Network+ Certification Still a Top Choice for IT Career Advancement
[Posted 28 May 2013 by Kathy Yale]
Almost 15 years after it was initially launched, Network+ remains one of the most popular – and powerful – certifications for today’s tech professionals seeking to make themselves more attractive to their current or future employers. Why? Well, the primary reasons are its power and its versatility. The networking certification Is one of the flagship certifications supported by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), and for anyone interested in becoming an IT support person, having this certification is a must. It’s also a natural next-step for anyone who has already completed CompTIA’s A+ certification or who has some background working in an entry-level IT position.
To really understand just why this specific certification remains so popular among both networking professionals and the companies who rely on them, consider the advantages the certification offers:
- It’s accessible. There’s no need to have an extensive background in computers in order to gain Network+ certification. All you need is the time and dedication to study the review materials, watch the videos and take the practice tests – all of which can be done according to your own schedule and at your own pace.
- It’s versatile. Unlike certifications sponsored by specific hardware or software manufacturers, your certification will not tie you into one specific platform or application. As you work toward becoming certified, you’ll learn networking concepts that are applicable to a wide range of platforms, including how to configure, manage and troubleshoot network infrastructures – and that means you’ll be in demand by a larger pool of employers.
- It counts toward vendor-specific certifications. Because the exam covers networking concepts that are used in a variety of platforms, Microsoft, HP, Novell and Cisco all recognize Network+ certification and allow it to be counted toward their own certification pathways, including Microsoft’s Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) certification, which means you’ll actually save time – and money – if you decide to pursue one of these specific tracks later.
- It’s in demand. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the field of network administration is expected to grow by 28% by 2020 as companies invest in more powerful networks. Because it’s internationally recognized, your certification comes with a built-in degree of confidence which means that with just one look at your resume, employers will know you have the knowledge and preparation required to handle a broad range of networking issues regardless of the platform the company uses.
All of the Network+ materials offered by Total Seminars will help you earn your certification; however, many experts advise using more than one source to prepare for the exam – for instance, two books by different authors or a book combined with a video series. To be completely prepared, industry experts also recommend taking as many practice tests as you can to get a real “feel” for how the actual exam is structured. With some time and determination – and the right study materials – you could be on your way to a networking career in less time than you imagine.
Who Should Consider Network+ Certification
[Posted 23 May 2013 by Kathy Yale]
Computer networking professionals across the globe rely on CompTIA’s Network+ certification. Because the world of computer technology moves extremely quickly, many IT professionals turn to certificates to prove that their knowledge is up to date. Because it is relatively low-level and unspecialized, many people in the IT field can benefit from obtaining this certificate.
Certificates are commonly pursued to improve a person’s job prospects. Employers often like to hire people with certificates because they can be sure that the person already possesses the necessary skills to perform the job. Even professionals with degrees in the field can benefit from certification in some cases because certificates tend to be much more specific than degrees.
Some professionals go so far as to state an opinion that all IT professionals should have A+ and Network+ certification. In these scenarios, getting hired without certification would be next to impossible. Possession of a certificate will generally increase an IT professional’s job prospects.
Plenty of people who work in the IT field get along just fine without certificates. However, certification is typically relatively inexpensive, and it is a good way for job seekers to prove their knowledge in the field. People who already possess the necessary skills to pass the test should definitely consider taking it, if just to have outside verification of their abilities.
This particular certification is designed for IT professionals who work with networks. Common job titles include network administrator, network technician and network installer. Professionals such as IT cable installers and help deck technicians may also benefit from passing the test. Anyone interested in pursuing any of these careers will benefit from certification.
The Network+ certificate is not exactly entry-level, but it is not particularly advanced, either. CompTIA recommends having nine months of work experience in the IT field before taking the exam. Many people choose it as a second certificate after CompTIA’s A+ certificate or another similar entry-level exam.
People who entered the IT profession in entry-level positions will usually find certification a useful way to prove that they have learned enough to move up. IT professionals who got their start in less-than-ideal jobs and wish to obtain better employment can also put their knowledge to the test by taking this certification exam. For both new and experienced IT pros, it can also be a stepping stone to being considered for a promotion. Obtaining certification not only provides proof of skills but also demonstrates a willingness to work hard and stay up to date in the field.
Some companies recommend or require that their networking technicians to have passed this test. This means that job hopefuls applying to these positions will be well served to have obtained their certificate. Big names that have this requirement include Dell, HP, Sharp and Xerox.
CompTIA’s Network+ certificate is also a vendor-neutral option. This may make it a better choice for professionals who are just beginning their careers in networking. The certificate provides the flexibility to pursue a number of different vendor-specific certificates after having obtained experience in the field and decided on a direction. Those who are looking for a new job or soon will be may also appreciate the flexibility of a vendor-neutral certification.
The Growing Importance of IC3 Cerification
[Posted 16 May 2013 by Kathy Yale]
Computing fundamentals, key applications and living online are the three elements of IC3 certification. The importance of these components is progressively growing in the jobs industry. As technology becomes more of a key component in the workplace, employers are searching for candidates who have thorough training and experience in the core areas.
The Big Shift
The workforce of the 1970s saw a shift in the workplace as computers were introduced in higher levels of administration. As time passed, computers replaced filing systems for records. Administrative workers were required to do away with the Rolo-Dex and card filing systems and learn how to enter information into a computer.
As technology developed and employers saw the benefits in speed and accuracy in using computers, the usage of computers was spread outside of the lines of record keeping. Companies began to use them as processors for applications, real-life simulators and as monetary exchange systems. Employers were able to locate files and view transactions that had occurred months prior to inquiry. Technology has made the speed of business increase at astronomical increments.
Today’s Work Environment
Things have continued to progress since the 1970s. And, every position of employment requires some type of interaction with computers. Hands-on laborers have to at least "punch the clock" using a keyboard, mouse and monitor. This is why IC3 certification is growing in importance.
Benefits to Employers
Arguably, job candidates are classified by levels of computer skill and knowledge. Employers understand that holders of the IC3 certificate don’t have to be trained on basic computer usage. They also understand that holders of the certificate are adept at searching and getting around the Internet without much assistance. These factors add much value to potential job candidates.
Employers transitioning to a more technological platform are crippled when having to remove their "best" employees from the floor and retrain them on computer basics. Also, the learning curve can take up to months to cure and justify the training.
Switching Careers?
On the other hand, IC3 certification is valuable to recruiters because they don’t have to sift through a candidate’s resume in order to determine whether or not he or she has the basic computer skills necessary for the job. Those who are making a career change can make themselves more attractive with this as on a resume.
How Accessible is IC3 Certification?
Total Seminars is offering courses that you can utilize to prepare yourself for today’s job market. We offer a number of courses that include IC3, A++ and more. If you are switching careers, reentering the job market or jumping in for the first time, we have a line up of courses that will help you advance as a professional.
We also provide news and other updates pertinent to testing. We provide you with the right materials and offer expertise on how to use them most effectively. We keep pace with industry changes, and, we make adjustments when test content changes. Contact us today and use as a competent aid in helping you achieve certification success.
How to Use the A+ Practice Test to Gain a Foothold in the IT Industry
[Posted 09 May 2013 by Kathy Yale]
The A+ practice test can be highly beneficial to someone who is serious about building a long-term professional career in the IT industry. As anyone working in a technical field knows, industry certifications are a fact of life. Because many of the issues that you’ll face in IT require highly detailed knowledge of specific platforms or software packages, employers need to use certification exams to determine your level of technical competence.
Why Take the Test?
Some individuals who already have a good deal of knowledge in the field of IT may question the benefit of taking the A+ practice test. Indeed, taking the test will require a bit more of a time investment than simply going straight for your certification. However, you should look at the practice test as a tool rather than a time investment.
As A+ is considered by many employers to be an entry-level certification for anyone wishing to join the IT industry, there likely will be a fairly large pool of applicants for any position requiring the skills you’ll learn. Practicing before testing for your certification is one way to set yourself apart from potential competitors.
In an article prepared for the Learning Strategies Database at Muskingum University, it is explained that practice tests are perhaps the best way of preparing for any type of examination. The main benefit is said to stem from the fact that such tests impose an in-depth review of the material that will be covered on an actual exam. Additionally, the practice exam will generally follow the same format as the official one, thus allowing a student to get acquainted with the way information and questions will be presented to them.
Making the Most of the Test
If you do elect to take the A+ practice test, you’ll want to make sure that you maximize the opportunity that doing so gives you. There are two ways to do this deepening on your situation. If you’re not sure which elements of the test will be most difficult for you, you can work through the whole thing, and then go back for a more detailed review of any topics that you had problems with.
On the other hand, if you’re already aware of the fact that you are weaker when it comes to certain topics covered on the test, you can choose to focus all of your efforts on these areas until you’re able to attain a high degree of confidence when it comes to all the material.
By using the test in this way, you can greatly improve upon any areas of weakness you might have. This will make you a stronger candidate for employment even when it comes to entry-level positions. You’ll have a stronger grasp of crucial material then other applicants who did not take the same extra time for preparation.
A final benefit of taking the A+ practice test is the fact that it puts you in a better position for furthering your career down the line. Because A+ certification focuses on many of the fundamentals in the IT industry, the strong foundation of skills that you’ll be building by taking extra time to learn will likely mean that you’ll be better prepared to delve into the more complex areas of IT as you move up within the industry.
Grab Some Color!
Adding color to printing enables you to do a lot more with a document than simply printing in black. You can add emphasis to specific text, for example, or add small graphics. When it comes to printing a chart, on the other hand, color pretty much makes the chart come alive.
For years, the only cost-effective color-printer choice for the SOHO environment has been ink jet printers. Those of you who have taken our classes know my opinion about the ink jet rip-off market, with replacement cartridges costing upwards of $1000 per gallon. (Seriously. Do the math.) But the primary alternative, color laser printers, have been so expensive that most families and small businesses simply couldn’t afford the initial cost, even if the lifetime cost was substantially less than for an ink jet printer.
Dell just broke that paradigm with the announcement of the Dell C1790nw at a whopping $134.99. Blink. Close your mouth. It’s on sale today, so if you’re in the market for a printer, go here:
Or, if that long link is broken in your browser, try here:
http://tinyurl.com/dyqt2z6
My immediate thought was that, like ink jet printer manufacturers, Dell would fleece consumers with the cost of toner cartridges, but that appears not to be the case. Dell offers two levels of cartridges for the C1790: the 700-page and the 1400-page. (There’s also a 2000-page version, but only for black.) Prices:
- Black (700) – $50
- Magenta (700) – $56
- Cyan (700) – $56
- Yellow (700) – $56
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- Black (2000) – $70
- Magenta (1400) – $70
- Cyan (1400) – $70
- Yellow (1400) – $70