Top paying IT certifications for 2012

Many professionals take up IT certifications programmes not only to enhance their skill but also their salary. The following certifications have been forecast by Global Knowledge to be in demand in 2012 for their skills and would help in landing up a better-paying job in 2012:

1) Project Management Professional

The Project Management Institute's (PMI) Project Management Professional (PMP) credential is recognized as the most important certification for project managers and is globally recognized and in heavy demand.

2. Certified Information Systems Security Professional

The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) credential is for security managers and professionals who develop policies and procedures in information security.

3. Cisco Certified Design Associate

The Cisco Certified Design Associate (CCDA) demonstrates that the individual who has passed the required exams has the requisite knowledge, experience, and understanding required to design a Cisco converged network.

4. ITIL v3 Foundation

What is this ITIL that we hear so much about? The Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITILv3) is a foundational process that provides for quality IT Service Management.

5. Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer

The Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) certification ended with Server 2003, though you can still earn it (as well as the MCSE on Server 2000, though many of the tests are retired).

6. VMware Certified Professional

Virtualization and those who are knowledgeable on virtualization products are in heavy demand.

7. Cisco Certified Network Professional

There are two tracks available at the Associate and Professional levels: Cisco Certified Design Professional and Cisco Certified Network Professional. The Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) demonstrates that you have the ability to plan, implement, verify, and troubleshoot local and wide-area enterprise networks.

8. CompTIA Server+

CompTIA certifications are international, vendor-neutral certifications that validate a candidate's knowledge of a specific field. The CompTIA Server+ certification demonstrates the IT professional's knowledge of server hardware, software, storage, IT environment, disaster recovery, and troubleshooting.

9. Microsoft Certified IT Professional

The Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) certification helps validate that an individual has the comprehensive set of skills necessary to perform a particular job role, such as database administrator or enterprise messaging administrator.

10. Cisco Certified Network Associate

The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) validates the holder's ability to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot medium-sized route and switched networks, including implementation and verification of connections to remote sites in a WAN.