As the cost of a college education continues to rise, some students forgo four-year degrees to pursue quicker and cheaper certifications, such as IT or Web design certifications. Information technology has been a very popular and lucrative career field since the 1990s - and after the field recovered from the dot-com crash and subsequent economic downturn, these careers are now hot again.

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Web design certification is one great way to break into the information technology field. Schools such as the Computer Career Center in Las Cruces, NM and El Paso, TX, provide a comprehensive Web design education that prepares students for certification in this field. The CCC Web design education also offers students an opportunity to learn graphic design skills, including photo manipulation and desktop publishing skills. Web design certification - or a graphic design education - enables students to seek entry-level jobs in desktop publishing, Web design and editing, or graphic design pre-press.

For an entry-level computer network or repair career, there are a number of technology certifications to be had. Some schools offer a network administrator course of study, which prepares students to seek several of the top IT certifications in the technology field today. One of the most popular information technology certifications on the market is the CompTIA A+ certification. The network administration education CCC provides at its Las Cruces and El Paso schools enables students to seek this certification, as well as the Microsoft MCSE, the CCNA, and other certifications.

Many IT professionals report that professional network certifications made the difference between career-ladder ascension and career stagnation. And, certifications are not just for individuals with no previous education or work experience. They can be valuable assets for mid-career adults who want to change fields, or who want to add network certifications to their education credentials.

Students with a network certification are equipped to enter one of several technology fields. Some begin in computer repair, where they use their knowledge of computer hardware and systems to repair and upgrade computer hardware. Other students with a network certification take entry-level tech support jobs. They may either receive tech support calls to resolve computer issues over the phone, or they may be employed at a company on-site as a technical consultant.

Technology fields offer great opportunities for growth. Students who begin in entry-level Web design positions may progress to the level of Web master or lead Web designer at a technology company. Similarly, students in entry-level computer repair and tech-support jobs can eventually get careers in consulting, or work in IT at the managerial level. Some students even switch to sales. For example, a person with a Web certification might also be able sell Web advertisements, while a person with an IT certification can more easily switch to selling computer systems and software. An education in the desired technology field, as well as field experience showing progressive responsibility are two great assets in an information technology or Web design career.

Many educational institutions trumpet the advantages of getting a masters degree in a technology field, especially for bachelors-degree holders who want to change careers. However, masters degrees can be expensive, and the increase in pay might not be as significant as the money spent on the degree. Certifications in Web design, network administration, and other tech areas are cheaper and faster than completing a masters degree. Education providers like Computer Career Center help mid-career professionals grow or change their careers with ease.

Students interested in educational or professional advancement can benefit - in some cases, finding great success - by investing in a Web design or IT certification.

A+ certification is possibly the most popular way of breaking into the computer tech business, as it demonstrates basic competency regarding computer hardware and software. Offered by CompTIA, the certification involves taking two tests: the A+ Essentials exam and a choice of one of three elective exams: IT Technician, Remote Support Technician, and Depot Technician. The knowledge base required involves understanding how to take apart a computer and put it back together, how to build a computer from its basic components, knowledge of the purpose and function of component parts such as the motherboard, CPU, display devices, power supply, and cooling system, among others.

In addition, on the software end, the A+ certificate seeker is required to know all about modern operating systems. While CompTIA is vendor-neutral, it emphasizes knowledge of the Windows operating system, because A+ certification is designed to produce computer technicians who can make a living, and Windows holds the lion's share of the OS market. However, the certificate seeker is still required to have a basic understanding of Apple and Unix-like operating systems. He or she is required to understand the boot process as well as the basic framework of multiple operating systems, so that he or she can provide adequate support to customers needing assistance.

Regarding Network+ certification, the basic premise is the same as that for A+ certification, except it is required for anyone who wants to be an IT network technician. The certification shows that the successful Network+ candidate is able to maintain, configure, install, troubleshoot, test and manage all sorts of network infrastructures, has an understanding of modern networking technologies, basic design principles, and grasps modern wiring standards. In addition, the Network+ certificate seeker benefits from having the A+ certification since Network+ requires the same technical skills as a foundation. Networks contain multiple computers, comptia a+ course as well as the nexuses between them, so it's far trickier to troubleshoot than just a single computer.

The specifics involved in the Network+ test involve knowledge of common networking protocols, both wired and wireless, as well as an understanding of all the hardware involved in creating a network. He or she must know how to set up a fast and secure computer network utilizing firewalls, routers, and switches, and ensure that it is free of viruses and malware. The certificate seeker must be familiar with all the tools of the trade, as software-based and immaterial as packet sniffers and port scanners or as gritty and hardware-based as cable-strippers and temperature monitors. He or she must be able to diagnose problems and have adequate knowledge to come up with a solution.

Any job with a major technology company involving technical expertise will require A+ certification, and if you're looking to be a network or systems administrator, Network+ is increasingly necessary for your career. Many major corporations, such as Microsoft, Cisco, Novell, and HP, include the CompTIA Network+ and A+ certification in their mandatory training requirements.