How To Start A Career In The Computer Field

By Chris Bryant

If you’re considering a career working in Information Technology – a fancy way of saying “working with computers” – congratulations! I can tell you from personal experience that it’s one of the best decisions you’ll ever make. I can also tell you from personal experience that it is never too late to begin!

I started my IT career 10 years ago, and it was a tough decision. I was 34 years old, and really knew next to nothing about computers. I decided to attend a technical school to get my career started, and it was the best decision I’ve ever made. Ten years later, I write ebooks and teach classes dealing with different facets of networking, I’ve earned the most difficult computer certification in the world, and I’ve never been happier. The same thing can happen for you.

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4 Reasons to Get CompTIA Certifications

If you are pursuing a career in the information technology field, chances are you will need to obtain some kind of IT certification in order to qualify for a job. There are many IT certification options out there, so sometimes it can be difficult to choose which one is best for you. The Computer Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) offers a wide variety of certification exams which are well regarded in the information technology sector as a reliable indicator of employee qualification. There are lots of compelling reasons to get a CompTIA certification. Here are just a few:

1. CompTIA A+ certification is the gold standard of IT certifications.

If you’re just starting out in IT, chances are you will need to obtain your A+ certification at some point. This certification covers the absolute basics of computer technology. By obtaining this credential, you prove to prospective employers that you have the necessary knowledge to install software and hardware, perform preventative maintenance, do basic computer networking, and have a clear understanding of computer security essentials. The CompTIA A+ certification is also a prerequisite for a whole host of other certifications offered by CompTIA and other credentialing organizations. If you don’t get your CompTIA A+, you won’t be able to move on to more advanced certifications and job openings with greater levels of responsibility.

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CompTIA Amends it’s Recertification Policy

Close on the heels of releasing detailed information on its  recertification policy for A+, Network+, and Security+, CompTIA has rescinded the original plans. The most controversial part of the new program was the requirement for’ individuals who though they already had a lifetime certification from CompTIA to recertify or lose it. Under the modified plan, individuals who already have these certifications will keep them, without any renewal requirements, as will anyone who earns CompTIA’s  A+, Network+, or Security+ by December 31, 2010. All certifications earned after that will come with the required 3 year renewal plan announced earlier. This change in strategy will no doubt elicit a sigh of relief from many IT pros. You can read about the original CompTIA recertification plan here.

CompTIA Announces Plan to Help IT Professionals Keep Skills Up-To-Date

Effective this month, CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+ Certifications are valid for three years from the date the candidate is certified. If you hold these Certifications, you may want to take a moment to read the press release from CompTIA regarding this. Here.

The new certification renewal policy is applicable to all individuals who hold CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+ or CompTIA Security+ certifications, regardless of the date they were certified. Other CompTIA certifications are not affected at this time.

Individuals certified previously in CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network + or CompTIA Security+ are directed to http://www.comptia.org/certifications/listed/renewal.aspx for detailed information on their certification renewal dates and the certification renewal program.

Information Technology Certification Test Taking Tips & Techniques

How to pass your Information Technology Certification Exam is the question that ALL students who are preparing for their IT certification exam should be asking! With many online sites giving you certification test taking tips and techniques where do you begin with gathering the pertinent information about being prepared for your certification? There are 2 major questions that every prospective student looking for their information technology certification should be inquiring. Certification test taking tips and techniques really come down to the study technique and the appropriate material.

There are many Information Technology Certification practice test questions, free study guides, free online tutoring and practice exam questions that people want such as: Microsoft, Comp TIA, MCDST, MCP, MCSA, MCSE, A+, MCPD, Comp TIA Network+, Comp TIA Security+, CCNA, CNA, CISA and many others. Knowing the secrets of certification test taking and implementing the most effective technique will give you the edge in passing your certification exam. You can lose your fear of test taking and have the confidence you need when going to your certification exam center.

What is the most effective study technique to use when studying for your information technology certification exam? Many online certification training centers will tell you to relax, use flash cards to prepare, review your material the day before the exam and to think positive about passing. Memorization of all your material is not the most logical choice for exam preparation. If you have a book that is eight hundred pages long and five hundred practice exam questions then you would be foolish to try to memorize all of this material or even part of it. There is another very effective way of retaining the information that you need to pass your information technology certification exam. Simple repetition of the actual exam material will better prepare you for your certification exam.

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