In this post, we’ll look at the top 5 networking credentials you need to obtain in 2020. Let’s discuss them right away.

1. Wireshark Certified Network Analyst – WCNA

Wireshark University was founded in 2007. The institution provides one certificate, but it’s going to be worth all the effort. WCNA validates the skills and knowledge of the network analysts by using Wireshark and network security, network troubleshooting, and TCP/IP network communications. To get this certification, the students must pass one exam. The WCNA-102.x test consists of 100 multiple-choice questions that you must complete in 2 hours. You also need to pay a fee of $299.

This credential is valid for three years, and you should get 20 continuing professional education credits every year to maintain it. The credits must focus on functions associated with the WCNA exam domains such as analysis and sniffing. You can participate in the Black Hat conference or SharkFest. You may also need to study for the test with the training program to get the CPEs.

2. SolarWinds Certified Professional – SCP

SolarWinds is a tech company based in Austin. This organization allows the IT professionals and businesses to get access to tools, solutions, and products. They use these resources to enhance performance, monitor, and find solutions to real-world issues. SolarWinds provides solutions in various areas, such as system management, network management, security database management, Cloud, and IT help desk.

Currently, the company provides one certification, known as SCP (SolarWinds Certified Professional). The credential is designed to prove one’s expertise, knowledge, and skills in using the network management product portfolio or SolarWinds system management. The students can opt to test for the certificate on the Server and Application Monitor or the Network Performance Monitor paths. In any case, they need to pass one exam. The certification test includes 75 questions that should be answered within 90 minutes.

The company seeks to ensure that the SCP holders maintain their knowledge base. This is because new technology products are being produced. To achieve this, SolarWinds obliges the certified specialists to uphold the SolarWinds subscription. The professionals with the SCP certification are required to attend training and events organized by this organization. With this subscription, the individuals get access to online training courses, are invited to online and in-person events, get improved support and a chance to study with the SolarWinds experts. You need to pay $200 as a yearly subscription. The SCP credential expires after 3 years in case an applicant doesn’t maintain the subscription and doesn’t take part in the training.

3. CompTIA Network+

It is an entry-level certification. It is designed for the individuals in the IT industry who want to upgrade their resume. It is also meant for the beginners in the networking field. This vendor-neutral certificate serves as a springboard for many professional networking credentials. Given that it is an entry-level certification, there are no requirements for taking the CompTIA N10-007 test. The exam contains 90 questions, and the duration for completing it is 90 minutes. Furthermore, there are numerous resources that will help you prepare for this test. Also, please note that you’ll need to pay $329.

4. Cisco Certified Network Professional – CCNP

CCNP is available in different paths, such as Enterprise, Collaboration, Security, Service Provider, Data Center, and Cisco Certified DevNet Professional. To get any credentials in these categories, the individuals must first obtain CCNA. After earning CCNP for the networking professionals, you can proceed to pursue another specialty in the CCNP tracks. If you are planning to earn CCNP Enterprise, for example, you’re required to pass one core exam (350-401 ENCOR) and one from six available concentration tests.

Remember, Cisco recently updated its certification program by retiring some certificates and introducing new ones. These new changes took effect on February 24, 2020. CCNA, CCNP, and CCIE were affected. For example, the most popular CCNA R&S and CCNP R&S credentials have been retired and replaced with other certifications. The replacements are CCNA Enterprise and CCNP Enterprise, respectfully.

5. Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert – CCIE

It is among the top-paying networking certifications. It involves a number of critical networking paths. These tracks include Enterprise Infrastructure, Enterprise Wireless, Data Center, Security, Service Provider, Collaboration, and CCDE. It’s important to point out that getting this credential requires rigorous and serious work. However, the outcome is worth the investment and effort.

The Cisco CCIE certificates have the capability to open many job opportunities and high earning potential. To obtain one, you need to pass some exams. There are no specific requirements for taking the written test. Once you pass it, you can sit for the lab exam. You must pass the written test to qualify for the lab one. If you don’t pass this hands-on exam within 3 years, you will need to take it again.

Conclusion

There are numerous options for the networking experts to pursue apart from these five. For instance, you can take the Open Linux Networking credential, known as CCONP (Cumulus Certified Open Networking Professional). Even though it’s not available in our list, JNCIE-ENT (Juniper Enterprise Routing and Switching – Expert) is another great certification for those specialists who want to learn about Juniper technologies.

As you can see, the networking professionals have many credentials to consider. Please note that an IT certification can create a huge difference in one’s career advancement. 2020 seems to have many surprises for the IT industry. If you want to advance your career in this field, you need to take these top networking certificates. Get ready to pass one or two tests and take advantage of numerous possibilities in your IT career. It’s good to point out that getting the credentials is challenging. Therefore, you need to use the right study materials to prepare for the prerequisite exams.

First of all, job positions that require the professionals to have this (ISC)² certificate are usually paid superbly. An individual with this credential can make an average of six-figure remunerations per annum but it depends on his/her location. Additionally, there is no lack of job roles for the security specialists, which means there is always an opening that you can fill when you have such a certification. For instance, it is estimated that there will be approximately 2 million extra security positions that will require the IT experts to fill them. Of great importance is the number of people who will fulfill these roles, and this is where a strong consideration for CISSP comes in. No doubt, this is a good reason to pursue this certificate but you shouldn’t jump right into it without putting some facts into consideration.

Below we share some objective views on choosing the CISSP certification as your goal.

• CISSP requires paid work experience

Your work experience will showcase whether you should strive to pursue this credential or not. For instance, if you are just starting out in the sector of information security, you won’t be able to do it. This doesn’t mean that if you take the exam, you won’t pass it; it is all about the prerequisite for pursuing this (ISC)² certification. You should have more than 5 years of paid work experience to qualify for this certificate. It is essential to point out that you can actually shorten the time by one year. However, you have four years to contend with, and nothing can be done about it. You just have to wait before you can attempt the CISSP certification test.

There are some other options that the professionals who starting out in the security field can consider. For those who want to earn their first job in the security field, CISSP is not the point to start. At this stage, you should seek to validate your basic skills. CompTIA Security+ and CompTIA CySA+ are two certificates you can consider to confirm your knowledge and skills, as well as increase your chance of landing an entry-level position.

CompTIA Security+ is an entry-level cybersecurity credential that requires a single exam. It is made up of about 90 questions, which must be completed within 90 minutes. The test is created to validate the candidates’ knowledge and skills in basic IT and security domains. CompTIA CySA+ is also an excellent choice for an entry-level IT security specialist. This credential was introduced in 2017 by CompTIA, and it was developed to bridge the gap between the skills required for the foundational CompTIA Security+ and the expert-level CASP+ certificates. You can continue to pursue CISSP after earning either of these certifications. However, you have to fulfill the requirements for years of experience before you obtain it.

• CISSP is great if you want to take up government jobs

For the professionals trying to get a job position in the government, CISSP is a great credential option. It satisfies the IA baseline certification requirements for taking up job roles in this realm. The baseline certificates for the government employees possess four different categories, including IAT, AIM, CSSP, and IASAE. (ISC)² CISSP takes its place in these categories, which means it is a great certification option for those individuals who want to get a government job title.

• CISSP requires recertification

This is actually a great thing because it helps you consistently update your skills so as not to become obsolete. To renew your certification, you have to earn the CPE credits, which are quite easy to achieve. Every 3 years, you have to submit at least 90 Group-A CPE credits, as well as the additional 30 Group-A or Group-B CPE credits to retain your credential. There are different educational activities that make up for these CPE credits. You earn one credit for each hour you spend learning. Some educational activities you can engage in include reading of whitepapers, books, or magazines; attending educational courses, presentations, seminars, or conferences; publishing a whitepaper, an article, or a book. You can also earn the credits by preparing to train or present information associated with information security; volunteering for charitable organizations, public sector, and government; performing special project-related work outside your normal work responsibilities; taking higher academic training courses. Generally, if you learn the topics covered in the eight security domains, you can claim the CPE credit hours. Of course, they should be not within your standard job activity. With an average of 40 CPE credits every year, you can easily meet up with the recertification requirements.

Please note that the Group-B credits cover the general professional and development activities that the certification holders may engage in. These include anything that is not within the scope of the security domains. Additionally, the activities that qualify for the Group-A CPE credits can also be used for the Group-B ones.

Conclusion

Your choice of obtaining the CISSP certificate will be determined by your professional goals, industry, and work experience. If you want to break into the information security field, this (ISC)² certification is the ideal choice. However, if you are an entry-level professional, it will not be a good starting point because you don’t have the prerequisite experience for it at this stage. Instead, you should pursue either CompTIA Security+ or CompTIA CySA+ to begin your journey in the world of information security. With experience you will earn, you can proceed to pursue the CISSP credential. This will be a good foundation for your future career path.

It is therefore very important for any IT expert who is keen on advancing their career in the Linux field to obtain the relevant certification. In this blog post, we will talk more about the best Linux certificates.

Top 5 Linux Certifications to Pursue

There are so many Linux certifications for the IT experts. However, all of them are not equal. Some credentials are in higher demand and are more valuable than others. It is because they are more relevant to the current revolution that the IT world is experiencing. If you want to be among the top-ranked IT specialists, then you should pursue those Linux credentials that are considered the best before the end of 2019.

Unfortunately, most of the candidates often find it hard to choose the right certification that will boost their careers. This is especially true for the beginners. The good news is that we have sorted out everything for you. Without much ado, here are the best 5 Linux certificate:

1. Oracle Linux OCA & OCP

Just like the name suggests, Oracle Linux OCA & OCP is all about attaining abilities and skills related to the Oracle technologies and products. In order to get this Linux certification, the professional must combine performance-based assignments, training, and exams depending on what level of certificate one is pursuing. There are 6 levels of the Oracle certifications – OJA (Oracle Certified Junior Associate), OCA (Oracle Certified Associate), OCP (Oracle Certified Professional), OCM (Oracle Certified Master), OCS (Oracle Certified Specialist), and OCE (Oracle Certified Expert).

The Oracle credentials comprise of the following exams that evaluate the candidate’s knowledge of Linux/GNU OS and Oracle. These certification tests are:

• OCP – 1Z0-105: Oracle Linux 6 Advanced System Administration, it has 97 questions and requires 61% to pass.
• OCA – 1Z0-100: Oracle Linux 5 and 6 System Administration, it has a total of 80 questions and needs 61% to pass.

2. CompTIA Linux+

The employers around the world have been using the CompTIA Linux+ certification for about two decades as their standard for employing the IT professionals. For this reason, achieving this credential has literally become a necessary thing to do for everyone who wants to enter the world of IT. This certificate basically validates the essential managerial and usage tasks that are common to every Linux distributor. You need to take the XK0-004 exam to attain this certification, because the previous version of two tests was retired on October 1, 2019. As for the skills, you will manage services & software; configure kernel modules, analyze system properties & processes; utilize the best practices for authentication, permissions, file management, and firewalls.

3. GCUX: GIAC Certified UNIX Security Administrator

This certification aims at training you in installing, monitoring, and configuring UNIX/Linux systems. It audits and secures these OS. The following are the requirements for achieving this credential:

• 1 proctored exam;
• 75 questions;
• Passing score – 68%;
• Time limit – 2 hours.

The certification exam evaluates the candidate’s knowledge of password security and physical security issues connected to the Linux and UNIX systems. It also measures your understanding of Chroot() – its environment, the configuration of Chroot() services, and everything else about it. Other areas include OS Patching and Installing, User Account, Physical, Boot Services, SUDO, AIDE, and Post-Exploitation. One of the main reasons why this certificate is recommended to all the Linux professionals this year is that it is part of SANS. It comprises of at least 35 security credentials across various categories.

4. RHCE – Red Hat Certified Engineer

This is a senior-level certification that you should have under your belt in 2019 as if you are looking to grab the attention of the potential employers and grow in your career. Obtaining this certificate is not an easy task. First, you have to obtain the Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) credential. The next step is to pass the relevant exam, which is performance-based and comprises of intense and demanding questions.

Earning RHCE makes you eligible for the Red Hat Certified Architect (RHCA) certification, which includes:

• Application platform;
• Application development;
• Cloud;
• Datacenter;
• DevOps.

5. Linux Professional Institute (LPI) Certifications

These certificates have become very important in the Linux field and every specialist should go for them before the end of 2019. This certification program is available to the Linux professionals in 3 levels. Let’s explore them.

LPIC – 1: Linux Administrator. This is a junior Linux certification where the candidates are required to pass two exams. The tests cover basic Linux skills, including configuring and installing OS on the workstation, making LAN connections, and performing maintenance tasks, and so on.

LPIC – 2: Linux Engineer. It is a second-level Linux certificate with two exams. The first test covers mainly devices and file system, network configuration, capacity planning, storage administration, and system maintenance, while the second one evaluates skills in using domain name services, system security, as well as troubleshooting and network client management. The prerequisite for this credential is LPIC–1.

LPIC – 3: Linux Enterprise Professional. This is a proficient certification that requires passing any exam in the 300 category along with the previous level as a prerequisite. The tests include: 300: Mixed Environment; 304: Virtualization and High Availability; 303: Security.

Final Thoughts

Any IT professional looking for a higher position, better payout, and career potential in the world of Information Technology should go for the discussed above Linux certifications before the end of 2019. As a certified expert in Linux, you will discover a lot of opportunities.

In this blog article, you will explore the variety of certifications that you can pursue to enhance your chance of landing your dream job in the IT realm.

1. Cisco Certified Technician – CCT

The CCT credential validates the candidate’s ability to diagnose, replace, repair, and restore crucial system devices and Cisco networking on the users’ sites. Under this certification, there are two paths: Routing & Switching and Data Center. The CCT Routing & Switching certificate focuses on on-site maintenance and support of Cisco routers, switches, as well as operating environment. It is aimed at on-site technical support personnel and other individuals working with Cisco Data Center Solutions. To take the certification exam, it is recommended that you go through the training course to get prepared for the task. You might consider an online self-paced course that covers Cisco router and switch models, networking fundamentals, Cisco command-line interface, and Cisco IOS software operating modes.

The CCT Data Center certification, on the other hand, covers maintenance and support of the Cisco Unified Computing (CUC) server and systems. It is aimed at the professionals looking to take up the role as a field support engineer in order to work with the Cisco data center system devices and software. To pass the exam, the students should take the training course as recommended by Cisco. This course covers field servicing & equipment, data center networking fundamentals, identifying the Cisco Unified Computing system component models, interfaces and accessories cabling.

2. Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician – CCENT

The Cisco CCENT credential is an entry-level certification designed to validate the skills and knowledge of a candidate in installing, troubleshooting, and operating a small enterprise branch network. This certificate is a great place to begin your career journey if you want to be a network supporter. Those applicants who are pursuing this credential are required to go through the training course (Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 1 – ICND1) in order to pass the exam. You can take an online or in-person version of this training. It is a five-day intensive course that focuses on firewalls, wireless controllers, access points, and basic network security.

3. Cisco Certified Network Associate Routing & Switching – CCNA R&S

The Cisco CCNA Routing & Switching certification is a great option for those individuals who want to take up a job role in networking. It is also an excellent option for those who want to take up an entry-level role in the help desk. The exam validates the candidate’s ability to recognize Cisco router & switch models, cabling, interfaces, and accessories. It is essential that you develop skills and knowledge in Cisco CLI and Cisco IOS software operating modes. Before you attempt the certification test, it is recommended to take the training course, Supporting Cisco Routing & Switching Network Devices. This is a self-paced online course that covers a wide range of topics on the exam objectives.

4. CompTIA Network+

This is also an entry-level credential focusing on networking concepts, tools and security, IT infrastructure, operations, and troubleshooting. The certificate is aimed at junior network administrators, junior system engineers, network field engineers, IS consultants, and network field technicians. The certification exam is designed to validate the student’s skills and knowledge in managing, maintaining, and configuring network devices, designing and implementing functional networks, network security, and network troubleshooting. Those individuals who want to work in the IT network should consider this entry-level credential.

5. CompTIA IT Fundamentals+

This CompTIA credential is designed for the individuals who want to start a career in the field of IT or for those who want to change their career path. The certification exam is aimed at validating your basic knowledge of IT and providing you with a good foundation to build your career on. The test covers a wide range of topics, including networks, IT concepts & terminology, infrastructure, applications & software, database fundamentals, software development, and security. The IT Fundamentals+ certificate is a good place to start if you want to walk down the CompTIA path. It is essential to mention that it is not a prerequisite for the other CompTIA credentials.

6. CompTIA Security+

The knowledge of the IT technology is crucial to any role you want to take up in the industry. Therefore, earning a security credential like CompTIA Security+ as an entry-level professional is a great start. It is perfect for the individuals planning to land a job as security/system/network administrators, junior IT auditors, security engineers, security specialists, and security consultants. The certificate validates that you have the skills required to install, configure, and troubleshoot systems to keep networks, devices, and application secure in line with compliance laws. The certification exam focuses on threats, vulnerabilities, attacks, risk management, technology & tools, architecture & design, cryptography & PKI, and identity & access management.

7. Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate – MCSA

The Microsoft MCSA certification path is also a good way to start your IT career. It covers the creation and design of technology solutions across the software suites and services of Microsoft. You don’t need to fulfill any prerequisite to attempt the required exams. However, the certification test is obligatory to some other Microsoft certificates, such as MCSE, MCSD, and MCT.

8. Certified Associate in Project Management – CAPM

The CAPM certification is a globally recognized credential aimed at those individuals who want to take up the position in project management. The certificate is offered by the PMI. Before you attempt the relevant exam, you are required to have completed 23 hours of project management education. You can achieve this program by going through the Project Management Basics training course administered by the PMI. The course covers the basic skills required to function optimally in an IT project management role.

Conclusion

Whether you were thinking about changing your current job and moving to the IT sphere or you have already chosen your path in the industry, you should consider at least one of the above certifications. Any of the mentioned credentials will definitely help you make the right start and boost you far ahead in your career. Don’t hesitate and take your chance of changing the future.

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.