Certification

MCSE 2003 is the way to go

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 09:32:00 GMT

The Microsoft MCSE 2003 certification is a very strong cert without a doubt. Being in the training industry I speak to many IT pros on a daily basis and I have noticed how many of them seriously underestimate the difficulty of the MCSE 2003 exams. Especially those who have taken exams on Server 2000 and even more so with those who have taken NT4.0 tests.

People in IT often have larger egos than professionals in almost any other industry. The MCSE 2003 track of exams virtually grabs a lot of these egos directly by the throat and smacks them across the face really hard, without warning. Microsoft throws every last trick and twist they can into the MCSE 2003 exams and they have also made the exams more application based (so you need to know how to perform and not just answer a question). I also get the priviledge of seeing certification exam testing daily and I get to see the aftermath of these people who underestimate then fail the exams. Its often quite amusing but usually involves a lot of anger, blame, surprise, sadness and hatred all mixed together. In fact sometimes people go through stages of each immediately following a test failure - so funny...

Microsoft of course made these exams very difficult on purpose because they wanted to limit the number of MCSE (non-deserving) achievers and reduce the ability to cheat so that the value of carrying the certification would rise, and it did.

If you would like to compare the number of people in the world who currently posses the MCSE 2003 cert versus the older platform MCSE's click here. These numbers speak for themselves.

Remember, if your going for the MCSE, be ready to actually have to earn it.

CompTIA Project+ Certification Offers Wide Range of possibilities

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 20:26:00 GMT

Improved communication among members is cited as the number one benefit to becoming CompTIA Project+ certified, according to a survey conducted by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA).

The survey was intended to find out what benefits candidates were experiencing as a result of becoming CompTIA certified, and other profile information, including their roles and responsibilities regarding project management in their organizations.

The number one benefit to being CompTIA Project+ certified was improved communication. Approximately 78 percent of participants reported that since becoming certified, their projects have benefited from better communication among team members. Survey participants also reported their project planning is more specific, and they are better able to communicate with vendor project managers.

"Project management skills are rapidly becoming a necessity for the type of business consulting Ricoh provides for our customers," said Teresa Hiatt, director of solutions and professional services education. "In addition, we have a strong continuous process improvement culture where project management skills help to drive our business excellence programs.

CompTIA Project+ is a globally recognized project management certification that provides validation of fundamental project management skills. It covers the entire project life cycle from initiation and planning through execution, acceptance, support and closure. CompTIA Project+ gives individuals the skills necessary to complete projects on time and within budget, and creates a common project management language among project team members.

Certified individuals have also seen an increase in responsibility given to them. The scope of the projects assigned has increased for certified individuals, as well as the number of projects they are assigned to work on. Approximately 90 percent of respondents have reported that they have led between one or more projects since becoming CompTIA Project+ certified. Just over 79 percent said since they became certified, they have been responsible for multiple projects at one time. Of the respondents, 33 percent said that they received a promotion or a pay raise since becoming certified.

The survey revealed most CompTIA Project+ certified individuals manage one to three projects lasting anywhere between one to nine months with four to nine team members. Eighty-five percent of certified individuals are responsible for anywhere from two to five projects at the same time.

Requirements For the MCSE Certification

Thu, 08 May 2008 08:53:00 GMT

The Microsoft Systems Engineer Certificate known as the MCSE is the basic fundamental certification program for an IT working in any Microsoft environment. The Certification concept has been developed in the rapidly changing and expanding field of computer technology to bring some order. When a person earns certification, employers and potential employers become confident that a certain standard threshold of expertise has been attained.

MCSE Certification is often a starting point for more advanced and specialized certifications. The basic requirements include normally at least one year of experience in the field implementing or administering a network operating system. The experience can also be in a client operating system or designing a network infrastructure. In order to earn the certificate, the candidate must pass a serious of examinations. There are four basic exams required that cover operating systems. Another exam tests and gives proof of expertise in design skills. Finally, two elective exams must be completed. These exams may be selected from a list of choices that include such diverse topics as security and implementation of various operating systems.

MCSE Training is conducted in several ways. Many programs can be done online with the use of study guides. This method of training has all the advantages and disadvantages of all distance learning. The training can be conducted on the students own schedule with a minimum of lost time and expense. However, despite the high quality of the study guides and the aid of computer training videos, much hands on work and the assistance of trained instructors is missing.

Another method of preparing for and passing the required exams is by attending a MSCE boot camp. This is an intensive training course that prepares the students for each exam, and also administers them. The boot camps usually provide both lodging and meals. They borrow the name from the military boot camp. This is not because of the strict discipline associated with the military but rather because of the intensive nature of the training. The boot camps are not intended as vacations. Training is done daily, and for long hours in an attempt to get the trainee prepared for the examination as quickly as possible. Although this method is also designed to minimize lost time during training, it is not inexpensive.

It is important to understand that although the basic requirements of the MCSE Certificate may seem rather difficult, the MCSE Certificate is rapidly becoming a basic requirement itself for a successful career in the competitive field of Information Technology.

Natalie Aranda writes about training and certifications. The Microsoft Systems Engineer Certificate known as the MCSE is the basic fundamental certification program for an IT working in any Microsoft environment. The Certification concept has been developed in the rapidly changing and expanding field of computer technology to bring some order. MCSE Certification is often a starting point for more advanced and specialized certifications. The basic requirements include normally at least one year of experience in the field implementing or administering a network operating system.

Why you should get MCSE Certified

Fri, 23 Nov 2007 07:09:00 GMT

Microsoft certification is a vast combination of rich and varied spectrum of job and responsibilities. To successfully perform the critical IT function we should earn a specific credential providing objective validity of the ability. One of the most effective ways to reach a long-term career goal, which is even embraced by industry professionals worldwide, is MCSE certification.

Advancing with long-term career goals, Microsoft certification has helped countless IT professionals work more effectively. Individuals have started quoting their valuable experiences during the Microsoft certification course on the websites available. The professionals of Microsoft certification courses are very different from the IT counterparts. They not only keep on fighting the challenges in the I.T. field but also have to keep themselves a step ahead by developing and improving their skills. These certification processes gives one of a kind of knowledge to know how to get recognized in any field.

The professionals of Microsoft certification are called Microsoft certified professionals or MCP's. For this Microsoft certification, you have to pass one current Microsoft certification exam which will prove a reliable and valid measure of professional and technical expertise. Microsoft certification exams reflect how Microsoft products are used in the organization.

Microsoft certification exams are developed from the inputs received from the IT industry professionals. The independent testing organizations administer these exams. There is one very big reason why IT professionals and developers become Microsoft certified professionals, it is that they all know that their clients, peers, employees and the IT industry shall acknowledge their expertise in working with the Microsoft products and technologies.

There are various steps towards obtaining Microsoft certification. Firstly, one should decide which Microsoft certification is correct for the person. As Microsoft offers a vast variety of professions within the IT industry one should understand which course would be the best for him. One should also get handy with the Microsoft products, which can be done only after working in the IT industry. Experience should be expanded with Microsoft training by taking advantage of the training resources.

For obtaining Microsoft certification, it is also better to know what to expect in the exam. Previous question papers or taking consultation from those who have appeared or cleared the test is always a good choice. Taking help from the help guides for Microsoft certification exams is also an added advantage. These help guides provide guidelines and suggestions to the person taking the exam. It is also suggested to take practice tests before taking the final exam.

Even after polishing our skills set, Microsoft certification provides other specific advantages. They are the recognition of our knowledge and proficiency in the industry. One can also be accessed as a MCP member on the websites and can obtain various offers and discounts on products and services. One can also get career information and simultaneously get invitations to conferences, special events and training sessions.

A Microsoft certification shows technical leadership over other peers as well as ability to successfully implement Microsoft business solutions for any organizations or clients.

How to choose a Certification

Fri, 05 Oct 2007 09:56:00 GMT

It seems most I.T. guys have a hard time deciding what certification path to go on, or they have a hard time deciding even if they should go down the certification path. When you are thinking of whhich one to choose ( there are over 450) you should keep your career and career goals in mind. You should ask yourself why do I want a certification. If it is to make more money in a field you are already in you should try to get certified in that field to go along with your experience. If it is to switch to something new, well this is a question only you can answer for yourself. What do you love doing, that should be the deciding factor. Also, it does not hurt to have many certifications.

As to the question should you get certified, well Certification does identify your skill set, and most companies require you to have one now. So yes you should. Also every I.T person should have basic certfications like Comptia's A+ Certification or Comptia's Network + Certification.

The Open Group Unveils Plans for IT Specialist Certification Program

Mon, 01 Oct 2007 15:36:00 GMT

The Open Group IT Specialist Certification (ITSC) program will offer the first independent, comprehensive, global certification for determining the skills, experience and knowledge of professional specialists within several different technical focus areas.

Available to practitioners during the first half of 2008, the program will allow for either direct certification by The Open Group or indirect certification by an accredited certification partner .