12/1/2004 -- As part of our annual reader survey, every year we ask you to share your take on the best IT certifications out there. What programs are getting it right? What titles are most valuable for IT pros? What are the best resources and resource providers?

While there are many titles deserving accolades, below you’ll find your picks for this year’s best and brightest. Our congratulations to all of this year’s winners and finalists.

Most Respected High-Level Certification
Winner: Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE)
Finalists: Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE), (ISC)2 Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

For the third year in a row, Cisco's CCIE has swept this category, thanks to the almost mythic difficulty of the title's lab exam: a grueling, eight-hour hands-on practicum.

One reader who voted for the CCIE referred to it as the "Doctoral Degree" in networking. Another commented, "You give up friends, social life and sleep while preparing for the practical test ... You maybe more likely to survive a fall over a 200-foot waterfall than pass the CCIE practical on the first or second attempt. Yet I know of no one in networking who would give up a chance to take a pass [at] the CCIE practical."

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Microsoft's MCSE came in second in this category, with most of its backers citing the marketability of this title as well as the relevance of the material tested. "An MCSE-certified professional can better understand IT needs and implement IT solutions in a meaningful way," commented one reader.

Another said that in deciding between the MCSE and CCIE for this category, his vote went to the MCSE because the "MCSE...is one of the hardest [certifications] to get, and also the most desirable. Although Cisco certifications are almost number one, [but] I feel there are more opportunities with the MCSE."

The CISSP wasn't that far behind the MCSE, earning it the second Finalist slot. Those who voted for this vendor-neutral security credential noted the growing importance of security as well as the reputation of the CISSP in the field, thanks to its extensive six-hour exam, experience requirements and ethics pledge. "Security today is very important to all industries as well as all sizes of corporations," one reader noted. “The CISSP-certified individual is usually the most respected in the IT industry."

Other titles that did well in this category but simply didn't gather enough votes to make the top three include Microsoft's MCSE: Security and Engineer titles, as well as Oracle's DBA Master credential.

Best Entry-Level Certification
Winner: CompTIA A+
Finalists: Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP), Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

We thought Microsoft's new Certified Desktop Technician (MCDST) title might have a chance to make the top three this year, but it just missed, leaving us with the exact same winners and finalists as last year.

A+ won by a fairly large margin, with readers citing the title's vendor-neutral, baseline coverage of both hardware and software as essential for just about any IT post. As one reader put it: "It's important to have an understanding about the birth of hardware and OS, as well as basic networking, troubleshooting, the Internet, etc. A+ does all of this."

Or, as another reader put it, "You need to understand the fundamentals of computing hardware and software to be successful in the field and to succeed in the higher-level certifications."

And it's not just the knowledge tested. One reader said: "I hold [all] the entry-level certifications in the market, and I have found that A+ is the most effective on to get into the IT field."

Microsoft's one-exam MCP title placed second, with many voters citing its applicability to the industry. "Virtually everyone who works in IT will have to use or support at least one Microsoft product," said one reader.

"Microsoft is used everywhere ... having a Microsoft title on your name lends some credibility to the entry-level person," commented another reader. "And if that person takes the test seriously, there is a lot to be learned ..."

Those who voted for Cisco's CCNA cited the title's reputation as being a little tougher than other entry-level credentials. Said one voter, "Generally, green IT pro's with a CCNA tend to have a better understanding of their technology."

Another commented, "The [CCNA] is more difficult to attain, demonstrating an ability to learn."

A few readers pointed out that much depends on the individual's situation: "There are various entry-level situations in the industry," one reader commented. "CCNA is good for entry-level networking, but MCSA is good for entry-level server jocks. A+ and Network+ are good for entry-level PC techs."

Best Mid-Level Networking Certification
Winner: Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA)
Finalists: Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), CompTIA Server+

Yet another three-peat, this time for Microsoft's MCSA as your pick for three years in a row as best mid-level networking credential. And once again, you cite the title's usefulness and marketability. As one reader put it, "A must for Microsoft networks -- things are getting complicated." Said another, "Very rounded material for the average individual. Not perfect, but one of Microsoft's better offerings."

Others appreciated the title's focused four exams. "Excellent cert since you do not need all the extra that is thrown into the MCSE [at this level]."

Some readers appeared to be torn between the top two finishers in this category. One who voted for the CCNP stated, "The MCSA would run a not-too-distant second, but knowing what's behind your network ... and being able to troubleshoot it is more important. The CCNP does just that."

But another who voted for the MCSA commented, "I would consider CCNP except there are so many Windows apps out there."

CompTIA's Server+ garnered just enough votes to take the second finalist place in this category. One reader called it "a good certification from a vendor-neutral provider."

Other readers didn't pick a winner in this category. Said one, "Not sure that any of these are all that more valuable than the 'entry level' certs. Frankly, I would put the MCSE here and say it is the king of the bunch."

In fact, the MCSE actually showed somewhat in this category, thanks to write-in votes. Other mid-level titles that did well but not enough to place include HP's Accredited Systems Engineer (ASE) and Red Hat's Certified Technician (RHCT) credentials.

Best Developer Certification
Winner: Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD)
Finalists: Oracle Forms Developer, Sun Certified Java Developer (SCJD)

Microsoft's MCSD came in with an easy win in this category, getting a solid majority of the votes. "Microsoft provides the best market opportunity for new applications," said one reader of his vote. "Having our developers certified in their development strategy and technologies improves our likelihood of success."

Another reader commented, "Visual Studio .NET is the developer/programmer tool."

Still, Oracle's Forms Developer title and Sun's SCJP made strong showings, enough to garner the two finalist spots. As one reader stated, "We are an Oracle shop and I directly supervise five developers and two software analysts. This certification is most important to my area and it gives me an assurance that the holder can be assigned any task required."

Java voters were also confident with their SCJP pick. One reader wrote, "Java will take over the world of programming and compete with .NET."

Best Database Certification
Winner: Oracle Certified Professional, Database Administrator (OCP DBA)
Finalists: Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA), MySQL Professional Certification

In the ongoing clash between the two titans of database certifications -- Oracle's OCP DBA and Microsoft's MCDBA -- once again you've given Oracle's OCP the crown.

Most said they voted for Oracle because of its dominance in the industry. "Oracle rules the database world. Accept it and move on," commented one reader. Another said, "In the majority of corporations, Oracle is the standard."

The title got votes not just because of market relevance. Commented one reader, "We run eight Oracle 9i databases. A DBA [with a] current certification can jump right in, roll up her sleeves and get right to work with no training required."

But it was a close race: Microsoft's DBA missed the top spot by only a few votes. And those of you who voted for the MCDBA supported it strongly. "Love or hate Microsoft, and my opinion can vary daily, databases such as SQL feature prominently in the environment," commented one reader.

"Microsoft provides the best market opportunity for new applications," said another.

While MySQL's certification program still has a long way to go before reaching the heights of the other two titles, the new credential got enough support to take second finalist spot in this category. Said one reader, "Look out, MySQL will be big in the future, because open source is the way to go."

Even some of you who voted for Oracle or Microsoft are giving MySQL its due. Commented one reader, "Oracle is still the 900-pound gorilla [but] in the SMB market, MySQL is a major and preferred player."

Best Internet Certification
Winner: Prosoft Certified Internet Webmaster (CIW) Professional
Finalists: Macromedia Dreamweaver MX Developer, CompTIA i-Net+

Although this race was tight, Prosoft's CIW Professional edged out the other two titles for yet another win in this category. "For vendor-neutral, I think CIW is the way to go," commented one reader.

Dreamweaver was a very close second. "Learning the Macromedia Suite, especially Dreamweaver, is a good start," said one reader.

i-Net+, another vendor-neutral title from CompTIA, came in third, just edging out IBM's WebSphere certifications for the second finalist spot.

Best Security Certification
Winner: (ISC)2 CISSP
Finalists: Cisco Certified Security Professional (CCSP), Microsoft's MCSE: Security

When it comes to security, your choice is clear once again: (ISC)2's CISSP is tops in this category. "CISSP is vendor-neutral, covers a lot of ground, and has the strict code of ethics and required work experience to make it a very noteworthy certification," said one reader of their choice.

Another cited the "very long exam, combined with high fees and an experience requirement to keep out the less motivated." Or as another put it, "It's the one security professionals want on their resume."

While not that close of a race for the top spot, Cisco's CCSP title did close the margin a bit over last year. "Cisco is the big kid when it comes to firewalls and routers," commented one reader.

Said another, "This certification allows the company of a CCSP holder to provide more services to clients that can greatly benefit them, including firewalls.”

MCSE: Security came in well ahead of other contenders to take the final spot in this category. One reader explained their vote for this title this way: "Security is everyone's concern, so it must be at all levels of IT infrastructure. MCSE: Security qualifications are needed to build up security plans, implementations and protections."

Even non-Microsoft users voted for this title. Said one reader, "I am currently working in a Novell site ... and Microsoft still has a substantial presence. Knowledge of Microsoft security is essential for integration of Microsoft and Novell, especially from the authentication perspective."

Best Linux/Unix Certification
Winner: Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE)
Finalists: CompTIA Linux+, Sun Certified Systems Administrator, Solaris (SCSA Solaris)

More Winners The products that support these certifications also deserve some kudos. Here's your picks for the best study guides, practice exams and authors: Best Certification Study Guides Winner: Microsoft Press Finalists: Sybex, Que Exam Cram 2 Best Practice Exams Winner: Transcender Finalists: Self Test, Boson* and Measure Up* Favorite Study Guide Author Winner: Todd Lammle Finalists: Mike Meyers, Ed Tittel Favorite Technical Author Winner: Mark Minasi Finalists: Scott Mueller, Andrew S. Tannenbaum *Boson and Measure Up tied for the second finalist spot in this year's awards, resulting in three finalists for this category.

This is the first time we've had this category in our awards, so we weren't quite sure what to expect. But you overwhelmingly voted the Red Hat's RHCE title as the best Linux/Unix certification, thanks to its reputation in the industry as well as its hands-on lab exam.

Said one reader, "The RHCE is the open source community's MCSE." Another commented, "Red Hat is spreading like wildfire. [There's] not enough people to work on it yet."

"This one took the lead as the first solid, advanced Linux certification, and is the most widely known, therefore the most marketable when job hunting."

Many of you voted for the RHCE while praising the other titles available in this category.
"RHCE at this time, because it was the first Linux certification and is the most widely known, plus the level of experience and difficulty of tests," commented one reader, who added: "I think the Linux Professional Institute Certification (LPIC) and Novell's CLE/CLP are going to give the RHCE the run for its money in the near future, because these certs are becoming more widely known and recognized."

Another reader said, "Red Hat seems to be the corporate distro, though Linux+ is a valuable starting point." And Linux+ did take the second spot on our list, thanks to its vendor-neutral approach and entry-level position. "A great entry-level cert for Linux," one reader called it. Or as another put it, "a good stepping-stone."

Very narrowly beating out the LPIC and Novell titles for the third spot in this category is the SCSA title. "Sun is a well-known name for Unix," commented one reader.

Another said, "I'm partial to the Sun exams. There's two sys-admin exams (plus a third in Solaris networking and a fourth in security), which makes this an attractive and comprehensive path to pursue."

Best Overall Certification Program
Winner: Cisco

We limit this category to only the winner, and this year's winner is once again Cisco by a significant margin.

Why does this program continue to take our top prize? It appears to be its combination of the program's exam difficulty, hands-on items in all exams, and the reputation of its flagship CCIE. As one reader put it, "Cisco's tests are extremely difficult, even the 'entry-level' CCNA. They incorporate hands-on labs and strive to ensure their tests are not corrupted by braindumps. The CCIE lab also gives even the professionals something to strive for."

Another reader said, "You really have to know your stuff to get a Cisco certification."

Even those who have never taken a Cisco exam are impressed with this program. "People who have taken both Cisco and Microsoft tests tell me that the Cisco tests are more demanding and more closely reflect real-world tasks."

In fact, only one reader had anything negative to say about Cisco's program: "I haven't heard a word from Cisco since I was certified. Microsoft at least sends me a magazine ..."

So there it is, your picks for the best and brightest in 2004. Congratulations once again to all the winners and finalists. Be sure to voice your thoughts on the results below!

NOTE: Winners and finalists will be contacted shortly by CertCities.com with their official congratulations e-mails containing logos, etc. If you have questions in the meantime, please e-mail bnagel@101com.com.

More articles by Becky Nagel:

CertCities.com’s 10 Hottest Certifications for 2006

10 Hottest Certifications for 2005

Q&A: Novell Certs Go Linux

Q&A: Don Field and Rick Stiffler, Cisco Certification