Category: IT Certification

Get to know about the benefits of (ISC)² CCSP certification

It won’t be exaggerated if one says that the most used and searched word in the IT world is cloud computing. The word refers to a form of computing wherein computational assets like CPU, RAM, bandwidth, disk space are introduced over the internet. These assets are generated through an underlying network of physical servers saved in well-maintained information centers of the third-party service providers. Some of the distinguishing features offered by cloud computing are flexibility, scalability, and reliability. The best part is that you can get all of them at a very reasonable price. You can save your money and resources with the “pay as you use” feature where the end-users are required to pay for only the resources they demand and consume.

This technology is gaining popularity as organizations of all sizes are capitalizing on the features of cloud computing to achieve their business goals and gain a competitive advantage in the marketplace.

Organizations and businesses are not the only ones capitalizing on the benefits of cloud computing; one can gain various benefits as well. As we know, this field is among the most demanded in the IT industry therefore, it has the potential to provide numerous jobs. This technology is required in every industry and company irrespective of its size. Therefore, a highly skilled and certified professional in this industry can get a respectable job. Various cloud computing certifications can help you showcase your skills and expertise in this industry, some of them are listed below:

Cloud computing as referred to above is reliable, scalable, and price-effective technology. However, the offerings are added over a public community which makes it prone to a whole lot of external threats. Under these conditions, knowing cloud computing information security risk and making techniques to mitigate their impact is of top importance. Losing any crucial data can cost millions of dollars to any organization these days, therefore, there is a need for specialists who have the knowledge and information to deal successfully with any form of threat. If you are having a certification in cloud security then you can get the attention of your employer and stand out in the job market.

In this article, we will talk about (ISC)² CCSP certification and its benefits.

(ISC)² CCSP Certification

The (ISC)² Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) certification is a function-based expert-level certification. This certification is ideal for professionals whose responsibilities include procuring, securing, and managing cloud environments or purchased cloud services. The certification enables cloud professionals to implement and secure virtualization. CCSP certified professionals are responsible for working with cloud security architecture, design, operations, and/or service orchestration. The (ISC)² CCSP certification proves that certified candidates have an understanding of cyber, software, and cloud computing infrastructure security.

(ISC)² CCSP exam domains are:

  • Domain 1. Cloud Concepts, Architecture, and Design
  • Domain 2. Cloud Data Security
  • Domain 3. Cloud Platform & Infrastructure Security
  • Domain 4. Cloud Application Security
  • Domain 5. Cloud Security Operations
  • Domain 6. Legal, Risk, and Compliance

Requirements for (ISC)² CCSP Certification

To qualify for this cybersecurity certification, you must pass the exam and have at least five years of cumulative, paid work experience in information technology, of which three years must be in information security, and one year in one or more of the six domains of the (ISC)² CCSP Common Body of Knowledge (CBK). 

Jobs and salary offered to a CCSP certified professional:

  • Security Architect, IT: USD 125k
  • Cyber Security Engineer: USD 120k
  • Information Security Manager: USD 114k
  • Security Engineer: USD 99k
  • Cyber Security Analyst: USD 96k
  • Information Security Analyst: USD 73k
  • Security Analyst: USD 73k

You must be intrigued by learning about the benefits of earning this certification. So, if you have decided to go for this certification uCertify can help you prepare for the certification exam. The Cloud Security (CCSP) course aims to equip you with all of the essential information about the characteristics of cloud computing, the loopholes in protection systems that may be exploited. With this course, you will be able to learn the ways to use cloud computing security to make certain a secure and steady cloud environment. So, use our course and get the CCSP certification in your first attempt.

How to Become CompTIA Security+ Certified

Keeping in view the significance of getting past this latest CompTIA Security+ Exam, many computer specialists have come up with well-articulated and authentic SY0-596 practice tests and a veritable host of different CompTIA Security+ Study Material. This is how you earn the required CompTIA Security+ certification knowledge and pass the test with great certainty. The most common question that most people ask is whether it is necessary to have prior knowledge of networking. The networking alone is not enough to enter the world of information technology or the Information Technology sector. As a matter of fact, most of these IT professionals had to start from the very beginning by being acquainted with all the basics.

So, when it comes to the question of how you will be able to pass the entire CompTIA Security+ certification examination, there are two answers. One is by studying hard for the exams, and the other is by taking the security-related study courses offered by various institutes. In the former’s case, you can use the internet and various interactive software programs to prepare for the exams. You can also get hold of the printed versions of the security-related publications from different educational institutions’ printers.

Why Choose CompTIA Security+ SY0-601 Exam

However, if you are really interested in passing the CompTIA Security+ examination, you should know about the different tests administered to you to clear the exam. In this regard, you can always register for the real exam dumps questions of the Security+ series of exams conducted every six months or so. The official dumps contain the basic questions that are part of every security+ course. You can gain valuable experience by answering these questions since they will focus on what you need to know regarding the security field.

However, if you are looking for effective study materials to improve your chances of passing the Security+ examination, you should get hold of the CompTIA PDF file and the Microsoft Office Word file. You can download these files so that you can have a chance to prepare for the CompTIA exam. It will also provide you with an opportunity to learn about every type of test that will be administered to you. You can also use the CompTIA PDF file to prepare for the official Microsoft Word document so that you can prepare for the various types of examinations related to this particular word processor.

Aside from the official Microsoft Word document, you can also use the latest PDF files from the CompTIA website. These files’ latest sets include the test case dumps for the security+ certification exam and the detailed exam dumps. You need to use these files to study effectively to have higher chances of passing the examination. These dump files contain the test cases of the CompTIA product along with its technical specifications. If you want to learn more about the CompTIA review topics, you can also use the detailed page views for each topic.

Furthermore, taking part in the CompTIA PDF file and the Microsoft Word file can help you prepare for the timed exam environment. The two formats enable you to take advantage of both hands-on and visual learning methods to understand the different testing approaches properly. The tests that you will take in the CompTIA test series come in various forms and sizes. You can choose the type that best meets your needs.

Conclusion

To effectively succeed in the CompTIA tests, you must also make sure that you have prepared for the multiple-choice examination format. This is because the multiple-choice questions are those that you have to answer with an example. The format of the SY0-601 practice exam is designed in such a manner so that the questions asked do not become too confusing for the average user. Hence, if you want to score high marks in the exam environment, you must take the time to study and prepare well with uCertify CompTIA Security+ courses. With the tips mentioned above, you can surely possibly pass the test. So get started right away!

5 Career Opportunities In JavaScript For 2020

JavaScript is a scripting language used to comprise and control dynamic content on websites, where increase dialects like HTML and CSS give internet browsers how to show a site like characterizing static things like headers, textual styles, sections, etc. JavaScript executes the highlights on the page that need to refresh progressively without a client need to revive a screen, things like intuitive maps, vivified illustrations, looking over recordings, jukeboxes, etc. Since a large portion of the sites will in the end require substance and highlights well beyond the static content, JavaScript is a significant expansion to HTML and CSS establishment.

JavaScript is likewise utilized normally for errands like including and refreshing JavaScript content existing sites, fixing bugs in previous code, and now and again constructing new JavaScript includes without any preparation. In this article, we will learn distinctive JavaScript Jobs and their duties just as the vocation openings existing in JavaScript in India.

Here are the following Career Opportunities In JavaScript

1. As a Front End Web Developer

It incorporates building a client confronting, visual piece of a site. This activity is focused on HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and light backend. You likely have a grip on certain ideas past the center advances, similar to relapse testing or execution.

A Front-End Developers duty is as per the following:

● Develop new programming applications from the idea to complete, with ordinary tests and support.

● To manufacture standard codes and libraries for the approaching utilization.

● Ensure specialized prospects of UI/UX structure.

● Assure that all the contributions from the client are verified before submitting to the back end administration group.

● Work along with the other colleagues and speculators.

2. As a Web Application Developer

Making electronic programming applications including intelligent online structures, shopping baskets, word preparation, spreadsheet projects, video and photograph editors, record transformations, checking projects, and email programming. Cross-Platform work area applications are composed on stages, for example, Adobe AIR, and ELECTRON utilizes JavaScript.

An intuitive website page improvement. It is perfect to incorporate a JavaScript system like jQuery that upgrades your JavaScript capacities to make this JavaScript simpler.

It contrasts from a Front End designer as there is small working with structure and heavier on programming ideas.

Different occupation obligations include:

●  Good information on UI, general web capacities, cross-program similarity, and principles.

●  Knowledge of arranging and conveying programming stages utilized across various items and hierarchical units.

●  Overall practical information and structuring involvement in Web Services.

●  This JavaScript work is additionally focused on working with dialects explicit to the web like PHP, ASP, Ruby, Python, and so forth.

3. As a JavaScript Developer

A JavaScript engineer is liable for connecting this created component with the administrations that exist in the back end. The engineer is typically upheld by the back end website specialist, who is responsible for all server-side application rationale. A JavaScript engineer additionally cooperates with other front end web designers who spend significant time in the markup and styling of use.

JavaScript engineer is liable for the programming and improvement of uses. He is likewise answerable for:

● Developing and upgrading the principle front end stage site.

● Developing new client confronting highlights.

● Designing and growing new front end applications for different stages and help out with front end take a shot at different applications (HTML/CSS/JavaScript in Ruby and Python application).

● Performing code examination, necessity investigation, distinguishing proof of code measurements, framework hazard investigation, and programming unwavering quality examination.

4. As a UX Designer

It manages to contemplate and exploring how individuals utilize a site. At that point guiding improvements through the framework and testing the outcome. The information on both client experience structuring and JavaScript encourages a rewarding winning.

The duties of a UX Designer include:

● Understanding item highlights and client brain science.

● Conduct the idea and ease of use testing of the site.

● Design personas from client exploration and information.

● Defining the right communication model and assessing its prosperity.

● Developing models and wireframes encompassing client needs.

● Finding creative approaches to determine UX issues.

● Collaborating with UI architects to execute appealing plans.

● Communicating with engineers, plan thoughts, and models.

5. As a Website specialist

On the off chance that “originator” is in the title then the activity is structuring. Actually planning and actualizing how the site looks and functions. In addition, the activity is explicitly centered around the web. In addition, explicit abilities would be configuration apparatuses of decision, HTML, CSS, and light JavaScript.

There are different obligations of the JavaScript work as a Web Designer:

●  Enter the programming code without any preparation or from present site programming and design bundles to satisfy business necessities.

●  Uploading the site onto a server and enlisting the site with various web crawlers.

●  Testing of the site and distinguishing any specialized issues.

●  Keeping refreshed with improvement in PC innovation and the impact of that in the business condition.

Nearly around 34k JavaScript occupations made in the year 2018 in India. What’s more, the number is expanding step by step. JavaScript is one of the top dialects that is making an increasing number of occupations these years.

There is an immense interest in JavaScript employments and it is still prone to make various occupations in the coming days. There is such a great amount of extension for JavaScript designers like you can construct your own portfolio site and do outsourcing ventures alongside the customary JavaScript occupations. Quicker the development anticipated in JavaScript employments, it might work over a wide range of businesses like account, protection, and media transmission.

Likewise, there are some more employments that are identified with JavaScript including the jobs like Web Marketing Managers, who are web-based advertising experts who make and actualize battles identified with advanced promoting and Web Marketing Design masters who are computerized planners who make the structure procedure for those crusades. In conclusion, the most lucrative aptitudes related to JavaScript-related employments are React.js, Backbone.js, jQuery Mobile, and Angular.js.

These are a few of the benefits that JavaScript Certification offers you. The organizations need skilled JavaScript Office professionals to improve efficiency and enhance their business. Becoming a JavaScript Office professional provides various benefits such as enhanced career growth, better salary, better job opportunities, upgrade to new technologies. uCertify offers a comprehensive javascript certification.

the study guide that will help you learn and understand topics deeply and thoroughly. The course and lab cover 1D0-735 exam objectives and teacher candidates about essential JavaScript principles and practices; intermediate JavaScript programming techniques applied for JavaScript and JavaScript technology extensions.

Start Your Career In HR Field With PHR & SPHR Certs

The question that is most prominent for the people seeking career in the HR field is, whether they need a certification or a degree. The answer to this question is becoming more complex. You will want to know that no kind of certification is required to work in the field of Human Resources. Keep in mind, going forward with your career, that you will be competing in the job market with people who have earned these certifications. They will be valued in the job market depending upon the company’s requirements. However, Human Resources professionals are seeking certification as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) or Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) through the HR Certification Institute (HRCI). Therefore, the need of certification increases here. One should prepare for the cert exams. uCertify offers PHR/SPHR Professional in Human Resources Certification course for both the cert exams. This is a complete cert guide that covers all the domains of HRCI PHR-SPHR certification exam. The course covers the following exam topics:

  • Risk Management
  • Compensation and Benefits
  • Employee and Labor Relations
  • Human Resource Development
  • Business Management and Strategy
  • Workforce Planning and Employment

About The SPFR-HR-2020 Exam

The HRCI PHR and SPHR certification are industry-recognized credential designed for human resource professionals who are involved in the understanding of the fundamental knowledge, that is needed for effective HR management. The objectives of both the certifications are similar just the relevance of the objectives are different. PHR exam objectives are as follows:

  • Risk Management (8%)
  • Compensation and Benefits (19%)
  • Employee and Labor Relations (20%)
  • Human Resource Development (18%)
  • Business Management and Strategy (11%)
  • Workforce Planning and Employment (24%)

SPHR exam objectives:

  • Risk Management (7%)
  • Compensation and Benefits (13%)
  • Employee and Labor Relations (14%)
  • Human Resource Development (19%)
  • Business Management and Strategy (30%)
  • Workforce Planning and Employment (17%)

So, start preparing for the HRCI PHR/SPHR cert exams with the uCertify study guide that fulfills all your requirements.

How Can You Increase Revenue From Mobile Apps?

In marketing, the use of mobile applications has long ceased to be a game. Now applications are a great way to benefit from its existence, both for the owner and for the user.

Today, devices successfully bypass desktop computers by the fraction of the user’s time spent on the network and the volume of traffic. For a modern person, a telephone is no longer just a means of communication, it is an image device that allows you to quickly find out information and place an order.

Should I rely on promotion through a mobile application

To understand this, let’s pay attention to several significant reasons that can increase revenue and customer satisfaction:

  1. Applications will occupy 50% of Internet traffic in 2020

In 2019, the mobile application continues to conquer the Internet space proving its effectiveness. However, according to experts, the share of mobile traffic in the period from 2020 to 2021 will increase 3 times! This is due to the popularization and real usability of modern devices.

According to statistics eMarketer(a market research company) it is estimated that in 2020 mobile applications will take 50% of the total Internet usage per day. On average, an adult spends 3 hours of his time with a mobile phone. This is 30% of the total media time per day.

  1. Income from the app is no longer a myth

Income from a commercial application is guaranteed – say experts in the field of SMM, citing research reasons from various analytical agencies. The amazing performance of each segment makes you think seriously.

However, let’s look at the situation from the other side. 30-40 years ago, it was considered an effective method of advertising to distribute leaflets on crowded streets. People were guaranteed to pay attention to what fell into their hands. A little later, this method became less effective. Street banners, billboards, advertisements on TV and radio appeared. And the chances of getting buyers through the flyer are almost close to zero.

How a mobile application works for a company?

The first question is: How to get customers to install the application?

The mobile money solutions are already ready and launched on the network. At this stage, you need to encourage a potential or regular customer to start using it. The problem is that you do not need to convince a bank client to download the application. He already understands that it’s more convenient to manage finances through the application. Buyers of popular online stores and pizzerias also know the benefits. But, the client of the fitness club needs weighty arguments. Consider the methods of persuasion from simple to complex.

  1. 1. Offer bonuses when registering in the application

For example, registration on your site does not give anything. Enter bonuses to register with the application for new customers. It can be anything – from discounts to pleasant gifts – the first free delivery. This will encourage customers to install the application, and one way or another, they will try to use it. If you have an eWallet app then you must offer loyalty programs on your mobile wallets.

  1. 2. Give an additional discount when ordering through the application

A good discount always serves as a great impetus in the decision to install the application. Here the scheme is also simple: when ordering from the site, make a similar entry at the price “When ordering from the application, the cost of a computer chair will be $125 instead of $150. The client installs the application, completes the order and leaves it on his phone in order to use future bonuses later.

  1. 3. Nice discount every week

Of course, each company decides how often it can hold promotions and give people discounts on their goods. However, sometimes it’s worth sacrificing something to bring more potential buyers.

In the first month of launching the application, you can offer discounts when ordering from the application every week or every month. The client, the expectations of the next promotion will get used to the presence of the application and even appreciate its convenience. So, you can gently make him stay with you.

  1. 4. Make the application better than the site

This is a crude method, use it with extreme caution. The application may have features that are not on your site:

  • delivery tracking
  • choice of delivery method,
  • adding items to preferences to track discounts,
  • Notifications of updates
  • Mobile money solution
  • Saving and viewing your purchase history
  • the ability to create a personal basket of products that the customer most often buys,
  • authorization without entering a password,
  • scanning a check for points and others.

In a word, any personal tools that are not on the site and increase interest in using the application.

Be attentive to your customers. Do not force them to install the application just because you decided to abandon some functions on the site in favor of the application. This will cause discontent and a bad attitude to the brand. The application should complement the site.

  1. 5. Save time for your customers

Now to complex and more effective methods. Buyers love saving money and time. If the first 4 methods were set to save money, then paragraph 5 says about saving time.

Remember how customers get annoyed when the cashier has a long queue. Let your application be the solution by having Peer to peer payment app feature.

Offer customers online payment with self-scan barcodes in your Merchant Wallet App. Instead of waiting in a queue with bread and sauce in his hands, let him pay for the purchase in the application and confirm this by providing an online check for scanning at the exit.

For companies focused on serious development, applications have become a real source of income. And here’s why: developed brands found the answer to 2 important questions, after which, a small program for a smartphone became a gold mine.

Difference Between CompTIA Cloud Essentials+ vs. CompTIA Cloud+ Certifications

Technology has always been evolving, notably on the most customer-facing sides of technology. As businesses and customers continuously explore new methods to do things, it’s crucial for IT professionals to assure their skills are developing along with the industry, because it will benefit them stay competing within their job market.

One of the best ways to maintain skills prevalently is to keep learning. Even if your end objective isn’t occupying a IT certification, regularly learning on technology enhances your value as an IT professional.

There’s no better skill set to earn in the prevailing environment than a cloud certification and no valid place to start learning the cloud than CompTIA certification. If you’re deciding to evaluate the differences between Cloud+ and Cloud Essentials+, this article will help.

CompTIA Cloud Essentials Certification: For the Non-Technical Professionals

The uCertify CompTIA Cloud Essentials+ certification is designed for business professionals and non-IT experts who aspire to perceive the basics and practical segments of cloud computing technology and how the cloud affects a business.

The Cloud Essentials Certification focuses on:

  • Business advantage of the cloud, security, including scalability, and the complete influence of the cloud on business productivity.
  • Technical aspects of the cloud, comprising deployment models, network requirements, federation, automation, and standardization.
  • Technical challenges such as cloud storage, security risks, application performance, and mitigation, and application architectures.

Steps to utilizing cloud-based services:

  • Cloud computing and ITIL for running cloud service operation, planning service procedures, and the constant development of service with the cloud.
  • Legal, technical, organizational, and financial prospects and outcomes connected with the cloud.

The Cloud Essentials Certification Exam Objectives are:

  • Characteristics of Cloud Services: The Business Perspective (15%)
  • Cloud Types/Technical Perspectives (20%)
  • Business Value and Cloud Computing (20%)
  • Steps to Successful Adopting of Cloud Computing (15%)
  • Consequences and Risks of Cloud Computing (15%)
  • Impact and Changes Cloud Computing has on IT Service Management (15%)

CompTIA Cloud+ Certification: For Experienced IT Professionals

CompTIA recommends that applicants for CompTIA Cloud+ certification keep at least 2-3 years of work experience with IT networking, storage or data center technology. Unlike Cloud Essentials, this certification is intended for the experienced IT professional inquiring a knowledge of cloud computing basic technical understanding. This person should impart to or represent a significant position in the maintenance and administration of the IT infrastructure at their organization. This audience definition does not eliminate the IT professionals who are important to the internal IT operations and would considerably avail from the certification.

The Cloud+ certification includes various technical topics for cloud computing, such as:

  • Cloud concepts, models, and terminology
  • Storage networking
  • Systems management
  • Performance tuning
  • Cloud security
  • Disk storage systems
  • Virtualization and the cloud
  • Systems management
  • Testing and troubleshooting
  • Business continuity and disaster recovery

The Cloud+ Certification Exam Objectives are:

  • Cloud Concepts and Models (12%)
  • Systems Management (11%)
  • Virtualization (19%)
  • Security (16%)
  • Infrastructure (21%)
  • Business Continuity in the Cloud (8%)
  • Resource Management (13%)

Cloud Essentials Is More Basic Than Cloud+

The apparent way to differentiate these two CompTIA certifications is the targeted audience. Who requires to take Cloud Essentials versus Cloud+? IT professionals normally will drift toward the profoundly technical Cloud+. Traditionally non-technical professions will gain from the high-level, business-like introduction of Cloud Essentials.

That doesn’t suggest either organization won’t avail from the other certification.

Cloud+ certification might be intended for the technical professional, but IT professional could benefit from acquiring the business implications of the cloud with Cloud Essentials+.

Cloud Essentials was intended for business people who require to understand the legal and business associations of cloud technology without tremendous hard work. It enables anyone in an organization to study the cloud so that they can make versed decisions. These people might incorporate those in sales, marketing, management, and particularly IT.

Even those IT professionals that have been working with cloud technologies for years might avail from this certification, as they might not be proficient on the business associations of these technologies.

Likewise, Cloud+ is an entry-level cloud certification, so there’s value for the non-technical professional to qualify on these topics. It’s also a professional certification that will make a non-technical resume a bit more multi-functional.

Whether you intend to work for a cloud services provider or as a sales manager, the knowledge you’ll get through Cloud+ will qualify you to work with cloud technology.

Cloud Essentials Might Be a Big Start for IT Professionals

CompTIA prescribes that before pursuing a Cloud+ certification, you have a minimum two to three years of hands-on experience in data center technology or IT networking. The certification is highly technical, but anyone with primary knowledge of IT fundamentals practiced in Network+ can track along.

For a limited experienced IT professional, it may be helpful to start with the Cloud Essentials certification, which will work as a stepping stone to Cloud+ and beyond. There are no requirements for the Cloud Essentials certification.

Cloud Essentials Is Great for Life

Another contrast between the Cloud+ and Cloud Essentials+ certifications is shelf-life. Once you earn your Cloud Essentials certification, you have it for life. You don’t need to recertify. You may ultimately want to add to that certification, but the certification will be on your resume whether you make on it or not.

The Cloud+ expects renewal every three years from the date of your exam. Because CompTIA also retires the old version of the exam and propels a new version every three years, you’ll likely require to recertify with the new exam.

CompTIA’s three-year renewal procedure assures that your qualification always stays advanced, which means both contemporary and inherent management will see you as a valuable asset to the cloud community.

Professionals who carry Cloud+ certification from CompTIA also have access to advancing learning opportunities that will encourage them to stay contemporary. CompTIA has a broad variety of recertification options for IT professionals. But it’s essential to find the distinct educational path to help you accomplish your long-term and short-term career objectives.

The divide between Cloud+ and Cloud Essentials+ is moderately clear; you likely will recognize right away which is the appropriate option for you. If you’re a business professional who solely desires to learn more about what the cloud has to contribute, decide Cloud Essentials. However, if you’re interested in moving into IT, CompTIA has a certification that can help you each step of the way.

Everything You Need to Know About SPHR Certification

Human resources management acquires, motivates and maintains a company’s workforce. Professionals who display a mastery of strategic and policy-making aspects of human resources may be candidates for SPHR certification. Professional experience and knowledge in areas like planning policies, HR disciplines and business issues beyond the HR office are vital. The SPHR credential creates job opportunities and is recognized for the value it indicates. In this article, we explain how to earn an SPHR certification.

What is the SPHR certification?

The Senior Professional in Human Resources certification is a respected credential that indicates a professional has obtained theoretical knowledge and demonstrates mastery in their field. The SPHR certification is awarded by the Human Resources Certification Institute when professionals meet certain criteria to qualify for the distinction.

The exam is primarily based on experience and tests in several different human resources areas to assess a candidate’s knowledge and command of their field. SPHR certification is good for three years, and during that time, certificate holders can accumulate learning credits to qualify for recertification.

Related: Human Resources: Definitions and How it Works

What are the SPHR exam requirements?

The requirements to qualify for the SPHR exam are a combination of work and educational experience. Individuals who accumulate the required amount of professional-level experience and who demonstrate a command of their role are qualified to take the SPHR exam. Professional-level experience is defined through various HR areas to demonstrate skill and knowledge, including:

  • Uses independent judgment when performing duties related to the job
  • Exhibits authority in the decision-making process
  • Specialized HR knowledge
  • Experience in data gathering, analysis, and interpretation of data and results
  • Varied interaction with a broad range of individuals, including key personnel
  • Takes accountability for results

In addition to HR experience, education levels and acquired degrees can reduce the years of experience needed to qualify for the SPHR exam:

  • If you hold a master’s degree, you need four years of human resources professional-level experience.
  • If you hold a bachelor’s degree, you need five years of human resources professional-level experience.
  • If you hold a high school diploma or GED certificate, you need seven years of human resources professional-level experience.

Things to know before the exam

Obtaining the SPHR certification requires the combination of a degree and experience outlined above. Once qualified, candidates must submit an application, schedule testing at a testing center and successfully pass a three-hour exam.

Candidates first create an account on the HRCI website, then they choose the SPHR exam and provide eligibility qualifications. At this stage, candidates will have the opportunity to add any learning or practice materials. You will affirm you have read the HRCI Certification Handbook, agree to policies and provisions, and then submit the application with your payment. After the application is submitted, candidates may schedule the exam within six months of the date they are approved to test by HRCIs testing partners.

Candidates pay an application fee of $100 and a testing fee of $495. Candidates can opt to add protection in the event they have to retake the exam. HRCIs Second Chance Insurance allows a retake of the test for $250 instead of $495. Keep in mind that the Second Chance Insurance option must be added at the time of application and cannot be added once the application has been submitted.

How to prepare for the SPHR exam

The SPHR exam covers a wide range of human resources job functions and responsibilities. The exam aims to test knowledge and expertise in the human resources realm, especially those related to strategic HR planning and policy-making. The exam consists of 25 pretest questions and 150 scored multiple-choice questions. The exam takes approximately three hours and is held at an authorized testing center. SPHR exams are held throughout the year, and candidates can find testing centers through the HRCI website. Exams are scored on a scale of 100 to 700, and a score of 500 is needed to pass. You make also get yourself enrolled with uCertify SPHR course that will help you pass your exam in one attempt.

Topics covered in the exam vary across a range of subjects, with some areas commanding more test questions than others:

  1. Leadership and strategy
  2. Talent planning and acquisition
  3. Learning and development
  4. Total rewards
  5. Employee relations and management

1.Leadership and strategy

This relates to HR leadership in the form of contributions to organizational strategy and the development of HR strategy. This area tests understanding of how to monitor risk and develop strategies related to the influence of people management. This topic accounts for 40% of the exam content.

2. Talent planning and acquisition

This area tests the candidate’s ability to forecast talent needs and the development of strategies to draw new talent to the company. This topic covers 16% of the exam content.

3. Learning and development

Candidates demonstrate their ability to develop training to increase employee effectiveness along with employee retention strategies. This topic accounts for 12% of the exam content.

4. Total rewards

Candidates are tested on understanding the effectiveness of compensation, including bonuses and incentives. Candidates demonstrate their understanding of strategies designed to attract, reward and retain talent. This topic accounts for 12% of the exam content.

5. Employee relations and engagement

Candidates are tested on their knowledge and understanding of strategies that impact employee satisfaction and performance. These areas include diversity and inclusion, safety, security and labor strategies. This topic is covered in 20% of the exam content.

HRCI offers training and study materials that can be bundled for self-study and exam prep. Some bundles include the cost of the application and exam, or you can choose from individual practice exams or specific study modules.

Tips to make exam day successful

When its time to take the exam, prepare yourself for success by taking a few simple measures:

  • Study and take practice exams in the weeks leading up to exam day
  • Limit studying the night before the exam to rest your brain and absorb the material
  • Get a good night’s sleep the night before
  • Eat a healthy breakfast and dress comfortably
  • Know the exam start time and plan to arrive early

How to recertify your SPHR credential

Professionals who have successfully passed the SPHR exam are required to continue learning to show their commitment to continued competence. The SPHR certification is good for three years. During that time, certificate holders are required to earn 60 qualification credits over a three-year period or retake the exam to recertify. Of the 60 credits required, 15 must be specific to business management and strategy.

You can earn credits in several ways:

  • Experience on the job: Implement new programs, volunteer your HR expertise or conduct HR research.
  • Attend conferences and seminars: Report the time spent attending continuing education conferences or seminars.
  • Take online courses through HRCI: The Human Resources Certification Institute offers courses that fulfill the credit requirement for recertification.

The SPHR certification is a valued credential that recognizes a commitment to HR excellence. Earning an SPHR certification takes time and diligence to achieve and maintain. Propel your career forward with this trusted, respected certification in human resources management.

IT Certifications: 5 New Realities

It’s no longer good enough for IT professionals to just “know computers”

Want to get a good idea of how the perceived value of certifications has changed over time? This is a line from our first IT Skills and Salary Report in 2008:

“There have been many articles and discussions regarding the value of certification, and in general, employer support for certification appears to be mixed.”

93% of IT decision-makers believe a certified team member brings added value above and beyond the cost of certification.

What a difference a decade makes. In our 2019 report, there are few mixed feelings—93% of IT decision-makers believe a certified team member brings added value above and beyond the cost of certification. Those values include increased productivity and faster troubleshooting, which are abilities that are vital in today’s tech world as skills gaps are steadily widening.

Certifications are considered the pinnacle of achievement in the tech industry. That’s a huge change in perspective from a decade ago when many IT professionals still didn’t understand the merit of certification.

Certification Value Has Skyrocketed

When you analyze survey responses from 12 years of our report, the data overwhelmingly illustrates a rise in demand for certification training.

  • In 2008, nine percent of respondents said the main reason they train is to prepare for certification. In 2019, that number has risen to 45%.
  • In 2008, just 38% of IT professionals held at least one certification. In 2019, 85% are certified.
  • In 2008, 42% of respondents said they plan to pursue a certification in the next year. In 2019, 66% will either pursue certification or are already in the process of becoming certified.

Currently, 69% of our survey respondents hold more than one IT certification. There’s a lot of competition in the tech industry, so professionals often have their eyes set on their next certifications years in advance.

Certifications Pay Off

It’s not just the employers who are benefiting from an increase in certification training. In 2019, certified IT professionals in the U.S. and Canada have an average salary of $111,334, which is seven percent more than non-certified professionals. As long as the training is career-relevant, it certainly pays to pursue certifications.

There has, however, been a slight shift in the top-paying certifications over the course of our reporting. In 2008, Project Management Professional (PMP®) was the top-paying certification at $101,698. PMP® is still a popular and lucrative certification, ranking second in the U.S. and seventh globally in terms of salary. But cloud and cybersecurity certifications have taken over the top spots on our highest-paying lists since 2014.

Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect is the top-paying certification this year in the U.S. and Canada with an average annual salary of $152,129. AWS certifications make a big splash in our top 10 as well, with AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate coming in fourth, AWS SysOps Administrator – Associate taking fifth, and AWS Developer – Associate ranking sixth in salary.

While cloud certifications didn’t appear in our rankings a decade ago, cloud salaries are the highest by job function (excluding executives) in the world.

ISACA’S Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) and Certified in Risk Systems and Control (CRISC) cracked our top 10 highest-paying certifications. CISM is second at $132,919 while CRISC is eighth at $128,556.

See our complete list of the 2019 top-paying U.S. certifications.

Cybersecurity, ITIL®, Cisco and Microsoft Are the Most Popular

One thing that hasn’t changed in 10 years is the popularity of certain certifications. In 2008, Microsoft certifications were dominant. Nearly 35% of respondents held a Microsoft certification. The next highest was Project Management at 16.3%.

Eleven years and 12 reports later, Microsoft is still popular—21% of respondents hold at least one Microsoft certification. This makes it the fourth most popular certification category, behind cybersecurity, ITIL and Cisco.

Thirty-one percent of global respondents hold a cybersecurity certification and the average global salary of those respondents is $96,308. ITIL and IT service management credentials are held by 21% of IT professionals, of which ITIL Foundation is by far the most popular and sought-after certification.

Nineteen percent of respondents hold a Cisco certification, the most popular of which is CCNA Routing and Switching, which is held by 11% of all respondents.

How Employers View IT

Management’s perspective on IT training has certainly shifted over the course of our reporting. In 2011, only 35% of decision-makers believed certifications led to a more effective staff. Today, managers are nearly unanimous in their support.

The additional skills that certified employees bring to the table are also a welcomed benefit in an industry that’s currently facing ever-widening skills gaps. When asked to estimate the economic benefit of a certified staff member versus a non-certified peer, 63% of IT decision-makers said it exceeds $10,000 annually. Twenty-two percent say that number is more than $30,000, which far exceeds the cost of the certification exam and prep fees.

The advantages of certification seem obvious now, but skepticism of its value and IT in general was rampant a few years ago. According to Daniel Cummins, Global Knowledge Technical Instructor of Networking and Security, organizations used to consider IT a necessary evil.

“Business owners didn’t understand it, but since they needed technology to do their jobs, they hired guys who ‘knew computers’ to handle support,” Cummins said.

Cummins says the increased frequency of major security breaches forced employers to take IT departments more seriously. The search for qualified and certified IT professionals became a driving force of many organizations.

“It was no longer good enough to ‘know computers,’” Cummins said. “Now, we are looking for experts.”

Holding a certification may not be enough anymore. Cummins says that a certification was once proof of expertise without the need for a full degree, but he’s seen a shift in recent years.

“I’m seeing a trend toward degrees and certifications now,” he said. “Employers want a four-year bachelor’s degree in a related discipline and expert-level certifications.”

More Experts Are Needed

Year after year, building new skills is the No. 1 reason why IT professionals train. Traditionally, preparing for a certification exam is second.

The two go hand in hand. Certification value remains high as experts with diverse skill sets are needed in every IT department. This trend is likely to continue as rapid innovation continues to impact the industry.

Certifications, especially in cybersecurity and cloud computing, have grown in popularity for a multitude of reasons. Security breaches are increasing in size and scope, and it’s no longer a matter of if companies will be using the cloud but when. Decision-makers are also struggling to hire qualified candidates for these two specific functional areas.

As for cloud computing, the rapid market advancement is creating new roles that force traditional IT pros to re-train and those looking to be hired learn new skills. Like cybersecurity, supply has yet to catch up with the demand for talent.

According to our report, 38% of IT decision-makers struggle to hire cybersecurity professionals while 34% can’t find the cloud talent they need. Nearly 70% total say that hiring in general is somewhat or extremely difficult.

Plan Your IT Certification Roadmap

Clearly the value of becoming certified has positive impacts on both the organization and one’s career. We have a collection of resources to help you navigate your own certification journey.

For those of you looking to start your certification journey, read “How to Select the Right Certification for You.”

If you’ve decided to get certified but want to ensure you select a proven certification with staying power, check out “18 Certifications Worth Having.”

Certification tracks

Certification tracks provide easy-to-follow roadmaps of the steps and courses you need to take as you pursue a certification. 

Certifications take a lot of time and energy, so before you embark on your journey, make sure you’re fully aware of the courses and exam prep available, and what’s required or optional. 

Certification prep guides 

These “How to Become a” certification prep guides highlight the critical knowledge, skills and abilities you need to achieve each certification. Download them for free.