Citrix certifications have long taken a solid position in the IT industry. These credentials are solutions-based that reflect the changing needs of IT professionals and organizations. As a certified specialist, an individual can prove that he/she has the real skills and experience necessary to successfully solve Citrix solutions.

In 2018 Citrix launched two new Cloud Services certifications starting with the XenApp and XenDesktop Service. In this article you will know about these credentials, as well as find the ways to obtain them.

CERTIFICATION #1: XenApp and XenDesktop Service on Citrix Cloud Certified (CC-XAD-CC)

This credential validates the individual’s knowledge and skills on the Citrix Cloud platform and delivering Desktops and App using the XenDesktop Service and XenApp.

Two main courses leading to this certification:

1. CXD-252: Moving to the XenApp and XenDesktop Service on Citrix Cloud and Microsoft Azure

Move from the local environment to the Citrix Cloud and learn how to deploy resource locations in Microsoft Azure. Learn the architecture, management, and communications of Citrix Cloud and XenApp and XenDesktop Service, and then migrate the existing infrastructure and settings into Citrix Cloud. Plan the machine catalog and the virtual machine design based on the public Microsoft cloud, and deploy these machines using Machine Creation Services. Discover how to configure Citrix StoreFront and NetScaler Gateway as a service within Citrix Cloud or as managed machines in one’s datacenter or Azure platform for remote access.

Key Skills:

• Find out the differences between XenDesktop and XenApp on-premises and the XenApp and XenDesktop Service.
• Understand how to set up, configure, and operate Citrix Cloud Connectors.
• Deploy and operate Virtual Delivery Agent machines to local resource locations, as well as in Microsoft Azure using MCS.
• Integrate Citrix Cloud and XenApp/XenDesktop with Microsoft Azure Active Directory.
• Provide remote access with NetScaler Gateway and Citrix StoreFront on Microsoft Azure.

OR

2. CXD-250: Moving to the XenApp and XenDesktop Service on Citrix Cloud

Learn how to navigate the move from XenDesktop and XenApp on-premises to the Citrix Cloud. Practice how the course will guide you through the architecture, management, communication, installation and configuration of Citrix Cloud and Cloud Connector. Explore how many services available in Citrix Cloud, and see the considerations for moving resources to the public cloud.

Key Skills:

• Describe the communications and architecture of the Citrix Cloud.
• Find out the differences between XenDesktop and XenApp on-premises and the XenApp and XenDesktop Service.
• Distinguish the resources and services available through Citrix Cloud.
• Set up, configure, and operate Citrix Cloud Connectors.
• Deliver desktop and app resources to on-premises resource locations.
• Migrate present local XenApp and XenDesktop infrastructure to the Citrix Cloud.

CERTIFICATION #2: XenApp and XenDesktop Service Integration with Microsoft Azure Certified (CC-XAD-MA)

This credential verifies the candidate’s skills and expertise for integrating the XenApp and XenDesktop Service and supplying desktop and apps to Microsoft Azure.

Two main courses leading to this certification:

1. CXD-252: Moving to the XenApp and XenDesktop Service on Citrix Cloud and Microsoft Azure

Move from the local environment to the Citrix Cloud and learn how to deploy resource locations in Microsoft Azure. Learn the architecture, management, and communications of Citrix Cloud and XenApp and XenDesktop Service, and then migrate the existing infrastructure and settings into Citrix Cloud. Plan the machine catalog and the virtual machine design based on the public Microsoft cloud, and deploy these machines using Machine Creation Services. Discover how to configure Citrix StoreFront and NetScaler Gateway as a service within Citrix Cloud or as managed machines in one’s datacenter or Azure platform for remote access.

Key Skills:

• Distinguish the differences between XenApp and XenDesktop on-premises and the XenApp and XenDesktop Service.
• Know how to install, configure, and manage Citrix Cloud Connectors.
• Develop and operate Virtual Delivery Agent machines to local resource locations, as well as in Microsoft Azure using MCS.
• Combine XenApp/XenDesktop and Citrix Cloud with Microsoft Azure Active Directory.
• Provide remote access with Citrix StoreFront and NetScaler Gateway on Microsoft Azure.

OR

2. CXD-251: Citrix XenApp and XenDesktop Service on Microsoft Azure

Discover how to develop and operate one’s XenApp and XenDesktop apps and desktops in Microsoft Azure. Gain the skills to plan your virtual machine design and machine catalog based in Microsoft’s public cloud and get hands-on practice deploying those machines using Machine Creation Services. For remote access, an individual will find out how to configure NetScaler Gateway and Citrix StoreFront on the Azure platform. This course centers on Microsoft Azure as a Citrix Cloud resource location however concepts are relevant to both XenApp and XenDesktop sites and Citrix Cloud.

Key Skills:

• Prepare the Azure environment for secure union with XenApp and XenDesktop.
• Deploy and operate Virtual Delivery Agent machines in Microsoft Azure using Machine Creation Services.
• Integrate XenApp/XenDesktop and Citrix Cloud with Microsoft Azure Active Directory.
• Develop virtual machines and machine catalogs on Microsoft Azure Resource Manager.
• Provide remote access with NetScaler Gateway and Citrix StoreFront on Microsoft Azure.

Citrix Recertification Program

Students and partners have two options to recertify:

Option 1: Visit the associated Instructor-led training. By taking this associated course, you will not be required to pass the examination.

Option 2: Take and pass the required exam. All necessary tests you can find on the ExamCollection website.

But why should you pass the 300-175 exam?

1. Test your knowledge: 300-175 exam is an hour and a half long test with topics covered by 60–70 queries; it tests a knowledge of implementing data center technologies including:

• unified computing
• unified computing maintenance and operations
• automation
• unified computing security
• unified computing storage

2. Implementing Cisco Data Center Unified Computing v6 (DCUCI): this course helps candidates to prepare for the exam because the content is aligned with the exam topics.

3. CCNP Data Center Certification: you’ll become a certified Cisco specialist after passing this exam.

Visit the Pearson VUE website, schedule the exam and take the chance to gain all the benefits from becoming a certified Cisco specialist!

N.B. July 3, 2017 -> 300-175 exam -> CCNP Data Center certification -> certified Cisco specialist -> success

Designing Cisco Data Center Unified Fabric

This exam has a number 642-996 DCUFD. It is associated with the CCNP DC certification and to the Cisco Unified Fabric Design Specialist certification. The 642-996 exam tests a knowledge of designing Cisco Data Center Unified Fabric solutions.

Designing Cisco Data Center Unified Computing

This exam has a number 642-998 DCUCD. It is associated with the CCNP DC certification and with the Cisco Unified Computing Design Specialist. 642-998 exam tests a knowledge of designing Cisco Data Center Unified Computing.

So if July 3, 2017 is the last day for some old exams, it also will be the first day for new one.

Designing Cisco Data Center Unified Computing

This exam has a number 300-160 DCID. It is associated with the CCNP DC certification. The 300-160 DCID exam is an hour and a half long exam with 60–70 question assessment.

The 300-160 exam tests a candidate’s knowledge of Cisco data center infrastructure design.

To pass this exam successfully, you should to review the following topics:

• Data Center Network Connectivity Design
• Data Center Infrastructure Design
• Data Center Storage Network Design
• Data Center Compute Connectivity Design
• Data Center Compute Resource Parameters Design

The course, Designing Cisco Data Center Infrastructure v6 (DCID), will help candidates to become certified Cisco specialist without any doubts.

Unfortunately, both 642-996 DCUFD and 642-998 DCUCD exams will be a closed book soon, but it’s high time to open new one.

P.S. Remember that you can always join our IT certification community.

New 300-165 exam is an hour and a half long test with topics covered by 60–70 queries.

The Implementing Cisco Data Center Infrastructure (DCII) exam (300-165) tests a candidate’s knowledge of implementing Cisco data center infrastructure including:

• key protocols
• routing and switching protocols
• maintenance, management, operations
• security
• storage

Implementing Cisco Data Center Infrastructure (DCII) v6.0 is a course which can help you not only to prepare for the exam, but also get good results.

The exam is accessible at Pearson VUE. Visit the website, schedule the exam and get a chance to become a certified Cisco specialist!

It’s not enough just to get an education or take courses, you should constantly improve your knowledge and broaden your mind (sometimes even on your own.) IT specialists know about this point not by hearsay. If you want to be at the forefront of the IT trends, you must always confirm your knowledge.

So the exams and certifications are constantly updated to give IT specialists an opportunity to go with the times.

Cisco knows what knowledge IT specialists need to be the best in IT industry. So July 3, 2017 will be the last day for the passing of such exams as 642-035 and 642-980. But old is always replaced by new. That’s why new 300-180 exam will be released instead of two old ones.

The Troubleshooting Cisco Data Center Infrastructure (DCIT) exam is an hour and a half long exam with 60–70 question assessment.

This exam tests a candidate’s knowledge of troubleshooting Cisco data center infrastructure including:

• data network protocols
• network virtualization and automation
• Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI)
• storage
• compute platforms
• management and operations

The course, Troubleshooting Cisco Data Center Infrastructure v6 (DCIT), is the best guideline for candidates to prepare for the 300-180 exam because its content is aligned with the exam topics.

New 300-180 exam is a remarkable opportunity to get the CCNP Data Center certification. This certification offers professional-level skills in data center solutions, technologies and best practices to design, implement, and manage a modern data center infrastructure.

To be at the forefront of the IT trends is simple but only with the Cisco certification!

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.

This exam is a solid foundation for your career in IT sphere.

This new certification test is for candidates who want to upgrade their skills and their proficiency level. It can give a remarkable opportunity to create applications on IBM Bluemix. If you understand how to build applications by deploying their code on Bluemix compute platforms and extending them through managed services, this new exam is definitely for you.

But it’s too early to rejoice and think that it’s like taking candy from a baby. Here you can see the key areas of competency:

• Planning and implementing cloud ready applications.
• Enhancing cloud applications using managed services.
• Managing applications using continuous delivery toolchains and other Bluemix services.

So, are you competent in these areas? If your answer is positive, you can read this article till the end. The rest of candidates can search for the other IBM exams to improve their knowledge.

But which knowledge MUST you have to attain IBM Certified Application Developer – Cloud Platform v2?

1. Working knowledge of:

• developing an application using IBM Bluemix
• the 12-factor application methodology
• core Cloud services (caching, messaging and object storage)
• Cloud-based continuous delivery methods
• Cloud operations services (scaling, monitoring, logging)
• open technologies like Cloud Foundry, Containers, and Git-based repositories

2. Understanding of:

• serverless computing platforms and OpenWhisk
• Watson Cognitive service capabilities
• Cloud security practices (authentication, API key security, data security)

3. Basic knowledge of:

• application development using Node.js
• common web technologies such as html, Javascript, and css

Now you should pass only one test to verify this – Test C5050-384 – IBM Cloud Platform Application Development v2.

This test, which gives you a great chance to earn the IBM certification, consists of 56 questions and is an hour and a half long. It requires passing score 70%.

Remember! The more IT certifications you earn, the more you feel self-reliant and confident about the future.

P.S. Do you want an IBM Open Badge?! So, the only thing you should do is to complete the certification. After that simple act you can share your credential to social networks. More than 70% of badge earners say an IBM Open Badge improves their career opportunities.

This exam is a great chance not only to get new knowledge but to improve existing skills. This time Juniper designed the exam for those candidates who are ready to show their ability to deploy, configure, manage, and troubleshoot Junos-based platforms.

New JPR-980 exam will give the opportunity to build a data center network consisting of multiple MX Series and QFX Series devices. But only successful candidates can work on all devices including DCI, EVPN/VXVLAN, CoS features, and others.

It is important to remember that the JNCIE-DC certification is valid for three years and only one way to re-examine it is to pass JPR-980 exam. This exam is lab exam (Hands-on Lab) and lasts 8 hours.

To pass your exam successfully you should pay attention to the following important topics for revision:

• Management
• Layer 2 Underlay
• Layer 3 Underlay
• Controllerless Overlay
• Date Center Interconnect (DCI)
• Security
• Class of Service (CoS)

As for successful exams preparation, visit ExamCollection website for free Juniper exam preparation materials.

Do you want to get your JNCIP-DC Certification? Don’t lose your time and pass a new JPR-980 exam!

But sooner or later some of the exams are doomed to disappear as time slips by. In part, this is the result of the intention to make VMware certification the most relevant and active virtualization certification in the market. This is the reason why older versions of VMware products are to be retired. And so, we are going to talk about the two exams associated with the VMware Certified Professional 5 – Data Center Virtualization (VCP5-DCV) certification.

• VCP5-DCV Exam (VCP550)
• VCP5-DCV Delta Exam (VCP550D)

New registrations will not be available for these exams starting from March 15, 2017. If you are making a new exam appointment, you must schedule it before March 31, 2017.

After the date these exams are retired you will no longer be able to earn a new VCP5-DCV certification. Of course, if you already hold the VCP5-DCV certification, it will remain yours as long as you recertify every two years.

If you have any specific questions or concerns, please contact the Certification Support team.

Today we’ll talk about another credential called Red Hat Certificate of Expertise in Seam. As you have probably guessed, it is no longer available.

If you have already earned the Red Hat^® Certificate of Expertise in Seam, you can undoubtedly show the skills, abilities and knowledge necessary to use Seam to tie together components when developing applications. You are proficient in:

• Rapid application development
• Creating an industry-standard user interface
• Integrating the Java^™ Persistence API (JPA)
• Implementing end-to-end application security
• Using integrated tooling with Red Hat JBoss^® Developer Studio

It’s so fortunate you have got this valuable certificate! If you haven’t, never mind. Because except Red Hat Certificate of Expertise in Seam, there is a variety of other certification exams that Red Hat offers IT professionals.

For more information about retired exams see the link below.

https://www.redhat.com/en/services/all-certifications-exams