Signal to potential employers that you have the initiative to differentiate yourself
Provide a bridge to other certifications and opportunities to demonstrate initiative
Acquiring, in the process, knowledge and expertise in the networking field
Counts as a credit (in some cases) towards other, more involved certifications
Being certified can be a great confidence booster and lead to salary raise
Friday, August 29, 2008
What can Network+ Certification do for you?
Let’s be realistic - having the Comptia Network+ certification will not significantly alter the course of your life, demonstrate your total proficiency in networking concepts, or automatically earn you a top job. So what will it do for you?
CompTIA Offers New Opportunity in Linux
Oakbrook Terrace, Ill., October 4, 2004 — For the next eight weeks, anyone interested in demonstrating that he or she has the equivalent of six to 12 months of experience with the latest Linux applications can do so for $75 by passing the CompTIA Linux+™ beta exam.
CompTIA Linux+ , which according to a recent survey by CRN magazine is the fastest growing vendor-neutral certification in the solutions provider sales channel, is being significantly updated. More than 75 percent of the topics covered and knowledge required to pass the current exam are being changed in the new version to reflect an expanding range of Linux job tasks.
“The revised Linux+ exam is a great way for individuals to validate foundational Linux skills and prepare the ground for career advancement,” said Gene Salois, vice president, Certification, CompTIA. “The revised Linux+ exam is right on target for demonstrating current job skills and the beta exam gives those who have the necessary experience a bargain-price means of validating knowledge mastery through a valuable and respected vendor-neutral certification.”
Those passing the CompTIA Linux+ 2004 exam will demonstrate knowledge mastery required to provide basic installation, operation, security, administration, and troubleshooting services for the Linux operating system on workstations and servers. Roughly 19 percent of the 2004 Linux+ exam covers installation, 20 percent configuration, 26 percent management and maintenance, 21 percent security, six percent documentation, and eight percent Linux hardware.
Certification candidates are encouraged to sign up online as soon as possible for the CompTIA Linux+ beta exam with either the Pearson VUE or Thomson Prometric testing organizations, referencing exam ID # XK1-002.
CompTIA urges candidates to carefully review the certification objectives prior to taking the exam and to use the objectives as an effective content study guide.
if you want to know more certification,you can visit http://www.killtest.com
CompTIA Linux+ , which according to a recent survey by CRN magazine is the fastest growing vendor-neutral certification in the solutions provider sales channel, is being significantly updated. More than 75 percent of the topics covered and knowledge required to pass the current exam are being changed in the new version to reflect an expanding range of Linux job tasks.
“The revised Linux+ exam is a great way for individuals to validate foundational Linux skills and prepare the ground for career advancement,” said Gene Salois, vice president, Certification, CompTIA. “The revised Linux+ exam is right on target for demonstrating current job skills and the beta exam gives those who have the necessary experience a bargain-price means of validating knowledge mastery through a valuable and respected vendor-neutral certification.”
Those passing the CompTIA Linux+ 2004 exam will demonstrate knowledge mastery required to provide basic installation, operation, security, administration, and troubleshooting services for the Linux operating system on workstations and servers. Roughly 19 percent of the 2004 Linux+ exam covers installation, 20 percent configuration, 26 percent management and maintenance, 21 percent security, six percent documentation, and eight percent Linux hardware.
Certification candidates are encouraged to sign up online as soon as possible for the CompTIA Linux+ beta exam with either the Pearson VUE or Thomson Prometric testing organizations, referencing exam ID # XK1-002.
CompTIA urges candidates to carefully review the certification objectives prior to taking the exam and to use the objectives as an effective content study guide.
if you want to know more certification,you can visit http://www.killtest.com
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
A+ Certification
Description:
This certification is for entry-level PC hardware technicians. A+ is a popular choice for a first certification. Many who are switching career tracks into the field of IT use A+ as their first certification. Since 1993, over 500,000 people have earned their A+ certification. According to the About.com 2005 Certification Salary Survey, the A+ will earn you an average of $30,000 and is the most popular pick for the next certification to achieve.
Requirements:
You must pass two exams:
CompTia A+ Essentials andone of the following:
220-602 for the IT Technician specialization or
220-603 for the Remote Support Technician specialization or 220-604 for the Depot Technician specialization
Each exam contains 90-100 questions.
To register you can do so online or via phone with VUE or Prometric.
Costs:
Each exam costs $158 ($124 for CompTIA members). Individual membership costs $59 for 12 months or $99 for 24 months.
Recertification:
There are no recertification requirements.
This certification is for entry-level PC hardware technicians. A+ is a popular choice for a first certification. Many who are switching career tracks into the field of IT use A+ as their first certification. Since 1993, over 500,000 people have earned their A+ certification. According to the About.com 2005 Certification Salary Survey, the A+ will earn you an average of $30,000 and is the most popular pick for the next certification to achieve.
Requirements:
You must pass two exams:
CompTia A+ Essentials andone of the following:
220-602 for the IT Technician specialization or
220-603 for the Remote Support Technician specialization or 220-604 for the Depot Technician specialization
Each exam contains 90-100 questions.
To register you can do so online or via phone with VUE or Prometric.
Costs:
Each exam costs $158 ($124 for CompTIA members). Individual membership costs $59 for 12 months or $99 for 24 months.
Recertification:
There are no recertification requirements.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
(A+) + (Network+ or Server+) = MCSA
Use your CompTIA certifications to get MCSA Certified.
With the costs of training and certification running into the thousands, why not get the most for your money? Microsoft has decided to let CompTIA certifications qualify as an elective for the Microsoft Certified System Administrator (MCSA) for Windows 2000 program. If you have a CompTIA cert (A+, Network+, or Server+), you can use two of these to replace the elective exam for the MCSA certification. This leaves you with the three remaining core exams for the MCSA.
Microsoft Elective
A+ and Network+ or A+ and Server+
With two highly respected vendor neutral certifications and an MCSA up you sleeve, you will be well-prepared for a career in IT.
With the costs of training and certification running into the thousands, why not get the most for your money? Microsoft has decided to let CompTIA certifications qualify as an elective for the Microsoft Certified System Administrator (MCSA) for Windows 2000 program. If you have a CompTIA cert (A+, Network+, or Server+), you can use two of these to replace the elective exam for the MCSA certification. This leaves you with the three remaining core exams for the MCSA.
Microsoft Elective
A+ and Network+ or A+ and Server+
With two highly respected vendor neutral certifications and an MCSA up you sleeve, you will be well-prepared for a career in IT.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Walking The Talk Of CompTIA A+ Certification
The IT field has a virtually limitless arena for the serious individuals who obtain certification, including:
The technician is not only limited to the field of computer science. There are other areas of employment where basic electronics knowledge gained through training can be useful. Telephone, cable, satellite, high speed data, and security systems installation are just a few of these fields.
Let's take a look at my career for example.
Living in one of the larger metropolitan areas can make for a challenging job search. Networking with friends and peers is an invaluable tool. Soon after passing the CompTIA A+ exam, a friend of mine told me about my first job lead. I managed to land a position with a local computer recycling company as their printer repair technician. While this was not the corporate Chief Information Officer (CIO) position I had hoped for, at least it was a beginning. If only I had paid attention to the section on printers. Fortunately for me the lead technician was very willing to spend some extra time with me, and as it turns out printers are not that complex. The top 5 problems I experienced with laser printers are:
During my short stint in printer repair, one of the local cable companies started the first pilot program for high-speed data (otherwise known as cable internet). With screaming page loads and download speeds I could not turn down the opportunity to be a high-speed cable installation technician. My recent experience combined with my A+ certification were definite assets here, and the cable company knew it. When you can open any computer case you want to and not worry about the "warranty" tag, it is awesome. Face-to-face interaction with clients is a delicate skill that you must acquire somewhere along your IT journey. My next position was manufacturing PC's for Compaq Computer Corp (before the HP merger). After 2 short weeks I was offered an assistant team lead position, and shortly after that I was asked to work in special projects. There is nothing like having 8 processors with 16 gigabytes of ram and 2 terabytes of 10,000 RPM SCSI hard drive to play with. While working 12hr shifts I decided to take my hobby to the next level. I was beginning to take my IT career seriously and decided to pursue an Associates degree. Working at Compaq during this time was a great opportunity. I had access to hardware and software that few of my fellow classmates had.
Needless to say, knowledge is power,I managed to use my CompTIA A+ as "applied knowledge" I must say, knowing that I had passed the A+ exam .
Manufacturing
Field Service Technician
In-House PC Technician
Data Warehousing
Internet Helpdesk
In-House Training
Programmer
Network Design
Freelancer
Business Owner
Teacher
Network Administration
The technician is not only limited to the field of computer science. There are other areas of employment where basic electronics knowledge gained through training can be useful. Telephone, cable, satellite, high speed data, and security systems installation are just a few of these fields.
Let's take a look at my career for example.
Living in one of the larger metropolitan areas can make for a challenging job search. Networking with friends and peers is an invaluable tool. Soon after passing the CompTIA A+ exam, a friend of mine told me about my first job lead. I managed to land a position with a local computer recycling company as their printer repair technician. While this was not the corporate Chief Information Officer (CIO) position I had hoped for, at least it was a beginning. If only I had paid attention to the section on printers. Fortunately for me the lead technician was very willing to spend some extra time with me, and as it turns out printers are not that complex. The top 5 problems I experienced with laser printers are:
Bad feed rollers (you know, the stupid machine won't grab the paper)
Bad Fuser (the printer spits out paper and the black toner just falls off the paper, what a mess)
Bad AC module (dull print or half fused)
Bad DC module (wavy or lined print)
Bad Corona Wire (no print at all - the -5000 volt charge wasn't present to get the toner on the paper before fusing)
Every now and then you could rub a compound called "ephedrine" on the feed roller to make it sticky again but this is only a short-term resolution. Bad AC/DC modules had very similar printing errors and troubleshooting these components is not easy. Luckily we had two full boxes of each from other recycled printers, so I usually just replaced both parts.
During my short stint in printer repair, one of the local cable companies started the first pilot program for high-speed data (otherwise known as cable internet). With screaming page loads and download speeds I could not turn down the opportunity to be a high-speed cable installation technician. My recent experience combined with my A+ certification were definite assets here, and the cable company knew it. When you can open any computer case you want to and not worry about the "warranty" tag, it is awesome. Face-to-face interaction with clients is a delicate skill that you must acquire somewhere along your IT journey. My next position was manufacturing PC's for Compaq Computer Corp (before the HP merger). After 2 short weeks I was offered an assistant team lead position, and shortly after that I was asked to work in special projects. There is nothing like having 8 processors with 16 gigabytes of ram and 2 terabytes of 10,000 RPM SCSI hard drive to play with. While working 12hr shifts I decided to take my hobby to the next level. I was beginning to take my IT career seriously and decided to pursue an Associates degree. Working at Compaq during this time was a great opportunity. I had access to hardware and software that few of my fellow classmates had.
Needless to say, knowledge is power,I managed to use my CompTIA A+ as "applied knowledge" I must say, knowing that I had passed the A+ exam .
Friday, August 22, 2008
Top 10 Certifications to Begin Your IT Career
Are you just starting out in IT, or looking for a way to begin an IT career? The following certifications will help you verify and learn the skills needed to find a job in IT. Once you have one of these, you can begin to gain the experience and higher certifications that will land you a great IT career.
1. CompTia A+
At the top of the list, the A+ certification is one of the most popular ways for people to break into the computer biz. The A+ certifies you as a computer technician and covers topics such as hardware, OS, and networking. 6 months of technician experience is recommended and two exams are required. Both exams lend themselves nicely to self study. So get a good book and sign up to get your A+ certification.
2. Microsoft Certified Professional
To get any Microsoft certification, this will be the first stepping stone. You will be an MCP once you take your first exam and until you complete the exams needed for any other Microsoft certification (MCSD, MCSE, etc.).
3. Microsoft Certified Desktop Service Technician
If you like to troubleshoot, then this certification is for you. You’ll take two exams and then be able to support end user desktop systems.
4. CompTia Security+
Two years of networking experience is recommended for this certification so the true IT newbie might be in over their head with this one. However, security is a big issue and if you have the familiarity to take the one exam required, the Security+ cert works as a prerequisite for the MCSA and CNE.
5. CIW Associate
If you are into internet technologies and would like to define your skills, then go for the Certified Internet Webmaster (CIW) certification. The Associate level requires only one exam called the Foundation exam, which covers html, dhtml, networking, graphics, and internet history. From there you can advance to the Professional and Master CIW levels.
6. Sun Certified Java Programmer
This is the first step to higher Java certifications and will prove your skills as a Java programmer on the Java 2 Platform, Standard Edition. You must understand the fundamentals of the language so get a good book and maybe a training class before taking the exam.
7. CCNA or CCDA
Both of these certifications will require some dedicated training if you are new to IT. These will be tough for those considering a career change, but well worth the effort. Cisco certifications are popular and respected. Once you have the experience to back up the cert, you will be able to move on to the advanced Cisco certifications.
8. Microsoft Office Specialist
If you have experience with Microsoft Office products, you can achieve a Microsoft Office Specialist certification on any one product such as Word, or Excel by taking a single exam. A Master designation requires several exams and comprehensive knowledge of multiple products.
9. MySQL
One exam and knowledge of basic SQL and MySQL software will get you this certification. An additional exam and more advanced SQL skills will get you a Professional level certification.
10. Graphics & Internet Certifications
Finally, there are several good certifications for graphic designers and web developers. Most of these are vendor-specific and typically require one exam. Check with the product vendor you work with (or want to work with) and see if they have a certification program. Also check with associations such as WebYoda and WOW.
1. CompTia A+
At the top of the list, the A+ certification is one of the most popular ways for people to break into the computer biz. The A+ certifies you as a computer technician and covers topics such as hardware, OS, and networking. 6 months of technician experience is recommended and two exams are required. Both exams lend themselves nicely to self study. So get a good book and sign up to get your A+ certification.
2. Microsoft Certified Professional
To get any Microsoft certification, this will be the first stepping stone. You will be an MCP once you take your first exam and until you complete the exams needed for any other Microsoft certification (MCSD, MCSE, etc.).
3. Microsoft Certified Desktop Service Technician
If you like to troubleshoot, then this certification is for you. You’ll take two exams and then be able to support end user desktop systems.
4. CompTia Security+
Two years of networking experience is recommended for this certification so the true IT newbie might be in over their head with this one. However, security is a big issue and if you have the familiarity to take the one exam required, the Security+ cert works as a prerequisite for the MCSA and CNE.
5. CIW Associate
If you are into internet technologies and would like to define your skills, then go for the Certified Internet Webmaster (CIW) certification. The Associate level requires only one exam called the Foundation exam, which covers html, dhtml, networking, graphics, and internet history. From there you can advance to the Professional and Master CIW levels.
6. Sun Certified Java Programmer
This is the first step to higher Java certifications and will prove your skills as a Java programmer on the Java 2 Platform, Standard Edition. You must understand the fundamentals of the language so get a good book and maybe a training class before taking the exam.
7. CCNA or CCDA
Both of these certifications will require some dedicated training if you are new to IT. These will be tough for those considering a career change, but well worth the effort. Cisco certifications are popular and respected. Once you have the experience to back up the cert, you will be able to move on to the advanced Cisco certifications.
8. Microsoft Office Specialist
If you have experience with Microsoft Office products, you can achieve a Microsoft Office Specialist certification on any one product such as Word, or Excel by taking a single exam. A Master designation requires several exams and comprehensive knowledge of multiple products.
9. MySQL
One exam and knowledge of basic SQL and MySQL software will get you this certification. An additional exam and more advanced SQL skills will get you a Professional level certification.
10. Graphics & Internet Certifications
Finally, there are several good certifications for graphic designers and web developers. Most of these are vendor-specific and typically require one exam. Check with the product vendor you work with (or want to work with) and see if they have a certification program. Also check with associations such as WebYoda and WOW.
Benefits of the CompTIA A+ Certification
The CompTIA A+ Certification Exam is considered the industry standard in terms of measuring a technicians hardware and software knowledge. Those possessing the certification are more likely to receive higher salaries and 85% of these individuals choose to further their careers. By adding more certifications to your portfolio the career paths become even more valuable and diverse.
Here are some of the benefits of certification :
Here are some of the benefits of certification :
- Satisfaction
More Career Options
Higher Salary
Proof that you are serious
Money Saver
Money Maker
Benefits to your employer
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