CompTIA Mobility+ is perhaps the best vendor neutral certification in the mobile networking category.

Kim Lindros, 14 Mobile Certifications that Meet IT Demands

CompTIA Mobility+ is extremely well-designed to acquire the basic knowledge to deliver mobility services and mobility technical skills.

Francois Daumard, VP North America Channels, Fiberlink

CompTIA Mobility+ has already firmly took its position in the list of the best CompTIA certifications for IT professionals who want to stay ahead of the mobile-ready curve. This certification confirms expert knowledge in the latest mobility trends and the ability to work with a wide range of existing and new mobile technologies.

But on December 15, 2017, the CompTIA Mobility+ certification will officially retire. The main reason for the retirement is that the job role for Mobility+ continues to merge into the Network Administrator role, and much of the Mobility+ content is covered in CompTIA A+, Network+ and Security+.

Why do you need the CompTIA Mobility+ certification?

As a CompTIA Mobility+ certified professional, you will be able to:

• manage the complex environments that trends such as bring-your-own-device (BYOD) create
• understand different mobile technologies as well as over-the-air systems that will dominate business operations in the coming years
• manage the Internet of Things

How can you earn this certification?

There is the only one way to earn this CompTIA certification – you should pass the certification exam.

The CompTIA Mobility+ (MB0-001) exam covers mobile device management, troubleshooting, security such as remote access concerns and threat mitigation, and network infrastructure.

The MB0-001 exam consists of 100 multiple choice questions and drag and drops, and lasts 90 minutes.

The recommended experience includes at least 18 months of work experience in administration of mobile devices in the enterprise and the availability of the Network+ certification or equivalent working knowledge.

How can you pass the MB0-001 exam with guarantee?

1. Training Materials
2. Instructor-Led Training
3. ExamCollection Practice Test

Now when you are ready for this test, you should purchase the exam voucher then find a testing location and schedule your test.

This is your time to become the mobility guru companies need with CompTIA Mobility+.

Attention! Attention! Breaking News! CompTIA planned a grandiose retirement. Both exams and certifications will be withdrawn. But don’t get upset, because the end is always the beginning of something new. Who knows, maybe after some time we will publish an article called “CompTIA Great Novelties”.

Today our task is to cover the following questions: Which? (Which exam or certification will be withdrawn?) When? (The date of the retirement) What? (What is this exam or cert about?)

CompTIA certifications and exams are one of the most essential IT credentials for establishing an IT career. If you’re new to the IT industry, they will help you put your best foot forward. And if you’re already an IT professional, the CompTIA certifications validates your skills and can boost your career. So carefully study this article, maybe you will find a suitable option for your future or already prosperous career.

The list of CompTIA retiring certs and tests:

FC0-Z51 exam – July 31, 2017.

PK0-003 exam – September 30, 2017.

CompTIA CDIA+ certification – December 1, 2017.

CompTIA Mobility+ certification – December 15, 2017.

Pay due attention to the following preparation options: CertMaster (CompTIA’s intelligent online learning tool), training materials, classroom training and ExamCollection website.

CompTIA credentials are needed in almost every field and can separate you from the rest of the workforce.

After all, CompTIA Security+ is the certification globally trusted to validate foundational IT security knowledge and skills. It is not only prestigious, but also profitable to get it. But let’s go through it all point by point.

Security+ certification covers the basic and vital tenets for network security and risk management. All these points make Security+ a significant and remarkable stepping stone of an IT security career.

IT security has never been so paramount to organizations before. But cloud computing and mobile devices made their changes in the way how we do business. Every minute a huge number of data are transmitted and stored on networks worldwide. That’s why to have effective security practices in place is a primary task for organizations. In this connection, the Security+ certification is a lifebuoy for your business.

I think that it is obvious that CompTIA Security+ certification is in great demand and there are 4 weighty proofs of it:

1. Security+ is government approved
   CompTIA Security+ meets the ISO 17024 standard and is approved by U.S. Department of Defense to fulfill Directive 8570.01-M requirements.

2. Security+ is globally recognized
   Certified professionals work in over 147 countries throughout the world.

3. Security+ provides substantial earnings potential
   Over $86,000 per year – the median pay for certified professionals (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.)

4. Security+ is industry supported
   Content for the exams= industry-wide survey feedback+ team of subject matter experts.

Watch a promotional video of CompTIA, to know more information about CompTIA Security+, its possibilities advantages and benefits.

As for new SY0-501 exam, we know only that it will consist of multiple choice and performance-based questions.

CompTIA Security+ certification will cover:

• network and operation security
• application, data and host security
• threats and vulnerabilities
• access control
• identity management

So if you are planning to take the SY0-501 exam, you should have CompTIA Network+ certification and two years of experience in IT administration with a security focus.

Remember! If you pass the SY0-501 exam, you will get the best certification for networking professionals. Not in vain CompTIA Security+ motto says: Get Certified and Expect Success!

So, study up and put the SY0-501 exam on your 2017 to-do list.

So how can we protect our data and save it from attackers?

How to secure the cyber environment?

CompTIA gave answers to these important and concerning questions. It would seem that cybersecurity was an advantageous plot of science fiction films, but now cybersecurity is not only a reality, but also a very important realm in the IT sphere.

CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CSA+) is a cybersecurity certification that gives an opportunity to improve the overall state of IT security.

CSA+ verifies knowledge that are needed to

• detect
• prevent
• combat

cybersecurity threats.

Every year IT security industry finds new ways to deal with attackers, but hackers also don’t stand still. For this reason, IT sphere must always be one step ahead!

CompTIA CSA+ can give or improve the following security analyst skills:

• Configure and use threat detection tools.
• Perform data analysis.
• Interpret the results to identify vulnerabilities, threats and risks to an organization.

Well, if you haven’t been convinced of the importance of CSA+ yet, or if you still don’t know why you need this certification, then the following information is specially for you.

4 CSA+ superpowers:

1. CSA+ certified skills are in-demand

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): “37% overall growth between 2012 and 2022 will wait such job category as information security analysts.”

2. CSA+ is globally recognized

Accreditation by ISO/ANSI 17024

3. CSA+ provides substantial earnings potential

7th place – U.S. News and World Report’s list of the 100 best technology jobs for 2017

$90,120 per year –  the median pay for an information security analyst (according BLS)

4. CSA+ is industry supported

One more peculiar feature of this certification is the fact that CSA+ will give you a remarkable chance to bridge the skills gap between CompTIA Security+ and the CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP) exam. Based on CSA+, IT professionals can pursue CASP to prove their mastery of the hands-on cybersecurity skills required at the 5- to 10-year experience level.

So what about now? Were you convinced that CSA+ is a great way to your professional success? Yes, I see, you were. It is necessary to do only one thing to get your CSA+ certification. Now you should pass the test to verify this – CS0-001.

This test consists of 85 questions and lasts 165 minutes.

Recommended Experience:

• Network+
• Security+
• Minimum of 3-4 years of hands-on information security

It is important to remember that the CSA+ certification is valid for three years.

Click here to pass real exam practice test from ExamCollection website.

Earn the CSA+ certification to grow your career within the CompTIA recommended cybersecurity career pathway.

When teaching may be right for you

Many people choose IT career because of high salaries. It is not uncommon though for IT professionals to hate their jobs. People may love your paycheck but hate corporate IT environment, or not be so crazy about all this networking, routing or advanced infrastructure matters – or whatever they do. Yet, having invested lots of time, money and effort into their education, these IT professionals are very unlikely to walk away from their jobs. Yet, living a life with a job you hate can easily make you miserable. If this sounds anything like you, keep in mind that you can easily turn your career and your life around by becoming a certified IT trainer.

Many companies do not realize that a qualified, intelligent and certified tech instructor can keep the rank-and-file of the IT teams knowledgeable and up-to-date. Loyal employees are kept valuable and stimulated, short-timers can work free of worry knowing that they’re keeping their employability relevant. A qualified IT Trainer makes a huge difference in the efficiency and morale of an IT team and contributes to the company’s overall performance.

More often than not, instructors are found naturally within the company. If a person is a team lead who does a lot of instruction anyway, she or he may be perfect for the job. If it sounds like you, you should consider getting an IT trainer certification. The most popular ones are CompTIA’s CTT+ (Certified Technical Trainer+), Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) and the Apple Certified Trainer (ACT) and Cisco’s CCSI (this one is a great option if you already hold a CCNA which is required for the CCSI). These certifications present some bullet-proof ways to certify your IT training skills

CompTIA Certified Technical Trainer+

CompTIA is known for its solid vendor-neutral certifications that provide learners with foundational yet applicable knowledge, and the CTT+ is no exception. Like other CompTIA certifications, the CTT+ is endorsed by companies like Dell, IBM, Ricoh, Microsoft, and the US Department of Defense.

CTT+ is an international, vendor-neutral certification that covers core instructor skills, including preparation, presentation, communication, facilitation and evaluation in both a traditional and virtual classroom environment.

To become a CCT+, candidate needs to pass 2 exams: CompTIA CTT+ Essentials (TK0-201), and at least one of the two designations: Classroom Trainer or Virtual Classroom Trainer. You will have to submit a video or recording of your classroom or virtual classroom sessions.

The exam covers planning prior to the course, methods and media for instructional delivery, instructor credibility and communications, group facilitation and evaluating the training event.

You can find training materials for CompTIA CTT+ Essentials: TK0-201 exam here.

To get certified, candidates need to achieve the mini mum score of 655 on their the CompTIA CTT+ exam;  a minimum score of 36 on the Classroom or Virtual Classroom Trainer. Candidates are also recommended to have 6-12 months of training experience.

CTT+ is a great way to start an IT training career, and other credentials build well on it, so candidates can deepen their training competency with one of the following credentials – and their CV will still make sense.

Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT)

Microsoft does not need much of an introduction as an IT certification provider. If you hold an Microsoft credentials, becoming an MCT (Microsoft Certified Trainer) might be a great idea. MCP is an almost exclusive group of technical training professionals that combines the benefits of training certification and membership that features a wide range of Microsoft perks. These include access to the complete library of official Microsoft training and certification products; substantial discounts on exams, books, and Microsoft products; readiness resources and access to a members-only online community; and invitations to exclusive events and programs.

The best thing about an MCT credential is that it does not require any additional exams. Instead, there’s a list of accepted certifications and qualifications (one of which is the CCT+). If you meet the qualifications, you apply, pay the fee, and you’re in. Furthermore, The Microsoft Certified Trainer program is an annual membership program. You must complete an online application, pay an annual fee, and meet program requirements to renew your training certification for the coming year.

Apple Certified Trainer (ACT)

The Apple Certified Trainer (ACT) credential may be very useful and marketable if your company relies on Apple products. This credential validates your capability of delivering the Apple certification curriculum across a range of products. The goal of the ACT program is to ensure the quality, consistency and accessibility of Apple training worldwide. The ACT program prepares applicants to deliver courses for commercial and academic Apple Authorized Training Centers. Candidates are qualified in technical proficiency and instructional skills by attending a Train-the-Trainer (T3) class and passing an ACT certification exam.

As an ACT candidate, you need to meet the following requirements:

• Have an accepted ACT application
• Have at least 1 year teaching experience in a structured classroom setting (individual instruction does not satisfy this requirement).
• Have at least 1 year of experience with the OS X.
• Have at least 3 years of experience as an IT professional or teaching experience in this field.
• Earn the end user certification for the relevant product.
• Demonstrate teaching skills at a Train-the-trainer (T3) course and pass the trainer exam for the chosen application.

Certified Cisco Systems Instructor (CCSI)

If you are a Cisco certified professional, especially holding a CCNA, you should consider becoming a Certified Cisco Systems Instructor (CCSI) – since CCNA is a prerequisite for this credential. Achieving this certification may be a bit of a hassle, but it’s definitely worth the effort, especially if your company uses Cisco solutions and you want to remain in Cisco professional circle.

To become a Certified Cisco Systems Instructor (CCSI), you must first be sponsored or employed by a Cisco Learning Partner (CLP). Once you become sponsored by a CLP, they will guide you through the instructor certification process, which includes but is not limited to the following:

• Select a Baseline technology (i.e., Building Scalable Cisco Internetworks)
• Take the course(s) (i.e., BSCI)
• Pass the exam(s) (i.e., BSCI ) *Passmark is based on the CCSI Exam requirements
• Enroll for and pass the Instructor Certification Process (two-day evaluation)
• Acknowledge the Cisco Certified Systems Instructor Agreement
• Your sponsor (the Cisco Learning Partner) will submit and request certification on your behalf

These are the most popular certifications for IT trainers/instructors. Explore them if you consider this career change, and you might even be able to stay with your current company, but a much more enjoyable job.

Launched on February 28, 2015, the new exam version (N10-006) covers approaches to networking and network technologies used today. Compared to the previous version of the exam, the new Network+ puts a greater emphasis on practical knowledge, especially how to identify and use elements of a network infrastructure. Just like all other CompTIA exams, the N10-006 is vendor neutral, which makes it especially attractive to many users. The new exam contains up to 100 questions (more than the old one) within the same time frame: 90 minutes.

What makes the new Network+ exam N10-006 different:

• Additional & expanded IPv6 concepts.
• Emphasis on troubleshooting.
• Additional security knowledge.
• Emphasis on Administering key systems.
• 3 brand new topics (see below)

So if you are planning to take the N10-006 exam, you should keep in mind all newer terms and technologies in the IT networking field. Remember that you are now expected to have more hands-on experience like installing, configuring, implementing, managing and troubleshooting.

There have been 3 new exam topics added. These are:

• Compare and contrast physical security controls.
• Summarize basic forensic concepts.
• Summarize safety practices.

All in all, Network+ is growing stronger, the exam is becoming harder, which makes the credential even more desired by employers worldwide. Companies such as Dell, HP, Ricoh, Sharp and Xerox recommend or require CompTIA Network+ for their networking technicians. It is also a technical prerequisite option for IT technicians seeking to join the Apple Consultants Network, and is recognized by the U.S. Department of Defense.  The CompTIA Network+ce program is included in the scope of this accreditation, and may be kept current through the CompTIA Continuing Education program.

This may be a promotional video of CompTIA, so beware of the strong marketing angle, but it does justice to this credential: Network+ is indeed the best certification for networking professionals.

So, study up and put the N10-006 exam on your 2015 to-do list.

For those of our readers who are new to CompTIA certification program, CASP is an advanced level exam that validates candidates’ full competency and skills in IT security. According to CompTIA, the new version of the exam addresses the latest enterprise-level cybersecurity threats. The exam ensures that the new CASP credential holders can effectively combat the growing threat of malware coming from individual hackers and well as from organized hacking groups. The new CASP version also covers  the troubleshooting processes security professionals rely on to keep data, devices and networks secure.

Needless to say that while the old CASP exam wasn’t a piece of cake, the new one will be even more challenging. “Each hack is unique,” noted James Stanger, senior director, product development, CompTIA. ”It takes technical knowledge and creativity to combat these threats. These advanced skills are assessed in the CASP exam.”
The CASP certification exam validates competency in enterprise security; risk management; incident response; research and analysis; integration of computing, communications and business disciplines; and technical integration of enterprise components.

CASP exam targets IT professionals with at least 10 years’ experience in IT administration and five years hands-on technical security experience in job roles such as information security analyst, security architect, cybersecurity risk manager and cybersecurity risk analyst. The CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP) exam is an internationally targeted validation of advanced level security skills and knowledge. While there is no formal prerequisite, the CASP certification is intended to follow CompTIA Security+ or equivalent experience and has a technical, hands-on focus at the enterprise level.

The exam does not exceed 80 questions and is fully performance based. CASP CAS-002 exam objectives include:

• Enterprise Security – 30%
• Risk Management and Incident Response 20%
• Research and Analysis – 18%
• Integration of Computing, Communications and Business Disciplines – 16%
• Technical Integration of Enterprise Components – 16%

For a full list of CASP exa, objectives and subtopics, please refer to CompTIA website.

There’s no shame being one of these people if you do not work in IT industry. But as pretty much any job these days requires at least basic level of computer literacy, CompTIA has developed a formal credential to validate these basic skills.

Meet IT Fundamentals, the newest credential in CompTIA’s certification lineup. This credential replaces Strata IT Fundamental certification which will be phased out in summer 2015.

CompTIA IT Fundamentals certification targets non-IT professionals who cannot escape the need for basic IT skills. It goes without saying that since most industries, like marketing, sales, customer service, management and others tend to rely on software, CRM, and other computer-based tools, these professionals need computer-based skills. For professionals in marketing, communications, and other recession-hit industries where job competition is especially tough, having such credential might be the unique selling point on their resume, something to set them apart from other applicants. CompTIA specifically mentions the following professions:

• Sales associates
• Sales engineers
• Account managers
• Business development managers
• Product and marketing specialists
• Customer support personnel

IT Fundamentals is as basic as it gets for an IT certification. It is a step below the entry level CompTIA A+ credential which was developed for entry level IT professionals, mainly service desk staff. CompTIA IT Fundamentals covers the following aspects:

• Identifying and explaining computer components.
• Setting up a workstation, including conducting software installations.
• Establishing network connectivity.
• Identifying compatibility issues and identifying and preventing security risks.
• Managing the safety and preventative maintenance of computers.

CompTIA IT Fundamentals credential does not have any prerequisites, although candidates should allow sufficient time for learning all information and topics outlined in exam blueprint. The exam itself (already available worldwide), FC0-U51, lasts 1 hour and consists of 75 multiple choice questions.

So is this certification right for you? Or, if you are an experienced IT professional, who do you recommend this credential to?

In case you have missed the big news released yesterday, we are happy to tell you that the new CompTIA Security+ exam is now officially available worldwide. Introduced yesterday, May 1, CompTIA’s new SY0-401 is now available worldwide in English, with more languages to be added within the next few months. According to the vendor, the new exam puts more emphasis on BYOD, mobile security and risk mitigation.

“This update reflects the changes and challenges IT professionals face in the realm of cybersecurity,” said Terry Erdle, executive vice president, skills certification and learning, CompTIA.

Well, so far it all sounds expected. Security challenges keep growing, and, especially with the ‘heartbleed’ disaster still being hot (with no end in sight), the update does not come as much of a surprise.

 UPD: We have just come across the fresh new braindumps for the SY0-401 exam available from 2 main certification training providers: TestKing and Pass4Sure.  Wonder when FREE Security+ VCEs reach ExamCollection…

These are the updates as outlined by CompTIA.

• Expansion of common protocols and services.
• Stronger emphasis on risk, including risk due to systems integration with third parties and how to plan for it.
• More on mobile security and BYOD.
• Risk mitigation in static environments including SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) and Android/iOS.
• Wider scenario based authentication, authorization and access control, including federation.

The new exam also includes more scenario-based objectives, which are often used for performance based questions in CompTIA exams. Don’t worry, however, if you get confused by the exam objectives currently available on the official CompTIA website. As of morning of May 2 here in Europe, they don’t seem to have been updated. We’ll be sure to keep you guys posted!

If you consider earning the Security+ credential, we can assure you that this is certainly a great one to have. This certification is widely recognized throughout the IT industry and around the world as a certification that designates knowledgeable professionals in the field of cybersecurity. More than 284,000 individuals have earned CompTIA Security+ certification.

CompTIA Security+ is widely recognized throughout the IT industry and around the world as a certification that designates knowledgeable professionals in the field of cybersecurity. More than 284,000 individuals have earned CompTIA Security+ certification.

CompTIA Security+ is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) to show compliance with the ISO 17024:2012 standard. The certification is also approved by the U.S. Department of Defense and is required for its employees who specialize in this area. It’s also required by a number of leading IT companies worldwide. And, with the growing demand for IT security professionals, CompTIA Security+ is becoming even more attractive.

These numbers show that Linux knowledge is highly beneficial to those willing to boost their career in the sphere of servers and large scale enterprise solutions. These certifications are also beneficial to many IT professionals who run into some Linux operating systems alongside Windows. If you are just mapping out your IT career (oh exciting stage!), don’t underestimate Linux – you might need it in the very near future.

There is a number of options for Linux certifications, which can be combined either with each other, or with credentials that cover related fields (server certifications, for example), ensuring that you maximize your career potential. We have picked Linux certification programs from the following vendors:

• CompTIA
• LPI (Linux Professional Institute)
• Red Hat
• Oracle Corporation

CompTIA Linux+

Needless to say that CompTIA has an excellent track record with solid vendor-neutral certifications, often created in partnerships with relevant industry leaders. Linux+ is no exception as it is run in partnership with LPI (Linux Professional Institute).

CompTIA Linux+ is an associate-level certification, which validates the candidate’s skills and knowledge required of junior Linux administrators. This credential is also a great stepping stone to more advanced Linux certifications.

To get Linux+ certified, candidates need to pass 2 exams: Two exams are necessary to be certified: LX0-101 and LX0-102.

 LX0-101 covers system architecture; Linux Installation and package management; GNU and Unix commands; devices, Linux filesystems, and filesystem hierarchy standard.

LX0-102 covers shells, scripting and data management; user interfaces and desktops; administrative tasks; essential system services; networking fundamentals; security.

As CompTIA Linux+ certification is conducted in partnership with LPI, candidates may choose to have their CompTIA results to be forwarded to the Linux Professional Institute. Certification in CompTIA Linux+ Powered by LPI, enables candidates to become certified in LPIC-1 as well, enabling further participation in the LPI program if the candidate chooses to take this step.

CompTIA Linux+ candidate job roles include junior Linux administrator, junior network administrator, systems administrator, Linux database administrator and web administrator. This credential is required by many industry leaders, including companies like Dell, HP, IBM, Lenovo and Xerox.

Linux Professional Institute (LPI)

Linux Professional Institute (LPI) is a recognized leader in the Linux operating system.  It offers comprehensive certifications on Linux topics and technologies.

The LPI Certification program (often abbreviated as LPIC) includes 3 levels:

• LPIC-1 (Junior Level Linux Certification): covers basic Linux skills, including working at the command line, performing basic maintenance tasks, installing and configuring a workstation (including X Windows), making LAN or Internet connections. Overlaps with, and replaced by CompTIA Linux+ Powered by LPI, has no prerequisites, 2 written exams.

• LPIC-2 (Advanced Level Linux Certification):  Prerequisites include wither LPIC-1 or Linux+. This certification also includes 2 exams which cover significant Linux skills and topics, including the kernel, system startup, file system and devices, advanced storage administration, network configuration, system maintenance, and DNS as well as web services, file sharing, network client management, e-mail services, system security and troubleshooting.

• LPIC-3 (Senior Level Linux Certification): Prerequisite: LPIC-2, where any single exam in the 300 series qualifies a person for Level 3 certification. To obtain this advanced Linux credential, candidates need to pass 3 exams.

LPI certification program is perfect for IT professionals need in-depth yet vendor neutral Linux certification. LPIC levels ensure vendor- and distribution-neutral coverage of Linux topics, tools and technologies, and are highly valued by employers.

Red Hat

Red Hat Linux certifications are a top choice for candidates interested in a platform-focused approach to Linux. These Linux certifications are a natural choice to those who already hold other Red Hat credentials –or are confident of their career with companies using Red Hat technologies. Red Hat Linux Certification Path also includes 3 levels.

• Red Hat Certified Systems Administrator (RHCSA) validates essential skills in handling files, working at the command line, and using system documentation, along with managing systems (boot-up, identifying processes, start/stop virtual machines, controlling systems), configuring storage partitions and logical volumes, and more.

• Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE): validates the skills and knowledge necessary to work as a senior level Linux system administrator. Topics covered include advanced IP routing and services, managing runtime kernel behavior, working with iSCSI, automating maintenance tasks with shell scripts, and working with networking services for Web, FTP, NFS, SMB, SMTP, SSH and more. Holding a valid RHSCA is a prerequisite for the RHCE.

• Red Hat Certified Architect (RHCA): advanced level Red Hat certification which validates the architect-level skills in Red Hat Linux solutions.

Oracle

Although Oracle Corporation has a long history with UNIX (since acquiring Sun Microsystems), today the vendor focuses its certifications on Linux, leaving the UNIX roots behind. Oracle Linux credential would be most appealing to IT professionals already working with Oracle solutions. There are 2 credentials: OCA (Oracle Certified Associate), Oracle Linux 5 and 6 System Administration and OCP (Oracle Certified Professional), Oracle Linux 6 Advanced System Administrator. The credentials require one exam each.

 So, your choice of Linux certification path and approach depends on your career goals and needs. If you’re a beginner, we recommend that you start with CompTIA Linux+ certification for an introduction to the system and immediate CV boost, enough until you figure out where you want to do next.