantly seek input for the unifier; help build your real-world effective with it, and use appropriate ideas. communities and you can plant the tools to schedule posts and promote Testimonials — Get these whenever seeds for greater online participation. your content on regular basis. Always you can, especially if someone in- Some ideas: include a call to action, preferably to quires about a “freebie.” It is always sign up for something like a class or worth the trade. • An after-work meet-up in a exam. Registry: A registry of certified more casual setting to encourage Communications — If you decide on individuals is a great tool to use to networking (providing refresh- an e-mail campaign, first be sure you promote the professionals already in ments will boost attendance) is a are complying with spam laws. After your ecosystem. It can be set up for great way to help grow the com- that, make sure that any links you all people to see. You can encourage munities out there. include allow people to register and certified individuals featured in the • Be sure that your certification sign up for training courses, which is registry to pass along links and spread program has a booth at company essentially where the revenue is with the word. Partner programs might not events, such as conferences. any program. like to see an open registry, as it could • Offer a test center at company Promotions — Offer an exam dis- potentially lead to poaching of talent, events, if possible. Make this the count for people who agree to answer but I’ve yet to see that fear come to only time exam candidates can a short survey. This works! You can fruition. get a free retake. get valuable data from a short 3-to- 5-question survey (data that can be

34 CERTIFICATION Test Preps: Offer them with a sub- technical certification program? Are tification program all at once. Pick scription, or as part of on-site training. the exams relevant and up to date? and choose what feels right for your Spending a half-day to full-day with Most importantly: Is it easy to under- situation, and start there. Your train- a live instructor boosts the confidence stand? ing and your exams may be top-notch, of a test taker. Why let the test cheat but until you capture the attentions of sites take advantage of a hole in your Ready, set, dive in students, educators, and tech profes- program? sionals, the battle is only half won. Badging: This is a very interesting You probably couldn’t bring all of topic these days. Sales professionals these tools to bear on a single cer- and other non-technical profession- als could use a lower technical type of learning/testing vehicle. The great news is that it gains mind share: One does not sell what one does not know. Everyone in your company should know the value-add of its products. This is a low-pressure way to achieve that, and it’s something easy to track and report on. Badges could also be earned as a specialization, built on top of core certification exams. In that way, it can keep your participant pool more actively engaged. It is also a great tool for recertification. Exam Delivery: Remotely proc- tored online testing has been in place for a few years now, and it could very well be worth investigating. It gives test takers more convenience than having to drive into a physical test center. There are pros and cons to this approach (a topic for another day), so proceed with caution. Performance-Based Exams: Very hard to scale, but this is a differentia- tor. The drawbacks are the labor and resources needed to put this in place. There is a higher confidence, however, in those earning the certification, and that itself could provide commensu- rate ROI. Understanding, Part II: Put your- self in the shoes of the decision makers in your company. Does your program break even? Does it have a great reputation, and therefore enhances the company brand? Is it used for partner programs? Is it used internally? Do you have a sales program besides the

TOOTING YOUR CERTIFICATION PROGRAM’S HORN

CERTIFICATION 35 TECH KNOW MORE TECH AROUND THE WORLD

It’s our second list of six top countries where IT pros should look for work BY REENA GHOSH Reena Ghosh is an independent professional writer who creates promotional, developmental and explanatory content for individuals and businesses. She came to professional writing with work experi- ence in financial services operations and corporate communication. Reena speaks three languages and hopes to learn Sanskrit

T professionals have greater living in whatever spot you end up. 2000 companies active in IT and tele- career mobility than most other Safety is of course a key priority, as is coms have a presence in the area. The categories of workers, because quality of life. city also boasts a vibrant tech startup Imuch of everyday life is dependent on In my previous article I listed six scene. If you’re a .NET developer or technology. There is a worldwide de- top countries for tech pros looking to a data scientist, then Amsterdam is mand for people who can work with relocate: Denmark, Germany, Ire- currently one of the top cities for your current technologies, offering suitably land, Singapore, Switzerland, and the skills. skilled tech pros the opportunity to United Kingdom. This article looks at Salaries are not as high as in the work in countries as diverse as Israel, six more. Since a language barrier can United States, Switzerland, and Israel, Sweden, and Canada. pose difficulties, only countries where and just a bit less than in Germany Though Silicon Valley is still the English is the first language, or is or the United Kingdon. According to mecca of tech innovation, it is no widely spoken, are listed here. PayScale, the average salary for soft- longer the preferred destination for Each of the countries listed below ware developers in the Netherlands is IT professionals. This is primarily has something different to offer in $44,658 (U.S.). because of the high cost of living, in- terms of culture, environment and cluding very high rents, poor work-life society: Advantages balance, and recent visa restrictions. • Netherlands offers a great quali- When selecting a destination for Netherlands ty of life with a range of enter- employment (and living), one should tainment opportunities. not consider professional and econom- Amsterdam is headquarters to • Rents are relatively reasonable, ic benefits alone. After all, you and many world-class tech companies. and one has a variety of accom- your family need to be comfortable More than 50 percent of the Forbes modations to choose from.

36 CERTIFICATION • Healthcare services and the pub- • Sweden has a relatively high but expensive. lic transport system are good. cost of living, including high • The country has a moderate • According to the Safe Cities personal income tax rates. crime rate. Violent crime is rare Index 2017 compiled by The • Accommodations of any sort can except in a few areas, but inci- Economist, Amsterdam is cur- be difficult to find, especially in dents of bag snatching, car theft rently one of the 10 safest cities the center of Stockholm. and domestic burglaries are not in the world. It has a low crime uncommon. rate and ranks 4th in digital Israel • Due to the conflict with Pales- security, 6th in infrastructure tine, political violence can occur security, and 10th in personal According to Bloomberg, Isra- suddenly in certain areas. Many security. el ranks 6th on the list of preferred expats do live and work in Israel. destinations for high-tech companies. One needs to be careful and Drawbacks Over the years, Israel has developed avoid trouble spots. • Health insurance is expensive a robust ecosystem for startups. Tel • You might have to get used to Aviv, in particular, is a hub of finan- Australia traffic congestion and train can- cial tech startups. cellations. Salaries for software engineers in Software engineers in Australia • Dutch weather can be unpredict- Israel are among the highest in the earn more than in many other coun- able, particularly in summer. world, and much higher than the aver- tries, but the high cost of living takes age salary for Israelis working in other some of the shine off those handsome Sweden occupations. According to PayScale, salaries. If you’re a Java or PHP devel- the median annual salary for software oper, it’s one of the best countries to Stockholm is one of the best cities in engineers in Israel is $65,000 (U.S.). look for work. the world for tech startups. Software engineers working in Sweden earn Advantages Advantages more than their counterparts in most • The dynamic startup scene ap- • Australian society is egalitarian. countries, but not significantly more peals to professionals looking to • Tech pros looking for a laidback than the average Swedish employee. work at a startup. lifestyle are likely to be quite According to PayScale, the average • Israel enjoys a Mediterranean pleased with life in Australia. salary for a developer in Sweden is climate. Winters are cool and • The Australian countryside and $54,872 (U.S.). Sweden is currently one relatively short. Summers are coastline offer abundant oppor- of the top markets for PHP developers. long and dry, and can get very tunities for outdoor/adven- hot at times. ture recreation. Advantages • With its beautiful beaches, out- • Australia has a varied climate • Currently, Stockholm has one door cafes and thriving art scene, and winters are relatively mild. of the most promising tech start Tel Aviv offers abundant oppor- • Both Melbourne and Sydney up scenes. tunities for recreation. There are have made it to the Top 10 in • According to the Safe Cities In- art galleries and museums every the Safe Cities Index 2017 com- dex 2017 compiled by The Econ- where in the city. piled by The Economist. Mel- omist, Stockholm is one of bourne ranks within the Top 10 the safest major cities in the Drawbacks on personal safety, as well as world, ranking 9th on personal • The cost of living is high. Ac- infrastructure and health securi- safety, 4th on infrastructure se- cording to an Israel National ty. Sydney ranks 6th on health curity, and 10th on health secu- News report, the Israeli Finance security, 9th on infrastructure rity. Ministry acknowledged that security, and 12th on personal • The country is known for its “The level of prices in Israel is safety. strong work culture. higher than in countries with • Swedes enjoy a high standard of similar GDP per-capita”. Drawbacks living. • Housing is expensive in Tel • The cost of living is high in cities • Most public services are subsi- Aviv. Most people live in apart- like Sydney and Melbourne. dized. ments. A detached house with a Groceries and utilities are not garden is out of reach for most. cheap. Drawbacks • Healthcare services are good, • Though public and private

WHERE IN THE WORLD TO WORK

CERTIFICATION 37 TECH KNOW

healthcare are of a good stan- dard, private health insurance is expensive. Expats who are not eligible for Medicare will need to purchase private insurance.

United States

Though the United States ranks 27th in the work-life balance rankings for all countries, it still attracts tech workers from around the globe. In large part, that’s because the American tech industry is one of the most inven- tive and advanced in the world. Salaries for software engineers in the United States are also much higher Australian cities as far as overall and 6th on digital security. than in most countries. PHP, .NET, security is concerned. San Fran- • Healthcare services are quite and Java developers are particularly cisco ranks highest among U.S. good and mostly free. sought after in the United States. Data cities in the Safe Cities Index scientists are also in demand. 2017 compiled by The Econ- Drawbacks omist, but with a ranking of 15, • Renting or buying a home is Advantages it doesn’t rank among the expensive in major cities like • California’s Silicon Valley has world’s top 10. Toronto and Vancouver. traditionally been home to the • Setting aside Vancouver, the rest nation’s highly innovative tech Canada of Canada can get very cold industry and an incubator for in winter. You could be in for startups. Texas (especially Canada’s tech industry is currently five months of very cold weather Austin), the Carolinas, New benefitting from a favorable economic per year. York, and such western states as ecosystem. The Canadian government • There is a perception that Cana- Utah, Colorado, and Washington has introduced fast-track visas for tech dian tax rates are relatively high, have all emerged as major tech professionals, is funding research in but this depends on where hubs, however, offering a high artificial intelligence, and is encourag- you’re relocating from. Income quality of life for professionals ing investment in startups. tax rates are higher than in the looking for a less expensive According to Bloomberg, Google, United States, but lower than in alternative to the west coast. Uber, and Microsoft are developing many European countries. • Across the country, travel and artificial intelligence capacities in recreational activities abound. the country, and a number of Silicon Where will you end up? Valley venture capitalists are invest- Drawbacks ing in Canadian startups. Facebook, Depending on your tech skills, the • Work-life balance is poor, lead- Amazon, and other tech majors have market for your area of expertise will ing to high stress levels. offices in Vancouver, which is fast be- differ from country to country. Relo- • Rents are typically very high in coming a tech hub in North America. cating can mean not only advanced large U.S. cities on either coast. Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver are career prospects, but an enhanced The average software engineer currently promising destinations for quality of life, improved work-life can end up spending substan- software developers. Perl coders, .NET balance, better health, different and tially more than 30 percent of developers, and data scientists are also enriching cultural and social experi- salary to rent an apartment with- currently in demand in Canada. ences, new friends, and a new life. in a few miles of Google, Uber, If you have a naturally adventur- and other established tech com- Advantages ous spirit, then don’t hesitate to take panies. • Canada offers a fairly good advantage of the freedom to relocate • H-1B employment visas have re- quality of life. made possible by your hard-earned IT cently become more difficult to • Toronto comes in at number 4 skills. obtain. in the Safe Cities Index 2017 • American cities generally lose compiled by The Economist. The out to European, Asian, and city ranks 5th on personal safety, 38 CERTIFICATION TestOut Ad

CERTIFICATION 39 TECH KNOW

COMING SOON?

Looking ahead at six technology trends that could shapeBY NATHAN 2018 KIMPEL Nathan Kimpel is a seasoned information technology and op- erations executive with a diverse background in all areas of compa- ny functionality, and a keen focus on all aspects of IT operations and security. Over his 20 years in the industry, he has held nearly every job in IT and currently serves as a Project Manager in the St. Louis (Missouri) area, overseeing 50-plus projects. His certifications include PMP, CISSP and CEH.

40 CERTIFICATION s we all turn the page on More smart devices 2017, I, like many others, In the future, instead of typing out have looked back and said, I can remember a time when tech- articles, I may just be thinking them “WhatA did I do wrong,” and “What nology didn’t rule my life, when ev- into a computer, or dictating them to could I have done better?” As a erything was “dumb” and kicking an my live-in robot. IT pros should learn gadget-loving nerd, I have also been appliance just might get it to resume everything they can about machine reflecting on the Amazon Echoes, normal function. Now, I often find learning, AI, and all aspects of Big video door locks, drones and wireless myself wondering, “Why isn’t (device) Data. This is not only fascinating stuff, headphones I picked up during the already smarter than this?” but it will serve you well when our year. In 2018, I predict we will see a robot overlords are running the place. All of this has me wondering sharp increase in “smart,” inexpensive what 2018 has in store. As a new year everyday items. Imagine a fan that Currency dawns, every IT professionals should senses airflow and temperature, and be asking herself or himself, “What activates a water-mist when appro- Currency, both standard and cryp- technology trends should I be paying priate. Or what about a TV that learns to, will move into a place of trans- attention to, be afraid of, or be excited your favorite programs from your parency, autonomy and convergence to dive into?” viewing habits and automatically — where the use of any denomination I have some bright ideas — a hand- records and stores them for you to will be seamless. 2018 will see cryp- ful of tech trends that I believe will be watch at your convenience? (See what to-currency move into all the markets prominent in the coming year. As you I mean? You just thought, “Why don’t via blockchain. Blockchain already read through my potentially prophet- TVs do that already?”) has the capability to move bitcoin (the ic forecast, keep in mind that almost most popular crypto-currency) into everything here will require updates Artificial intelligence the mainstream by making transac- to existing IT certifications, or possibly tions permanent and transparent. drive the creation of certifications yet AI won’t be taking over the world Bitcoin will continue to move unimagined. in 2018, but we’re making big strides. further out of the shadows and onto For developers and engineers, this center stage. Once this happens on a Wearables holy grail of IT is becoming more of widespread basis, I expect that finan- a reality every day. Consider all the cial institutions will begin marketing Thus far, wearable devices haven’t talk about AI by our politicians and it, creating funds around it, and even really caught on. I think it’s because scientists. Why do you think they are paying people with it. they aren’t small enough or quite talking about it? Because it’s close — Right now, there is a company invisible enough to outside observers. the stuff of sci-fi. We may soon see in the United Kingdom that offers a Expect this to change in 2018. The con- our first (I’m doing my best Arnold Mastercard backed by gold. That’s vergence of hearing-aid-sized devices Schwarzenegger voice here) learning already on the table. We are not too and satellite-fueled internet service computer. far off from a single card that will con- (more on that later) will make it possi- If you aren’t already paying atten- vert, pay, and receive ANY currency ble for anyone to feel like a superspy, tion to the spread of AI, make 2018 the known to man. or maybe Tony Stark. year you start. AI will most likely be For the consumer, this opens up Imagine that friendly “Siri” voice implemented on manufacturing and whole new ways to pay and save. repeating the results of an internet production lines before it shows up For IT professionals, the impact of search directly into your ear, or a anywhere else. Smart machines will the tech could not be more promis- contact lens that projects a composite better understand error rates, progress ing. Jobs will abound in everything social media overlay across the face of from predictive to perspective fixes, from mining bitcoins to supporting every person you meet. These prod- and ultimately to “understanding” multinationals creating “emerging ucts are already being developed and what they are doing. markets.” And, of course, we’ll need prototyped. The tech will jump from seeming- cybersecurity pros to safeguard the And bear in mind that we’re just ly harmless beer can production, to tech. Keep your finger on the pulse of getting started when it comes to wear- self-driving cars and trucks, to every- currency. It has the potential to make able devices. The tech will continue to day items, and then to ... robots. 2018 you very rich. shrink in size and increase in speed, will move us further down the road to leading to a shift in design to make using things that “think” from a true wearables more convenient, useful, “AI” perspective. unobtrusive, and affordable.

COMING SOON?

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Attack as a service ing” and the company that runs the use gene editing technology that can service deploys people to get into your selectively delete, modify, or correct a In 2017, we saw an unprecedented company. disease-causing abnormality within a amount of data breaches. Globally, the This type of security automation DNA segment. average cost of a single data breach on the penetration testing and attack “CRISPR” refers to Clustered Reg- was $3.62 million. The damage to a side is likely to be a high-growth area ularly Interspaced Short Palindromic company’s reputation can be even in 2018. Any IT Pro with an interest in Repeats occurring in the genome of more costly. The continual threat of cybersecurity would be well advised certain bacteria, from which the sys- unknown attackers stealing our lives to jump into this or any other security tem was discovered. While this is both a piece at a time terrifies most of us, specialization in the coming year. a mouthful and a brainbuster, one can and as we move into 2018, easily see the underlying value the shift toward actively of Big Data to the process. All combatting data theft will areas of gene and disease study pick up speed. will be improved by Big Data Hiring CISOs and tools and techniques. security professionals Imagine a service where Sooner than some may think, has been on the docket CRISPR will go mainstream, at most companies for a you can just type in your name, or with smaller labs leveraging long time now, but what the data to alter simple things I believe will be new is a your company’s name, and choose like eliminating known genetic trend toward “Attack as a an attack vector. weaknesses within pet lineages. Service” — the continuous When it comes to humans, 2018 adaptive risk thwarting could see us take the first steps and review, along with to “curing” a disease in quite sustained auditing and some time. “natural selection” of security services. It’s hard to predict which disease or Imagine a service where you can Science and Big Data genetic malady will be targeted first, just type in your name, or your com- or what form the cure will take. Again, pany’s name, and choose an attack While I don’t claim to know a lot however, it doesn’t require much of vector. For instance, you select “breach about RNA and DNA, anyone can an intuitive leap to guess that IT pros firewall” and the system tries every- see where IT and science are meeting who can effectively marshal the re- thing known and unknown to access with CRISPR gene editing technol- sources of Big Data will be invaluable your data. Or choose “social engineer- ogy. CRISPR is a rapid and easy-to- to this effort.

42 CERTIFICATION Thankfully, 2018 will almost certainly bring changes in how we watch new movies. We will increasingly view new releases from home theaters.

League or Avengers: Infinity War not only in their favorite chair, but with friends via social media. There is a growing market for what I call the social media introvert. Making events or services available to these groups is something every IT pro should keep up with.

Stay on your toes

These are only a few of the tech trends that are likely to see significant growth in the coming year. Truthfully, there will be so many cool trends in Low Earth Orbit internet service seems to permeate every aspect of our 2018 that you won’t be able to keep lives, it seems to me that society has up with all of them. (Neither will This may be a long shot, but I hope gotten much less social. In many ways, I.) Instead of feeling fearful or over- that 2018 finds us moving away from I would prefer to watch a movie at whelmed, we should revel in the fact land-based internet cables and relays home from the comfort of my couch, that there are so many areas of growth to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) technology. instead of going to a theater with for IT, and such a variety of services No more wires, no fighting over the friends and breaking the bank on and job functions to be filled. net, or endlessly digging up streets, refreshments. IT professionals should gravitate to and so forth. I’ve included this at the Thankfully, 2018 will almost cer- jobs, people, and companies in these end because we still have a way to go tainly bring changes in how we watch areas, as well as adopting new tech to accomplish it, but a guy can dream, new movies. We will increasingly that follows these trends. Everything can’t he? view new releases from home theaters. is getting smarter, and not embracing We will also be able to watch with new tech isn’t a winning strategy. My BONUS: First-run movies others who aren’t in the same room advice for 2018 is to pick a tech or two — they will be able to watch the exact that you think will grow, latch on, and This one’s not really a revolution- same stream from their location, in enjoy the ride. It’s sure to take you to ary tech trend, but it may be the one real time. some interesting places and wonderful that affects most people soonest (and Some companies are realizing that possibilities. most directly). Although social media some people want to watch Justice

COMING SOON?

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o maintain a career in IT, you must constantly acquire new skills and knowledge asT you progress. All successful techies CERTIFICATE understand that being a lifelong learner is a top qualification for any IT-related job posting, whether it is listed or not. OF EXPERTISE Over the last two decades, IT train- ing and certification programs from vendors and industry associations have played a key role in the ongoing AT HANGING education of tech workers. IT certifi- cations have also been associated with greater employability, career advance- ment, and increased compensation. As we march boldly into 2018, it’s IN THERE a good time to take a close look at the current state of IT certifications. Are they still as useful and impactful as they’ve been in recent years? Technology and the wider world are changing. Can certification keep pace? BY AARON AXLINE Aaron Axline is a freelance technology writer and knowledge management specialist based in Edmon- ton, Canada. His work has appeared in titles from Que Publishing, and on many tech blogs and websites. His professional writing site is AaronAxline.blogspot.ca.

44 CERTIFICATION Schoolhouse certification eligible Microsoft exam. Earning This is no longer the case. The num- an MTA can also provide a student ber of colleges offering highly-specific Harry is an elementary school college credits from certain schools, IT degree programs has bloomed over student who is learning how to code. thanks to a partnership between Mi- the last two decades. Here are some of Perhaps he thinks this skill may one crosoft and the American Council on the modern degrees students can now day make him successful in the work- Education. earn: ing world, but he is currently more These examples do not mean certi- concerned with reaching higher levels fication programs have been dumbed • Bachelor of Technology in Com- in Minecraft, one of the world’s most down to make them more accessible puter Science and Engineering popular video games. “That’s really to young people. Rather, modern • Bachelor of Computer Security my goal this year,” he says. students are raising themselves up to in Computer Science This anecdote, which originated meet the challenge of these programs • Bachelor of Information Tech- in a story by TEACH magazine, is — something made possible by the nology not unique or uncommon. Children new emphasis on early technology • Master of Science in Information are being taught coding and other education for young children. Technology technology skills at a remarkably This trend does indicate, however, early age. This fast start influences the that entry-level IT certifications have The majority of these degree pro- timing of other tech-related education, lost ground to traditional K-12 educa- grams are highly configurable in their helping kids to learn advanced tech tion, as the growing number of grade areas of primary focus. Students can skills much sooner than in previous school students earning certifications choose to concentrate their studies in generations. represents a potential issue of rep- any number of IT disciplines, like net- Students as young as 13 can com- utation and credibility for these en- work design, software development, pete in the annual Microsoft Office try-level credentials. internet technology, mobile web and Specialist (MOS) World Champion- Part of the value of an IT certi- app design, and so on. ship, a global competition that offers fication is how it is perceived by In addition, many colleges are of- challengers a timed exam testing ad- employers in the industry. If certi- fering these programs entirely online vanced skills and knowledge of Word, fications such as A+ and MTA start through distance education initiatives. Excel, or PowerPoint. The participants being viewed by hiring managers This is an attractive option for stu- have all earned one or more MOS and department supervisors as basic dents who live in remote areas and certifications as part of qualifying for add-ons to high school diplomas, this are unable to move away, or who have the main event. will impact the perceived value of issues with mobility or social anxiety. In high schools across the country, these credentials, particularly for older Colleges and universities have students are taking classes designed to adults looking to enter the IT industry. greatly improved their IT education help them earn CompTIA’s A+ certifi- options, making them much more cation for computer technicians before Have Colleges Upped competitive in comparison to the IT they graduate. CompTIA’s Network+ Their Tech-Ed Options? training and certification programs and Security+ are also popular certifi- offered by product vendors and pro- cations with high schoolers; they are Historically, one advantage IT fessional associations. viewed as a doorway to an entry-level certification has had over traditional IT certifications do, however, still job after graduation. college programs is how many differ- hold some advantages over college Other high school students work to- ent disciplines and specializations it degrees. IT training and certification is wards getting a Microsoft Technology makes available to candidates. Col- generally much more affordable than Associate (MTA) certification, which is leges have offered Bachelor of Sci- a two-year or four-year college degree awarded to candidates who pass an ence degrees for ages, and computer program. Certification programs offer science was slowly folded into such more flexibility in how candidates can degree programs as it became more do their training and prepare for the relevant over time. These programs, related exam. Certification students however, initially couldn’t offer the can choose from classroom-based same variety and granularity of sub- training, self-paced materials, online jects found in the realm of IT distance learning, or any combination certification. of these options.

CREDENTIALING CROSSROADS

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Additionally, product vendors and these studies — IT professionals who seconds. The performance of virtual professional associations can usually hold one or more certifications agree assistants from Google, Microsoft, be much more agile and responsive that: and Amazon will improve with each than colleges when it comes to updat- iteration, and every year’s crop of ing curriculum and exams with the • There is greater demand for new graduates will be less concerned latest information on evolving tech- their skills. with having information permanently nologies. And any IT professional with • Getting certified increased their stored in their minds. the requisite knowledge or relevant problem-solving abilities. Many certification vendors still work experience can simply take an • Their certification(s) contributed rely primarily on traditional multi- exam and get a certification. That’s an to being hired by an employer. ple-choice exams to test candidates. option that more or less doesn’t exist • Being certified has increased Other vendors have tried to ad- in the world of college degrees. their earning potential. dress this issue by adding perfor- So, while colleges have come a long mance-based questions, or by making way in modernizing their computing It’s fairly obvious that IT certifi- their exams so esoterically complex science degree programs, IT certifi- cations have not lost ground when that they are sometimes indecipher- cations have maintained a number of it comes to their industry value. If able — Microsoft is a notorious culprit advantages for students to consider. anything, certifications have gained a for this latter practice. more positive reputation in the indus- Every workplace is currently deal- What’s a certification worth to you? try because they are not overexagger- ing with the impact of the growing ated in value, as they were during the sophistication of personal technology. A lot of ink has been spilled in the years of the dot-com boom. The Internet of Things (IoT) has made media on the value of IT industry cer- nearly every mundane object a po- tifications. It is a hotly debated topic, The next phase of IT certification tential data leak. Full HD cameras are with people on both sides passionately currently concealed in eyeglass frames convinced their perception of what IT Major certification vendors like and watches. It won’t be long before certifications are worth is correct. Microsoft, Cisco, and Oracle have this technology is completely unde- Every certification and degree maintained the industry status of their tectable. has one thing in common: They are programs through aggressive advoca- For IT certification to remain rele- statements of intent, made by people cy with their partners and associates. vant, it will have to adapt to accommo- who have chosen a career path and are Industry associations like CompTIA, date the rapidly evolving workforce. acting on their own behalf to advance ISACA, PMI, and EC-Council also use Today’s young graduates demand to down that path. strong advocacy strategies, the differ- have speedy access to information at Career advancement can be done ence being that these groups aren’t all times; in the future, the technology honestly or dishonestly. The same linked to sales of specific IT hardware providing this access will be invisible. goes for college degrees and IT and software products. Finally, there is the incoming auto- certifications. They can be achieved IT certification isn’t going to fade mation of jobs previously thought to with integrity and through honest away any time soon. But, these or- be the sole domain of workers. Will effort, or they can be cheated through ganizations will need to consider the a certification in network adminis- and attained in a shoddy, fraudulent growing impact of early technology tration be relevant in a future where manner. education in traditional K-12 schools, that function is performed by an AI or Any experienced HR person or IT and the improved IT programs avail- other type of learning machine? department manager will treat a cer- able through colleges and universities. It may be that when the industry tification on a candidate’s resume as a These growing trends will continue to reaches that point, the entire structure mark of potential competency. A certi- take mind share (and market share) of information technology education fication on its own does not guarantee away from established certification — including IT training and certifica- a candidate is well-trained and a good programs. tion — will undergo a dramatic sea hire. It does indicate, however, that the A more pressing issue for certifica- change. candidate has chosen an industry they tion vendors is looming: the waning For now, IT certifications remain want to work in, and that they have value of traditional testing methods highly relevant, visible, and valued reinforced their decision by spending such as multiple-choice exams. in the industry. With some foresight the necessary time, energy, and money The mobile computing revolution and skillful management, certification to earn a relevant certification. has forever changed the perceived vendors and industry associations can The monetary value of certification value of memorizing facts and figures. continue to keep their programs from is continually proven and reinforced Everyone has a computer in their losing ground in the overall arena of by industry studies and salary sur- pocket that can pull up a ridiculous technology education. veys. There is a consistent theme in amount of information in a matter of 46 CERTIFICATION