Monthly Archives: January 2013

Posted by: Kathy Yale

The IT industry has been a growing sector of the economy for many years. There are no signs of this trend slowing down any time soon. With new technologies appearing every day, it is important to stay on the cutting edge, or risk falling behind. Whether you are new to the field or have years of experience, new certifications are often required to meet the demands of your customers and advance in your career. Total Seminars A+ Practice Test will give you an advantage when you take your certification exams. Currently, CompTIA is offering certifications in three different skill levels to help you succeed in your IT career.

Foundational

The foundational skill level covers students, as well as new IT workers. The certifications offered for this skill level cover the basic knowledge and skills needed to work in a modern IT environment. These certifications include the Strata IT Fundamentals and IT for Sales. Basic IT installation and maintenance is analyzed in the Fundamentals exam, while the Sales exam handles selling IT solutions to customers. An A+ Practice Test will cover the baseline foundational concepts that are key to acing certification exams.

Entry Level

Entry level certifications are designed for those who have started their IT career. For this skill level the certifications cover broader subject areas. PDI+ certification covers color theory, print engine and scan processes, networking components, basic electromechanical components, and tools for entry level IT workers. The entry level A+ Certification includes installation, troubleshooting, preventative maintenance, communication skills, and basic networking.

Professional

Well established IT workers can receive the professional level CompTIA certifications. There are a number of certifications at this level. These include Network+, Security+, Linux+ Powered by LPI, Project+, Server+, CTT+, and Green IT certifications. Network+ certification covers the management, maintenance, troubleshooting, configuration and operation of basic network infrastructures. Security+ ensures accurate knowledge of system security, network infrastructure, audits, and cryptography assessments. Linux+ professional certification includes Linux installation, system architecture, desktops, user interfaces, and GNU and Unix commands. The project management process, installation, planning, execution and support are topics explored in the Project+ certification. Server+ certification handles the building, maintaining and troubleshooting of server hardware and software. Certification for classroom preparation, communication, facilitation, and evaluation is provided by the CTT+ certification. Green IT certification covers the identification of green prospects, customer care, and providing appropriate solutions.

Hardware

If you wish to complete certifications based on areas of expertise, instead of skill level, CompTIA has grouped their certifications into different expertise areas as well. The first of these areas is hardware certifications. The certifications which are classified as hardware certifications are A+, PDI+, Server+, and Strata IT Fundamentals. These handle the installation, testing, and troubleshooting of office equipment.

Systems

Systems certifications are the second classification of area of expertise certifications. These deal with methods of integrating computers and secure communications in a business environment. Systems certifications include the Network+, Security+, Linux+, and Green IT certifications.

Methodology

Certifications under the methodology area of expertise cover the ways in which traditional business roles can benefit from technical knowledge. General topics of this area include classroom instruction, management, and customer service. Project+, CTT+, and IT for Sales are all classified as methodology certifications.

These are the current certifications provided by CompTIA. With technology and IT tools advancing faster than ever before, it is vital to prove that you have the knowledge and ability to handle any situation for your clients. By using Total Seminars A+ practice test to achieve the highest possible score on your certification exams, you will place yourself above and beyond the competition.

Posted by: Kathy Yale

Internet and Computing Core Certification (IC3) is becoming a global standard for verification of workforce computer literacy. While advanced technology is commonly used by many every day, employers have found that some employees still lack an understanding of the fundamentals of computing that drive technology tools in the work place. The IC3 Certification presents and tests one’s knowledge of computer hardware, software, operating systems, and networks.

IC3 Essentials

The IC3 Certification includes a computer hardware competency section that tests one’s knowledge of common types of computing platforms. Successful IC3 candidates show adequate knowledge of core computer hardware components and their functions. These people should know basic hardware maintenance techniques and demonstrate minor troubleshooting abilities.

The computer software competency section allows a test taker to demonstrate knowledge of how computer programs are used on various hardware platforms. A working knowledge of common software programs is expected and must be demonstrated to pass the exam. Key software programs are tested as part of the IC3 exam including word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and database applications.

Skills Tested

Computer operating systems and their functions are tested during the IC3 exam. While test takers may not need to know details about all types of available operating systems, they should demonstrate basic file organization as well as the ability to modify system settings and program installations. IC3 exam allows test takers to demonstrate these skills for either a PC or Mac OS.

Since computer security is such a prominent issue among many employers, the IC3 exam tests one’s knowledge of basic computer networking and common network vulnerabilities. Basic knowledge of email function and applications are tested as well. The common rules of computer network and email etiquette are also tested on the IC3 exam.

Upward Mobility within the Information Technology Industry

Employees who wish to present themselves as competitive candidates for career advancement often choose to get their IC3. Junior information technology (IT) professionals may find that the IC3 is a useful professional development credential that helps verify IT skill level to employers. Additionally, entry-level IT job seekers are encouraged by some career counselors to have the IC3 listed on their resumes. IT skills are so valued that even today’s high school students are encouraged to obtain the certification. Aspiring IT professionals also use IC3 as an initial step toward other popular computer certification exams such as Microsoft certification exams and Cisco network exams.

Globally Recognized IT Credential

Not only are U.S. employers, labor departments, and staffing agencies looking for candidates with demonstrated IT skills as verified by the IC3, but so are international organizations. Regions like Asia, Africa, and Latin America are not only familiar with the certification but have incorporated it into their vocational education programs. Some multinational companies use IC3 as a preference point for those applying for entry-level IT positions. Students who desire to pursue international business careers may find the IC3 exam a useful addition to their international business degrees.

Ready to Take the IC3 Exam

The IC3 exam is administered by Certiport, which is a leading developer of IT certification programs. The company has test sites all over the world, and test takers may purchase exam vouchers on the Certiport website. A purchased exam voucher entitles the holder to take one IC3 exam within a certain region.

Posted by: Kathy Yale

CompTIA offers IT certification for individuals, government agencies, businesses and educators. These certifications are “vendor neutral certifications that measure foundation skills”. Many of the exams offered by CompTIA, such as the A+ Certification, set the groundwork for advanced certification in the IT field of choice. CompTIA certification shows that an individual has the skills, as well as the commitment, to furthering their education and career. Obtaining IT certification through CompTIA is considered an accurate predictor of employee success. CompTIA uses international focus groups as well as a panel of global IT experts to create and review their certification programs and exams.

CompTIA A+ Certification

For those beginning the certification process, a great place to start is the CompTIA A+ Certification. Any professional choosing to begin the certification process must start with the A+ certification. For those just entering the field, the A+ certification is a logical next step after receiving basic certification. The exam covers maintenance of PCs, mobile devices, laptops, operating systems and printers as well as the configuration of these systems. Aside from PC configuration, students also learn Apple and Android configurations for mobile devices.

Four Levels of Certification

CompTIA offers four levels of certification, from entry level to industry specific. The basic course covers the foundations of IT for those with no prior experience in the IT field. The Strata IT Fundamentals course covers the basics of PC components, PC functions and their compatibility with other systems. This certification can be used to move on to additional certifications.

Professional Certification

There are ten professional certifications, each geared toward a specific IT discipline. Topics included in these certifications are servers, security, document handling, storage and networks.

Mastery Certification

Mastery certifications cover advanced practices of a specific discipline. Students must be able to integrate multiple enterprise disciplines through the application of advanced skills. Skills learned include enterprise security, risk management, research and analysis, and integration of IT with communication and business. This certification can be taken as a stand-alone course for IT professionals or as a step toward a specific certification goal.

Specialty Series

The Specialty Series of certifications focuses on business and technical knowledge for specific markets. These can be taken with other CompTIA Professional certifications or independently by IT professionals working in those fields. Specialty certifications are available in Cloud Essentials, Healthcare, Media Security, Green and Sales.

The CompTIA A+ certification is ISO and ANSI accredited and has been recognized by the United States Department of Labor. According to CompTIA’s website, over 900,000 IT professionals worldwide hold the A+ certification. Since the certification is vendor neutral, professionals holding the certification are able to work for companies such as Dell, Lenovo and Intel. The job market is promising for certified professionals and includes positions such as IT Support Technician, IT Support Specialist, Field Service Technician, IT Support Administrator and IT Support Specialist.

The A+ Certification is broken down into two exams. Each exam has ninety (90) questions and applicants have ninety (90) minutes to complete the exam. Each exam is performance based, meaning that while the exam is multiple choice, applicants must solve real world problems and apply the knowledge obtained through both study and job experience to arrive at the correct answer.

CompTIA’s certifications are vital to keeping IT professional’s skills up to date while providing the most comprehensive training available.

Posted by: Kathy Yale

The Network+ Certification is awarded by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) to signify competency in troubleshooting personal computer hardware and operating systems. Being one of the most widely recognized certifications, many people try and earn their Network+ Certification while entering the job market. And while there’s no official prerequisite, the cost of the exam fee compels all who take the exam to succeed sooner rather than later. But how can you best prepare for the Network+ exam?

Preparation for Network+

The Network+ exam consists of 1/5th media and topologies questions, 1/5th protocols and standards, and 1/4th network implementation, while the remainder consists of network support. This means that you will have to become proficient in topologies, protocol suites, network hardware, standards for cabling, remote connectivity, troubleshooting, the OSI Seven-Layer model, and even the networking requirements of modern operating systems.

While many people turn to community college courses to help learn this curriculum, doing it on your own is a simple matter of identifying what you know, what you need to learn, and how long it will take you to learn it. For most people, self-preparation will require about two or three months of time, assuming that you prepare at least three hours per day. This amount may vary depending on your background in computer networking, but it’s wise to be cautious and realistic about the time it will require to achieve proficiency.

Professional Help

Abstaining from taking Network+ courses to prepare you for the exam doesn’t mean you have to abstain from practice exams and other professionally prepared materials. The internet is full of free practice exams, and you should plan on taking one every few weeks before the exam. By grading your own practice exam, you’ll get a better understanding of what you still need to learn as well as what you have mastered.

A Little Help from Your Friends

Keeping motivated to stay on task over the months it will take to prepare will be the key to your success or the reason for your failure. That is why it’s important to find a friend to keep you accountable for your studying with a buddy-system. Your friend doesn’t have to be preparing for the exam, but having a real social connection to keep you on-task, especially while preparing for the exam online, might be the reason you fail or pass in the coming months.

Network+ vs. Other CompTIA Exams

CompTIA offers a variety of other certifications, including Security+, CASP, Server+, A+, Linux+, Project+, CTP+, PDI+, and Storage+. These exams are graded by virtue of multiple choice tests with a score of 75% or higher being required to achieve certification. The Network+ exam can include up to 100 questions, which is drastically higher than the maximum of 65 contained on the CTP+ exam. However, like all CompTIA certification exams, the length of the Network+ exam is 90 minutes. This means that the extra questions present on the Network+ exam represent the wider scope of computer networking, not necessary an increased degree of difficulty.

Finally, it’s important to note that the 2009 version of the Network+ exam was recently retired for the 2012 version of the exam. This means that you should avoid using old preparation materials that may not reflect the emphasis on modern technology present in the latest version of the exam.