Member Avatar for Nbutz

Hello!

I am currently on my way to getting a MIS Degree and am clueless on the whole cert world. I was looking for some good certs to look into or some insight on what to look for or at.

Thanks for the help

  • 3 Contributors
  • 2 Replies
  • 118 Views
  • 2 Months Discussion Span
  • Latest Post Latest Post by serkan sendur

Dani AI

Generated

OP is working toward an MIS degree and asked which certs make sense. correctly framed the problem as “pick the vehicle that fits the job,” and highlighted a DBA route for non-programmers. The most useful approach is a short decision framework: pick a target role, validate core skills with a vendor-neutral foundation, then add one vendor or platform cert that employers in that role actually recognize.

Typical role-to-cert mappings (examples to research on vendor sites):

  • Business/analyst: PMI entry credentials for project/BA basics.
  • Infrastructure/sysadmin: CompTIA foundational certs and then platform certs (Cisco, Microsoft, or Linux).
  • Database: vendor DBA tracks (Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server) through the vendor’s certification program.
  • Cloud/SRE: cloud fundamentals and associate-level certs from AWS, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud.
  • Security: CompTIA Security+ then role-specific vendor certs.

Practical tips: limit the first target to one foundation cert plus one role cert (keeps cost/time realistic). Build labs (local VMs or free-tier cloud) and track at least 3–6 months of hands-on practice before the exam. Use official learning paths and practice exams from the vendor; cert pages and current objectives are authoritative and change over time—check them directly (for example, CompTIA certifications, Microsoft certifications, AWS Certification, Cisco certifications, PMI certifications).

A final caution: certifications matter most when paired with demonstrable skills. For an MIS graduate, a small portfolio (scripts, DB queries, cloud deployments) plus one current, relevant cert will usually open more doors than chasing many outdated or purely theoretical credentials.

Recommended Answers

All 2 Replies

Member Avatar for bogenbroom

I don't know much about developer certification tracks (I'm more of a system administrator), but I think the ubiquitous automobile analogy would fit here. So far you have essentially said "I want to buy a car. What should I get?"

Well, it depends on what you want it to do for you. If you want to be a Windows software developer, you might look into some of the MS developer certs (MCITP and whatnot). If you want to be a database administrator, pick your platform (Oracle, MS SQL, MySQL, etc.) and choose a DBA cert for that platform.

Like buying a car, decide what you want before getting the cert. Don't buy an SUV and then decide you want a fuel-efficient vehicle, or buy a compact car to haul construction equipment.

Member Avatar for serkan sendur

if you dont have a programming background your best bet would be to obtain a DBA certificate from one of the big DBMS. i agree with bogenbroom.

Be a part of the DaniWeb community

We're a friendly, industry-focused community of developers, IT pros, digital marketers, and technology enthusiasts meeting, networking, learning, and sharing knowledge.