How to Learn Citrix and Get the Most Out of Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for Citrix’s suite of virtualization and cloud computing solutions. As organizations transition to remote workplaces, we are seeing the massive potential of Citrix training. You should learn Citrix to boost your IT, problem-solving, and analytical skills for our era of increased digital connection.


Citrix is already used by more than 400,000 organizations, so Citrix training can open doors to many exciting career opportunities. To see what kind of future the software has in store for you, let’s explore what it’s going to take to learn Citrix. 

What Is Citrix?

Citrix is an American tech company that provides an array of virtualized solutions at the enterprise scale. Its business model revolves around software as a service (SaaS), through which it provides companies with cloud computing technologies to enable more robust remote work. Citrix supports both macOS and the Windows operating system.

Citrix solutions are seamless and simple. Once the Citrix software connects computers to the company’s mainframe, each client device, with the help of Citrix Receiver, can access the company network regardless of the user’s location. This makes collaboration, real-time work, and cloud computing possible. 

Citrix can also be used for system maintenance. You can install updates on everyone’s hardware simply by updating the mother computer. And with Citrix analytics solutions, the IT team can look for threats to the overall company system.

Citrix has many services and products, but the company’s virtual applications (XenApp) and remote desktop services (XenDesktop) are two of the most popular.

What Jobs Use Citrix Skills?

To fully understand Citrix, it is important to understand IT analytics, SaaS, cloud computing, and workspace utilization. These skills can help you land a career in computer technology or information technology. Below are some specific jobs that use Citrix skills.

• Design Engineering. Knowledge of Citrix systems is often a requirement for design jobs. Having these software skills will help a design engineer understand analytics and infrastructure, and be able to communicate processes efficiently. 
  
  

• IT Management. As an IT manager, you are responsible for overseeing all IT systems, including the systems used for virtualization. Citrix skills allow these managers to keep the day-to-day operations running smoothly. 
  
  

• Data Management and Analysis. Many organizations, including some of the largest healthcare systems, use Citrix for their data needs. A data professional who knows the ins and outs of Citrix systems will be better able to access, use, and share a company’s data remotely.  
  
  

• Cloud Engineering. Cloud-based computing is a growing part of Citrix’s business. Companies that use Citrix Cloud need Cloud engineers to manage all IT procedures associated with the cloud platform. This includes design, support, and maintenance.
  
  

Steps to Learn Citrix

The time it takes to learn Citrix varies according to your background. Before you can consider yourself a Citrix expert, you need extensive knowledge of IT, analytics, network administration, and more. 

If you are new to the tech world, this can seem daunting and overwhelming. To make it easier, we bring you a step-by-step guide for learning Citrix. 

1. Learn Basic IT and Computer Technology Concepts

Citrix requires a basic foundation in tech. Luckily, there are many data analytics bootcamps, coding bootcamps, and other tech courses you can enroll in to get yourself fully acquainted with everything that Citrix is built on. 

2. Enroll in General Citrix Courses 

An introductory course in Citrix will familiarize you with the software’s basic features. Take the time to understand which Citrix product interests you the most, and then work to master its core functionality. You can use the official handbook to get started. 

3. Take In-Depth Citrix Courses

Equipped with the essential Citrix knowledge, you can now enroll in more advanced courses. If you choose to pursue SaaS, for example, then enroll in Citrix courses that focus on SaaS. This will help you gain expertise in your desired career path. 

Take courses offered by reputed companies like Google and Azure. If possible, always choose the specialized courses from the official Citrix website. Short of that, there are a number of great online resources to guide you along. 

4. Practice and Stay Updated 

Practice what you’ve learned. Stay committed to learning Citrix, and make sure to download the latest software updates.

You should also strive to know Citrix’s competitors, like Microsoft Remote Desktop. This shows your dedication and will help you stand out during the hiring process. You can learn more about Citrix by joining a Citrix User Group Community, listening to podcasts, and networking with professionals at conferences. 

5. Get Certified

Now that you have the theoretical and practical knowledge to succeed, take the certification exams and ace them. Citrix offers plenty of certification options for administrators, engineers, and integration architects. 

6. Go Get That Dream Job

You can use your software skills, your technical knowledge, and your Citrix certification to write an awesome resume and cover letter. Start by applying for jobs that you’re qualified for, and before you know it, you’ll be in a position to call the shots.
 

The Best Courses to Learn Citrix

Learning Citrix can help you get great cloud-based IT jobs or earn a promotion at your current job. Below are some of the best Citrix training courses you can take to advance in your career. 

Learning Cloud Computing: Core Concepts

This LinkedIn Learning course is great for beginners to learn the foundations of cloud computing, including cloud security and management. As a stepping stone to learning Citrix, it will teach you the differences between Saas, Iaas, and Paas. You will also learn how to identify important data for the cloud platform.

Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops (CVAD): Migrate to Citrix Cloud

This Pluralsight course is an intermediate course that will teach you about XenApp and XenDesktop. You will learn CVAD, how you can transfer to the Cloud, and how you can configure the Citrix Cloud connector in your physical location. Knowing CVAD will help you be part of the industry-wide shift towards cloud computing.

Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops 7 Help Desk Support 

This course is provided by the official Citrix Education website. You will learn how the various components of CVAD interact with each other. With this knowledge, you will be able to solve problems raised by end-users and improve overall user experience.

Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops Service on Microsoft Azure (CXD-251) 

This advanced course covers CVAD services related to Azure. You will learn XenApp and XenDesktop management and deployment on the Azure platform. You will also learn how to customize your virtual machine design based on the Microsoft system. 

As an added bonus, the course explains how to configure the Citrix Cloud, Netscaler Gateway, and Citrix Storefront. Overall, Global Knowledge is a reputed vendor whose courses look great on your CV.

Citrix Application and Desktop Virtualization

This Udemy course covers the core concepts of CVAD systems. In addition to learning how to configure XenDesktop on many platforms, you will get information on Citrix certifications and how you can get them. 

Deploy and Manage Citrix ADC 13.x with Traffic Management (CNS-225)

Global Knowledge offers this advanced certification course for engineers, architects, and administrators. You will learn everything about Citrix ADC, including its functionality, architecture, and licensing. The 13 modules in the course cover traffic management, GSLB, and security. It’s quite expensive, so make sure you meet the prerequisites before enrolling.

Why Learn Citrix? 

There is no doubt that Citrix is a highly desirable skill for an IT professional. Virtualization, after all, is becoming more widely used every day. And due to the coronavirus pandemic, more companies are switching to cloud-based platforms. Learning Citrix gives you access to many sought-after tech jobs in these areas. 

As demand for Citrix skills grows, moreover, so will salaries and job opportunities. Now is the perfect time to get Citrix certified, and let this industry-standard virtualization product move you to the head of the class.