Computer Certification Glossary

Cisco | CIW | CompTIA | Miscrosoft | Novell | Oracle | Sun | Find a computer certification school near you

Cisco - CCDA
A certification designed for individuals who design simple routed LAN, routed WAN, and switched LAN networks with fewer than 100 nodes that utilize Cisco routers and switches.

Cisco - CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate)
CCNA is certification for networking professionals offered by Cisco Systems. The CCNA is the first level of Cisco certifications and is a prerequisite for all advanced certifications, including CCNP and CCIE. After completing the requirement for the CCNA, candidates are prepared to install, configure, and operate simple-routed LAN, routed WAN, and switched LAN networks. Candidates must successfully complete the CCNA expert exam.

Cisco - CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional)
CCNP is certification for networking professionals offered by Cisco Systems. The CCNP is the second-highest level of Cisco certification behind the CCIE. After completing the requirements for the CCNP, candidates are prepared to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot complex routed LAN, routed WAN, Switched LAN networks, and Dial Access Services. Prerequisites for the CCNP are Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) status, as well as the successful completion of a qualifying exam. Candidates must then pass the CCNP expert examination. Five CCNP specializations are offered: Security, Network Management, LAN ATM, Voice Access, and SNA Solutions.

Find a computer certification school near you

CIW (Certified Interenet Webmaster)
Certified Internet Webmaster: CIW is the largest Internet job-role certification. An IT certification for the knowledge economy, CIW is an Internet vendor-neutral or job-role curriculum and certification designed to help career changers enter the IT industry and experienced and vendor-certified professionals build on existing IT skills. CIW is offered for three disciplines - Designer, Enterprise Developer and Administrator - and one cross-functional area - Web Site Manager, which combines the other three disciplines.

CIW (Certified Interenet Webmaster) Associate
Certified CIW Associates possess the basic hands-on skills and knowledge that Internet professionals are expected to understand and use. Foundational skills include basic knowledge of Internet technologies, network infrastructure, and Web authoring using HTML. You must pass 1 exam to become a CIW Associate.

CIW (Certified Interenet Webmaster) Professional
CIW candidates climb to CIW Professional status upon earning the CIW Associate certification and passing any one of eight CIW job-role exams. CIW Professional certifications can be earned in disciplines such as Web site design, security, server administration, application development or database management. You must pass 2 exams to become a CIW Professional.

CIW (Certified Interenet Webmaster) Security Analyst
Security Analysts protect an organization's assets and operations. This CIW certified professional has earned a Master CIW Administrator certification or holds a vendor-specific networking certification prior to passing the CIW Security Professional exam. You must pass 1 exam and hold a valid networking administration certification to become a CIW Security Analyst.

CIW (Certified Interenet Webmaster) Web Developer
This specialized job role for CIW and the jCert Initiative certification programs validates the skills and knowledge required to assemble and maintain JavaTM-based Web applications. Web Developers focus on the business-requirements aspect of the application development cycle. You must pass 1 exam to become a CIW Web Developer.

Master CIW (Certified Interenet Webmaster) Designer
This certification can lead to a successful career as a Web designer, creative director, Web marketing/ business specialist or art director. Master CIW Designers develop and maintain Web sites using authoring and scripting languages, create content and digital media, and employ standards and technologies for both business-to-business and business-to-consumer e-commerce Web sites. You must pass 3 exams to become a Master CIW Designer.

Master CIW (Certified Interenet Webmaster) Administrator
This certification prepares professionals for a successful career in network, system or intranet administration. The Master CIW Administrator identifies and defines network architecture, administers corporate infrastructure and servers, monitors and analyzes network performance, and implements and manages network security.
You must pass 4 exams to become a Master CIW Administrator.

Master CIW (Certified Interenet Webmaster) Enterprise Developer
This certification prepares skilled professionals to develop enterprise-wide Web-enabled applications and implement complex e-business solutions. Master CIW Enterprise Developers have advanced skills in database management, distributed object computing, scripting and programming languages, and language theory. You must pass 8 exams to become a Master CIW Enterprise Developer.

Master CIW (Certified Interenet Webmaster) Administrator – i-Accelerate
The i-Accelerate certification program offers a fast track for certified Microsoft and Novell professionals to earn the Master CIW Administrator certification. You can be CIW certified in less time, and accelerate your career with a well-rounded set of credentials. You must pass 2 CIW exams and hold a current valid Microsoft or Novell certification to become a Master CIW Administrator through the i-Accelerate program.

Master CIW (Certified Interenet Webmaster) Web Site Manager
This certification validates a cross-functional set of Web skills necessary to act as Webmaster for a business or department. Master CIW Web Site Managers have proven proficiencies in basic networking, Web site design techniques, Web authoring and scripting languages, and server administration. You must pass 5 exams to become a Master CIW Web Site Manager.

Find a computer certification school near you

CompTIA - A + Microcomputer Specialist
The CompTIA A+ certification is the industry standard validating the vendor-neutral skills expected of an entry-level computer technician. Having an A+ certification proves that you have a broad base of knowledge and competency in core hardware and operating system technologies including installation, configuration, diagnosing, preventive maintenance and basic networking.

CompTIA - i-Net +
The i-Net+ certification is recognized as a baseline technical knowledge specifically designed to certify entry-level Internet and e-commerce technical professionals. Those holding i-Net+ certification demonstrate knowledge and competency in Internet basics and clients, development, networking, Internet security and business concepts.

CompTIA - Network +
The Network+ certification validates technical competency in networking administration and support. Those holding Network+ certification demonstrate critical knowledge of media and topologies, protocols and standards, network implementation and network support. This certification is geared toward those with nine months field experience in network administration and support.

CompTIA - Server+
The Server+ certification credential validates advanced-level technical competency of server issues and technology, including installation, configuration, upgrading, maintenance, troubleshooting and disaster recovery. This certification is geared toward mid- to upper-level technicians. Server+ deals with Industry Standard Server Architecture (ISSA) issues, such as RAID, SCSI, multiple CPUs, SANs, and others.

CompTIA - Linux+
The Linux+ certification validates technical competency and provides a broad awareness of Linux operating systems. Those holding Linux+ certification demonstrate critical knowledge of installation, operation, administration and troubleshooting services.

CompTIA - Security+
The CompTIA Security+ certification tests for security knowledge mastery of an individual with two years on-the-job networking experience, with emphasis on security. The exam covers industry wide topics including communication security, infrastructure security, cryptography, access control, authentication, external attack and operational and organization security.

Find a computer certification school near you

Microsoft - MCDBA (Microsoft Certified Database Administrator)
MCDBA is certification for database administrators. An MCDBA must pass four core exams that require candidates to prove their expertise with Microsoft database products in a networked environment, as well as one elective exam covering advanced database topics.

Microsoft - MCSE+I (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer + Internet)
In addition to the core MCSE skills, an MCSE+Internet credential qualifies IT professionals to deploy and manage intranet and Internet solutions that include a browser, proxy server, host servers, database, and messaging and commerce components.

Microsoft - MCPS (Microsoft Certified Product Specialist)
MCPS is a single product certification program. MCPS candidates must pass one operating system exam, based on a current Microsoft Windows desktop or server operating system. In addition, all elective exams for premium certification, (MCSE & MCSD) are available to provide further qualification of skills with MS BackOffice products, development tools, or desktop applications.

Microsoft - MCSA (Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator)
MCSA on Microsoft Windows 2000 certification is designed for professionals who implement, manage, and troubleshoot existing network and system environments based on the Microsoft Windows® 2000 and Windows .NET Server platforms.

Microsoft - MCSD.NET (Microsoft Certified Solution Developer)
MCSD is certification for developers and programmers. Two core technology exams are required based on the Windows operating system and its architecture, as well as 2 elective exams based on Microsoft development tools.

Microsoft - MCAD (Microsoft Certified Application Developer)
MCAD for Microsoft .NET credential is for professionals who use Microsoft technologies to develop and maintain department-level applications, components, Web or desktop clients, or back-end data services.

Microsoft - MOS/MOUS (Microsoft Office User Specialist)
MOUS is the overarching umbrella term for APPLICATION certification available to Office users. Proficient and/or Expert levels of certification are available for each component of the Office suite, plus FrontPage.

Microsoft - MCP (Microsoft Certified Professional)
MCP is the overarching umbrella term for the TECHNICAL professional in the networking and programming areas. MCSE/MCSD/MCPS and MCT all fall under MCP.

Microsoft - MCSE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer)
MCSE is certification for network professionals. An MCSE candidate must pass 4 operating system exams that require candidates to prove their expertise with desktop, server, and networking components, (e.g. NT Server, NT Workstation, Networking Essentials, NT Server in the Enterprise) and 2 elective exams that prove expertise with Microsoft BackOffice products, (e.g. TCP/IP, Internet Information Server, SQL Server).

Novell Certifications

Novell - CNA (Certified NetWare Administrator)
CNA certification indicates that an individual has the skills and knowledge needed to handle the day-to-day administration of an installed Novell networking product such as NetWare 4.1. CNAs provide companies direct support for software users in various work environments including professional offices and small businesses, work groups or departments, and corporate information services (IS).

Find a computer certification school near you

Oracle - Oracle 9i OCA (Oracle Certified Associate)
The Oracle Certification Program begins with the Associate level. At this apprentice skill level, Oracle Certified Associates have a foundation of knowledge that will allow them to act as a junior team member working with database administrators or application developers. Earning your Oracle Certified Associate credential as a beginning IT professional will give you recognition for your foundation of knowledge using Oracle technologies. This recognition will differentiate you from those without any credentials, and can help you build your career by obtaining access to entry-level opportunities.

Oracle - Oracle 9i DBA (Database Administrator Certified Associate)
The Oracle Certification Program begins with the Associate level. At this apprentice skill level, Oracle Certified Associates have a foundation of knowledge that will allow them to act as a junior team member working with database administrators or application developers. Earning your Oracle Certified Associate credential as a beginning IT professional will give you recognition for your foundation of knowledge using Oracle technologies. This recognition will differentiate you from those without any credentials, and can help you build your career by obtaining access to entry-level opportunities.

Oracle - Oracle8i Certified Professional
Oracle Certified Professionals have proven skills managing a large-scale database or developing robust applications that are deployed enterprise-wide. To become an Oracle Certified Professional, you must pass all required exams in your selected job role. When you obtain this credential, you will have a valuable asset as you apply for more senior level opportunities and gain more credibility and support from your employer.

Find a computer certification school near you

Sun Certified Java Programmer (SCJP)
The "Sun Certified Programmer for the Java2 Platform" is the most basic java certification. It tests your knowledge of the Java language (syntax and semantics). It is a prerequisite for the Developer and Web Component Developer certifications.

Sun Microsystems - UNIX SCSA

Sun Microsystems' entry-level Solaris certification by teaching you the fundamentals

Find a comuter certification school near you