Embarking on a career in server administration? Understand the difference between certifications and certificate programs, explore the roles and responsibilities of a server administrator, learn about the average salaries in the field, and discover the top certifications for server administration in this comprehensive guide.
Key Insights
- Server administration is a critical role in managing and securing company data and information. It requires proficiency in programming languages like Java, C++, Python and database management skills.
- The average salary of a Server Administrator in the US is approximately $70,000 annually, with job growth expected to be about 4% from 2019 to 2029.
- There is a difference between certifications and certificates, with the former usually recognized by potential employers due to being issued by national organizations after an exam, and the latter being completion-based programs.
- Various certifications for server administration are available, with some being vendor-specific like Microsoft’s Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate and Linux’s LPIC certifications.
- Though not mandatory for entry-level positions, certifications are beneficial for job seekers as they demonstrate your skills and willingness to improve professionally.
- Noble Desktop offers comprehensive server administration training with both in-person and online courses, covering crucial areas like cloud computing, cybersecurity, and database administration.
If you’re looking for a way to demonstrate your skills in server administration, you might be overwhelmed by the different certifications and certificate programs available. You might also have a lot of questions, such as
- Will a certificate help you get a job?
- Is there a difference between a certificate and a certification?
- How do I prepare for these credentials?
This article aims to answer these questions, so you can efficiently choose the right path toward a server administration certification. Keep reading to find out more.
What is Server Administration?
Server administration involves the management of computer servers. It includes several tasks, such as upgrading software and hardware, storing and organizing data, and developing processes and protocols. Server Administrators work with end-users to access information, recover lost passwords, and troubleshoot technical problems with both hardware and software. Server Administrators also play an important role in cybersecurity. They are responsible for updating database security, including setting up antivirus and firewall programs. They work closely with the IT team to update protocols and processes and educate end-users on security best practices.
Server Administrators play a crucial role in managing and securing company data and information. Individuals interested in a career as a Server Administrator require coding knowledge in programming languages such as Java, C++, and Python. They also need to know how to set up and create custom databases. Server Administrators make an average salary in the US of $70,000 a year, though this may swing heavily in either direction depending on your area. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job growth for server administrators is expected to grow by 4% from 2019 to 2029.
Read more about what server administration is and why you should learn it.
What Can You Do with Server Administration?
Server administration can be an exciting and fulfilling career. Server Administrators play a vital role in maintaining company information and troubleshooting end-user issues. In this way, Server Administrators know their services are always needed to help the company and its employees flourish. Serving in an essential role can lead to a sense of fulfillment with seeing that one’s job duties have a daily impact. Every company needs ways to manage its data and keep information secure in today's digital world. Thus, Server Administrators can impact virtually any industry of their choosing.
Server administration is an excellent role for individuals who enjoy problem-solving. Whether troubleshooting hardware, identifying needed systems patches or analyzing system logs, Server Administrators face daily challenges and get to flex their intellectual muscles. Server Administrators also experience the thrill of working with new technologies. Over the past few decades, Server Administrators have moved from physical servers to cloud servers. Cybersecurity threats also continue to grow and involve. For individuals who like learning new things, Server administration possesses opportunities for gaining new skills and talents.
Server Administrators learn various cybersecurity and database management skills and programming languages. Professionals who learn server administration skills can pursue other careers by further focusing on cybersecurity, database management, or computer science skills. Server Administrators can pursue positions in IT, Cybersecurity, or Web Development, to name a few.
Certifications vs. Certificates: What’s the Difference?
“Certificate” and “certification” are sometimes used interchangeably, but they refer to different things, and there are different processes to attain them. To gain certification, you usually have to sit for an exam administered by a third party to demonstrate your mastery of a subject; certificates are generally completion-based programs. Certification is often standardized and issued by national organizations. Thus, they are more likely to be professionally recognized by a potential employer. However, attending a certificate program can still showcase your willingness to improve your skills and advance your career.
Top Certifications & Certificates for Server Administration
Selecting one from the many certifications for server administration depend on the type of systems Server Administrators are experts in handling, such as Microsoft and Linux. There are certifications for various vendors, such as Red Hat, Service Now, Apple, and Vmware. Some certifications apply to new job seekers, while others are meant for subject matter experts looking to prove their specialized skills.
Microsoft offers certification as a Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate. Professionals who qualify for this certificate must have experience managing Windows Servers on-site and in hybrid and cloud environments. They also need to know how to use Microsoft Azure. Two exams need to be passed to prove expertise and obtain the certification. They cost $165 each.
Linux offers three levels of LPIC certifications for Server Administrators with expertise in Linux systems. Lower certifications prove administration ability with Linux servers, while advanced certifications prove more specialized skills, such as cybersecurity, high availability systems, and mixed environments. Lower-level certifications have to be earned before undertaking exams for higher levels. The certifications last five years before a retake or higher level certification is required. Exams cost $200 each.
CompTIA (The Computing Technology Industry Association) offers vendor-neutral server administration certifications. Professionals can choose to prove their expertise in a hybrid of server environments, Linux, and cloud computing. Job seekers can prove their core skills with exams in technical support, network management, and cybersecurity. Exams range in cost from $300-$400. Bundles that include retake options and exam prep materials may be an option for an increased fee.
Should I Get Certified in Server Administration?
Few server administrator job positions require certification, and the ones that do are usually senior positions. Though not required for entry-level job seekers, seeking certification or completing a certificate program can still prove useful. The comprehensive guidance offered through certificate programs is beneficial for new learners seeking to master the subject. The portfolio workshops and job search assistance are also helpful for job seekers. A certificate also stands as a testament to your education and skills. It proves to potential employers that you possess the skills you are claiming. Some Server Administrator job postings accept industry-recognized certifications in place of work experience. Investing time and money into obtaining a certificate also shows your willingness and drive to expand your skill set. While you may not need a certificate in server administration to start a new career, they provide several benefits you should consider.
How to Get Certified in Server Administration
There are various options for becoming certified in server administration. Certifications vary in subject matter, operating systems, and vendor-specific expertise. Seekers can find these certifications via vendor websites. Some exams require previous exams to be completed, though this depends on each vendor.
For some professionals, their employer will be open to training them and paying for Server Administration Certification exams. Reimbursement programs rely heavily on individual businesses and organizations, however. Only some employees will have such opportunities. New job seekers are more often required to pay for certification independently.
Learn Cybersecurity & Tech Skills with Hands-on Training at Noble Desktop
Server Administrators require cloud computing, cybersecurity, and database administration skills. Individuals can learn all of these skills through Noble Desktop. Their small class sizes feature industry-expert instructors with free retake options. Courses can be taken in-person in NYC or online from anywhere.
Cloud Computing with AWS focuses on Amazon Web Services (AWS), one of the most popular cloud computing platforms. Students learn how to build and secure enterprise-level cloud environments with AWS.
Python is a coding language commonly used by Server Administrators. Noble Desktop offers Python for Network Security, where students learn how to use Python for network monitoring and security. Students must be comfortable coding with Python or have attended Noble Desktop’s Python Programming Bootcamp.
The previously mentioned courses are available through Noble Desktop’s Cybersecurity Bootcamp. In this extensive course, students learn cybersecurity threats and prevention practices and how to use Python for cybersecurity, Linux for cybersecurity, digital forensics, and cloud computing. Individuals can also view all of Noble Desktop’s cybersecurity courses should they wish to take them individually.
An additional course not included in the Cybersecurity Bootcamp that Server Administrators may be interested in is the SQL Server Bootcamp. Students learn the coding language SQL for managing databases, querying information, and extracting insights.
Key Insights
- There are various certification options for Server Administrators.
- Certification is usually not required except for senior positions.
- Certification and certificates are viable options for job seekers to showcase their skills to potential employers.
- Certifications are available through Microsoft and Linux to prove expertise in their specific servers and operating systems.
- Vendor-neutral certifications that focus on basic skills are available through CompTIA.
- You can receive comprehensive server administration training through an in-person or live online course with Noble Desktop.