Network+ exam: codes N10-003 and JK0-012 to be withdrawn On July 31, 2009

On July 31, 2009, the previous Network+ exam, with exam codes N10-003 and JK0-012, will be withdrawn.

For IT professionals requiring re-certification:

The newest version of the CompTIA Network+ certification exam (Exam codes: N10-004 and JK0-016) was launched in early 2009.Although CompTIA certifications a valid for life, some IT professionals may be encouraged or required by their employers to remain current on their certifications. If so they have two options: They can take the new version of the exam ( Objective available here: http://bit.ly/u7rsc or they can take the CompTIA Network+ bridge exam, which covers the new objectives.

The bridge exam, (Exam code BR0-002) is a 60-minute, 50-question test. A passing score is 500 on a scale of 100-900. Only professionals who are currently CompTIA Network+ certified under the 2005 objectives are eligible to become CompTIA Network+ 2009 certified by taking the bridge exam.

Certification Requirements for Beginning IT Professionals

By Randall Arthur Olson

Those who are interested in going to work in the information technology field are probably aware that certifications are very important. When hiring IT workers, employers frequently look for candidates who have specific certifications.

For entry-level positions, employers want to see certifications that validate that applicants truly have basic skills and an aptitude for IT work. Some companies will not even consider hiring entry-level candidates who do not have at least one professional certification. Even in cases where certification isn’t mandatory, it is certainly something IT employers view favourably.

Which Certifications Do I Need?

There are many different types of IT skills and jobs. Accordingly, there are many different certifications, each of which validates a specific skill set. The type of certification that you will need depends upon a number of factors, including: the industry you want to enter, the geographic location where you want to work, a company’s requirements, your background, and many other variables.

Popular Entry-Level Certifications:

Some of the most popular certifications for entry-level computer technical support professionals include:

* Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP)

* CompTIA Network+

* CompTIA Security+

* CompTIA A+

* Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

Keep in mind that this is not an all-inclusive list of entry-level IT certifications. Be sure to research your geographic market, industry, and type of position desired to learn which types of certifications will be the most beneficial to you.

How Do I Get Certified?

Before you take a certification exam, it is a good idea to make sure that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful. There are a number of different practice tests for most certification exams. These practice tests can give you an idea of whether or not you are ready to sit for certification, or if you need to complete additional training prior to testing.

If you do need additional training, check out your options for online training as well as instructor-led training in your local area. Once you have the skills you need, then it may be time to register for your chosen exam.

Each vendor has different policies, fees, and requirements. Most IT certification exams are available at your local PearsonVUE testing center. Choose a convenient, comfortable testing center that meets your needs. Exam vendors frequently offer special pricing and promotions, so you should check for the best deals on certification testing vouchers. Your local testing center is often a good resource for information about the best deals on test vouchers.

Randall Olson is the Director of Information Technology for Mobile Technical Institute & MTI Business Solutions (http://www.mobiletechwebsite.com). He oversees the firm’s high stakes certification testing center, conducts computer application training, and manages MTI’s online learning programs. MTI is a full service training and consulting firm, providing open enrollment and on-site employee development training, database development, and website solutions.

How do I submit CompTIA credentials towards MCSA to Microsoft?

Microsoft accepts the combination of CompTIA A+ with either CompTIA Network+ or CompTIA Server+ as an elective for the Microsoft Certified System Administrator (MCSA) certification program. In addition, Microsoft accepts CompTIA Security+ as an elective for both the MCSA and the Microsoft Certified System Engineer (MCSE) certifications, and as a specialization option for the MCSA: Security and MCSE: Security certifications.

1. Take at least one Microsoft MCSA on Microsoft Windows Server 2003 exam or Windows 2000 exam to obtain your MCP identification number (MCP ID). You must have your MCP ID number to apply your CompTIA credentials towards MCSA certification. Your MCP ID number is provided to you by e-mail after you take a Microsoft exam, regardless of whether you passed or failed the exam. You can also contact a Microsoft Regional Education Service Center for assistance.

2. In order to submit your CompTIA certifications to Microsoft you will need to do the following: Log into your CompTIA record at www.comptia.org/careerid. If you are a first time user, you will need to create a user name and password before you can access the database and you will need to have your score report available. If you do not have a copy of your score report, please contact the test delivery provider that you used to take your exam. They will either mail you a copy of your score report or e-mail the information to you. The test vendors’ telephone numbers are the following: VUE: 1-877-551-7587 and Prometric: 1-800-776-4276.

3. Once you have logged into your record you will need to click on “publish credentials” and send your A+ and Network+ or Server+ for MCSA or Security+ for MCSE to: MCPHelp@microsoft.com. You will need to provide your MCP ID# in the text field of the validation form. You MUST use this “publish credentials” feature to validate your certifications to Microsoft. DO NOT send them an e-mail directly. Only by using this validation process will they accept your certification information. If you have any questions please contact Microsoft at 1-800-636-7544.

Where to Start With IT Certification?

By Tom Lord

Like with most things in life you need to start with the basics! You need to give yourself a good grounding in basic computer and network functionality before you attempt to tackle more specialised subjects. Even if you do have experience working in an IT environment it is still a good idea to start with the entry level exams as you will get experience with the exam styles and requirements.

In light of the above comment the best way to start your path to IT certification is with the following Exams:

Comptia A+

The A+ exam will give you a good knowledge of general pc hardware troubleshooting and a background in how computers function. It is vendor neutral so makes a good starting point for moving into other more vendor specific certification streams.

Comptia Network+

The network plus is like the A+ exam but aimed at networking subjects, again it is vendor neutral so does not focus on specific products or technologies. It will however introduce you to TCP/IP and other networking concepts which you will need to know about during your career in IT.

Microsoft MCDST

The Microsoft certified desktop support technician exam is specific to support Microsoft Windows XP. At the moment this is the most common desktop operating system so learning how to support it properly will set you up for entry level desktop support roles.

These three exams will give you a good foundation to build on and are a good starting point before working on to more advanced certifications such as the MCSE and CCNA

Contributed by http://www.mmmlordy.co.uk

IT Certification Self Study

By Tom Lord

One question I hear quite often is do I need formal/classroom training to be able to get an IT certification? This is asked for many different qualifications from the A+ or MCDST exams up to the MCSE, CCNA and beyond.

The first question I ask back is what experience do you have?

IT certification should not be considered as a sole means to learn a new skill but as a way to validate an existing skill set and to give you the credentials to prove your experience in a particular technology. By this I mean that if you want for example to achieve the MCSE qualification, it should not be gained by simply sitting in a classroom and memorising details. It should be earned through experience in a production environment which then may be topped up with additional learning.

Those with experience who do want to get certified have the option of a formal training program or self study. The choice can depend on the individuals learning style, and also their existing knowledge. Self study has the obvious benefit of being substantially cheaper than a training course. Some courses can cost thousands whereas if you are disciplined enough you can study from a book for a small fraction of the cost.

When deciding on the material you want to use for yourself study it is also worth looking at the practice tests that are available as these can be invaluable in gauging your readiness for an exam.

Some people require the discipline of a structured training course to help them learn effectively, but self study is definitely the best choice for many as it is by far the cheapest option and can offer the most flexibility for those who can do it properly.