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CompTIA certifications course are considered one of the most trusted credentials in the IT industry as it accurately reflects employee success. CompTIA engages international focus groups and IT leaders from around the world that define various certification programs and helps you to create CompTIA certification exams. If you are looking to start an IT career with a renowned certification, which has global recognition and ready-for acceptance by the employers, then CompTIA certification is the best way to start. This certification helps you to build critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, which is imperative in the modern enterprise network. The certification programs come in easy-to-learn ways to suit your time and convenience. You could take up a self-study or instruction-based learning. It is also meant for students, educators, technocrats, entrepreneurs, and enterprises with a single motto of advancing the information technology for a not-for-profit cause. More Info: comp...

Understanding that the Security+ exam is about a mile wide and an inch deep, we need a really broad brush. Essentially, the new material in CompTIA’s Certification Exam Objectives for Security+ SY0-601 will cover technologies that were not yet widely adopted at the time the Security+ SY0-501 was released. These newer technologies include the following (some or all of which would end up on the new exam objectives): – Cloud support to likely be enhanced as is and cloud security – Growth of Virtualization platforms and how to secure them – Common mobile device security breaches – Securing online payment systems and cart technology – More on monitoring tools, their metrics and the analysis of their data – Emphasis on network access control models – Manufacturer-specific issues regarding mobile device security Like previous CompTIA Security+ updates, the SYO-601 will also most probably increase the emphasis on practical knowledge through Performance Based Questions (PBQs). The sub-objecti...

CompTIA has announced that the Security+ SY0-501 exam will become available on October 4th, 2017. Early availability is primarily being provided for partners, courseware developers, and instructors so that they can prepare or certify by taking the new exam. The SY0-501 Exam will be marketed and generally available to the public starting October 25th, 2017. Japanese and Portuguese exams will be released shortly after this date. When will the old (SYO-401) Security+ exam be retired? CompTIA indicates that the SY0-401 exam will be available until July 31st, 2018 in English. Portuguese and Japanese exams will retire 6 to 9 months after the English version. Which version of the exam should you or must you take? During the exam date overlap, you may purchase a voucher and take either exam. You should check with your employer regarding their preference. Regardless of the exam version that you complete, both are part of the CompTIA Continuing Education program, so you will need to retake I h...

The CompTIA A+ certification has retained its reputation for being considered as the best starting point for a career in IT for many years now. The release of CompTIA’s 220-1001 and 220-1002 (Core 1 & Core 2) series on 15 January 2019, sees a greater emphasis on Cloud computing, virtualisation, Internet of Things, cybersecurity and networking. Further bolstering the certification’s reputation with expanded content for IT support roles, the A+ course now includes a different perspective on operational procedure competency. With this update, you will receive the best possible start to an IT career by learning how to support users through problem-solving and gaining a thorough insight into the latest technologies in areas such as data management, IT security and Cloud technology. Advantages of the CompTIA A+ certification CompTIA A+ is the only credential that utilises performance-based learning to help you understand IT support tasks from a practical perspective This ensures that yo...

CompTIA credentials can be indispensable assets in realizing career goals. Some possible career paths for credentialed individuals include: Service/Help Desk Network Administration Security /Networking Emerging Technologies Project Management Office Productivity and Training Companies That Hire CompTIA Certified Pros Some of the companies and government organizations that either require or recommend CompTIA certifications for their IT staff and partners include Apple, Canon, CDW, Cognizant, HP, IBM, Intel, Dell, Fujitsu, Ricoh, Sharp, Kyocera, Toshiba, Xerox, Unisys and the U.S. Department of Defense. The software industry is growing quickly, generating plenty of job opportunities for individuals with the right skills. It’s clear to see that many of the leading organizations are showing a preference for people with demonstrated knowledge and ability in the information technology field. Knowing what the inside of a computer looks like and how all the parts connect to each other is ve...

The exam is computer-based with a time limit of 90 minutes with a maximum of 90 questions. You need a score of 720 on a scale of 100-900 in order to pass. Let’s drill down. There will be questions that are multiple choice (single and multiple answers), drag-and-drop as well as performance-based. If you have never taken a computer-based exam, I highly suggest that you do some practice questions. CompTIA provides some examples on their site to try. Enrolling in a Network+ prep course can give you significant insight into the exam experience with practice tests that give you a real feel for what to expect. Two final pieces of advice. Testing centers do not allow you to take anything into the testing environment. Bring two forms of ID and leave the rest of your stuff in a safe location. If you have a documented handicap, CompTIA does provide accommodations. You must set up these accommodations ahead of time. For more on test accommodations click here. What if I don’t pass the first time? ...

Many IT professionals begin their careers in technical support and help desk roles. And to give students a leg up, schools are increasingly offering courses that prepare students to acquire help desk certifications. You can certify in either the help desk functions as a whole or concentrate on a specific vendor’s platforms and products. HDI certifications: Formerly called the Help Desk Institute, HDI offers certifications that range from the entry-level HDI desktop support technician to the HDI support center director. The HDI technical support professional certification is particularly popular with hiring managers. HDI also offers credentials for support center analysts, team leaders and customer service representatives. ITIL: The UK organization AXELOS is charged with promoting best practices for IT service management (ITSM). ITIL, formerly an acronym for Information Technology Infrastructure Library, is the registered name for a widely accepted framework for managing IT service del...

Do not use “brain dumps.” Make sure that you are getting quality, authorized practice materials. CompTIA warns candidates against using “brain dump” websites that claim to provide actual exam questions. There are no real exam questions available on the internet, but there are plenty of practice tests that you can use to get a sense of what to expect on the exam. Get a good book, like this one from CompTIA. Read it cover to cover twice. The first time, make notes and take the sample tests after each chapter. After lots of practice working with tools and doing the tests, read it again to find any final gaps. Take the sample tests over and over until you can comfortably and repeatedly score in the high 80s or 90s. Use your phone to make audio notes of key concepts or things that you struggle with and listen to them in the car, when you’re walking or cutting the grass, etc. Use flashcards. Find a study group, if possible. If your budget allows, buy sample tests from more than one vendor (...

In the grand scheme of things, technology news continues to be low priority. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the protests that have gripped the world are far more relevant to society. It is impossible to talk about moving forward without addressing health concerns or systemic inequality. Beyond those pressing issues, though, the wheels of business continue to turn, and technology continues to be a critical part of the conversation around restarting operations and serving customers. From the big picture to the small details, the tech news this month underscores how much of modern life—including the rebuilding process—has become digital. Top Story: Social Networks at a Crossroads For years, social networks have claimed that they are neutral platforms as opposed to publishing organizations. The theory was that the openness of social media would allow many voices to flourish and that the community would provide the necessary guidance for veritable information. That theory has not quite ...

One common theme during the pandemic has been an acceleration in the changes taking place at work. Whether it is cloud adoption, remote working or general workforce practices, the rapid response to restrictions has driven new thinking about long-term operations. Many tech firms have been out in front when it comes to redefining how work gets done. Examples include: Major companies such as Twitter, Facebook, Google and Microsoft extending remote work policies until the end of the year or indefinitely. Tech firms such as Zoom, Uber, Snap and Pinterest joining a coalition aimed at improving conditions for working parents. Salesforce launching work.com as a resource to help businesses reopen safely. Most businesses realize that digital transformation is only partially about the technology. The real key to transformation is changing workflow and culture. Technology tools open up new possibilities, but the full potential is not realized if the processes and behavior stay the same. No one kn...

Microsoft’s mobile-friendly Windows 8 OS isn’t being adopted as quickly as the tech giant would like. Many organizations are sticking with Windows 7 so this certification is still preferred in many circles. An interesting article in Forbes suggests Windows 8 adoption may pick up around 2014, as the BYOD (bring your own device) trend gains steam in corporate culture. The MCSA: Windows Server 2012 certification proves you can install, setup and manage Microsoft Windows Server solutions in an enterprise environment, and has three exams: 70-410 | Installing and Configuring Windows Server 2012 70-411 | Administering Windows Server 2012 70-412 | Configuring Advanced Windows Server 2012 Services MCSE After becoming MCSA certified, there are many specialized Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) certifications you can pursue. For example, the MCSE: Desktop Infrastructure and the MCSE Server Infrastructure credentials apply directly to network administrator job roles. The MCSE: Desktop I...

Every quarter, CompTIA’s Smart Cities Advisory Council meets to discuss exciting industry trends for the next generation of urban technology. With an applied focus on the Internet of Things (IoT), related platforms, and developing methodologies in the field, the Smart Cities Advisory Council aims to provide guidance to the wider CompTIA team to help identify new opportunities and update industry best practices. In Q1 of 2019, the Smart Cities Advisory Council convened to address these key topics. Brandon Fuhr, the Coolfire Solutions Director of Strategic Partner Programs, attended as a member of the council where he discussed compelling areas of innovation and helped to map out what future councils have in store as it relates to “smart strategy.” As the rise of IoT tech and AI open up new possibilities for urban environments, city and county governments are increasingly interested in what they can do to update their infrastructure and implement intelligent systems. More Info: comptia...

Though Security+ is an entry-level credential, CompTIA strongly recommends getting the A+ and Network+ credentials before proceeding to the Security+ certification, so you have the technical skills you need, such as configuring, managing and troubleshooting networks. Though it is not a prerequisite, candidates are also advised to have two years of prior experience in IT administration with a security focus. In particular, to pass the Security+ exam, you should have experience performing security tasks such as identifying threats, detecting intrusions, conducting penetration testing, and performing risk management and risk mitigation. Take practice exams and review the answers to questions you miss. Practice test questions to figure out your weak areas so you can focus your studies. You can find practice exams in the CompTIA Store, and Darril Gibson’s popular SY0-501 Book has many different simulation questions and over 400 practice questions with answers and explanations. Remember, th...

A Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) certification signifies that a person possesses the fundamental computer skills. The A+ certification prepares a person for entry-level jobs in technical support and administration. It demonstrates that the holder has a background in computer hardware, networking, operating systems, security, and mobile technologies and is able to install, configure, and troubleshoot hardware, peripherals, and other devices. For the first exam, individuals must have an understanding of operational processes, as well as knowing the technical details behind hardware (motherboards, memory, optical drivers, hard drives, and expansion cards), software, networks and printers. The second exam focuses on operating systems, security, Apple, and Android mobile devices and troubleshooting techniques. It is recommended that students have at least six months of experience in the topics covered by the exams before attempting them. In addition, certification only...

We’ve debated certifications versus degrees because it’s an important, personal decision. Even our trainers are split on the topic. Depending on who you ask, degrees are great. They’re transferable, useful, and they never expire. So if you want a degree, go for it. That said, going that route will cost more and take longer than earning the new A+ certification. The CompTIA A+ certification exams alone will cost $438. A computer science degree is going to cost quite a bit more. For a two-year CS associate program, the average cost per year is $20,784 USD. And let’s be honest, degrees aren’t for everyone. The utility of either education lies in how you plan on using it. If you are pursuing a career in CPU design or complex mathematical computation, then a computer science degree is obviously going to be the better choice. If you plan on working for a small IT firm that does break and fix repairs, then you land that job with a certification. You’ll be better served by earning A+ certifi...

It is astounding how many people attempt the CompTIA A+ 901 and 902 Exam without taking the time to simply read through the test objectives. The Computing Technology Industry Association has laid out a pretty explicit and easy to read list of necessary objectives and steps required to pass the exams. Not only do these give a glimpse into what can be found on the test, they are great windows into the world of CompTIA A+ exams. The tests are updated roughly every three years and continually drop old legacy items from the needed knowledge as well as look forward toward new Tech. A good sign you can pass the exam, is when you feel confident you can do all the objectives laid out by CompTIA. Both of the objective lists can be found below, 220-901 Exam Objectives 220-902 Exam Objectives This is an undervalued step in being successful in the IT world. Often a question is beyond the scope of a student until they learn foundational knowledge. Yet without that foundational knowledge, you may no...

Despite industry opposition to the law, which takes effect in 2020, the final proposal was preferable to the ballot initiative that included provisions that would have allowed consumers to sue companies for all violations rather than just data breaches. CompTIA will be actively working to address problematic provisions of the law before it takes effect. Half of channel firms expect the majority of revenue to come from net-new customers over the next two years, so questions from partners are inevitable and should be expected. Make sure you have a clear response when they ask about: Sales credits for non-delivery of product. Sales and marketing support and resources. Clear and consistent SLAs. A security line or security product offering. A partner loyalty program. Response to critical support issues. Easy-to-measure ROI. Tier 1 technical support. Education and workforce development was important across many states in 2018. In fact, CompTIA monitored or worked on 97 education and workfo...

For the tier 1 help desk technician, simply figuring out what the problem is can take a lot of creative horsepower. That’s because, depending on the end user’s technical abilities, what they ask is not always what they mean. One of the most common things a help desk pro hears is, “My computer doesn’t work.” This could mean a lot of things – and drilling down to figure out the simplest problem can be a complicated process. For instance, if an end user complains about a cursor that won’t move around on the screen, that could indicate a computer that has momentarily locked up, a USB mouse that’s not plugged in or even the presence of malware. Help desk pros even run into people who confuse an internet browser window with network connectivity. Tips for a successful rollout: Go to ready for Windows to find out what applications are Windows 10 ready. Provide basic training on what’s new. Consider creating a quick reference guide or video. Consider an automated app testing regimen. A monume...

Advancements in cloud computing, mobility, the Internet of Things (IoT), and unified communications platforms; the growing commercial significance of unmanned aerial vehicles; and other applications such as mobile payments and blockchain are rapidly creating new opportunities for economic advancement while also raising a host of new public policy considerations. Deliver Reasoned, Science-Based Environmental Regulations CompTIA member companies are leaders in innovation and sustainability and are committed to reducing the environmental impacts of products throughout their lifecycles -- from design to use to end-of-life. Support Skills for the 21st Century Workforce CompTIA uniquely sits at the intersection of innovation, education and economic growth. CompTIA supports policies that expand life-long education in the computer sciences and basic IT skills and promote a skilled workforce that spurs job growth and our ability to compete globally. Enable State, Local and Education Authoritie...

When CompTIA responded to the U.S. Navy’s need for a performance-based certification, the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) approved and mandated CASP+ as part of the DoD 8570 directive. Many corporations that provide services to the U.S. government, such as General Dynamics IT (GDIT), Booz Allen Hamilton and the Johns Hopkins University’s Applied Physics Lab, require personnel to earn CASP+ for specific job roles. But since 2012, civilian corporations have also adopted CASP+ certification to validate the skills of their cybersecurity professionals. For example, Verizon Connect, Nationwide, Network Solutions and SecureWorks all have CASP+-certified employees. The skills are necessary to ensure enterprise networks are secure, regardless of government or non-government status. Different Job Titles for the Same Role While the skills required by civilian and DoD companies are the same, the job titles vary. CASP+ aligns with 11 work roles in the framework used by the DoD to define cybers...

Daniel H. Wilson is a Cherokee citizen and the famous author of Robopocalypse and other books. He has a Ph.D. in robotics and a master’s degrees in both artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics. Amped is for when you’d like a long novel with pulse-pounding adventure, robotics, AI and history, and your content filters aren’t on their most sensitive settings. It’s a near-future techno thriller where there’s xenophobic backlash against anyone who has a neural implant. Wilson extrapolates on social and personal identity issues related to human augmentation with AI and robotics. Proposing a project at the right time can help you land the work. Bring new ideas in when your potential clients are making the budget and not when they’ve just finalized it, for example, and plan far enough ahead to be able to do it in stages; awareness, consideration and selection. “Give them time to consider it and then time to make up the contract and get all the pieces in place,” she said. The novel is told ...