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In September we have been talking about IT careers and Cyber careers.  I hope you are moving forward in your studies for a successful career.  Studying for certification exams requires a systematic approach to cover the exam objectives to gain a solid understanding of the concepts and skills tested.  Don’t miss study tips in my study blog.

Prepare to pass your certification exams with study materials. Everyone has a different way of learning, it is hard to say what the is the best product for an individual to learn, you have assess that for yourself.

Determine what you need to seat the concepts in your mind  (Do you learn by reading, listening, or doing, or all of the above).
Don’t go in without a plan, plan to succeed!
Plan your studies, study your plan.

For students who learn better in more of a classroom based learning with an instructor explaining topics, utilize computer based learning video series where an instructor teaches the concepts.

For those who learn well by reading, look to exam guides.  You can find a complete understanding  to prepare for a certification in an all in one book that will cover your from the basics to passing the exam.  If you are an existing tech, looking to pass the exam, I like to call you “swiss cheese” knowledge techs.  You know what you work with well, but need to fill in the “holes” to pass your exams, and don’t want a book that covers the basics. You are looking for the exam facts.

Get your hands dirty, practice, practice, practice.  Whether it is working with setting up the hardware or configuring the software, get some time working on your skills.  Use online interactive simulations to help you learn technical concepts and practice. Hands on labs help ensure a seamless and coherent learning experience for you.

Certification practice exams are expensive, prepare to pass the first time.  Practice exams are a great way for you to know when you are ready to take the actual exams.  You can use them at the end of your studies to see if you are ready to take the exams.  If you are using as a final check, don’t just trust that one pass is good enough, be certain to take several exams and ensure your scores are consistent.  If you choose to use practice questions as an integral part of their study, be certain to use a larger pool of questions.  More questions help ensure that you are learning the concepts, and not just memorizing the answers to the questions in the database.

Mike

Don’t pay full price.  Save on the cost of certification exams with Discount Exam Vouchers.
Ready more study tips for passing certification exams

Live 8-week CompTIA Security+ training for only $500!

 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 and learn technical concepts covered on the exams.

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

Everyone knows cybersecurity is the buzzword now a days.  Face it in today’s world, these positions are essential for organizations looking to build strong defenses against cyber threats.  But what do entry level cybersecurity positions do? And how do you get a job in cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity is a broad term that refers to protecting organizations from digital attacks. Cybersecurity professionals install and manage security software to search for vulnerabilities within an organization’s digital systems, and create protocols to protect companies, consumers, and information from malicious actors.

Monitoring networks: Watching network activity for signs of suspicious or malicious behavior.
Incident response: Investigating security breaches, containing their damage, and implementing measures to prevent occurrences.
Vulnerability assessment: Identifying weaknesses in systems and networks that could be exploited.
Access control: Managing permissions and ensuring that authorized individuals have access to sensitive data.
Security awareness training: Educating employees about cybersecurity best practices and potential threats.

A cybersecurity team secures networks, proprietary applications, and systems against online threats.  These teams create layers of protection across networks, computers, and data. Cybersecurity analysts work in a security operations center, where they monitor security alerts, investigate incidents, and coordinate responses to security threats. SOC analysts utilize specialized software to help detect issues.  They utilize incident response procedures that help coordinate responses to threats.

Incident responders use digital forensics to investigate security events. This role includes assessing systems for risk, automation testing, and conducting system analysis to identify threats and react to potential breaches.  It is a role that requires an eye for detail and the ability to communicate across company departments. Incident responders are required to create comprehensive reports for management and communicate with those from non-technical backgrounds.

Junior penetration testers are responsible for identifying vulnerabilities in an organization’s systems and applications by attempting to exploit them, but with the intent to provide recommendations for improvement. They utilize hacking techniques, knowledge of security tools, and a commitment to ethical hacking practices.

Not all cybersecurity positions require a degree in computer science or a related field, in fact experience and cybersecurity certifications can be as valuable in this job market. Consider pursuing certifications like CompTIA Security+ and  CySA+, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). These certifications can begin and advance you in a cybersecurity career.

Build a portfolio: Demonstrate your skills by creating personal projects or contributing to open-source cybersecurity initiatives. This can help you stand out in a competitive job market.
Network: Attend industry events, conferences, and online forums to connect with professionals in the field. Networking can help you learn about new opportunities and get your name out there.
Practice: Stay up-to-date with the latest cybersecurity threats and trends by reading industry news, attending webinars, and participating in online communities. Practice solving cybersecurity challenges to improve your skills.

The cybersecurity landscape is constantly evolving, so it’s important to be adaptable and continue learning throughout your career.

Mike

Live 8-week CompTIA Security+ training for only $500!

 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 and learn technical concepts covered on the exams.

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

IT can be versatile; you can start out at the help desk and work your way up to any number of specialized jobs as you grow in your knowledge and skills. Remember if you are entering the field, you must build your resume, so take that entry level job and keep looking as you build your resume.

Entry level tech jobs

For an entry level tech, the two most common jobs are help desk technician or IT technician.  In either position you support technical issues.  Help desk and IT technicians are utilized by all sizes of corporations. Remember also that lots of things are IT, not just the typical PC.  Look at companies that do POS systems, most every store uses POS these days and they are IT based.

Help desk technicians tend to spend more time resolving user issues by the phone or by remote into the user system.  Help desk tends to work more with specific software or systems.

IT technicians are more likely to spend time completing work to resolve the issue onsite and tend to see a larger variety of issues. An IT technician should be able to troubleshoot, know how to use several operating systems, and understand the basics of IT networks.

Let’s face it, a lot of jobs ask for a year’s experience.  You can volunteer your time to help with tech support, you can get an internship, you need to get your hands on even if it is just practice, practice, practice. If you don’t have it on your resume, how do you stand out.  Showcase your knowledge and commitment to the tech industry by getting certifications.  Certifications on your resume help show employers your knowledge.

CompTIA’s A+ is really the industry standard for entry level positions. The A+ Certification allows employers to know that you have a solid foundation in understanding harware, operating systems, troubleshooting, and basic network knowledge. CompTIA Network+ focuses on networking fundamentals,including network infrastructure, protocols, and troubleshooting.It lets employers know you understand topology, IP addressing, routing, and basic network security.

If you are just starting your IT career, check out my new self-study Career Paths.  Next week I will talk about entry level cybersecurity and have a demo of a Security Operations Center.

See you next week,

Mike

Live 8-week CompTIA Security+ training for only $500!

 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 and learn technical concepts covered on the exams.

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

People always ask me how to get into an IT career.  Let’s face it, in today’s tech driven world, IT can be a smart and rewarding choice, the field offers a wide range of opportunities for those with the right skills and mindset. If you’re interested in the journey into an IT career, over the next few weeks I will be sharing my thoughts.

Assess yourself, honestly.  What are your interests, skills, and goals. Explore your interests and strengths to determine which IT path aligns best with your aspirations.

Set time to find and take training. Most IT careers require some level of education or training, whether self-study or in an instructor taught program.  Once you have an idea of where you want to be, you must find the path.  Keep in mind that IT is a dynamic field, so you can always pivot and explore new areas as you gain experience.

If you are new or transitioning to IT, self-study can take you far so commit the time.  If you are looking to break away from the entry level, select a specialization that resonates with your interests and career goals. Self-study can work for specialization, but more advanced careers may require instructor-led training.

Especially for self-study obtain certifications.  Many of my courses focus on industry known certifications; CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, Cloud+, PenTest+, and for the newbies ITF+.

Get some hands-on experience.  IT is all about getting your hands on. Consider internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer opportunities to gain practical knowledge and build your portfolio. Create personal projects or contribute to open-source projects to showcase your skills and abilities to potential employers.

For those breaking from the entry level job, follow your interest path.  Consider Internet of Things, Cloud, Cybersecurity, Data Analysis.  The IT industry is constantly evolving, so a commitment to lifelong learning is essential. Stay up-to-date with emerging technologies, attend workshops, and consider pursuing advanced certifications or degrees to advance your career.

It is who you know, network. Surround yourself with IT, attend industry conferences, meetups, and online forums to connect with professionals in your chosen field. Getting into an IT career requires dedication, continuous learning, and adaptability. Remember that perseverance and a passion for technology will be your greatest assets as you work towards achieving your IT career goals.

Stay tuned for more career information in September.  Until next week, start reviewing some career path information.  Below are links to IT Career Paths or Cybersecurity Career Paths.  Take the time to chart your future.

IT Career Path

Cybersecurity Career Path

Mike

Live 8-week CompTIA Security+ training for only $500!

 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 and learn technical concepts covered on the exams.

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

Ah, the scent of fresh notebooks and the sound of brand-new sneakers scuffling down the hallways—it’s that time of year again: back to school! But wait, hold your groans and eye rolls! Flip the script and telling you why this is the perfect moment to dive headfirst into a new career adventure. Dust off your thinking cap, because we’re about to explore why going back to school isn’t just for kids—it’s a time for adults to embark on a career transformation.

Remember when the idea of homework could turn your stomach into knots? Now it’s your chance to enjoy it. In September, we will focus on talking about how you can go back to school for a new career.  Forget the mandated studies in school, this fall dive into subjects you’re passionate about that can lead to a career you love.

Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts employment in computer and information technology occupations to grow, and IT offers a number of different career pathways. One of the entry level positions for the IT industry is a computer support specialist.  Support specialists are the first line of defense for users experiencing computer problems, both onsite or by phone support. They provide technical assistance to individuals or organizations, helping them resolve issues with hardware, software, and networks.  

The median salary for a computer support specialist is $60k. Don’t just take it from me, read it at the BLS, click for article Many jobs computer support positions do not require a degree, and even BLS suggest that people starting these careers gain certifications. Click for article The bottom line is if you are willing to study for your certifications, and take an entry level position, you have a great opportunity to begin an IT career. CompTIA A+ certification is a great starting point to get started in this career, and CompTIA Network+ is  great follow up certification to help you advance as you are gaining experience in an entry level position.

It is never too late to investigate a new career.  Start now and create your career path.

1. Design your study schedule

2. Choose your career path

3. Set your pace and stick to it

4. Review our Study Tips

This time around, you’re on a mission. Procrastination? No way! Whether you are trying to break into the information technology (IT) industry or advance your current IT career, IT is the career to be in 2024. Total Seminars has the CompTIA certification training to help you start your journey.  Join our blog over the next few weeks as I talk about certifications for IT careers.

Talk to you next week,
Mike

Live 8-week CompTIA Security+ training for only $500!

 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 and learn technical concepts covered on the exams.

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

Certification bodies includes both multiple choice and performance-based questions on their exams to make them more practical and keep up with trends in certification testing. Knowing what to expect and how to approach these question types is key to your success in passing the exams. If you are reading my blog, you are likely taking a CompTIA exam.  But these tips really apply to all certification exams. Let me fill you in on some facts about the exams.

Exam facts:

There are several different types of questions you may see in certification exam:

• Multiple choice – the standard question, choose the right answer
• Multiple response – choose all answers that apply with more than one correct answer
• Fill in the blank – fill in the answer to the question
• Drag-and-drop – image or question where you drag answers to match the image or text
• Exhibits – answer questions relating to an attached picture or diagram (variation to multiple choice)
• Performance-based – detailed question, open dialog boxes or other configuration windows and configure as needed

CompTIA and other certifying bodies also use drag-and-drop and performance-based questions to their exam pool. You may get as few as 2-3 or as many as 10-12 of these type of questions depending on which exam you are taking. The more of these questions you get, the fewer of the traditional multiple choice, multiple response or exhibit-type questions you will have, depending on the difficulty of the performance-based questions you get.

How new question types are graded:

Two important pieces of information about the new drag-and-drop and performance-based questions that you need to know:

• Partial credit – Scoring credit may be offered if a candidate answers only part of a question correctly.
• Negative credit – A candidate should be aware if the certification body uses negative credit. When certification bodies do not use negative credit, you should answer every exam question, even on the ones where they are not sure of the answer. CompTIA does not employ negative scoring on exam questions, so you won’t lose points for incorrect answers.

Testing strategies:

The question types, like drag-and-drop and performance-based questions, show up at the beginning of the exams. If your exam has these types of questions, read up on how they are presented, and be prepared.  These questions can be more complex and take longer to answer than traditional multiple-choice questions. DON’T GET BOGGED DOWN WITH THE PERFORMANCE-BASED QUESTIONS. If the certification body allows you to skip questions and come back and answer them at the end, work through the questions that you are confident in answering, and come back to more difficult questions. Here are some strategies to use when taking the exams:

• Know how the questions will be presented and how many to expect.
• Skip the performance-based questions and come back at the end to answer them so you aren’t bogged down and run out of time.
• Count the performance-based questions as you skip them so you know how many you have to do when you come back to them at the end.
• Read over all the performance-based questions and answer the ones you are most comfortable with first; leave the ones you are less confident about until the end.
• If you are not sure about some of the steps in the performance-based or drag-and-drop questions, give it your best guess, you may receive partial credit.

NEVER pay full price for CompTIA exams by purchasing Discount Vouchers.

CompTIA provides information that may be helpful in preparing for the performance based questions at the following links – Click here to review

Talk to you next week,
Mike

Live 8-week CompTIA Security+ training for only $500!

 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 and learn technical concepts covered on the exams.

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

CompTIA certifications have emerged as a definitive standard for validating the skill competencies in cybersecurity. Beyond technical skills, one overlooked aspect of certifications is the terminology you master during your preparation. Have you ever really looked at the full objectives for certification that you are working on obtaining?  You should! CompTIA calls it their Acronym List, it is pretty much the last thing in the objective They all have a great list of terms that a certified technician should understand, mastering the terminology demonstrates your commitment to the IT field and your ability to learn new concepts.

A comprehensive understanding of cybersecurity lingo not only highlights technical expertise but also shows professionalism. Employers, clients, and peers are more inclined to trust professionals who can talk the talk. Attaining CompTIA certifications not only signifies preparedness but teaches the terms you need to know to succeed.

Professionals in this field must interact with colleagues and clients to convey intricate technical concepts, risk assessments, and mitigation strategies. Mastery of this lingo facilitates clear and efficient communication, reducing the risk of misinterpretations and fostering effective collaboration. CompTIA exams frequently feature scenario-based questions, where accurate interpretation of technical jargon is essential for precise problem-solving.

Learning the terms helps you grasp the underlying concepts and technologies. Cybersecurity frequently describes specific attack vectors, such as “phishing,” “ransomware,” “SQL injection,” and “DDoS attacks.” Familiarity with these terms empowers professionals to identify potential threats, assess risks, and enact appropriate countermeasures. CompTIA exams evaluate candidates’ proficiency in recognizing and responding to these threats effectively.

Knowledge is a tech’s armor, and familiarity with the language field is a pivotal piece of that armor. CompTIA certifications validate a professional in these certifications beyond technical knowledge. Knowing IT and cybersecurity lingo facilitates effective communication, practical application of skills, identification of threats, adherence to regulations, and demonstration of professionalism. As you embark on your journey towards obtaining industry certifications, remember that speaking the language of cybersecurity is not only an edge but a necessity in today’s digital world.

Talk to you next week,
Mike

Live 8-week CompTIA Security+ training for only $500!

 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 and learn technical concepts covered on the exams.

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

IT Fundamentals > A+ > Network+ > Security+ > CySA+ or PenTest+ > CASP

With cybercrime on the rise and vulnerabilities constantly being exposed, it is imperative that organizations take a proactive stance to protecting assets and employing skilled cybersecurity professionals. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the number of information security jobs will increase 28 percent from 2016 to 2026, making it one of the fastest-growing fields. Jobs requiring cybersecurity skills continue to grow rapidly, with more than 313,000 cybersecurity job openings, according to Cyberseek. Employers, from government to Fortune 500 companies, value CompTIA as an authority in cybersecurity certifications.

$116,323/year; Average Salary for Penetration Tester for 2021 (ZipRecruiter).
$99,815/year; Average Salary for Cybersecurity Analyst for 2021 (ZipRecruiter).
Information security jobs will increase by 28% from 2016 to 2026
There are more than 313,000 cybersecurity job openings
96% of managers use certifications as recruitment criteria.

How to Get into Cybersecurity

The CompTIA Cybersecurity Career Pathway helps IT pros achieve cybersecurity mastery, from beginning to end. The centerpiece is the CompTIA Security+ certification. It establishes the foundational knowledge required of any cybersecurity role and provides a springboard to intermediate-level cybersecurity jobs. With performance-based questions, it emphasizes the hands-on practical skills used by junior IT auditors, systems administrators, network administrators and security administrators.

After earning CompTIA Security+, cybersecurity professionals can take the next step by pursuing an intermediate skills-level cybersecurity certification, such as CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) or CompTIA PenTest+.

The CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst certification assesses the skills needed to apply behavioral analytics to networks to improve the overall state of IT security. The certification covers tools such as packet sniffers, intrusion detection systems (IDS) and security information and event management (SIEM) systems. After the seminal Target attack of 2014, the security analyst job role has gained more importance, making these skills essential for most organizations.

While CySA+ focuses on defense through incident detection and response, CompTIA PenTest+ focuses on offense through penetration testing and vulnerability assessment. It involves launching attacks on systems, discovering the vulnerabilities and managing them and is intended for cybersecurity professionals tasked with identifying, exploiting, reporting and managing vulnerabilities on a network.

As of Jan 28, 2021 the average annual salary for Penetration Tester is $116,323*.

The Average Salary for Cybersecurity Analyst for 2021 is $99,815/year (ZipRecruiter).

This career is in one of the fastest-growing job markets**.

The progression from CompTIA Security+ to CompTIA CySA+ and/or CompTIA PenTest+ is logical because Security+ assesses the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) an IT professional demonstrates after two years of cybersecurity field work, and CySA+ and PenTest+ assess three to four years of cybersecurity field work.

IT pros can pursue CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+) to prove their mastery of cybersecurity skills required at the 5- to 10-year experience level. CASP+ is the pinnacle of cybersecurity certifications and includes performance-based questions. It is intended for those who wish to remain immersed in hands-on enterprise security, incident response and architecture, for example, as opposed to strictly managing cybersecurity policy and frameworks.

The Building Blocks of Cybersecurity

But how do you get into cybersecurity with no experience? If you have limited experience in IT and aren’t quite ready to start with CompTIA Security+, then you’ll want to start earlier on the pathway.

CompTIA A+ validates the skills employers look for in new and aspiring IT support professionals. In addition to covering today’s core technologies in operating systems, cloud, data management and more, the new CompTIA A+ Core Series covers baseline security skills at the end point device level, including malware detection and removal, privacy concerns, physical security and device hardening.

Where CompTIA A+ considers connectivity from the perspective of the user and their device, CompTIA Network+ focuses on the connections from (and between) the core systems to the endpoint devices. It validates the essential knowledge and skills needed to design, configure, manage and troubleshoot wired and wireless networks. To best support and ultimately secure the systems that exchange information on your network, you must first understand how the network functions.

CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Network+ follow a progression consistent with the KSAs an IT professional exhibits as they move from an early career technical support role with 9 to 12 months of general IT experience to one with 1 to 2 years of general IT experience, and with a significant part of that specific to network support and administration.

CompTIA Network+ is also an important and strongly recommended prerequisite to CompTIA Security+. Before you can secure a network, you must understand how it functions. In other words, you shouldn’t skip algebra to start with calculus. Otherwise, you are learning security skills and applying them to a network you don’t understand.

Talk to you next week,
Mike

Live 8-week CompTIA Security+ training for only $500!

 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 and learn technical concepts covered on the exams.

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

The IT field is vast, and there is not a “one-size-fits-all” in IT. An IT career offers a number of career paths to follow. It is best to choose a path that aligns with your interests and strengths and be prepared for continuous learning and adaptation. If you work in a career path that is in your interest area, then the ongoing learning of an IT career will not seem tiring, learning new skills and trends for your job will be something you look forward to completing.

People ask me, “what is the easiest way to get started”. While “easy” is relative, honesty with yourself is the best way to get started in changing your career path. Here are a few questions that I tell people to answer honestly that can help them direct their next path. These work for changing your field of career or deciding where to go in the future of your current career.

Ask yourself, what are you missing in your current job that makes you unhappy?
Are you looking for a better work life balance?
Do you want more challenging work?
Maybe you just want to get paid more?

When changing careers, you must list what you want (and don’t want) form a future career. Ask yourself these questions to help figure out what you want to do:

What can you do that would make you look forward to your work day?
Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
What do you need from a career to help you reach your goals?
How much money do you need to make to live comfortably?
What does your dream life look like?
What jobs tasks are deal breakers for you?

Once you find the job tasks you think you will enjoy, begin to look at careers that use those skills. Be certain to research the type of work and salary in the careers to be certain it will meet your expectations. You want to be able to love your work but support your lifestyle.

Finally, and be the most honest here!

What are your skills? (analytical, problem-solver, knack for tech)
Where is your skill gap for the career you want?
How can you fill that gap?

You don’t jump into a relationship; you should not jump into a career change without thinking it through. It’s also smart to consider any facets of a job that might be deal breakers. Anyone can work a job to make a living, but when you take the time to make a change, make it something you will enjoy, so making a living does not feel like work.

Talk to you next week,
Mike

Live 8-week CompTIA Security+ training for only $500!

 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 and learn technical concepts covered on the exams.

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

I am often asked, are certifications worth it? My answer is yes, as long as you identify the certification in your career path. Certifications are not a replacement for experience, but they can be an asset, especially for those who are new to the IT field.

The tech industry is constantly evolving, so I make ongoing learning a habit. I love learning tech, its just fun to me, but I don’t pay for certification for all the areas of tech that interest me. Certifications can be expensive!

Certifications demonstrate to employers that you have the knowledge and skills necessary for a specific IT role. They can be more powerful than simply listing skills on your resume. The IT job market can be competitive, certifications can help you stand out from other applicants.

Many employers consider certifications when making promotion decisions. Earning relevant certifications shows your commitment to professional development and your desire to take on more responsibility.

When you know the direction you want to take in your career, find the certifications that can make a difference in how quickly you can achieve the position you desire. Those are the certifications you want to obtain. Specialize in a specific technology, move into management, or another area – target relevant certifications.

So how did you identify the certifications to take? Look at job postings for the career you want.  Does the employer ask for certifications? If so, pursue the certifications that are most commonly requested in job postings.  Network, network, network!  Find an online or local group of IT professionals.  Visit with them and find out what certifications they suggest for the position you are working toward.

There are a lot of established certification bodies nowadays, be certain you find a certification that is recognized in the IT career field. CompTIA, (ISC)², EC-Council, Microsoft, Amazon Web Services (AWS) are all widely recognized. Studies have shown that IT professionals with certifications tend to earn more than those without.

Here are a few ideas:

Certifications that help start a career in IT
Help Desk Support Specialist: CompTIA A+, Google IT Support Professional
Computer Technicians: CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+
Network Technician: CompTIA Network+ , CCNA

Advancing your career
System Administrator: Microsoft MCSA, Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) , CCNA
Cloud Support Specialist: CompTIA Cloud+, AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Microsoft Azure Administrator
Security Analyst: CompTIA Security+, (ISC)² Certified Secure Incident Analyst (CISSP)
Cybersecurity: CompTIA Security+, (ISC)² Certified Secure Incident Analyst (CISSP)

Bottom line is that if you are, or want to be in the tech field you better love tech. There is always something new out there that you need to learn, and they may come out with something tomorrow that makes what you know today obsolete!

Talk to you next week,
Mike

Live 8-week CompTIA Security+ training for only $500!

 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 and learn technical concepts covered on the exams.

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