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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.

Posted by: Kathy Yale

Whether you freshly graduated with an IT degree or are currently working in the field, certifications are the lifeline for anyone trying to get a technical job. One certification is required by some of the most important companies in the computer industry, including Dell, Lenovo, and Intel: The A+ certification.

The CompTIA A+ certification is necessary for anyone thinking of becoming a PC computer service technician or IT service administrator. Sponsored by Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), the exam is accredited and provides a great addition to any resume for the entry level IT professional. To become certified, individuals have to go through a variety of training. There are two exams, and both are only recommended for those who have considerable knowledge and experience in this area, including at least 6 months in information technology and computer networking.

A Necessary Certification

CompTIA A+ is a great access point for those just beginning their careers in IT. The exam covers a variety of things that IT professionals already work with, including maintenance of PCs, mobile devices, laptops, and operating systems as well as computers. Many companies require IT professionals to have a CompTIA A+ certification before hired, including top computer companies like Dell, Intel and Lenovo. The CompTIA A+ certification is also well known, acknowledged by the Department of Defense and ISO and ANSI Accredited. Over 900,000 IT professionals currently hold a CompTIA A+ certification.

What Jobs Use CompTIA A+

There are all kinds of certifications, so what makes CompTIA A+ different for IT professionals? There are more than a few jobs that require this certification, including technical support specialist, field service technician, IT support technician, IT support administrator and IT support specialist. This is an important certification for anyone who plans to work in the information technology field, as well as around other IT tech support staff. The training required for the exam covers today’s most current applications and PC hardware issues that businesses and individuals face.

How to Get Certified

The CompTIA A+ certification includes two exams. Techs must pass both exams to be granted certification. The first section is 220-801, which covers fundamentals of computer technology, laptops and related hardware, basic networking, and installation and configurations of PCs. The second exam, 220-802, requires professionals to understand the installation and configuration of PC operating systems, as well as common features like networks and email. In addition, the second exam covers newer technology, like mobile operating systems for Android and Apple iOS. There are a maximum of 90 multiple choice and performance based questions, with 90 minutes to take each exam. In order to pass, you must score 900 on each of the exams, for a minimum score of 1800.

Besides the CompTIA A+ certification, the organization sponsors a few other important hardware certifications for IBM-compatible computer systems as well as document imaging and Macintosh module for the repair and installation of Apple computer systems. These other certifications may also be necessary depending on the field of IT that you plan to work in. With the A+ certification, computer service technicians gain a foothold on their resume to connect with employers as well as prove their skills and capabilities in this growing field.

Posted by: Kathy Yale

Most in the IT field, or looking to enter this field, know that certifications cannot be overlooked.  Most people start with the CompTIA A+ certification, but may not know how to truly begin studying for this exam.  Thankfully, Total Seminars offers their A+ Practice Test software to go along with their related training materials to remove this burden from the equation.  Use Total Seminars’ materials to prepare and pass your exam with confidence.

The Total Seminars’ A+ Certification exam preparation products are complete, easy-to-understand study aids designed to help you pass your exam on your first try.  We all know that good jobs are often hard to come by, and having a leg up on the competition sure helps.  IT managers have no shortage of applicants, so investing in quality study guides to help you obtain the necessary qualifications is a wise move.  Total Tester practice test software gives you an idea of how certification exam questions are asked, and identifies your areas of weakness so you can study more effectively.   Use practice mode, with hints, explanations, answers, and study references, as you study. When you think you’re ready for the real thing, use exam simulation mode with results graded by topic for easy review.  You can even customize your practice tests by choosing question source (by chapter, by objective, or entire pool), number of questions, and length of time to take the practice test.  Prepare with Total Seminars’ Total Tester A+ practice test software and pass your certification exams. 

Total Seminars has been developing leading training material, teaching computer courses, and writing best-selling books that have been helping students successfully achieve their IT certifications since 1995.  The Total Tester A+ practice test software will help you learn exam topics, familiarize you with general question wording, and increase your confidence on exam day.  Contact Total seminars for more information or browse our website for all we offer to help you succeed in the IT industry.

Posted by: Kathy Yale

Let’s face it, anyone who currently works in today’s job market is well aware that having basic computer skills and Internet knowledge is something you just cannot do without.  This is why getting your IC³ Certification is a wise decision for those entering the job force, whether just out of college or later in life.  These days you need to be able to handle electronic files, print, create and edit spreadsheets and documents, and send them to and from others as email attachments.  Not having a general understanding of basic computer usage, Internet, and E-mail functionality can really diminish your odds of getting that job you are hoping for. 

If you are looking to change jobs, or perhaps step into the workforce, first consider visiting Total Seminars.  We are an all-inclusive, one-stop shop for anyone looking to get their IC3, Network+, or other IT certifications to advance their careers.  With the Total Seminars’ guidebooks, lab manuals, and practice test software, you will succeed.  Total Seminars’ book Mike Meyers Presents: Computer Literacy – Your Ticket to IC3 Certification is the ultimate manual for passing the IC3 exams with ease.  It is engaging and easy to follow with humor and graphics that help keep the reader’s attention. 

Since 1995, Total Seminars has been developing training material and writing best-selling books about the computer industry certifications.  Both the corporate world and government PC and network technicians have been benefiting from our products.  For more information on achieving your IC3 Certification, contact Total Seminars or browse our website for all of our offerings.

Posted by: Kathy Yale

Most in the IT field, or looking to enter this field, know that certifications cannot be overlooked.  Most people start with the CompTIA A+ certification, but may not know how to truly begin studying for this exam.  Thankfully, Total Seminars offers their A+ Practice Test software to go along with their related training materials to remove this burden from the equation.  Use Total Seminars’ materials to prepare and pass your exam with confidence.

The Total Seminars’ A+ Certification exam preparation products are complete, easy-to-understand study aids designed to help you pass your exam on your first try.  We all know that good jobs are often hard to come by, and having a leg up on the competition sure helps.  IT managers have no shortage of applicants, so investing in quality study guides to help you obtain the necessary qualifications is a wise move.  Total Tester practice test software gives you an idea of how certification exam questions are asked, and identifies your areas of weakness so you can study more effectively.   Use practice mode, with hints, explanations, answers, and study references, as you study. When you think you’re ready for the real thing, use exam simulation mode with results graded by topic for easy review.  You can even customize your practice tests by choosing question source (by chapter, by objective, or entire pool), number of questions, and length of time to take the practice test.  Prepare with Total Seminars’ Total Tester A+ practice test software and pass your certification exams. 

Total Seminars has been developing leading training material, teaching computer courses, and writing best-selling books that have been helping students successfully achieve their IT certifications since 1995.  The Total Tester A+ practice test software will help you learn exam topics, familiarize you with general question wording, and increase your confidence on exam day.  Contact Total seminars for more information or browse our website for all we offer to help you succeed in the IT industry.