Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Experience level: Advanced
- IT focus: Information Security
- Completion time: 4 to 8 weeks
- Potential role: Network or security architect
Details
The CISSP certification is an advanced cybersecurity training that teaches you to design, apply and manage an information security program. The certification is designed for those with a strong IT background who want to expand their skills.
It covers:
- Risk management
- Asset security
- Security architecture
- Network and communication security
- Security analysis and testing
- Security operations
- Software development
The actual training takes roughly four to eight weeks to complete, assuming you study 15 to 20 hours per week. Once you pass the exam, your credential sets you up for a mid to senior-level position in more advanced IT areas, depending on your experience.
For instance, if you work in IT in the Army, a CISSP credential can prepare you to work as a network or security architect after military service or advance to a senior position as an IT manager or chief security officer.
Cisco Certified Network Associate
- Experience level: Beginner
- IT Focus: Networking fundamentals
- Completion time: 6 to 8 weeks
- Potential role: Helpdesk or network admin
Certification Details
The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) training is a beginner course for those looking to enter the IT field. The course covers how to use Cisco Systems and many introductory concepts, including:
- Network and configuration basics
- IP services
- Security fundamentals
- Automation
- Programming
The course can be completed in as few as six weeks, and is one of the fastest IT certifications that prepares you for entry roles as a help desk or network administrator. Stacking the CCNA with other credentials, such as CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Network+, can help you expand your skills and increase your marketability.
Network administrator positions are a starting point in the IT field and can progress to network engineer and network architect roles. Architect positions are expected to grow by 12% until 2034, which is much faster than the average growth rate of all careers.
CompTIA A+ Certification
- Experience level: Beginner
- IT focus: Hardware, software and networking basics
- Completion time: 7 weeks
- Potential role: PC or helpdesk technician
Details
The CompTIA A+ training is a beginner course for those looking to enter the IT field. You learn the foundations of information technology, including:
- Hardware installation and configuration
- Diagnosing device issues
- Basic networking
- Mobile devices
- Virtualization concepts
- Cloud computing basics
The course takes an average of seven weeks to complete and can be stacked with other CompTIA certifications to enhance your IT skills and prepare you to work in IT support as a PC technician or helpdesk admin.
The IT field is growing fast, and support roles are in demand, with a projected 317,000 openings every year until 2034. Using your Army CA funding to earn some of the fastest IT certifications can help prepare you for an exciting career in a fast-paced industry.
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