Jun 17th
If you don’t have the time or the money to pay for classroom training, you probably want to at least pick up an exam preparation package or book to help you prepare for the CCNA 640-802 exam. With the certification is such high demand, getting this certification can be one of the best moves in your career. Fortunately, if you can’t spare the time or money for the classes, there are plenty of excellent prep books and self-paced courses that can help you pass the exam.
Remember that the CCNA Exam (640-802) was revamped in 2007 so do not waste your time or your money on a preparation package, class, or book that predates this exam format change. The latest books will cover the new versions (anything from 2007 onward will as well) so you’re safe there, but remember this if you go to the library to check anything out. CCNA exam prep costs far less than failing the exam.
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Jun 3rd
Unfortunately, there is no simple answer to this question. Whether or not a technical certification is “worth it” will depend on the field you’re in and the certification. Not all certifications are created equal and some of them are most definitely “worth it” while others are merely cash cows for the certifier.
If you’re currently working, ask your employer what certifications they value. If you’re a Cisco network technician, chances are the Cisco certifications are going to be very valuable. Microsoft business certifications are going to be mostly useless to you. While not all certifications are so clear cut (which Cisco certifications should you get?), you can get a simple answer from your employer because they know which ones they value.
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May 27th
The 640-802 Cisco CCNA Certification is one of the most valuable technical certifications you can obtain. If you want to get hired for a job working with Cisco network technology, the CCNA certification is required.
To obtain this certification, you need to train for it. When it comes to certification training, there are usually two options – self-paced computer instruction or classroom instruction. The benefits of each are obvious but I believe that self-paced computer instruction, with instructor interaction as needed, is the best approach because it’s often cheaper and more flexible to our busy schedules.
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May 27th
The Institute for Certification of Computing Professionals (ICCP) was founded in 1973 with the goal of establishing professional standards for the computing industry. It is comprised of constituent societies and affiliate societies that promote its certification programs, of which there are two – the Certified Computing Professional (CCP) and the Associate Computing Professional. The ICCP also has more specialized certificiations in the Certified Business Intelligence Professional (CBIP), Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP), and Information Systems Analyst (ISA).
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May 19th
Much like it’s better to go to a college or university with accreditation, a technical certification with ANSI Accreditation is given more credibility than one that lacks it. Since many technical certifications are offered by vendors, Microsoft, Cisco, etc; through their licensed partners, Prometric, Pearson VUE, etc; accreditation isn’t as crucial, but still important.
ANSI, the American National Standards Institute, is the accreditation body for technical certifications and when a particular program is accredited, it’s recognized as being a reputable certification. They provide accreditation in accordance with ISO/IEC Guide 65 for product certification programs and is overseen by the ANSI Product Certification Accreditation Committee (ACC). They are responsible for accreditation of all certifications, not just technical certifications, which includes certifications from sanitation products to solar energy, food service equipment to sealed insulated glass, and many more.
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May 13th
The Microsoft Certification framework can be very complicated. That’s why certification maps are so important. The Microsoft Certification Exam Map is an Excel spreadsheet that has a list of all the certifications and their associated exams. You can download a copy of it here.
The Certification Exam Map is separated into four tabs. The first tab contains the Table of Contents, along with an explanation for how the map is laid out. The next three tabs list the entire universe of Microsoft Certification materials indexed by Exam, by Certification, and by Competency.
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May 10th
Register through this link and you’ll receive a Second Shot voucher good for one “retake” of a certification exam, should you fail it the first time. This is valid for all Microsoft IT Professional, Developer, or Microsoft Dynamics certification exams and is good until June 30, 2010 (first and second exams must be taken by then). This offer is available worldwide.
This offer is available on all 070 and 083 exams.
Technical certifications are becoming more and more important in our economy and getting a Second Shot voucher makes getting the certification that must easier. By giving yourself a free chance at a second exam, you can take off much of the pressure of the first exam!
Prometric is a leading global provider of comprehensive testing and assessment services, including 3Com, Apple, and Microsoft certifications.
This offer is completely free, act quickly before it expires!
May 10th
A technical certification is like a diploma, it’s proof that you have the technical expertise in a particular subject area. Much like how you’d get a diploma from a college after you’ve demonstrated competency in the subject matter, you get a technical certification when you’ve passed the certification’s exam.
The origins of technical certifications go back to the late 1980′s and early 1990′s, when companies would offer technical courses for their staff. Novell Networks wanted their technical support staff to be competent in Novell products, so they put them through rigorous training programs and tested them on their ability. Those who passed were given technical certifications. They demonstrated technical competency.
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May 8th
The 646-364 CXFA Cisco Express Foundation for Account Managers certification is designed for Cisco Channel Partner Account Managers. The exam tests the candidates knowledge in the features and benefits of wireless, unified communication, security, and routing & switching products, how Cisco’s products are integrated into a customer’s network, the competitive differentiators and positioning of those products, and the Cisco Lifecycle Services approach.
Cisco recommends that candidates prepare themselves by taking Cisco Express Foundation for Account Managers v1.3 course on the Partner Education Connection, though private instruction is always an option.
May 4th
By Tech Guy in
PMI Credentials
The Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification isn’t a technical certification, it’s a demonstration of your knowledge and ability to lead and direct project teams and delivery projects on time, on budget, and within the constraints of existing resources. Whereas a technical certification would demonstrate competency in the use of certain technologies or systems, the PMP demonstrates your ability to complete a project within the stated requirements and limits.
The PMP is offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) and is a very valuable and difficult certification to obtain. If you’re a project manager who meets the eligibility requirements, you should consider obtaining this certification. In the defense industry, a PMP is a very important pre-requisite.
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