Certifications

Boost Your Career with I.T. Certifications at Lumify Work

Lumify Work offers a comprehensive selection of IT certifications tailored to businesses and individuals, whether they are a beginner or an intermediate user. We cover a wide range of areas including project management, software development, end-user applications, and operating systems, among others. Our certification programs provide information technology essentials and practical skills to help you gain knowledge and excel in entry-level support roles like tech support, IT technician, help desk analyst, and desktop support specialist, ensuring your path to successful completion.

Whether you're interested in cloud computing, cyber security, ITSM, project management, computer hardware, software applications, or computing systems, our certifications are designed to meet the high demand for skilled professionals in the industry. With flexible study options, including full-time, part-time and self-paced, our courses are tailored for mid-career IT professionals. Decision-makers, such as Heads of IT and Learning & Development Managers, can confidently choose Lumify Work as their preferred solution for professional development in the dynamic field of IT.

Join us and explore our range of certification options to advance your career in the dynamic world of IT. Contact us today for more information. Call us at 0800 835 835 or email [email protected].

The Importance of I.T. Certifications

IT certifications (like CompTIA certifications, Microsoft certifications, and Cisco certifications) are some of the most valuable credentials for IT professionals who want to advance their careers. They are also an effective way to stay current and relevant in the IT industry, as they require continuous learning and updating of knowledge.

Are IT certifications worth it? By completing a certificate in information technology, you become entitled to many benefits, such as:

• Higher salary and career prospects: IT certification holders usually earn higher salaries than their non-certified peers, as they demonstrate their skills and knowledge in a particular domain or technology. Certifications can also help you stand out from your competition and land better jobs, or be ready for promotions or projects. Additionally, gaining credentials for international standards for cyber security, cloud computing, data analytics & AI, and process and program management can give you and your organisation an edge in the global IT market.

• Enhanced skills and confidence: IT certifications can help you gain or improve your skills in a particular technology or practice, and prepare you for the challenges and opportunities in the IT field, whether it's for a digital transformation initiative or to build your organisation's cyber resilience. They can also boost your confidence and credibility in the workplace.

• Personal growth and networking: IT certifications in NZ can provide opportunities for personal growth, as they require you to learn new things and stay updated with the latest trends. They can also help you connect with other IT professionals who share your interests and goals, and expand your network and influence. You can learn from people from other industries and from the public and private sector, giving you insights you can apply within your team.

What certifications do you need for I.T. helpdesk?

A question we get frequently asked relates to the IT help desk role. For this, certifications can be beneficial to demonstrate your skills and knowledge in providing technical support and troubleshooting. While certifications are not always mandatory for help desk positions, having relevant certifications can increase your chances of getting hired and advancing in your career. Here are some certifications that are valuable for IT help desk professionals in New Zealand:

• CompTIA A+: The CompTIA A+ certification is a popular choice for entry-level IT professionals, and it covers fundamental knowledge of hardware, software, networking, and troubleshooting.

• CompTIA Network+: The CompTIA Network+ certification focuses on networking technologies and concepts useful for understanding and supporting network-related issues in a help desk role.

• CompTIA Security+: While not strictly required for a help desk role, the CompTIA Security+ certification can demonstrate your knowledge of cybersecurity fundamentals and help you address security-related issues at the help desk.

• ITIL 4 Foundation: This provides a framework for IT service management. The ITIL Foundation certification can help you understand IT service processes and align your support with ITIL best practices.

• Microsoft 365 Certified: Modern Desktop Administrator Associate: This certification is ideal if the organisation you're applying to uses Microsoft 365 extensively. It covers managing and supporting Windows 10 and Microsoft 365 technologies.

• HDI Support Center Analyst (HDI-SCA): The HDI-SCA certification is designed for IT support professionals and covers essential skills for providing practical customer support and problem-solving.
  

These certifications can enhance your resume and showcase your IT support, customer service, and troubleshooting expertise. They may also improve your chances of advancement within the help desk role or open doors to other IT-related positions in the future. Remember that the specific certifications required or preferred by employers may vary, so it's essential to research the job market and the specific needs of the organisations you're interested in working for.

What's the percentage of managers who believe that certifications provide value to the organisation?

According to Pearson VUE’s 2021 Value of Certification study, 69% of IT managers believe certification significantly increases an employee’s productivity.

IT certifications are more valuable than ever. The 2023 Value of IT Certification Candidate Report from Pearson VUE is the eighth in an ongoing series. The report shares the perspectives and experiences of more than 21,000 professionals in 176 countries who prepared for and earned IT certifications amidst changing and challenging working conditions.

The results indicate that IT certifications in NZ are the ideal means to address both in a world where greater demand for tech skills meets a global talent shortage.

It’s clearer than ever that the value of IT certifications is understood and appreciated by both those pursuing them and the organisations they work for.

• Candidates earn professional and personal rewards for investing in certification

• Credentialed employees are more empowered and contribute greater value

• Certification-seekers are getting younger

• Pandemic-driven technology demands have become the norm
  

Benefits for candidates:

• 92% feel more confident in their abilities

• 84% are more determined to succeed professionally

• 37% received salary increases

Benefits for employers:

• 81% of candidates produce higher quality work

• 77% are more innovative

• 72% are more efficient

How to study for I.T. certifications

Studying for IT certifications requires careful planning and dedication. Here are some steps to help you effectively prepare for IT certifications:

• Choose the Right Certification: Start by selecting the certification that aligns with your career goals and interests. Research different certifications and their requirements to find the best fit for your skill level and career aspirations. You can speak with your Lumify Work account manager for recommendations based on your goals.

• Book and Sit a Certification Course: Lumify Work offers a wide range of authorised IT courses in New Zealand that lead to certifications with global vendors like Microsoft, AWS, Google, VMware, Cisco, EC-Council, PeopleCert, and more. Courses can be Instructor-led or Virtual Instructor-led, taking 1-5 days. Other courses offer self-paced options.

• Get Official Study Materials: Obtain official materials from authorised training providers like Lumify Work. These materials often include PDF textbooks, study guides, practice exams and online resources. Official materials are designed to cover the exam objectives thoroughly.

• Create a Study Plan: Develop a study plan that suits your schedule and allows you to cover all the topics systematically. Set aside dedicated study time each day or week, and stick to your plan.

• Use Multiple Learning Resources: Don't limit yourself to one study resource. Utilise books, video courses, online tutorials, practice exams, and virtual labs to reinforce your understanding of the material.

• Hands-On Practice: Practice hands-on with the technologies or concepts you're studying whenever possible. Practical experience helps solidify your understanding and prepares you for real-world scenarios.

• Join Study Groups or Forums: Engage with others pursuing the same certification by joining study groups or online forums. Discussing concepts, sharing resources, and asking and answering questions can enhance your learning experience.

• Take Practice Exams: Practice exams are invaluable for gauging your knowledge and identifying areas that need further improvement. Many certifications offer official practice exams. Lumify Plus (formerly DDLS Plus) offers an online learning pathway to extend knowledge beyond courses. Get resources to help you practice what you learned and prepare for future courses, exams and certifications.

• Review Weak Areas: After taking practice exams, review the topics where you scored poorly. Focus on understanding these areas more deeply to strengthen your knowledge.
  Simulate Exam Conditions: As the exam date approaches, simulate exam conditions during your practice sessions. Time yourself and work under conditions that mimic the actual exam environment.

• Stay Motivated and Consistent: Studying for certifications can be challenging, so stay motivated and consistent throughout the process. Set achievable goals, reward yourself for progress, and remind yourself of the certification's benefits.

• Test Day Preparation: On the exam day, ensure you have all necessary identification and materials. Get a good night's sleep, eat well, and arrive at the testing centre with ample time to spare.

• Exam Strategies: During the exam, read each question carefully, eliminate wrong answers, and manage your time wisely. If you are unsure about an answer, mark it for review and come back to it later.

Everyone's learning style differs, so adapt your study approach to what works best for you. Stay persistent, and don't get discouraged by setbacks. With dedication and a well-structured study plan, you can earn the IT certification you desire.