12/15/2009 -- Around this time of year, it's next to impossible to read any magazine or blog and not encounter a list of some sort. Maybe it's because the end of the year brings to mind holiday lists. Or maybe it's because news developments have slowed down so much at the end of the year that a retrospective seems only logical when content is needed.

Whatever the reason, here's another list to add to the mix: What certification topics are currently hot.

Rather than the total number of certifications earned (which would favor vendors that don't update their exams for years and then grant lifetime credentials) or the amount of marketing dollars spent, the best barometer for "hot" that I can find is the number of book titles on the certification -- and rankings thereof -- that currently appear in the bestseller list on Amazon.

Amazon updates the list every hour and allows bestsellers to be divided by books, computers and Internet, and even Certification Central.

As of this Monday, the top five finalists "currently hot" are:

• PMP. There are two books in the top three certification titles. Of those, one has been in the top 100 of computer and Internet releases for 179 days.
  
  
• Windows 7. With a newly released operating system, there's a need to authenticate the skills of those who can administer it. Within the top 25 certification titles, you have three on this -- a training kit, resource kit and pocket consultant (two of which appear in the top four).
  
  
• A+. While a number of titles on the updated exams have yet to come out, those that are out make the list right below the above entries.
  
  
• CCNA. Both study guides and certification libraries, as well as a portable command guide, appear high on the list,.
  
  
• CISSP. In addition to making the list with an all-in-one exam guide, there are also a number of books on specific security topics that can be used for exam study.

Other certifications making an appearance in the top 25 are: Microsoft .NET, Oracle SQL Expert, PHR/SPHR, Microsoft Windows Server 2008, Network+, SCJP and Microsoft SQL Server 2008.

Book of the Week: CompTIA A+ Exam Cram, 4E
Since the A+ certification continues to add thousands of members to its ranks each year, and since the exams only update every few years, there are a lot of titles you can find in the bookstore to help you study for these exams (the newest versions of which are 220-701 and 220-702).

One of those titles is CompTIA A+ Exam Cram, Fourth Edition by David L. Prowse and it's well worth the read.

Coming in at slightly over 600 pages, the book is divided into 16 chapters, each of which ends with a few questions on what you just read. After the chapters, there are two practice tests -- one for each of the exams you must take -- of 100 questions each. The book is accompanied by a CD that includes 200 practice questions within a test engine and can help you gauge your readiness for the exams.

If you've worked with computers for a while and now want to authenticate your skills, you'll find this book offers a great way to fill in any gaps in knowledge you may have and help you pass the two tests. If you're new to hardware/software, you'll find this book makes a perfect complement for a study guide on the exams.