The A+ Certification Program is a
testing program sponsored by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA)
that certifies the competency of service technicians in the computer industry.
This certification is a Internationally-recognized credential of a competent
computer service professional. Major computer hardware and software vendors,
distributors, resellers and publications, and the Association for Field Services
Management International back the A+ program.
Individuals earning the A+
certification possess the knowledge, expertise, and customer relation skills
essential for a successful computer service technician.
Individuals desiring success in
the study of topics related to A+ certification should have a strong background
in:
 |
Basic
information and communication technology terminology. |
|
Personal
computer hardware components and their characteristics. |
|
Personal
computer operating systems components and their characteristics. |
|
Installation
of PC hardware platforms, peripherals, and software. |
|
Upgrading and
troubleshooting hardware and software. |
|
Basic network
components and concepts. |
|
Logical
deduction skills. |
For up-to-date information about A+ Certification,
check the web site:
Network
+ is the Computing Technology Industry Association's (CompTIA) newest
certification for network technicians. Developed by major players in the
networking industry, as well as corporate trainers, consultants, and courseware
publishers, this certification provides a vendor-neutral industry credential in
networking hardware and architecture.
The exam is designed for those
individuals with 18-24 months experience as a network technician or equivalent
technical support experience. A level of expertise on par with the A+ level of
certification or A+ certification is expected. The Network + certification is
designed to take the student through installing and configuring a network
client. In addition to technical skills, "soft" skills are emphasized.
Specific background skills
necessary for success as a Network + Certified Professional includes:
|
Networking
hardware knowledge. |
|
Installing,
configuring, and supporting a network client in a vendor-neutral environment. |
|
Configuring
and installing the TCP/IP client. |
For up-to-date information about
Network+ Certification, check the web site:
Microsoft
® Office User Specialist (MOUS) certification is the globally
recognized standard for demonstrating desktop skills with the Microsoft ®
Office suite of business productivity applications.
|
The MOUS program is the ONLY
Microsoft approved certification program designed to measure and validate
users’ skills with the Microsoft® Office suite of desktop productivity
applications (Microsoft Word®, Microsoft Excel®, Microsoft PowerPoint®,
Microsoft Access® and Microsoft Outlook®). |
|
MOUS certification has provided
thousands of people with the proof that they are able to more fully utilize the
functionality of Microsoft® Office applications and increase their
productivity. |
|
More than 1500 testing centers
around the world deliver MOUS exams in many languages. |
|
Major corporations, such as
Electronic Data Systems (EDS), report gains in productivity attributable to MOUS
certification. More and more
companies will specifically request MOUS certified job applicants. |
When
beginning the process of MOUS certification, you should first identify the
Microsoft Office application(s) and version(s) with which you are familiar, as
well as the type(s) of MOUS certification you would like to achieve.
MOUS
Certification in Microsoft ®
Office 97
Two types of MOUS certification are available for Microsoft® Office
97 applications: proficient and expert. A
comprehensive Master certification is also available for those wishing to
demonstrate the breadth of their ability by obtaining expert certifications in
each of the Microsoft ® Office 97 primary business applications
(Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint and Microsoft Access).
MOUS
Certification in Microsoft ® Office 2000
Two types of MOUS certification are available for Microsoft ® Office
2000 applications: core and expert.
A comprehensive Master certification is also available for those wishing to
demonstrate the breadth of their ability by obtaining expert certifications in
Microsoft Word 2000, Microsoft Excel 2000 and core certifications in Microsoft
PowerPoint 2000, Microsoft Access 2000 and Microsoft Outlook 2000.
For up-to-date information about
MOUS Certification, check the web site:
http://www.mous.net/
The
hottest technical field today is Microsoft's Certified System Engineer (MCSE)
program.
An MCSE is qualified to design, implement, maintain, and
support complete integrated information systems planned around the MS Windows NT
and MS BackOffice Client/Server software systems. MCSEs hold a unique market advantage and are widely respected
expressly because their expertise is not narrowly focused on only one aspect of
data processing. The MCSE certification ensures demonstrated knowledge, skills, and proven expertise
across a full range of software integration.
Participants
need to demonstrate real-world experience, an intermediate level of knowledge of
Operating Systems, Networks, and Hardware, and motivation and perseverance.
Individuals desiring success
in the study of topics related to MCSE Certification should have a strong
background in:
|
Basic information and communication
technology terminology. |
|
Personal computer hardware
components and their characteristics. |
|
Microsoft Win95/98 and new
technology operating system components and their characteristics. |
|
Installation of PC hardware
platforms, peripherals, and software. |
|
Tuning and performance management
of operating systems. |
|
Basic network components and
concepts. |
|
Logical deduction skills. |
Specific background skills
recommended by MCSE professionals include:
|
Basic Microsoft operating system
architecture and graphical user interface. |
|
Installation and configuring of
basic operating systems such as DOS or Windows for Workgroups. |
|
Basic personal computer and network
security configurations. |
|
The use of TCP/IP in a networked
environment. |
|
Establishing remote access
sessions. |
|
Configuring print devices
standalone and on a network. |
|
Basic use of the registry. |
|
Basic operating troubleshooting and
tuning methods. |
|
Ability to establish client-server
relationships between DTE devices. |
In
the Microsoft Certified Systems (NT 4.0) Test Preparation Program, participants are
required to pass four core exams and two elective exams that provide a valid and
reliable measure of technical proficiency and expertise.
The Microsoft Certified
Systems Engineer credential is the premier certification for professionals who
analyze the business requirements for a system architecture, design solutions,
deploy, install, and configure architecture components, and troubleshoot system
problems.
The new Microsoft Windows 2000
track is designed for information technology professionals working in a
typically complex computing environment of medium to large organizations.
A Windows 2000 MCSE candidate should have at least one year of experience
implementing and administering a network operating system.
MCSEs in the Windows 2000 track
are required to pass five core exams and two elective exams that provide a valid
and reliable measure of technical proficiency and expertise.
(An additional "accelerated" exam is offered for a limited time
to individuals who have passed the Windows NT 4.0 exams.)
The new Windows 2000 MCSE
credential is appropriate for information technology professionals working in a
typically complex computing environment of medium to large organizations.
It is recommended that an MCSE in the Windows 2000 track have at least
one year of experience implementing and administering a network operating
system.
These exams are developed with
the input of professionals in the industry and reflect how Microsoft products
are used in organizations throughout the world.The exams are administered by Sylvan Prometricä
and Virtual University Enterprises, independent testing organizations with
locations worldwide.
The operating system exams
require candidates to prove their expertise with desktop, server, and networking
components.The elective exams require proof of expertise with Microsoft BackOffice products.
For up-to-date information about
MCSE Certification, check the web site:
http://www.microsoft.com/trainingandservices/redirect/mcp.htm
Microsoft Certified
Professionals with a specialty in the Internet are required to pass three exams
that provide a valid and reliable measure of technical proficiency and
expertise. These exams are developed with the input of professionals in the
industry and reflect how Microsoft products are used in organizations throughout
the world. With this credential,
Microsoft Certified Professionals with a specialty in the Internet will be
qualified to plan security, install and configure server products, manage server
resources, extend servers to run CGI scripts or ISAPI scripts, monitor and
analyze performance, and troubleshoot problems.
Please note that the
MCP+Internet certification will retire December 31, 2000, when the Windows NT
4.0 exams retire. The Windows 2000
exams will include the skill set covered by the MCP+Internet certification.
MCP+Internet candidates may want to consider pursuing the
Windows 2000 MCSE track or MCSE+Internet track instead.
Current MCP+Internet-certified individuals should consider
pursuing the Windows 2000 MCSE track by December 31, 2001, to remain certified.
For up-to-date information about
MCP+Internet Certification, check the web site:
http://www.microsoft.com/trainingandservices/redirect/mcp.htm.
Microsoft
Certified Systems Engineers with a specialty in the Internet are required to
pass seven operating system exams and two elective exams that provide a valid
and reliable measure of technical proficiency and expertise.
These exams are developed with the input of professionals in the industry
and reflect how Microsoft products are used in organizations throughout the
world. In addition to the core MCSE
skills, an MCSE+Internet credential qualifies IT professionals to enhance,
deploy and manage sophisticated intranet and Internet solutions that include a
browser, proxy server, host servers, database, and messaging and commerce
components. In addition, an
MCSE+Internet-certified professional will be able to manage and analyze Web
sites.
For up-to-date information about
MCSE+Internet Certification, check the web site:
http://www.microsoft.com/trainingandservices/redirect/mcp.htm
One the
most rewarding certifications in the technical field today is Microsoft's
Certified Solution Developer (MCSD) program.
The MCSD path is provided for developers. The Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD) credential is the premium certification for professionals who design and develop custom business solutions with Microsoft development tools, technologies, and platforms, including Microsoft Office and Microsoft BackOffice. Participants need to demonstrate real-world experience, an intermediate level of knowledge of Operating Systems, Networks, and Hardware, and motivation and perseverance.
|
Individuals desiring success
in the study of topics related to MCSD Certification should have a strong
background in: |
|
Basic information and communication
technology terminology. |
|
Personal computer hardware
components and their characteristics. |
|
Microsoft Win95/98 and new
technology operating system components and their characteristics. |
|
Installation of PC hardware
platforms, peripherals, and software. |
|
Tuning and performance management
of operating systems. |
|
Basic network components and
concepts. |
|
Logical deduction skills. |
|
Web-based knowledge. |
|
Distributed and commerce
applications. |
Specific background skills
recommended by MCSD professionals include:
|
Basic Microsoft operating system
architecture and graphical user interface knowledge. |
|
Experience in programming languages
and visual concepts. |
|
Knowledge of Object Oriented
Analysis and Programming Techniques. |
|
Basic personal computer and network
security configurations. |
|
Configuring print devices
standalone and on a network. |
MCSDs are required to pass
three core exams and one elective exam. The
core technology exams require candidates to prove their competency with solution
architecture, desktop applications development, and distributed applications
development. The elective exam
requires proof of expertise with Microsoft development tools.
These exams are developed with the input of professionals in
the industry and reflect how Microsoft products are used in organizations
throughout the world. The exams are administered by Sylvan Prometric and Virtual
University Enterprises, independent testing organizations with locations
worldwide.
For up-to-date information about
MCSD Certification, check the web site:
http://www.microsoft.com/trainingandservices/redirect/mcp.htm
One of the most challenging certification paths in the
information technology fields today is
Microsoft's Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA) program.
The Microsoft Certified
Database Administrator (MCDBA) credential is the premier certification for
professionals who implement and administer Microsoft SQL Server™ databases.
This certification is appropriate for individuals who derive physical
database designs, develop logical data models, create physical databases, create
data services by using Transact-SQL, manage and maintain databases, configure
and manage security, monitor and optimize databases, and install and configure
Microsoft SQL Server.
Participants need to
demonstrate real-world experience, an intermediate level of knowledge of
Operating Systems, Networks, and Hardware, and motivation and perseverance.
Individuals desiring
success in the study of topics related to MCDBA Certification should have a
strong background in:
|
Basic information and communication
technology terminology. |
|
Personal computer hardware
components and their characteristics. |
|
Microsoft Win95/98 and new
technology operating system components and their characteristics. |
|
Installation of PC hardware
platforms, peripherals, and software. |
|
Tuning and performance management
of database systems. |
|
Basic database components and
concepts. |
|
Logical deduction skills. |
Specific background skills
recommended by MCSE professionals include:
|
Basic Microsoft operating system
architecture and graphical user interface. |
|
Installation and configuring of
server operating systems. |
|
Basic personal computer and network
security configurations. |
|
The use of TCP/IP in a networked
environment. |
|
Establishing remote access
sessions. |
|
Configuring print devices
standalone and on a network. |
|
Knowledge of visual programming
techniques. |
|
Basic database troubleshooting and
tuning methods. |
|
Ability to establish client-server
relationships between DTE devices. |
Microsoft® Certified
Database Administrators are required to pass three core exams and one elective
exam that provide a valid and reliable measure of technical proficiency and
expertise. The exams are
administered by Sylvan Prometricä
and Virtual University Enterprises, independent testing organizations with
locations worldwide.
For up-to-date information about
MCDBA Certification, check the web site:
http://www.microsoft.com/trainingandservices/redirect/mcp.htm
The expertise of Oracle® Database Administrators (DBAs) is integral to
the success of today's increasingly complex system environments.
The best DBAs know they stand between optimal performance and a crisis
that could bring their company to a standstill.
Overview
Part administrators, part
firefighters, DBAs operate primarily behind the scenes, looking for ways to
fine-tune day-to-day performance and prevent crises, such as a crashed database
and hours of expensive downtime. This
ability requires a broad understanding of the Oracle Server architecture and
processes, as well as plenty of hands-on experience resolving problems.
By earning professional certification, each participant can translate the
impressive knowledge and skills they have worked so hard to accumulate into a
tangible credential.
Directly impacting your
company's bottom line can be one of the quickest routes to job promotions and
more challenging opportunities. Being
an Oracle® Certified Professional, participants may be asked to operate at a
high level every day, optimizing performance and effectively sidestepping many
of the mistakes that can thwart the success of mission-critical projects in the
long run. According to a 1996
research study by International Data Corporation (IDC):
|
Certified professionals handled 40%
more support calls per person, per day than |
|
Companies that advocated
certification reported 49% less downtime than those |
|
The savings from increased
effectiveness paid for certification in less than nine months for a majority of
companies surveyed. |
A Performance-Based Credential
To become an Oracle® Certified Database Administrator, each participant
must pass four separate tests. Each
test will challenge participants to apply specific knowledge they have gained
through Oracle® training, as well as experience they have developed on their
job.
Individuals desiring success
in the study of topics related to Oracle® Certification should have a strong
background in:
|
Basic information and communication
technology terminology. |
|
Basic database and data warehousing
technology terminology. |
|
Data entry and access from typical
database systems such as Dbase or Access. |
|
Table and query design in flat-file
databases. |
|
Installation of database or data
warehousing software. |
|
Tuning and performance management
of database management systems. |
|
Basic network communications and
connectivity. |
|
Logical deduction skills. |
Specific background skills
recommended by Oracle® professionals include:
|
Basic Oracle® database management
system architecture and the graphical user interface. |
|
Installation and configuring of
basic database systems (e.g., Dbase or Access). |
|
Use of fields, keyed data, and
tables in the development of databases. |
|
Basic top-down or flow charting
skills used in programming. |
|
Knowledge of the role of input
screens and output reports in a database management system. |
For
up-to-date information about Oracle DBA Certification, check the web site:
http://www.oracle.com/education/certification
The
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
will posses the skills and knowledge to install, configure, and operate simple-routed
LAN, routed WAN, and switched LAN networks, where “simple”
networks are defined as: IP, IGRP, IPX, Serial, AppleTalk, Frame Relay, IP RIP, VLANs, IPX RIP, Ethernet,
Access Lists.
The first exam should be
prepared for by taking the CCNA Essentials Course.
This course is designed for busy professionals who are seeking their
first Cisco Career Certification. CCNA
Essentials teaches important networking fundamentals over the Web, focusing on
skills-based learning. The four
modules of the course start with networking technology basics and then
proceed — at the learner's pace — to all of the in-depth content and
exercises needed to design, install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot
routers and switches in small- and medium-sized networks.
The second exam path is
prepared for by taking the Cisco Connection Training CD, which is a multimedia
CD-ROM that provides self-paced training about internetworking technologies.
The CD is structured as a series of individual modules made up of
chapters that each conclude with self-administered exercises. The CD explores
terminology, protocols, devices, and the OSI reference model through text,
illustrations, and QuickTime animations. The
Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices (ICND 1.0) course presents the concepts,
commands, and practice required to configure Cisco switches and routers in
multiprotocol internetworks. Through
lectures, discussions, demonstrations, exercises, and laboratory projects,
participants are given information sufficient to identify and recommend the best
Cisco solutions for small- to medium-sized businesses.
Students perform all basic configuration procedures to build a
multirouter, multigroup internetwork that uses LAN and WAN interfaces for the
most commonly used routing and routed protocols.
Individuals desiring success
in the study of topics related to CCNA Certification should have a strong
background in:
|
Commonly used networking
terminology and topologies. | ||||||||||||
|
Fundamental network device roles
(for example, hub, bridge, router, switch). | ||||||||||||
|
Internetworking Fundamentals:
| ||||||||||||
|
Binary and hexadecimal numbering (a
plus, but not required). | ||||||||||||
|
The OSI internetworking model,
including the functions of:
| ||||||||||||
|
Accessing the Internet or an
intranet. | ||||||||||||
|
Using Windows 95/NT to run multiple
applications. |
For
up-to-date information about Cisco Certification, check the web site:
http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/10/wwtraining/
Novell Certified Novell Administrator (CNA)
certification is recognized worldwide as the standard of excellence for administering Novell
products.
Certified
Novell Administrators (CNAs) provide on-site administration for software users
in a variety of work environments, including professional offices and small
businesses, workgroups or departments, and corporate information services (IS).
In short, CNAs handle the day-to-day administration of an installed
Novell networking product: intraNetWare, NetWare 3, GroupWise 5 or GroupWise 4.
Small
businesses to corporate IS departments worldwide are using CNAs to provide
personalized, on-site administrative support for intraNetWare and GroupWise
users. As a CNA, you can provide this level of support in a variety of ways,
from assisting users in a workgroup environment to handling entry-level IS help
desk calls.
Participants
need to demonstrate real-world experience, an intermediate level of knowledge of
Operating Systems, Networks, and Hardware, and motivation and perseverance.
Individuals desiring success
in the study of topics related to Novell CNA Certification should have a strong
background in:
|
Basic information and communication
technology terminology. |
|
Personal computer hardware
components and their characteristics. |
|
Novell operating system components
and their characteristics. |
|
Installation of PC hardware
platforms, peripherals, and software. |
|
Tuning and performance management
of operating systems. |
|
Basic network components and
concepts. |
|
Logical deduction skills. |
Specific
background skills recommended by CNA professionals include:
|
Basic Novell operating system
architecture and graphical user interface. |
|
Installation and configuring of
basic operating systems. |
|
Basic personal computer and network
security configurations. |
|
The use of IPX/SPX and TCP/IP in a
networked environment. |
|
Establishing remote access
sessions. |
|
Managing users and resources in a
network environment. |
|
Customizing and optimizing the
desktop. |
|
Configuring print devices
standalone and on a network. |
|
Basic use of the index and bindery. |
|
Basic network and operating system
troubleshooting and tuning methods. |
|
Ability to establish client-server
relationships between DTE devices. |
The Novell CNA test
preparation program participants are required to pass one core exam that
provides a valid and reliable measure of technical proficiency and expertise.
These exams
are developed with the input of professionals in the industry and reflect how
Novell products are used in organizations throughout the world.
The exams are administered by Sylvan Prometricä
and Virtual University Enterprises, independent testing organizations with locations
worldwide.
A second
certification path associated with Novell is the Certified Novell Engineer (CNE)
for NetWare 5.0. As a CNE you will posses the skills to provide high-end, solutions-based
technical support, such as:
|
Network planning, installation and
configuration. |
|
Performing system upgrades. |
|
Improving network printing
performance. |
|
Managing network databases. |
You need a
working knowledge of fundamental IT concepts, including microcomputer platform
environments and local operating system concepts (MS DOS and MS Windows) prior
to entering the CNE program.
Individuals
desiring success in the study of topics related to Novell CNE Certification
should have a strong background in:
|
Basic information and communication
technology terminology. |
|
Personal computer hardware
components and their characteristics. |
|
Novell operating system components
and their characteristics. |
|
Installation of PC hardware
platforms, peripherals, and software. |
|
Tuning and performance management
of operating systems. |
|
Basic network components and
concepts. |
|
Logical deduction skills. |
Specific background skills
recommended by CNE professionals include:
|
Basic Novell operating system
architecture and graphical user interface. |
|
Installation and configuring of
basic operating systems. |
|
Basic personal computer and network
security configurations. |
|
The use of IPX/SPX and TCP/IP in a
networked environment. |
|
Establishing remote access
sessions. |
|
Managing users and resources in a
network environment |
|
Customizing and optimizing the
desktop |
|
Configuring print devices
standalone and on a network. |
|
Basic use of the index and bindery. |
|
Basic network and operating system
troubleshooting and tuning methods. |
|
Ability to establish client-server
relationships between DTE devices. |
The CNE is
required to take four core exams plus one elective.
These exams are developed with the input of professionals in the industry
and reflect how Novell products are used in organizations throughout the world.
The exams are administered by Sylvan Prometricä
and Virtual University Enterprises, independent testing organizations
with locations worldwide.
For
up-to-date information about Novell Certification, check the web site:
http://education.novell.com/certinfo
