Author Archives: wpadmin

[Posted 13 June 2013 by Kathy Yale]

IC3 certification is one of the best ways to promote computer literacy. Candidates who want to prepare for IC3 certification must study for a test that assesses the individual’s knowledge. There are many test preparation materials available, but Total Seminars provides IC3 preparation and exam vouchers that are a cost-effective way to gain this valuable certification.

Why Should I Seek IC3 Certification?

IC3 stands for Internet and Computing Core Certification. This certification documents computer literacy skills and never expires. Once an individual receives IC3 certification, he or she can use that certification for the rest of their career.

IC3 assesses several aspects of computer and Internet literacy, including:

• How computers work. The test covers basic functions of computers such as CPU, RAM and other designations of memory and operations.
• How to work within the Windows operating system. IC3 certification focuses on Windows as an operation system and covers the basic functions of manipulating files and data with Windows OS.
• Basic operation of Office applications. IC3 tests an individual’s ability to use Office applications effectively at a basic level.
• Networking. IC3 tests the applicant’s knowledge of networking basics such as how networks are constructed, connectivity issues and types of network configurations.
• Electronic communication. IC3 assesses knowledge of email and other forms of electronic communication using basic programming skills.
• The Internet. The IC3 exam covers basics of how the Internet is structured, computer language used in Internet applications and basic manipulation of web site structures.

Who Accepts IC3 Certification?

All jobs with exposure to computer systems demand the skills tested by IC3. Many employers are recognizing IC3 certification as a good way to screen potential employees for job-ready skills. If a job candidate has IC3 certification, the employer already knows that he or she has a basic understanding of programming and operations of computer systems that will serve the company well.

The potential to obtain a job is not the only reason to seek IC3 certification, however. IC3 certification can be a first step to achieving higher-level computer certifications and credentials. Individuals who successfully pass MOS, CompTIA, Strata, CompTIA A+ and other certification tests often begin with IC3 certification. 

Not only does passing the test give a candidate a valuable certification, it can also inspire him or her to seek higher goals in professional training and testing.

What Does the IC3 Exam Look Like?

The IC3 exam consists of three test sections. Each section contains 45 multiple choice questions. The four sections are:

• Computing Fundamentals
• Key Applications
• Living Online

Candidates have 45 minutes to complete each section. The passing scores for each section are, out of 1,000 points each:

• Computing Fundamentals, 800
• Key Applications, 750
• Living Online, 660

How Can I Prepare for IC3 Testing?

Seeking IC3 Certification can be the first step in a lucrative and satisfying computer career. Total Seminars offers preparation materials that are easy to use and fully prepare candidates for the IC3 exam. Total Seminars also includes testing vouchers so that candidates can take the IC3 test at their own convenience. Support is available for students that will help them understand the material and feel confident when they take the IC3 Certification exam.

[Posted 4 June 2013 by Kathy Yale]

The field of information technology (IT) is one of many occupations that benefit from professional certification. Obtaining professional credentials provides confidence to both prospective employers and clients that an IT professional has received proper training and is competent to work in the IT field. Total Seminars provides a range of examination preparation materials for the CompTIA A+ certification and other IT certification examinations. 

Overview of the Comptia A+ Examination

Successfully completing the CompTIA A+ certification examination is important for anyone who wishes to be employed as a computer technical support specialist or computer repair technician. The basic certification process includes two separate examinations that cover a full range of computer hardware and software repair, installation, networking and troubleshooting. The examination is administered at testing centers throughout the United States. Each section of the examination is 90 minutes in length, and no reference material or notes are allowed during testing. 

General CompTIA A+ Examination Guide

As part of a complete array of test preparation materials, Total Seminars offers a general CompTIA A+ guide, the All-in-One Examination Guide. This comprehensive guidebook, authored by expert Mike Meyers, is broken down into chapters and reviews all the material that might be included on the CompTIA A+ examination. The book also includes diagrams and pictures, as well as information about the examination itself. A CD accompanying the book contains several additional lessons and helpful bonus material.

Practice Tests

A great way to prepare for any examination is by taking one or more practice tests containing similar questions presented in the same format as the test itself. Practice tests can alleviate fear of the unknown while helping a student prepare more effectively. Total Seminars offers a set of CompTIA A+ practice tests comprised of realistic questions presented with the same time constraints as the actual examination. The practice tests are computer based and also available on CD. 

Specialized Examination Guides

In addition to the general CompTIA A+ certification, certification examinations are available in numerous IT specialties. Total Seminars offers guidebooks and other material designed to prepare test takers for several of the most popular specialized certifications, including Network+, Strata IT and Security+. These study guides are written and presented by experts in each respective field and may be available in video or textbook format. Practice tests for each specialized examination may also be purchased. 

Bundle Packages

Package deals are available that include many of the top-selling Total Seminars books and videos. The “Ultimate Arsenal” combines either the Mike Meyers Network+ Course or the All-in-One Guide with the Practice Test package, while other packages bundle test preparation material with examination vouchers good at VUE testing centers. These packages save money while providing the knowledge that a future IT expert needs to become certified. 

Total Seminars is a leader in preparatory material for the CompTIA A+ and related IT certification examinations. Preparatory courses and guides are available for purchase using a convenient on-line checkout system. Course demos are also available at the Total Seminars website. The IT field is constantly evolving and the CompTIA examinations are frequently updated to reflect these changes. Total Seminars is committed to staying ahead of the curve when it comes to new information and CompTIA examination updates. An individual seeking IT certification can find everything needed to prepare for their examination at Total Seminars.

[Posted 3 June 2013 by Kathy Yale]

If your goal is to be a network engineer, you’ll need to take a Network+ certification exam to become qualified in your field. Many individuals may experience issues when they are preparing to their exam whether it be due to time constraint or lack of materials. Fortunately, there are resources available for every test taker to utilize, regardless of experience that will allow them to successfully prepare for their exam.

Here are some practical tips for getting the best possible score on your network certification exam. These suggestions will also help you to retain much of the information on your test after you’ve passed it.

Books

There are a variety of books available in order to successfully study for the exam such as the Mike Meyers CompTIA Network+ Guide to Managing & Troubleshooting Networks. Read each chapter of the textbook you’re using for studying, and take notes. If there are questions at the end of each chapter or at the conclusion of the Network+ textbook, write the answers to the questions down in the book, so you can refer to them as often as you need to before the test.

Online Courses

Online courses offered by Total Seminars apply the material given in the books and give an in-depth tutorial regarding the information needed to pass the exam. These interactive courses are led by skilled instructors and nationally known authors. The classes are both convenient and affordable.

After the live lecture, it’s a good idea to take practice tests, which are offered by Total Seminars. Updated versions of the Certification Exam Guide are available on the website, so you’ll be completely prepared for the questions you’ll see on the actual test.

Seminars

One of the most effective methods to study for the exam is to attend a number of seminars. This is an effective way for you to have the questions that you were not able to ask during the online course answered. Total Seminars provides instructors who are knowledgeable in becoming Network+ certified. These instructors are an excellent resource to better understand the study material given in the online courses and the book material.

If you’re questions aren’t fully answered during the lecture, search Total Seminars website for the study materials. There are a number of videos on the website that provide information on troubleshooting and software management, as well as instructional videos that teach you how to operate and repair various computer systems effectively.

Studying

It’s also important to make sure that you’re studying for your exam in a comfortable environment. Be sure you are studying in a setting that is conducive to your learning habits, whether that is a coffee house or your living room. When you feel at ease, you can go over the important details of your test naturally, which will help you retain the information for the exam.

Once you feel ready, schedule your test as soon as possible. Remember the terminology, theories and program descriptions that you’ve studied, and take your time. Good luck!

[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.

[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.