Wednesday, October 15, 2008
CompTIA-and-the-Need-for-Certification
work toward A+ certification - or so I
thought until seeing some of the responses to a survey we recently conducted on
the subject. The results so far indicate students who sit for the exams have a
pretty good success rate - but not that many students sit for the exams while
they’re still in the CE courses.
Most teachers who responded say they believe certification is important or very
important for students who are going to pursue jobs or careers in IT. But a
substantial number of students in the courses have no such plans. And others
face financial barriers or are ‘just not ready’ before the end of the school
year. So what can be done?
CompTIA, the non-profit industry organization behind
A+ certification (as well as Network+,
Server+, Linux+ and a host of others), is working hard to get more students
certified. Their Education to Careers (E2C) program spearheads that effort,
offering benefits and services to educational institutions and non-profits.
E2C Business Development Manager Alan Rowland was at NCDPI’s Summer Conference
to talk about a partnership between CompTIA and NCDPI. Through it, North
Carolina’s high school IT teachers can get free vouchers for one certification
per year, and they can get discounted vouchers for students.
The discounts are substantial. Each A+ exam (you must pass two) normally costs
$168, but the E2C vouchers are $74 for an A+ exam. The cost is $118 vs. the
normal $232 for Network+, Server+, Linux+ and Project+.
Make yourself more valuable in today's competitive computer
industry Testkingdom's preparation material includes the most excellent
features, prepared by the same dedicated experts who have come together to offer
an integrated solution. We provide the most excellent and simple method to pass
your certification exams on the first attempt "GUARANTEED".
* Free update for 12 months
* Comprehensive questions with complete details
* Instant Downloadable.
* Verified Answers Researched by Industry Experts
* Most of Q & A have exhibits.
* These questions and answers are "GUARANTEE".
* Questions updated on regular basis.
* All exam Contain Pedagogical colors
In addition, testing partner Vue is letting schools set up their own testing
centers for no charge. This lets students take the exams conveniently, and with
less anxiety. CompTIA Press is planning academic version of CompTIA Press
textbook. There’s a free Tech Career Compass website (that’s worth a whole other
blog post… LOTS of stuff there.) They send newsletters, offer webinars, and
support SkillsUSA.
Alan stresses that certification is valuable because it’s based on a set of
standards - not just COMpTIA’s but from industry reps of subject matter groups
they convene to identify the standards. “We’re more the caretaker of those
objectives,” he says. Certification provides an ‘economic passport’ that is
generally recognized across borders, based on recognized standards so that
differences in educational curriculums or philosophies are minimized.
Certification can a give students some instant credibility and respect in the
workplace, more prestige, increased knowledge, better job satisfaction.
Employers find it valuable because it lowers the cost of training, recruiting
and hiring, and increases productivity due to skilled workers. It gives a
company a greater return on their investment when they hire someone, because
they believe they’re hiring someone with great credentials.
“Certification puts students on a viable career path, leading to higher level
positions,” Alan says. But how do you convince students to take the exams? He
has several suggestions:
Start early. Let them know right off the bat that the objective in this class is
to get them to certification.
Set a goal for the class. The goal is to actively prepare for and sit for a
certification exam at the end of the semester. Make it competitive.
Spread the word. Make sure others in the school and parents understand the class
goals and make them supportive of it. Explain the importance of this to the
parents and they’ll suppor it. Espsecially if they’re involved in the technology
industry.
Start a certification testing center at your school. Reduces anxiety, makes it
convenient. Do this early in the semester. VUE charges nothing.
Stress Soft Skills. Embed these in your class. Don’t ignore them! These are
basic common sense items, but you need to start them thinking about them in the
IT context… customer service, ethics, dealing with co-workers, etc. “It’s
important to help your students become good communicators because that will help
them stand out from students who are not.”
Additional Resources: Testkingdom's study material and study resources provide
the best Microsoft, Cisco, Comptia and more exams training.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
THE OFFICE DESK days are numbered
Today, more than 5 million people, almost a fifth of employees, already spend some time working at home or on the move, according to the report published by the Economic and Social Research Council and the Tomorrow Project, a charity studying future trends. That number will shoot up over the coming decades, the researchers say, with mobile work becoming one of the fastest-growing types of employment.
“Individuals will not necessarily see themselves as working from home,” according to the study, Working in the Twenty-First Century, extra copies of which have been ordered by Tony Blair’s office in Downing Street. “They could equally be working from the office. But they will be on the move from place to place, working at various times of the day, for much of the week. “For a substantial proportion of workers, work in 20 years’ time will be more about movement than staying put.”
The rise of the mobile worker, and the continuing development of home working, has significant implications. While the office itself will not disappear, despite many predictions of its demise, “mobile work and home working will involve a shift from personalized space to personalized time,” the study concludes.
Rooms or desks belonging to an individual and often personalized with photographs and plants will, it forecasts, increasingly be replaced by “the collective office” in which employees will “hot desk” on anonymous work stations.
For workers, this loss of personal space will be offset by greater control of time, allowing them to use technology to work late in a hotel while on the road, the study argues. But it concedes that managing time will be an issue for this growing section of the workforce, with the boundaries of work and leisure time becoming less distinct, potentially adding to family conflict. “Once work weaves into all the nooks and crannies of your life, deciding when to work will be increasingly difficult. Getting the job done will compete with the family.”
The report warns: “The job will intrude on moments of personal reflection. Whatever the statutory limit on working hours, fluid time will help work to burrow into more of your time.” Managers of mobile workers will find new ways to “control” staff, it adds. Some are already doing so through extending electronic surveillance of work completed, while others are seeking more radical methods based on capturing workers’ hearts and minds to create a culture of hard work even at a distance.
find
out more on MCSE
Training, MCSE
Certification, MCSE
2003 Training, MCSE 2003
Certification
Sunday, August 17, 2008
CompTIA Certifications (Newbie)
The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) is a non-profit trade association, was created in 1982 as the Association of Better Computer Dealers, Inc.(ABCD) by representatives of five microcomputer dealerships. Over the course of a decade, ABCD laid the groundwork for many of CompTIA’s initiatives and member benefits. ABCD later changed its name to the Computing Technology Industry Association CompTIA serves the IT industry as the world's largest developer of vendor-neutral IT certification exams. Since establishing the certification program in 1993, more than 900,000 CompTIA certifications have been earned worldwide. Currently, CompTIA offers certifications in PC hardware, networking, servers, Internet, e-business, project management, training, Linux, security, home technology, document imaging and RFID.
About CompTIA Certifications
CompTIA A+ Certification: proves that a candidate has the latest skills needed by today’s computer support professionals. CompTIA A+ confirms a technician's ability to perform tasks such as installation, configuration, diagnosing, preventive maintenance and basic networking. The exams also cover domains such as security, safety and environmental issues and communication and professionalism. Suitable Job roles after CompTIA A+ are Hardware Technician, Technical Support Engineers, Systems Analysts, Network Analysts, and Technical Consultants
CompTIA Network+ Certification: demonstrates that a candidate can describe the features and functions of networking components, and possesses the knowledge and skills needed to install, configure and troubleshoot basic networking hardware, protocols and services. The exam tests technical ability in the areas of media and topologies, protocols and standards, network implementation and network support. Suitable Job roles after CompTIA Network+ are Network Administrator, System Administrator and Network Technician.
CompTIA RFID+ Certification: validates an RFID technician’s knowledge and skills in the areas of installation, maintenance, repair, and upkeep of hardware and software functionality of RFID products.
CompTIA Security+ Certification: demonstrates proof of knowledge and expertise in security topics, such as communication security, infrastructure security, cryptography, access control, authentication, external attack and operational and organization security. Suitable Job roles after CompTIA Security+ are Network Administrator, Security Specialist or Network Technician
CompTIA Server+ Certification: validates advanced-level technical competency of server issues and technology; including installation, configuration, upgrading, maintenance, environment, and troubleshooting and disaster recovery. This certification is intended for mid to upper-level technicians. Suitable Job roles after CompTIA Server+ are Server Administrator, System Administrator and IT Technician.
CompTIA HTI+ Certification: demonstrates mastery of core competencies regarding the installation, integration and troubleshooting of the following automated home sub-systems: Home Security, Audio/Video, Computer Networks, Electrical Wiring, HVAC (Heating/Air Conditioning Systems), Cable/Satellite, Broadband, Telecommunications and Structured Wiring.
CompTIA e-Biz+ Certification: proves that a candidate knows the basic concepts, key issues and critical technologies of e-business. CompTIA e-Biz+ is designed for technical and non-technical individuals who work in an e-business environment. The exam is only available in Korean and Japanese languages.
CompTIA CTT+ Certification: proves excellence in preparation, presentation, communication, facilitation and evaluation in a classroom environment. CompTIA CTT+ is a two-part exam: computer-based and video-based.
CompTIA CDIA+ Certification: validates expertise in the technologies and best practices used to plan, design, and specify a document imaging and management system.
CompTIA Linux+ Certification: proves that a candidate can explain fundamental open source resources/licenses, demonstrate knowledge of user administration, understand file permissions/software configurations and manage local storage devices and network protocols. Suitable Job roles after CompTIA Linux+ are Network Administrator, System Administrator and Network Technician.
CompTIA i-Net+ Certification: demonstrates knowledge and competency in implementing and maintaining Internet, Intranet and Extranet infrastructures and services, as well as the development of related applications. Suitable Job roles after CompTIA I-Net+ are Network Administrator, System Administrator, Website Designer and Security Specialist.
CompTIA Project+ Certification: validates fundamental project management skills. It covers the entire project life cycle from initiation and planning through execution, acceptance, support and closure.
CompTIA Convergence+ Certification: proves knowledge and skills in the area of Communications Technologies (CT), where datacomm, telephony/ telecommunications, video and broadcast multimedia technologies combine into a single IP-based delivery system.
CEA-CompTIA DHTI+ Certification: demonstrates that a candidate can configure, integrate, maintain, troubleshoot, and comprehend the basic design concepts of electronic and digital home systems.
CompTIA PDI+ Certification: is being developed to validate that a technician has the knowledge and skills to work with printers (inkjet, laser, dot matrix, thermal and solid ink), LED, multi-function products (MFPs), scanners, fax machines, copiers, digital, networking, connectivity and color theory. The exam is expected to be available Q1 2008.
Benefits of being CompTIA certified
* CompTIA certification provides you an industry-recognized credential that proves your expertise on various IT technologies.
* CompTIA certified professionals and can manage complex tasks more efficiently.
* A CompTIA certification gives you more job opportunities and preference in salary raise and promotions.
* CompTIA certifications helps employers find competent and skilled employees.
* CompTIA certifications can be used to prepare for advanced certifications that upgrade your credentials and help you excel in your professional career.
CompTIA Exam Pricing for India (in US Dollars)
* CompTIA A+ Exam Prices: Non Member Pricing - $163.00
* CompTIA CDIA+, CTT (VBT), e-Biz+, Security+, RFID+ Exam Prices : Non Member Pricing - $251.00
* CompTIA Convergence+, CTT+ (CBT), DHTI+, HTI+, i-Net+, Project+, Linux+, Network+, Server+ Exam Prices: Non Member Pricing - $232.00CompTIA Corporate
Members receive discounts off the non member pricing.
CompTIA Registration
CompTIA exams may be taken at Pearson VUE or Thomson Prometric testing facilities.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
An Overview of CompTIA A+ Core Exams
Of all the PC repair and technical support certifications available today A+ is the most popular of all and above all it is the most recognized. This is because the IT industry as a whole supports the A+ certification training programs. Additional reasons why A+ is the best of the certification programs is because most every manufacturers, professional body, vendor, service provider, and the like accept this type of certification.
So, any professional IT service provider out there should have A+ training in order to show how committed he is to his work not to mention how capable! When companies and other potential clients see A+ certification on your resume they will know right away they are dealing with a professional and that is very important and just what you are going for. On top of all the other benefits, A+ certification is the only generic certification out there and it is well received because of this as well. Anyone who knows anything about IT support will recognize your capabilities include offering technical support for computers and users.
Those who are A+ 2003 certified will need to become A+ 2006 certified in order to stay competitive and remain abreast of all the changes in the industry. Those who are A+ 2006 certified don’t necessarily need to become A+ 2003 certified because all the old and new information will be on the new exam. Training is worthwhile if you plan on becoming an IT professional or want to make sure you pass your exams. Knowing you are prepared in advance is important and when you take courses up front you will be confident in your exams and know that you will pass.
Once you become certified in A+ you can bet on people looking at your resume and immediately trusting in your IT support capabilities. That’s because A+ is just that well known and it has been proven time and time again.
Richel Fox is a freelance writer. any professional IT service provider out there should have A+ training in order to show how committed he is to his work not to mention how capable! When companies and other potential clients see A+ certification on your resume they will know right away they are dealing with a professional and that is very important and just what you are going for.
On top of all the other benefits, A+ certification is the only generic certification out there and it is well received because of this as well.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Current Comp TIA Certification - Comp TIA Security + Exam Updates
An Ever-Changing and Rapidly Evolving IT Industry
As we all well know, technologies are never created and simply finished or finalized. Almost always, there are imminent changes - whether visible or unanticipated - on the IT horizon with transformations continually being planned and blue-printed, improvements invariably being made around the clock. And with technological evolution it's imperative to recognize that what must also change is the knowledge pushing and backing up the involved technologies. The aforementioned holds much truth to it, especially if effectiveness and adeptness in a desired field (in this case being IT security) is what a professional requires and desires.
This notion of continual progression and adapting, bettering as one goes along, in technological terms, carries over into the IT certification industry, especially within the realm of security.
Comp TIA Security+ Rundown
As the international and vendor-neutral certification validating a slew of varying IT security knowledge ranging from access control, cryptography, assessment and audits, network infrastructure, standard organizational security as well as systems security (and so on), such a certification is bound to be at the whim of how IT security issues arise, amplify and evolve. And currently, new forms of security issues have been popping up and many industry heads have taken notice. As such, the Security+ examination's structure and contents were taken into consideration for alteration and later (being now) planned to be put into action, making definite modifications happen.
Think of this modification situation from a preparatory stance. As incoming dangers emerge and attacks are conducted, most times, they unveil themselves as different and even stronger than before. So, therefore, by refreshing and adapting the current knowledge, as to combat current trends, professionally battling and winning against these IT terrors can be fully achieved.
Comp TIA Security+ Changes and What You Need To Know
The updated version will be launched October 2008. But, know that what you have or want to have in terms of Comp TIA certification is not obsolete. This is so because the 2007 edition will still be readily available to certify with up through April 2009. And this is good, especially considering that if you are still, in fact, preparing for the Comp TIA Security+ exam and CompTIA A+ exam, you will need to be certified - as it is required- through the 2007 edition first
Sunday, July 20, 2008
CompTIA A+ Certification
computer support professionals. It is an international, vendor-neutral
certification recognized by major hardware and software vendors, distributors
and resellers. CompTIA A+ confirms a technician's ability to perform tasks such
as installation, configuration, diagnosing, preventive maintenance and basic
networking. The exams also cover domains such as security, safety and
environmental issues and communication and professionalism.
CompTIA A+ ensures the right people have the right skills. While many of the
essential skills are universal, there are additional skills required to support
the needs of businesses. By offering certification options for specific job
scenarios, CompTIA A+ gives individuals the ability to grow their careers in a
certain area, and employers the flexibility to choose the exam combination that
best fits their needs.
For more information about the CompTIA A+ exams, click each of the exam boxes below:
CompTIA A+® Authorized Service Centers
If your technicians are CompTIA A+ certified, you may qualify as a CompTIA A+ Authorized Service Center. This distinctive title allows your company to advertise your dedication to customer service. The CompTIA ASC program logo ensures a customer that the business owner and employees take pride in their work and are interested in advancing the skill level and quality of their operations. Visit the CompTIA ASC Web site to learn more.