IT Technical Training and Certification Blog Covering Cisco Microsoft CompTIA CISSP PMP and more!

Subject Matter Experts Needed for Certification Exam Development

2012-02-09T11:10:00.000-08:00

Subject Matter Experts Needed for Certification Exam Development

CompTIA relies on Subject Matter Experts (known in the acronym-happy world as a “SME”) to provide objectives and blueprints for our exams. These IT professionals confab with peers and our CompTIA staff at exam development workshops at our headquarters in Downers Grove, Ill. Together, this brain trust creates and reviews items associated with the latest in technologies, knowledge sets and best practices in the IT industry. We need SMEs in document imaging, cloud computing and PR repair/troubleshooting for three upcoming workshops. For both the SMEs and their employers, it’s a chance to influence the direction of the industry by taking part in creating standards. Interested in lending your expertise?

IT Executives Anticipate Expect Good, Not Great Year in 2012

2012-02-05T11:08:00.000-08:00

IT Executives Anticipate Expect Good, Not Great Year in 2012

In our IT Industry Outlook 2012 report, IT companies express tempered optimism heading into the first quarter of the year, though longer-term prospects look more promising. We’re projecting a worldwide IT industry growth rate of 4.5 percent in 2012, with upside potential of 7.6 percent. The forecast for the U.S. market is slightly lower. IT industry executives are most bullish on IT services and software sales this year. “We may see modest improvement in 2012, but it likely won’t be drastically different from 2011,” said Tim Herbert, vice president, research, CompTIA. In our 2012 outlook, we also identified 12 trends to watch that will make their mark on the IT industry and the broader economy in the upcoming year.

CompTIA Storage+ SNIA Certification Launches

2012-02-03T11:01:00.000-08:00

CompTIA Storage+ Powered by SNIA Certification Launches Worldwide

New credential from leading technology associations addresses data storage job skills

A new exam and certification for information technology (IT) professionals working in the evolving and expanding data storage arena was introduced today by CompTIA and the Storage Networking Industry Association (SNIA).

CompTIA Storage+ Powered by SNIA combines the thought and technical leadership of the SNIA with the global certification development and management capabilities of CompTIA. The result is a credential recognized globally as the standard for validating IT professionals who manage data storage.

“Organizations of all shapes and sizes are scrambling to come up with new strategies to manage the massive volumes of data they’re generating,” said Terry Erdle, executive vice president, skills development, CompTIA.

“The rise in mobile computing, the shift to cloud-enabled services, a need for heightened security and a host of other factors add to the complexity of this environment, which can challenge even the most seasoned IT storage pro,” Erdle continued.

“Together with SNIA we’ve developed a certification that will help individual IT workers keep pace with the changing storage landscape; and empower employers to validate the skills of their IT professionals.”
Wayne M. Adams, Chairman of the SNIA added, “The shared vision between CompTIA and the SNIA of having a comprehensive and valuable data storage certification is aimed at demonstrating IT skill competency and a credential holder’s career advancement. We are encouraging our thousands of SNIA credential holders to take the new CompTIA Storage+ Powered by SNIA certification exam to demonstrate that they are contemporary with state of the art data storage technologies, techniques and common practices.”
CompTIA and the SNIA intend to have the new certification accredited by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

CompTIA Storage+ Powered by SNIA is highly relevant for a number of professional positions in the IT industry, including data storage administrators, system administrators, system integrators, IT architects, out-sourcers, network engineers, pre-sales consultants and cloud services data and system managers.

The certification focuses on the following areas of data storage and storage networking:
• Configuration of storage systems and networks, including archive, backup and restoration technologies
• Business continuity, data availability and storage administration
• Storage system integration and correlated application workloads
• Basic troubleshooting, service levels and connectivity

The in-depth, multi-hour exam certifies that a successful candidate has the knowledge and skills required to configure basic data storage and storage networks to include archive, backup and restoration technologies. Additionally, the candidate understands the fundamentals of business continuity, application workload, capacity optimization, system integration and storage and system administration, while performing basic troubleshooting on storage related connectivity issues and referencing documentation.
CompTIA and the SNIA recommend that IT professionals have at least 12 months of hands-on storage networking experience before sitting for the exam. Complete exam objectives, sample questions, information on training materials, how to purchase exam vouchers and other information about CompTIA Storage+ Powered by SNIA are available on the CompTIA Certification Web Site.

About CompTIA
CompTIA is the voice of the world’s information technology (IT) industry. Its members are the companies at the forefront of innovation; and the professionals responsible for maximizing the benefits organizations receive from their investments in technology. CompTIA is dedicated to advancing industry growth through its educational programs, market research, networking events, professional certifications, and public policy advocacy. For more information, visit www.comptia.org or follow CompTIA on Twitter at http://twitter.com/comptia.

About the SNIA
The Storage Networking Industry Association (SNIA) is a not–for–profit global organization, made up of some 400 member companies spanning virtually the entire storage industry. SNIA’s mission is to lead the storage industry worldwide in developing and promoting standards, technologies, and educational services to empower organizations in the management of information. To this end, the SNIA is uniquely committed to delivering standards, education, and services that will propel open storage networking solutions into the broader market. For additional information, visit the SNIA web site at http://www.snia.org.

Visit TrainingPlanet.com for all your training and certification needs

PMP PDU CCR Certification Requirements

2012-02-01T12:32:00.000-08:00

Maintain Your PMP Certification Credential

What's New

Congratulations on earning your PMI certification!
Now that you are a credential holder, you need to adhere to PMI’s Continuing Certification Requirements (CCR) program. To follow the program, participate in professional development activities to earn professional development units (PDUs) and maintain your credential.

Every credential requires a specific amount of PDUs per three-year certification cycle. Since the requirements are different for each one, visit their respective pages to find out more, or read the CCR frequently asked questions.

Project Management Professional (PMP)^®

Program Management Professional (PgMP)^®

PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)^SM

PMI Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP)^®

PMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP)^®

The exception to the CCR program is the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)^®, which requires you to retake the CAPM^® exam before the end of your five-year certification cycle.

Not sure how to earn PDUs? "Watch the How Do I Earn PDUs?" segment of the CCR video, read Ways to Earn PDUs for activity ideas, or visit PMI Professional Development for a more complete listing of PDU-earning opportunities.

Ready to report your activities? Visit PMI’s online CCR system to report PDUs and view your certification records, or download a printable PDU activity reporting form.

Earn PDU s with home based PMP training at Training Planet.com

Does MCSE equate to MCITP: Enterprise Administrator?

2012-01-31T16:27:00.000-08:00

Q. Does MCSA equate to MCITP: Server Administrator and does MCSE equate to MCITP: Enterprise Administrator?

A. No, not exactly. The MCITP on Windows Server 2008 certification requires a new skill set—in some cases, a more robust one—that differs from the skill set needed for MCSA and MCSE certifications.

MCITP: Server Administrator certification covers more operations-related job skills than the MCSA certification.

MCITP: Enterprise Administrator maps to an actual job role profile, whereas the MCSE certification does not. The latter combines technology and job skills

Shon Harris CISSP Training

2012-01-30T14:26:00.000-08:00

Shon Harris, CISSP, MCSE, is a security consultant, a former engineer in the Air Force Information Warfare Unit, an instructor, an author, and President of Logical Security.

Shon Harris has written two best selling CISSP books, and co-authored Hacker's Challenge and Gray Hat Hacking. Shon has developed a new security book series, being published by McGraw-Hill, which will be sold to corporations, universities, colleges, and professionals throughout the world. This series will set the new standards in security training, education, and industry practices.

She is an active contributor for Information Security Magazine and Windows 2000 Magazine. Shon has taught computer and information security to a wide range of clients including RSA, Department of Defense, Department of Energy, National Security Agency (NSA), Bank of America, Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), BMC, and more.

Shon Harris was recently recognized by Information Security Magazine as one of the top 25 women technologists, researchers and executives reshaping information security today.

Shon Harris CISSP Training at TrainingPlanet.com

CISSP Online Training Shon Harris Videos & Exam Prep

2012-01-30T13:43:00.000-08:00

CISSP - The Basics of Certified Information Systems Security Professional

CISSP Online Training Shon Harris Videos & Exam Prep

Shon Harris wrote probably the best single and definitive guide on CISSP common body of knowledge (the 10 domains) and if you do not study or do anything else, BUY Shon Harris' All In One CISSP Exam Guide (it's worth every penny!) Just be sure it's the most current edition!

The 10 CISSP Domains you will be tested on include:

-Information Security and Risk Management
-Access Control
-Cryptography
-Security Architecture and Design
-Telecommunications and Network Security
-Application Security
-Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Planning
-Legal, Regulations, Compliance and Investigations
-Physical and Environmental Security
-Operations Security

Outstanding CISSP training - what more could you ask for?!

I DO HIGHLY RECOMMEND that you buy at least the most current edition of Shon Harris' Book ALL-In-ONE CISSP Exam Guide and read it cover to cover.

It's a must read to prepare for the exam, and if you read it last, and do all of the exam questions and quick tip reviews found in the book, as well as the practice questions found on the CD, you will stand a better chance at passing the CISSP exam.

Microsoft Office 2010 Training and Certification Made Easy

2012-01-29T16:38:00.000-08:00

Complete Interactive DVD-ROM Based Microsoft Office Training Packages

Take advantage of the incredible savings now!

Earning your Microsoft Office Specialist MOUS MOS certification (now MCAS) shows your current or future employer that you have the skills they need. These Microsoft Office Training CDs helps you get those skills--by reinforcing what you know, teaching you what you don't, and preparing you for all the questions you'll face on the exam. Affordable and comprehensive, our Microsoft Office Specialist training kit is the clear choice, and the only study resource you need to ready yourself to pass all the MOUS exams.

To earn the Microsoft Office Specialist certification for Microsoft Office, you must pass one or more certification exams. Office Specialist exams provide a valid and reliable measure of technical proficiency and expertise by evaluating your overall comprehension of Office applications, your ability to use their advanced features, and your ability to integrate the Office applications with other software applications. Microsoft Office Specialist exams are developed and validated by industry experts and are available at over 9,000 Authorized Testing Centers worldwide.

"... courses, for example, offer excellent simulations of real environments and provide great opportunities to reinforce knowledge through task-based exercises. For many people, these courses provide an efficient and cost-effective way to acquire knowledge and skills."
MOUGSAC Reviews 11/05

CISSP Exam Study Guides Shon Harris Amazon Best Sellers

2012-01-27T15:41:00.000-08:00

CISSP Exam Study Guides Shon Harris Amazon Best Sellers for CISSP Training

If you need CISSP Training on Interactive DVD-ROM Video Training Planet has it!

If you need to take CISSP Training Boot Camp Class at a center nationwide from Training Camp, we have it!

CERTIFIED ETHICAL HACKER TRAINING CEH CERTIFICATION

2012-01-25T16:15:00.000-08:00

Get certified in Ethical Hacking and Countermeasures (CURRENT V7 EXAM) using our Authorized EC-Council Training

Our training videos will show you how to scan, test, hack and secure your own systems. The intensive lab demonstrations give each student in-depth knowledge and practical experience with the current security system. You will begin by understanding how perimeter defenses work and then be lead into scanning and attacking your own networks. You will then learn how intruders escalate privileges and what steps can be taken to secure a system. Students will also learn about Intrusion Detection, Policy Creation, Social Engineering, DDoS Attacks, Buffer Overflows and Virus Creation.

Our DVD-ROM Boot Camp prepares you for EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker (Self-paced Study) exam 312-50 and ECO-350.

Dod directive 8570.1 information assurance training certification and workforce management
The DoD now requires its computer network defenders (CNDs) pass Certified Ethical Hacker certification program from the International Council of E-Commerce Consultants (EC-Council) to fulfill baseline skills.

For more info on our CERTIFIED ETHICAL HACKER TRAINING CEH CERTIFICATION COURSE

Webinar: Creating a Layered Security Strategy

2012-01-25T11:18:00.000-08:00

Webinar: Creating a Layered Security Strategy

The tools that hackers have at their disposal are more numerous and sophisticated than ever. IT organizations need to better understand how to deploy layers of security in concert with one another in order to construct the best defense possible.

Check out Tech Security Today’s Jan. 26th webinar.

CDIA+ and PDI+ Certifications

2012-01-24T09:59:00.000-08:00

Research Confirms Value of Printing, Document Imaging Certification

Technicians with expertise in printing and document imaging are needed given the sheer number of printers, copiers and multi-functional devices and recent surge in shipment growth. For the first time in more than a decade, the worldwide hardcopy peripherals market experienced double-digit growth. According to IDC, the total market grew 20 percent year-over-year to 29 million units in the second quarter of 2010 while shipment value increased 14 percent year-over-year to $13.3 billion.

Moreover, the demand for managed print services is also on the rise. As found by CompTIA in the 2^ndAnnual SMB Technology Adoption Trends study, 21 percent of SMBs use vendor managed print services and 17 percent plan to start using these services over the year – significant increases over 2009, 11 percent and 6 percent, respectively.

As with all technologies, people with the appropriate skills are desired to support these printing and document imaging devices, especially given their increasing complexity and connectivity to networks. To establish or prove knowledge and capability in a field, many professionals turn to certification.

Employers recognize the importance of certification in helping to ensure the credibility and quality of IT employees, and the printing/document imaging field is no exception. An increasing number of manufacturers in this market mandate the certification of technicians, either as a prerequisite for hiring or as a requirement for employees. Manufacturers such as Brother, Cannon, HP, Lexmark, Panasonic, Sharp and Xerox recommend or require CompTIA PDI+ certification for their technicians, sub-contractors and authorized service providers.

PDI+ certified individuals were surveyed on the benefits they have attained as a result of becoming certified. According to the CompTIA study, Printing and Document Imaging (PDI+) Certification and Training Insights, PDI+ certification has resulted in a range of benefits for technicians and their organizations, including more efficient troubleshooting, more insightful problem solving, better understanding of new technologies and advanced product training, and higher customer satisfaction.

From an employer’s standpoint, PDI+ certification saves organizations valuable time and resources in evaluating potential IT job candidates by providing a baseline set of knowledge for IT positions (74 percent). For more than half (58 percent), holding PDI+ ensures the credibility of IT employees. Fifty-five percent also believe that PDI+ certification enables IT staff to learn at a more efficient pace once starting a job. Furthermore, nearly three-quarters indicate their organizations are able to gain business by promoting to customers/prospects that technicians are certified.

For individuals, PDI+ certification has also contributed to career advancement. A number of professionals say that obtaining PDI+ was valuable for promotions/career opportunities (49 percent), getting a foot in the door for interviews (48 percent), receiving higher pay (41 percent), and changing fields or industries (for those who are not currently working in the printer/document imaging field — 38 percent). Overall, a great majority (81 percent) are likely to recommend the certification to colleagues.

For PDI+ Certification and CDIA+ Document Imaging Training visit Training Planet

Training for CISSP Certified Information Systems Security Professional

2012-01-23T14:24:00.000-08:00

Training for CISSP Certified Information Systems Security Professional by Shon Harris

Our E-learning curriculum is specifically designed with the busy professional in mind. All of our programs are produced using advanced learning concepts that encompass learning techniques that are designed for adult learning. E- learning is very popular today for a very good reason – It Works! People everywhere are discovering that they can fulfill their learning objectives conveniently (at their own pace, on their own time) and affordably (online classes start at a fraction of the cost of traditional classroom training).

If you plan to build a career in information security – one of today's most visible professions – and if you have at least five full years of experience in information security, then the CISSP ® credential should be your next career goal. It's the credential for professionals who develop policies and procedures in information security.

The CISSP was the first credential in the field of information security, accredited by the ANSI (American National Standards Institute) to ISO (International Organization for Standardization) Standard 17024:2003. CISSP certification exam is not only an objective measure of excellence, but a globally recognized standard of achievement.

Training for CISSP Certified Information Systems Security Professional Exam on interactive DVD-ROM by Shon Harris available at Training Planet

NEW VMware Training - the datacenter world is HOT

2012-01-23T11:38:00.000-08:00

VMware:
The datacenter world is hot, so Training Planet is now offering VMware training! If you are looking for a VMware course packed with more information, the most hands-on labs, all with an affordable price tag, then you have landed at the right spot. If you have any questions about VMware training, or want to know where to get started, visit the links above for details on the training and contact info.

Top IT Certifications of 2011

2011-12-10T08:54:00.001-08:00

An IT certification is one of the best and easiest ways of getting into the IT job market. Though there has been some decline in premium paid for IT certifications there are some specialities that still command good money. IT recruitment will definitely pick up next year.

Here were the five of the hottest IT certifications for 2011.

Microsoft certified technology specialist MCTS Certification

Microsoft is still the most dominant player in the desktop market. In September 2010, NetMarketShare showed Windows at 91.08% of the global operating system market. Microsoft has seen a renewed interest in its new operating system Windows 7. In July, Windows 7 surpassed Windows vista in global usage and around 20% of Microsoft users have already shifted to Windows 7. Gartner Inc estimates that 250 million PC's will be migrated to windows 7 over the next few years and also predicted an acute shortfall in qualified IT staffers to handle Windows 7 migration. A MCTS program with a specialization in configuring and deploying Windows 7 can prepare you for these opportunities.

VMware Certified Professional

Cloud is transforming IT. Virtualization technology is growing with most of the companies but lack of expertise in this field is a cause of worry for majority of them. "Cloud services have a huge potential and the demand for professionals will be equally high in the coming years" says Nitin Khanapurkar, executive director (advisory) KPMG, who works in the domain of cloud computing. Global cloud computing market is expected to be over $121.1 billion by 2015 growing at a CAGR of 26.2%.

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

IT security professionals had an extremely smooth sailing during the bad times. While IT budgets worldwide came down, companies fearing cyber attacks pushed IT security spending up during recession. The market is further expected to grow at over 12% YoY for next 3 years. The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) has become one of the most important certifications as employers look this as a validation of candidate's skills for this profession.

Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification

The number of IT project management related job opportunities has been down lately but because of a restricted supply of the quality jobseekers, it is still a candidate driven market. With economy out of recession there will be a strong demand for candidates with awareness of formal tools and techniques of project management. CWJobs.co.uk, a UK job board specializing in IT recruitment has more than 420 IT project manager vacancies listed on their website currently.

Network + Certification

The only basic certification on our list, but still one of the most important. Every IT professional must know what drives an organization's IT infrastructure whether it's Linux, Apple or Windows.Network+ certifies networking technicians with knowledge in the networking domain. It has consistently been a high-in-demand certification in the networking sector. Totaljobs salary checker data shows a healthy increase in average IT Networking salaries ( http://www.totaljobs.com/salary-checker/average-it-networking-salary ) signifying a good demand for qualified professionals.

CompTIA A+ Certification Get Top Marks from Leading Technology School

2011-12-09T08:53:00.000-08:00

Leading Technology School Gives Top Marks to CompTIA A+

Campus Ciudad de México (Mexico City) of the venerable Tecnológico de Monterrey multi-site university system has teamed with CompTIA to become the country’s first university CAPP-Academy, a move already paying dividends.

In 2011, the campus, ITESM-CCM, installed CompTIA A+ training and certification as part of the curriculum for all incoming freshmen within the technology school, regardless of their course of study.

Students are required to take the CompTIA A+ exam at the end of their semester-long course. Loyo, 35, said the chance for students at his campus to obtain internationally-recognized certifications at such an early stage of their academic careers will “increase their chances in the labor market.”

“I’m convinced that offering different certification training programs has an impact on the professional recognition for our students as they increase their skills,” he said.

CompTIA A+ is well-known across the industry for its vendor-neutral approach to such foundation-level technical skills as installation, preventative maintenance, networking, security and troubleshooting.

“To become CompTIA-certified means not to be married with some brand,” Loyo said, noting his site’s new training program “is designed to introduce students to issues of relevance, to innovate and collaborate with our country.”

Karla Gamboa, 18, a Business Engineering and IT freshmen, is in preparations to take her CompTIA A+ exam, but can already cite tremendous benefits. “I believe that industry certifications will become more important with time because while more people get certified, the IT industry will become more competitive and capable of doing more things,” she said. “People will look to be more prepared by taking more certifications.”

Gamboa, who teaches private computer classes in the summer, credited the quality of the information provided in the CompTIA training course. “It is interactive, easy to read and understand and it is constantly testing you to see if the topic is fully understood,” she said, noting the ability to study at her own pace was also helpful.

Gamboa is mapping out her own certification path that will hopefully include CompTIA A+, Network+ and Security+. Loyo recalled in his younger days querying instructors to satisfy his curiosity and build upon a burgeoning technical skill set.

A support technician at the age of 17, Loyo has worked at several IT firms and earned numerous certifications, including CompTIA A+ and Network+. He now considers it his greatest professional challenge to imbue in other students the skills and knowledge to succeed in their chosen professions. Accreditation, he believes, is a big part of that.

“Certifications allow us to demonstrate compliance with the requirements and skills needed internationally,” Loyo said. “Despite the high costs of certification exams, certifications mean better working conditions.”

“CompTIA is a worldwide industry that is recognized almost everywhere, so by having a certification approved by CompTIA you are demonstrating that you truly master the skills of that certification.”

The international recognition of CompTIA and its well-regarded industry standards is of keen significance to leaders of the private educational institution with an international presence in a dozen foreign countries.

My students were beating four-year college students for jobs. The big question was why. I started contacting companies and found out that certification carried a lot of weight.
— Terry Hand
CIS Instructor, Ogeechee Technical College

Learn more about CompTIA A+ Certification

Which Certification is Right for You?

2011-12-07T13:58:00.000-08:00

By Skill Level

Foundational: For students or workers new to IT - Great foundation course

Micro 2000 PC Diagnostics: PC installation and maintenance and repair tools

Entry-Level: For those starting an IT career

CompTIA A+: Preventative maintenance, basic networking, installation, troubleshooting and communication skills
CompTIA PDI+: Basic electromechanical components and tools, print engine and scan processes, color theory and networking

Professional: For established IT workers

CompTIA Network+: Managing, maintaining, troubleshooting, operating and configuring basic network infrastructure
CompTIA Security+: System security, network infrastructure, cryptography, assessments and audits
CompTIA Linux+ Powered by LPI: Linux installation, system architecture, GNU and UNIX commands, and user interfaces and desktops
MCITP Server Administrator Windows Server: Building, maintaining and troubleshooting server software
CompTIA Project+: Project management process, including initiation, planning, execution and support
Micro 2000 PC Diagnostics: PC installation and maintenance and repair tools

Areas of Expertise

Hardware: How to set up, test, and troubleshoot office equipment.

CompTIA A+: IT equipment
Micro 2000 PC Diagnostics: PC installation and maintenance and repair tools
MCITP Server Administrator Windows Server: Windows Server Admin
CompTIA PDI+: Printing and document imaging equipment

Systems: How to integrate computers and secure communications in a business environment.

CompTIA Network+: Network infrastructure and administration
CompTIA Security+: IT system security
CompTIA Linux+ Powered by LPI: Linux installation and management

Methodology: How traditional business roles benefit from technical knowledge

CompTIA Project+: Project management

Crystal Reports 2008 Training Course the Easy Way

2011-12-05T16:15:00.000-08:00

Crystal Reports 2008 Training Course

Receive a fundamental understanding of the concepts of Crystal Reports 2008 by learning to build reports, use formulas, build groups, work with records, and create charts. Follow Heather Peterson as she teaches you the functionality within this popular software.

The hands-on interactive labs will help you practice what you learn...with or without the application on your desktop.

2 levels - 62 modules - 6 learning hours

For more details on this interactive DVD-ROM Crystal Reports 2008 Training course

New IT Certification Offering from Cisco Systems

2011-12-05T15:00:00.000-08:00

New IT Certification Offering from Cisco Systems

Cisco Systems has added a new certification in field support for their products.

This certification is to be a Cisco Certified Technician (CCT) to perform on site installation on maintenance of the products that they offer. There are three tracks that you can choose from when going for this certification: Routing & Switching, Data Center, and TelePresence, and there is a separate Cisco exam (priced at $125) for each track which you must pass to gain the CCT certification. Apparently, you must have the Routing & Switching certification before you can apply for either of the others, which means that if you want either of the other two, you will have to pay at least $250. This certification lasts for a total of 3 years and to get re-certified, you must pass one exam from the list given here. On most IT job sites, there are a quite a number of jobs available for those with Cisco Certifications, so if you are in this field, it might be a good bet.

If you need Cisco training, please visit http://www.trainingplanet.com

How long will my Microsoft certification be valid?

2011-12-03T16:27:00.000-08:00

From the Microsoft Q&A Section of their site.

Q. How long will my Microsoft certification be valid?

A. Today, most of our Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS), Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP), and Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD) exams retire when Microsoft discontinues mainstream support for the related technology. The certification will still appear on your transcript but will be listed in an inactive section with an expiration date. In most cases, an upgrade path, which allows candidates to earn the certification with fewer exams (usually one), will be available for individuals who hold the certification on the previous version of the technology.

The legacy Microsoft certifications, such as Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) and Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA), currently do not expire, but some may no longer be awarded because all exams are retired or because Microsoft has ended extended support for the technology. In most cases, individuals who hold the certification on the previous version of the technology can earn the certification on the next version of the technology with one upgrade exam.

To maintain the relevance and value of our certifications and ensure that candidates possess up-to-date skills on technologies that are constantly changing, recertification may be necessary for some certifications. In these cases, the certification will remain valid as long as the candidate continues to recertify at appropriate intervals.
Note that Microsoft reserves the right to retire exams and certifications as well as change our recertification policy at any time.

For more info on Microsoft Certification Training for MCITP visit Training Planet

CDIA+ Certification and PDI+ Certification Exams for Document Imaging Skills

2011-12-03T16:16:00.000-08:00

Press Releases

Jan 05, 2011

CompTIA and Leading Manufacturers Extend Program Aimed at Enhancing Printing and Document Imaging Skills among IT Workforce

Special pricing and training options available for CompTIA PDI+, industry’s top vendor-neutral printing and document imaging certification

Downers Grove, Ill., January 5, 2011 – CompTIA, the non-profit trade association for the information technology (IT) industry, in cooperation with seven leading manufacturers of technology products, said today it is extending a special program aimed at helping IT professionals build their skills in printing and document imaging technology solutions.

Printing and document imaging solutions manufacturers Brother, Canon U.S.A. Consumer Imaging Group, HP, Lexmark, Sharp, Panasonic and Xerox are encouraging their technicians, authorized service providers and sub-contractors throughout the Americas to certify in CompTIA Printing and Document Imaging+ (CompTIA PDI+).

CompTIA PDI+ is the only vendor-neutral certification that measures an IT worker or field service technician’s ability to support printing and document imaging devices, including printers, copiers, scanners, multi-function devices and fax machines.

The PDIA+ interactive e-Learning offers a comprehensive, interactive, online course specifically designed to help individuals prepare for the CompTIA PDI+ certification exam as well as to learn tips to help in day-to-day troubleshooting.

A 2010 CompTIA study found that nearly three-quarters of employers believe their organization gains business by promoting to customers and potential customers that its IT staff is certified. A like percentage of employers also said CompTIA PDI+ certification saves them valuable time and resources in evaluating potential IT job candidates by providing a baseline set of knowledge for IT positions. (Source: Printing and Document Imaging Certification and Training Insights, CompTIA, July 2010)

From the IT professional’s perspective, the same study revealed that achieving CompTIA PDI+ certification contributes to career advancement, getting a foot in the door for interviews, receiving higher pay, and changing fields or industries.

CompTIA PDI+ covers the skills associated with a technician's understanding of basic electromechanical components and tools, print engine and scan processes and components, color theory, connectivity, networking and general troubleshooting. The certification exam also covers “soft” skills such as customer service, professionalism, safety and environment.

Visit CompTIA PDI+ Certification Training for more information on the certification.

Microsoft Project Training and MS Project Tutorials Courses Reviews

2011-12-02T15:01:00.000-08:00

Microsoft Project Training and MS Project Tutorials and Courses

Effective Microsoft Project training and practical MS Project tutorials are critical for new project managers and advanced project managers to learn effective approaches to solving project management problems.

Our line of Microsoft Project training includes MS Project tutorials that provide project managers with the training required to deliver a project on time and on budget.

Our Microsoft Project Training and MS Project tutorials focus on project management scheduling and effective lessons from experienced trainers with years of experience managing projects with Microsoft Project.

For a detailed reviewed selection of

Microsoft Project Training and MS Project Tutorials and Courses

Want more cash in your pocket? Certification is it!

2011-12-02T14:26:00.000-08:00

Want more cash in your pocket? Get certified!

All of us in the field have seen that pages and pages of job listings asking for all kinds of certifications with silly acronyms. Sometimes it seems almost impossible to find one that doesn’t require some kind of certification, which could make many people question why they went to college in the first place when these little certificates are all they needed. While this may seem like a pain, things will most likely stay this way for the foreseeable future, so it might be a good idea to jump on the bandwagon now.

According to some, it is not only a good idea to go ahead and get the certification you want for new jobs, but they are also leading to promotions and raises. In fact, a survey featured in a networkworld.com article asked 700 networking professionals whether a certification led to a raise, a promotion, a new job, or something else. 60.5% of professionals said their certifications got them a new job, 56.0% said that they got raise, 28.8% said that they got a promotion within their current company, and 10.8% said that they got some other type of reward for their certifications. Some certifications have been clearly shown to be more beneficial than others, such as the Cisco Certifications and some Microsoft Certifications.

Updated CompTIA Security+ Exam

2011-12-02T11:21:00.000-08:00

CompTIA Security+ Certification Addresses Operational Risk

The latest version of CompTIA Security+ covers the skill sets needed to proactively address security risk control and mitigation. As part of the ISO/ANSI accreditation for CompTIA Security+, CompTIA updates most exams every three years and there was a lot of new information to cover. The exam is for an IT security professional with experience in IT administration with a focus on security, day to day technical information security experience, and broad knowledge of security concerns and implementation.

http://www.trainingplanet.com/

CompTIA Strata Certification Training Course

2011-10-27T11:59:00.000-07:00

CompTIA's Strata certification program offers fundamental to advanced certificates that validate a wide range of subjects in information technology (IT). Students and professionals holding a Strata certificate demonstrate that they have the knowledge required to enter and excel in IT and technology-related fields. Strata exams validate knowledge in several IT subjects, including Green IT, Technical Sales and PC concepts.

The CompTIA Strata IT for Sales exam is designed to show that the successful candidate has the knowledge to effectively engage a customer, identify types of technology users, coordinate with technical staff, ensure customer satisfaction, and provide appropriate solutions based on customer requirements - including Green IT and preventative maintenance.

The Strata IT for Sales certificate is ideal for students or individuals entering a sales career as well as seasoned sales professionals new to selling technology products and solutions.

CompTIA's Strata Green IT certificate is designed to enhance an IT professional's experience, knowledge, and existing IT credentials to incorporate emerging technologies shaping the global green IT industry today. IT professionals that pass the Green IT exam validate that they have the aptitude needed to effectively implement and measure green IT programs and investments, including:

- A specialized knowledge of current IT methodologies
- The ability to develop, deploy, and calculate true ROI for green IT initiatives
- Knowledge of cost-cutting power management and IT virtualization techniques
- Proven understanding of environmentally-sound waste disposal
- An awareness of global organizations mandating standards and regulations

The Strata Green IT certificate is ideal for IT professionals who have decision making authority over a company's IT infrastructure or work in implementing green IT initiatives such as an IT manager, data center or facilities / operations manager, IT technician, and system or network administrator.

CompTIA Strata Course Curriculum.

Course Overview

Introduction
What is CompTIA Strata

The Visual PC and How it Works
Visual PC Overview and Motherboard Component Identification
Individual Component Identification and Lap Tops
Component Identification Exam
The Logical Flow Of Data

The Operating System
Introduction
Functions Of the Operating System

Windows Basic Training
Introduction
Windows Desktop and My Computer
Configuring Appearance and Selecting Files and Folders
Control Panel, Accessibility Options, System Applet

Backing UP and Backing UP
Introduction
Back up Solutions and Policies
Viruses

Printers
Types of Printers
Laser Printers and The Printer Interface

Video and Audio
Introduction
Types of Monitors
Video Cards and Sound Cards

The CPU and RAM
Introduction
CPU Central Processing Unit
RAM Random Access Memory

Storage
Introduction
Storage Devices

Networking
Introduction
OSI Model
Network Hardware
Network Software
IPV4 and IPV6

Green IT
Introduction
Electrical Safety and green IT
Disposal of Computer Equipment

IT Sales
Introduction
Ethics and The Sales Process
Sales Terminology,Finding Customers and Customer Commitment
Course Outro

More details to come shortly