IT CERTIFICATIONS

There are many ways to get any of the large number of network or IT Certifications now available. There's not only software certification like those offered from Oracle, Java, Microsoft, etc. but there's also direct network hardware certifications from strong companies like Cisco and then there's the server administration, hardware repair, security and several sub category type certifications. All are available but the question is if these have any real value in the marketplace.

IT Certifications is defined as a document that certifies that you have met a certain standard in educational degree, continuing education, experience, and testing. Certifications vary by type and industry. Many professions (such as account and teaching) require ongoing certification while many technical-vocational fields require certifications based on a set of core courses (and often not requiring a college degree).

The Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) certification remains Cisco’s most prestigious and sought-after networking certification. Although the program has no formal prerequisites, many candidates pursue other Cisco certifications as stepping-stones to this credential. The program requires passing only two exams: a more or less standard written exam, plus a (long) one-day laboratory exam.

In Cisco Certifications CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) Certification is a foundation and beginner level of networking and the only exam required to achieve Cisco Routing and Switching certification at Associate Level.

The lab exam has the reputation of being one of the most difficult IT certification exams known to man. Many candidates take that exam two or three times before they pass. Because travel is normally required to one of six or eight lab testing centers located worldwide, this can add significantly to the costs involved.

The Master Accredited Systems Engineer (MASE) is likewise a nonpareil certification from Compaq (now part of HP, which plans to continue the program). Candidates must begin with ASE certification, which in turn requires intermediate-level operating system certifications like the Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE), Certified Novell Engineer (CNE) or other similar credentials.

Master ASEs specialize in one of numerous technical areas that include enterprise management, high availability and clustering, Internet/intranet solutions, messaging and collaboration, SAN architect, various Oracle implementations or SQL server.

The table contains two intermediate-to-senior security certifications: (ISC)2’s Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and the SANS Institute’s GIAC Security Engineer. (GIAC stands for Global Information Assurance Certification and is the name of that organization’s overall program.) Obtaining a CISSP involves less work than the GSE, because it requires passing only a single exam—but that exam includes 250 hair-raising questions and is given in a six-hour time frame.

Obtaining a GSE, on the other hand, requires passing and maintaining five other GIAC credentials on firewalls, intrusion analysis, incident handling, plus Windows and UNIX security administration. It also requires an additional exam and receipt of “honors” credentials in one or more of the five prerequisite certifications. Individuals who obtain CISSPs are more likely to work in security management, planning and design, whereas GSEs are eminently qualified to handle security operations, audits, incidents and so forth.

Other interesting senior-level security certifications include those from the American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS), which offers three senior-level programs: Certified Protection Professional (CPP), Physical Security Professional (PSP) and Professional Certified Investigator (PCI).

Please find below the collection of the good IT Certifications.

PREPARING FOR CERTIFICATION EXAM

Test Taking Strategy

Become familiar with the test that you are about to take and have a mental plan for how you will spend your time most productively during the examination. If you follow a positive plan of action as you take the test, you will be less likely to feel helpless or to be preoccupied with anxious thoughts. Here are some useful test-taking strategies:

Listen carefully to directions. Make a point to listen closely to any test directions that are read aloud. Read through written directions at least twice before starting on a test section to ensure that you do not misinterpret them. Hint: If you are confused or unsure of the test directions, ask the teacher or test proctor to explain or clarify them. It is better to seek help to clear up any confusion that you may have than to run the risk of misunderstanding the directions and completing test items incorrectly.

Perform a brain dump at the start of the test, write down on a sheet of scrap paper any facts or key information that you are afraid that you might forget. This brain dump will help you to feel less anxious about forgetting important content. Plus, you can consult this sheet of information as a convenient reference during the test.

Preview the test. Look over the sections of the test. Think about the total amount of time that you have to complete the test. Look at the point values that you can earn on each section of the examination. Budget your total time wisely so that you dont spend too much time on test sections that contribute few points to your score.

Answer Patterns: Dont get sidetracked looking for patterns of answers. Some people claim that students can do better on multiple-choice tests if they look for patterns in the answers. For example, the advice is often given that, on questions with four possible answers, teachers most frequently choose C as the correct response. In rare cases, such patterns may actually exist--but it is never a reliable strategy to count on tricks and short cuts to do well on a test. Instead, your best bet is to study hard and rely on your own knowledge of the subject to do well.

Multiple-choice: Dont rush. On multiple-choice items, force yourself to read each possible choice carefully before selecting an answer. Remember, some choices appear correct at first glance but turn out to be wrong when you take a closer look.

When in doubt guess! If the test does not penalize guessing, be sure that you write in a response for each test item, even if you dont know the answer. Skip difficult items until last. On timed tests, you should avoid getting bogged down on difficult items that can cause you to use up all of your time. Instead, when you find yourself stumped on a tough test item, skip it and go on to other problems. After you have finished all of the easiest test items, you can return to any skipped questions and try to answer them.

Use leftover time to check answers. If you finish a test early, use the remaining time to check your answers. On multiple choice items, check to see that you answered all questions. Reread each written response to make sure that it makes sense, uses correct grammar, and fully answers the question.

Make up flashcards. To memorize Inputs, Tools & Techniques and Outputs, write the key word or term on one side of an index card and the definition on the other side. To review, read off the word and recite the definition from memory before flipping the card over and checking your answer. Then review the cards again, this time reading the definitions and recalling the key word or term from memory. To memorize other information, copy a fact or concept on one side of the card and a test question matching the concept on the cards flip side. To review, read off each question and attempt to recall the answer before flipping the card over to check your work

Positive Self -Statements The way we see ourselves, and the way we think/talk to ourselves controls the way we will respond in stressful situations. Each time you start thinking or saying something negative such as "I failed last time, I'll probably fail again this time," challenge this attitude with a strong logical, forceful self-statement: "OK, so I failed last time but that doesn't mean I'm going to fail again this time. I'm better prepared and I've got new approach to my work". Change your paralyzing stress to motivating stress. Reward yourself whenever you succeed; if you manage to halt a negative thought and turn it into a positive one, tell yourself so, if you managed to concentrate in class or get through a difficult piece of work, congratulate yourself. You'll get to feeling good about yourself and your self-confidence will improve.

MICROSOFT CERTIFIED SYSTEMS ENGINEER

MCSE is a widely known certification provided by Microsoft Corporation and stands for Microsoft Certified Systems Engineers. This certification provides a qualitative impetus to your resume in the Information Technology field. MCSE engineers are known to get good offers financially compared to other engineers of equivalent education.

The certification qualifies a person to analyze the business requirements and find solutions in information systems, and the individual is able to design and implement the infrastructure required. MCSE is available in two streams Windows 2000 and Windows Server 2003. Both the streams have different sets of examinations. The certification is suitable for most engineers and analysts and is especially suitable for systems engineers & analysts and Network engineers & analysts.

The objective of MCSE is to provide the individual with knowledge such as:
Pin pointing the tasks involved in supporting Windows 2000/2003 networks.
Knowing the network concepts and how to implement it in Windows 2000/2003.
Gaining the knowledge of how to configure Microsoft Windows 2000/2003 Professional on stand-alone computers and on client computers, and to install configure windows 2000/2003 Server.
Gain the knowledge and skills in designing a Microsoft Windows 2000/2003 directory service and infrastructure.

MCSE Windows 2000

For MCSE 2000 certification the candidate has to pass seven exams. The exams include four operating exams, one design exam and two electives. The subjects span syllabus such as installing, configuring and administering Windows 2000, implementing & administering Windows 2000 Network and Windows 2000 infrastructure.

MCSE Windows Server 2003

For MCSE Windows Server 2003 certification, the candidate must qualify seven exams. The exams include four networking exams, one client operating system, one design exam and one elective exam. The syllabus includes network infrastructure & security, SQL server, active directory, Microsoft products etc.

TRAINING

MCSE training is very intensive, time consuming and requires a lot of hard work. Many aspirants are not able to appear exams in the stipulated time. There are many ways to prepare for the examinations such as MSCE classes, boot camps, online study guides and practice exams. Many candidates prefer to approach local MCSE training centers. These training centers help the candidates in course work and practical sessions professionally and help the candidates in exam and career oriented study.

The candidates must be aware of the practical applications, Microsoft products and services since the aspirants face multi-level testing on design implementation and administration skills in Microsoft Windows platform.

BENEFITS OF MCSE

MCSE is the most specialized certifications available today. It provides industry recognition and expertise in Microsoft products and technologies. As per Fairfield Research survey on MCSE, the certification provides a 12.6% rise in salary on an average. MCSE holders can also directly access technical and product information from Microsoft through the MCP Member site. There are spinoff benefits such as invitation to Microsoft conferences, technical training sessions and special events etc.