TEN MOST VALUABLE IT CERTIFICATIONS OF 2012

According to the recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics the unemployment rate is still over 8%. These people are our neighbors, our friends, and our family; representing each demographic in terms of age, education and talent. There is probably only one thing that unites them all: they do not possess one of the 10 most sought after certifications in the Information Technology (IT) job market.

The ten most critical certifications that would assure Americans jobs and advancement in the IT marketplace are:

1. Project Management Professional (PMP) manages projects to a successful conclusion, on-time, on-budget, and using the resources allocated.
2. Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) certifications validate your skills in deploying, designing, and maintaining Microsoft technology such as Windows, SQL, SharePoint and Exchange.
3. CompTIA’s A+ certification indicates competency to install networks, conduct preventative maintenance, secure them and troubleshoot them.
4. Cisco Certified Network Associates (CCNA) installs, configures, runs and troubleshoots medium-sized routed and switched networks.
5. Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) cortication validate your skills on implementing and troubleshooting a particular Microsoft Server technology, such as Windows, SQL, SharePoint and Exchange.
6. CompTIA’s Network+ certification demonstrates competency to manage, maintain, troubleshoot, install and configure basic network infrastructures.
7. Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) validates the ability to plan, implement, verify and troubleshoot local and wide-area enterprise networks and work collaboratively with specialists on advanced security, voice, wireless and video solutions.
8. NetApp Certified Data Management Administrator (NCDA) have proven skills in performing in-depth support, administrative functions, and performance management for NetApp storage appliances running the Data ONTAP® operating system in NFS and Windows® (CIFS) multiprotocol environments.
9. IT Infrastructure Library certification (ITIL) demonstrates the expertise of professionals in tech management with a three tiered program of basic, intermediate and advanced certification.
10. CompTIA’s Security+ certification demonstrates knowledge of system security, network infrastructure, access control and organizational security.

Although the above certifications may not guarantee you a job (extenuating circumstances must be taken into account), they certainly improve your chances of gaining meaningful and stable employment.

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Lammle’s CompTIA Network+ Study Guide is coming soon

The 2011 edition of the Network+ exam, N10-005, is its first major revision since 2009. To coincide with the new version, Todd Lammle has written a new edition of his CompTIA Network+ Study Guide. As well as covering 100% of the exam’s objectives, the networking guru offers invaluable insights and tips drawn from his own real-world experience to help students succeed the first time.

Cisco Learning Network Now Features CompTIA Certifications

By Janet Pinkerton

The Cisco Learning Network, the Cisco certification social learning community, now features a dedicated page about CompTIA certification. The page educates IT professionals about how CompTIA and Cisco certifications help build strong career credentials for networking professionals.

Vendor-neutral CompTIA certifications, specifically CompTIA A+ and Network+, frequently lead to either Cisco’s CCENT or CCNA certifications for a well-rounded resume. In addition, test results have shown that CompTIA Network+ certified professionals who move on to Cisco’s CCNA exam have a higher pass rate than those who are not Network+ certified.

“Networking is increasingly important in today’s IT business operations and in the home as well,” said Terry Erdle, CompTIA executive vice president, skills certification. “Candidates who begin with CompTIA’s vendor-neutral certifications like A+, Network+ and Security+ improve their chances of passing the exams for Cisco’s CCENT or CCNA certifications when they take them. A combination of CompTIA and Cisco credentials on a resume tells potential employers that a candidate has the critical knowledge and skills needed in today’s IT job market.”

To build upon that synergy, CompTIA and Cisco have worked closely together for years to support IT workers’ career development in routing and switching. And now the CompTIA page on The Cisco Learning Network explains the complementary features of A+, Network+, CCENT and CCNA certifications in an easy-to-use fashion.

“The networking field is an area with plentiful opportunities for workers to begin or enhance their careers,” said Jeanne Beliveau-Dunn, vice president and general manager, Learning@Cisco. “To thrive in the networking industry, individuals must have foundational networking knowledge such as can be assessed by CompTIA’s A+ and Network+ certifications, as well as practical expertise in a variety of technology areas supported through CCENT, CCNA and other Cisco career certifications.

“As we continue to see significant growth in the job market for network engineers, technicians and architects, Cisco is dedicated to extending our reach into new communities to deliver the skills needed to support the growth of talent worldwide,” Beliveau-Dunn said.

The CompTIA page on the Cisco Learning Network links to resources for taking the CompTIA Network + and A+ and Cisco certification exams. In addition, the page also presents the new CompTIA IT Career Roadmap illustrating how certifications from CompTIA and Cisco advance IT skills and job roles from novice to expert level in routing and switching.

Look for CompTIA and Cisco to work together in the future by offering joint promotions to help IT professionals interested in becoming certified. For more information on CompTIA, sign up for the CompTIA Connect Newsletter. For more information on Cisco, sign up for the Cisco Learning Network.

Source: CompTIA Blog

Networking Bundle Offer

CompTIA, Cisco and Pearson VUE have partnered to give IT professionals everything they need to prepare for a career in networking at a $140 savings!

Between now and April 30, 2011, aspiring networking professionals will have an opportunity to take a CompTIA Network+ exam and a Cisco CCNA exam at a 25% discount! In addition, we are including a 30% discount on CompTIA Network+ and Cisco CCNA study materials to better prepare for these exams.

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Networking Career Roadmap

The below roadmap highlights the career opportunities and typical job roles associated with achieving CompTIA and Cisco certifications.

Bundle Contents:

You will receive the following products for a special price of $399!

1. CompTIA Network+ Exam Voucher (2009 Edition – N10-004)
2. Cisco CCNA Exam Voucher (640-802)
3. CompTIA Network+ Cert Flash Cards Online
4. Cisco CCNA Cert Flash Cards Online

This offer is valid for US residents only. Exams must be taken by April 30, 2011, and scheduled at a Pearson VUE test center located within the United States.

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