Industry Certifications are a recognised credential of competency in the use of particular technology products.

Many potential employers seek graduates with one or more industry certifications as they know that these people will have the skills needed to effectively use and manage the technologies and/or products in which they are certified. The need for the employer to provide extra training in these products is reduced.

Industry Certifications are recognised internationally. The examinations are defined by the relevant IT vendor or industry/professional association and administered worldwide by independent testing centres. The educational institution where students learn the required skills and the testing centre where they sit the examination is irrelevant. Students are certified by a global IT vendor such as Microsoft, Sun Microsystems or Cisco Systems as having the knowledge required to obtain the certification. Industry Certifications are recognised internationally as valuable assets for many professional roles in IT.

While holding one or more industry certification is no substitute for an IT degree, an IT certification definitely provides an extra edge for many IT roles when undertaken in conjunction with an IT degree. The industry certification recognises the product/technology specific competency, while having an IT degree recognises the conceptual depth and breadth of IT knowledge held by the graduate. Both credentials together form a powerful combination that will make a compelling case for many potential employers. An IT degree and one or more IT certifications is a great investment in your future career.