Certification 101: Guide to Making the IT Certification Process Easy By the IT Pros from TrainSignal

Why Should I Get Certified?

There are many reasons why you would want to get certified. For most certification candidates the value of certification is rewarded by the outside world. The reward could be a promotion, a raise, a bonus, or just recognition by others. Some companies will have an official policy covering certification that details the rewards involved. Many of us have an internal drive for achievement. Certification is one way for us to document and "prove" our achievement to ourselves.

5 reasons that you should get certified today:

1. Certification sets you apart to get a raise or promotion.
2. Certification gets you in the door to land your your job.
3. Certification shows your success and knowledge to your colleagues.
4. You will learn new technologies and be able to perform your job easier and faster.
5. Certification proves that you are a specialist or expert on a given topic!

What Are My Certification Options?

There are numerous certification organizations that offer certification on everything from general networking skills to Network Area Storage specifics. The most commonly known and respected certification companies are Microsoft, Cisco, and CompTIA. We've got more detailed information on some of these certification companies and the certification here:

• Microsoft Certification 101
• Cisco Certification 101
• CompTIA Certification 101

What Certification Should I Start With?

This is the most difficult certification question to answer because we don't know your interests. What are you interested in and what does your job require? Hardware Repair, System/Network Administration, Network Engineering, or something else? It's never to say that one job type won't require a different certification, but different certification copies focus on different topics.

Microsoft focuses on the products they develop: Windows Administration, Network Administration, Databases, and Programming just to name a few. Cisco focuses on Network Engineering and Security for their lineup of network equipment such as routers, switches, firewalls, and more. CompTIA is a vendor neutral which means they focus on concepts and general technologies such as computer hardware, networking, and security to name a few.

Microsoft Certifications

The Microsoft MCTS, Microsoft Certified Technical Specialist, is Microsoft’s new entry-level certification. While there are dozens of exams you can take to get an MCTS we suggest getting started with Windows Vista (70-620) for administering client side operating systems or Windows Server 2008 Active Directory (70-640) for administering network operating systems.

By taking just one test you can become a MCTS and prove that you are knowledgeable about a Microsoft product like Windows Server 2008 Active Directory. Microsoft also offers benefits to those with a MCTS certification such as discounts, access to special content, and a MCTS certificate. The MCTS certification goes toward other higher-level Microsoft certifications like the MCITP.

The CompTIA A+ certification program is based on hardware troubleshooting and end user device support. When you pursue the A+ you can choose from 3 different roles - IT Technician, Remote Support Technician, and Depot Technician. To achieve an A+ certification you need to pass 2 tests. The A+ certification will also go toward other certifications like the Microsoft MCSA.

See more about the CompTIA A+ on the CompTIA Certification 101 page or get started training for the exam with our CompTIA A+ Training.

Cisco Certifications

The Cisco CCENT, Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician, is Cisco’s entry-level certification. All you have to do is to pass the 640-822 exam to become a CCENT. CCENT certification is ½ of the well known CCNA certification. By taking the ICND2 640-816 exam you would complete the CCNA certification. By achieving either the CCENT or the CCNA you've prove to yourself and potential employers that you have the skills to install, operate, and troubleshoot small to medium networks.

By taking just one test you can become a MCTS and prove that you are knowledgeable about a Microsoft product like Windows Server 2008 Active Directory. Microsoft also offers benefits to those with a MCTS certification such as discounts, access to special content, and a MCTS certificate. The MCTS certification goes toward other higher-level Microsoft certifications like the MCITP.

The CompTIA A+ certification program is based on hardware troubleshooting and end user device support. When you pursue the A+ you can choose from 3 different roles - IT Technician, Remote Support Technician, and Depot Technician. To achieve an A+ certification you need to pass 2 tests. The A+ certification will also go toward other certifications like the Microsoft MCSA.

See more about the CompTIA A+ on the CompTIA Certification 101 page or get started training for the exam with our CompTIA A+ Training.

CompTIA Certifications

The CompTIA A+ and Network+ certifications are two of the most common starting certification for individuals breaking into the IT field. These vendor neutral certifications give you a great baseline of knowledge that transfers well into any computer technology field.

**Vendor Neutral means a certification is not tied to a particular vendor or product like Cisco or Microsoft.

The CompTIA A+ certification program is based on hardware troubleshooting and end user device support. When you pursue the A+ you can choose from 3 different roles - IT Technician, Remote Support Technician, and Depot Technician. To achieve an A+ certification you need to pass 2 tests. The A+ certification will also go toward other certifications like the Microsoft MCSA.

See more about the CompTIA A+ on the CompTIA Certification 101 page or get started training for the exam with our CompTIA A+ Training.

5 Certification Tips that Every IT Professional Should Know!

1. Microsoft and Cisco certifications are, by far, the most popular certifications today.
2. You could get certified by reading a book, watching a video, using the software "hands-on", or by taking a lecture course. In reality, most IT Pros who get certified end up using a combination of reading, video training, and hands-on.
3. Many people ask if they should attempt a college degree or a certification. We recommend that you obtain both because both are important in today’s IT world. A certification will prove your technical knowledge. A college degree may help get you a job or get you promoted to management one day. Still, the time to get certified is always going to be less than the college path so, why wait?
4. There are a number of IT Pros who are “paper certified”, meaning they were able to pass the test but know little about the product they were certified on. You don’t want to be paper certified. TrainSignal’s video training will not only show what you need to know to pass certification tests but will show you how you use a software product “hands on” so that you know how to configure it, not just answer a test question on it.
5. There are yearly salary surveys that connect years of experience + certification to tell you what you should expect to be paid (see CertCities.com Salary Surveys)

7 Test Taking Tips to Help You Pass the First Time!

1. As Mom always said, "get a good night's sleep and eat a good breakfast". Also, know where you are supposed to be to take the test and get there early.
2. Know about the test format - how long you have to take it, how many questions it is, the type of question, and if you can go back and review your answers.
3. Know the test content - every provider will at least give you an objective list of what the test covers.
4. You need a mix of both theoretical and hands-on knowledge (even if you use a simulator).
5. Take multiple practice tests to feel comfortable with exam procedures.
6. Study, study study - you can't be too prepared.
7. If you don't pass the first time, try again!