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The tech industry continues to grow and the demand for skilled professionals is ever present, but where do you start? In today’s world you can begin to build a resume with certifications. Not ready for a high stakes certification? CompTIA Tech+ is a foundational certification that equips individuals with a broad understanding of core IT concepts and practical skills.

Tech+ is an inexpensive certification that can help explore the IT landscape and determine if it’s the right path for you. Even if you’re not an IT professional, Tech+ can enhance your understanding of technology and improve your job performance. Tech+ validates your technical abilities and prepares you for more advanced certifications.

Tech+ covers a wide range of essential topics:
IT concepts and terminology: Understanding the basics of computing, data, and problem-solving.
Infrastructure: Managing devices and networks securely.
Applications and software: Applying software applications and development principles.
Software development concepts: Grasping the fundamentals of software development.
Data and database fundamentals: Understanding data management and database structures.
Security: Implementing cybersecurity measures to protect information.
Emerging technologies: Exploring AI, IoT, cloud computing, and more.

Tech+ validates your understanding of core IT concepts, making you a more attractive candidate for entry-level positions, and can serve as a stepping stone to more advanced certifications like CompTIA A+, Network+, or Security+.

CompTIA Tech+ is a certification for anyone looking to start or advance their career in technology. It provides a solid foundation in essential IT skills and knowledge, making you a more competitive candidate in the job market. With the growing demand for tech professionals, is it time to pursue a CompTIA Tech+ certification and launch your tech career?

Want to learn more about Tech+, watch Richard Chapman explain what is CompTIA’s Tech+

Talk to you next week,
Mike

CompTIA will raise certification exam prices soon.  Buy your voucher now and save money on your 2025 certification.

Make your Security+ goal a reality with $500 Live Training!

US and International Discount Exam Vouchers: Purchase a CompTIA voucher and save on the cost of your exams.

Interactive simulations: TotalSims for A+, Network+, and Security+, hundreds of online simulated labs. Prepare for CompTIA’s performance based questions.

E-books are available: Check out our e-book titles. Available 24/7 for immediate access on the Training Hub

Today’s world of artificial intelligence and machine learning is not just about self-driving cars or robot servers, there are real applications that can help us in our everyday work and study. Do you remember in school how having others studying with you was an asset, discussion and other points of view can help you understand topics. In today’s world, you need to think of AI as your super-smart study buddy, ready to help you personalize your learning to achieve your certification goals.

How you can harness the power of AI for IT certification success? Here are some ideas! Remember with AI, it is about crafting a prompt for your study type. Don’t just ask one time, read and refine your prompts.

Forget generic study guides! AI-powered learning platforms are like having a personal tutor. Analyze your strengths and weaknesses. You can focus your studies on specific things through interactive quizzes and tailor a study plan just for you. Imagine a roadmap designed specifically for your learning style, pointing you to the resources you need most. No more wasted time on topics you already know! When you know the areas, you need to study, you can ask for assistance in those domains.

The internet is a vast ocean of information, but finding the right resources for your specific certification can be a challenge. AI can act as your expert librarian, sifting through articles, videos, and documentation to curate a collection of the best learning materials based on your exam objectives. You can also feed AI your material, let AI do the digging and comparing. Remember not to always trust an answer unless you know the source, so ask for the reference not an answer. You can determine if the information is credible.

Manually creating flashcards can be tedious. Let AI do the heavy lifting! Some tools can automatically generate flashcards from your study materials, identifying key concepts and creating cards with definitions, examples, and even images.

Technical documentation can sometimes feel like a foreign language. AI can summarize complex texts into more digestible chunks and explain difficult concepts in simpler terms. It’s like having a translator for the tech world!

AI isn’t just about memorization; it’s about understanding. AI tools can help you visualize the relationships between different concepts, creating mental maps that boost your comprehension and retention.

Procrastination is the enemy of certification success. Give your time frame and allow AI to create a study schedule, send reminders, and track your progress.

AI is an incredible tool for IT certification prep, but remember it’s a tool, not a magic bullet. You still need to put yourself in the work. Use AI to enhance your studies, not replace them. Combine AI with traditional methods like videos, textbooks, practice exams, and study groups for the best results.

So, what are you waiting for? Embrace the power of AI and take your IT certification journey to the next level! There is not a better way to learn about AI, than using it!

Talk to you next week,
Mike

CompTIA will raise certification exam prices.  Buy your voucher now and save money on your 2025 certification.

Make your Security+ goal a reality with $500 Live Training!

US and International Discount Exam Vouchers: Purchase a CompTIA voucher and save on the cost of your exams.

Interactive simulations: TotalSims for A+, Network+, and Security+, hundreds of online simulated labs. Prepare for CompTIA’s performance based questions.

E-books are available: Check out our e-book titles. Available 24/7 for immediate access on the Training Hub

A lot of people ask me: “Mike, should I get CompTIA certifications?”

My answer isn’t just yes, it’s YES and here’s WHY these are steppingstones for you. Becoming a great IT Tech is about learning the fundamentals and adding to your skills one building block of knowledge at a time. Any successful career is about starting with a firm foundation.

Getting certifications makes the job journey easier and more rewarding, as you invest in bettering yourself. This breadth of knowledge will open doors of opportunity. Having these foundational certifications gives you a better understanding of a growing body of knowledge and builds your confidence. Knowing the terminology helps you master each next step.

Most recruiters now use automated scanners to scan for credentials. These CompTIA Certifications helps your resume get to the top of their list. Having certifications makes it A LOT easier to get an interview, and tells interviewers that you love tech much that you were willing to put in the time and effort to learn the basics and build your skills. In other words, the certifications provide tangible proof of your commitment; talking the talk in an interview lets potential employers feel confident in your skills

Then they ask: “How do I get prepared for the certifications?”

Everyone learns differently, and you have to be honest with your study skills. Self-study is ideal for basic IT skills both for building certifications on your resume. As you build your skills and advance your career there comes a point where you need hands-on training to learn the material properly.

When do you need to move from self-study to hands-on? As you advance, the skills become harder but from a learning standpoint it depends on how hard you want to work with self-study and your own learning ability, it is different for everyone. You will know when you need the extra help that hands-on provides when you find it hard to fully understand the skills through only self-study.

DON’T FORGET! CompTIA will be increasing their exam prices February 1st. If you are taking CompTIA exam in 2025, purchase an exam voucher now and pay 2024 prices for your certification exam in 2025!

In the IT industry more certifications is key to not only getting in to a career, but also advancing in your career.  It’s a New Year, start working on your certifications now and get where you want to be in your career in 2025.

Don’t miss my offer below to get your Security+ certification with live training!

Talk to you next week,
Mike

CompTIA will raise certification exam prices.  Buy your voucher now and save money on your 2025 certification.

Make your Security+ goal a reality with $500 Live Training!

US and International Discount Exam Vouchers: Purchase a CompTIA voucher and save on the cost of your exams.

Interactive simulations: TotalSims for A+, Network+, and Security+, hundreds of online simulated labs. Prepare for CompTIA’s performance based questions.

E-books are available: Check out our e-book titles. Available 24/7 for immediate access on the Training Hub

Last week, we delved into the careers of 2025, many of which are tied to cloud computing. This week let’s explore some valuable certifications in these fields that can help charge your career growth.

Certifications are valuable assets, but they do not substitute for practical experience and hands-on skills. You can’t rely solely on a “paper certification” to get hired; you need to be able to showcase your tech knowledge in interviews and prove your understanding to secure the job. If experience is missing from your resume, you need to be able to “talk the talk.”

Cloud-Based Systems
• AWS Certified Solutions Architect (Associate/Professional): This certification covers designing and deploying scalable and cost-effective AWS architectures.
• CompTIA Cloud+: Focuses on ensuring cloud environments are secure and available, and validates the skills to maintain and optimize cloud infrastructure services.

DevOps
DevOps combines development and operations teams to create efficient processes and project management, focusing on automating systems through collaboration and communication.
• AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional: Validates expertise in deploying, managing, and operating systems on AWS.
• Microsoft Certified: Azure DevOps Engineer Expert: Focuses on designing and implementing DevOps processes on Azure.
• Google Cloud Professional DevOps Engineer: Covers DevOps practices on the Google Cloud Platform.

Data Analysis
Data Analysts are essential for helping businesses determine what data is crucial to collect and making sense of the data to drive sound business decisions.
• Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate: A well-regarded entry-level certification covering fundamental data analysis skills, focusing on building a strong foundation in data analysis fundamentals (SQL, Python, data visualization, statistical concepts) through projects, learning resources, and real-world experience.
• IBM Data Analyst Professional Certificate: Focuses on practical skills using Python, SQL, Excel, and IBM Cognos Analytics.
• Microsoft Certified: Data Analyst Associate: Validates skills in data collection and preparation, data modeling and transformation, and data visualization.

Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity job placement in 2025 is expected to see more mid to high-level hiring.
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): Highly respected and in-demand, this certification requires at least 5 years of professional cybersecurity experience and provides broad, in-depth knowledge across all cybersecurity domains.
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM): Focuses on the management and oversight of enterprise information security programs, covering governance, risk management, compliance, and assurance.
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA): Emphasizes auditing, control, and security of information systems, focusing on IT governance, risk and control, information systems assurance, and security.

Artificial Intelligence
AI professionals are tasked with creating intelligent systems, automating processes, and solving complex problems. The field requires commitment to continuous learning, as the tools and applications of AI evolve rapidly.
• Google AI Professional Certificate: Provides foundational knowledge of AI, machine learning, and deep learning concepts, suitable for beginners and those looking to build a strong foundation.
• Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate: Focuses on designing and implementing AI solutions on the Microsoft Azure cloud platform, suitable for professionals with some experience in AI and cloud computing.
• AWS Certified AI, Machine Learning – Specialty: This certification focuses on advanced skills in AI and machine learning on the Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud, suitable for experienced professionals with a deep understanding of AI concepts and AWS services.
No matter which tech skills you already have or aim to acquire next, there’s a place for you in the tech industry! Find your niche and hone your skills.

Talk to you next week!

Don’t forget CompTIA will raise certification exam prices.  Buy your voucher now and save money on your 2025 certification.

Certification Exchange: Free live online Security+ Course with current cert

US and International Discount Exam Vouchers: Purchase a CompTIA voucher and save on the cost of your exams.

Interactive simulations: TotalSims for A+, Network+, and Security+, hundreds of online simulated labs. Prepare for CompTIA’s performance based questions.

E-books are available: Check out our e-book titles. Available 24/7 for immediate access on the Training Hub

Are you looking to join IT in 2025, IT is an ever-growing industry. We all know technology and many types of computing are integral parts of our lives. Our homes, our cars, our phones, and even our watches are smart today. How can IT not grow! The best way to get into the industry is to look at the trends in tech, what is booming and emerging, and work on getting those skills on your resume.

The best thing about IT is that if you are dedicated to learning, you can build your skills while you work in entry and mid-level positions. Now I am not saying that a degree is not a great thing to achieve, but there are a lot of jobs that are focusing on skills and certifications in IT.

If you are new to tech, you need to start understanding the trends to understand the job landscape. High demand for skilled tech professionals and the change in IT continues to make IT job salaries competitive, but don’t expect to get there without some work. Build your skills, and you will build your salary.

If you want to succeed in IT, you must love IT. Knowing what is trending now, and understanding the evolution of technology is only gained by those willing to dig in on something they enjoy.

In 2025 we can expect to see a growing demand in cloud computing, even us old timers embrace the ease of cloud computing! Industries utilize cloud storage in their daily operations, cloud computing professionals are needed to implement and manage systems for industry.

Large industry has in-house staff, and small to mid-size businesses often rely on service providers to manage their systems. Adopting cloud-based systems is rapidly increasing, learning cloud-based computing management is a great career option.

Cloud computing also has growth into the DevOps field. DevOps combines development and operations teams to create efficient processes and project management. DevOps focuses on automating systems through collaboration and communication. Understanding and collaboration with the systems and the operations to create more efficient processes.

Data Analytics is another growing area. With virtually unlimited cost-effective storage, companies have ever growing data. Data Analysts are needed to help businesses know what data is important to collect as well as making sense of the data they collect to make solid business decisions.

Not only does this require reliable data storage, but security of that data is key in today’s world. Cybersecurity job placement in 2025 is expected more for mid to high level hiring. That does not mean you should not pursue a career in cybersecurity, this is a growing industry, however you will find it more difficult to get an entry level position. Anticipated positions will need skills and experience on a resume to get that interview.

Finally, we can’t talk about tech without talking about artificial intelligence. AI has been controversial but is also a huge help across many industries. Professionals skilled in AI and machine learning are in demand to help industry harness this tool.

AI professionals are tasked with creating intelligent systems, automating processes, and solving complex problems. The field requires commitment to continuous learning, as the tools and applications of AI evolve rapidly. If you’re ready to dive into this cutting-edge field, explore the possibilities with our guide to unleash the potential of artificial intelligence.

No matter which tech skills you already have, or which ones you’re aiming to pick up next, there’s a place for you in the tech industry! You just have to find it. Next week we will talk about certifications in these areas that can help you in a career.

Talk to you next week!

Don’t forget CompTIA will raise certification exam prices on February 1st.  Buy your voucher now and save money on your 2025 certification.

Certification Exchange: Free live online Security+ Course with current cert

US and International Discount Exam Vouchers: Purchase a CompTIA voucher and save on the cost of your exams.

Interactive simulations: TotalSims for A+, Network+, and Security+, hundreds of online simulated labs. Prepare for CompTIA’s performance based questions.

E-books are available: Check out our e-book titles. Available 24/7 for immediate access on the Training Hub