How to become a Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

As a professional certifications add value to your CV from the point of view of potential employers. Not only do they demonstrate that you have a certain level of knowledge in a given area but they also demonstrate that you can apply yourself to a project or task and are able to see it through to a successful completion. This article explains how to go about becoming a Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA).

To become a CCNA you will need to pass either:

Exam - 640-821 INTRO and Exam - 640-811 ICND or Exam - 640-801 CCNA (a composite of the above two exams).

In order to sit the exams you will need to register with an authorised test centre and a fee is involved (currently around ?84 plus VAT). You can do this at Pearson VUE or Thomson Prometric. You should be able to find a location and date that suits you. (If you are attending the below courses your training provider should help you with this.)

In order to gain the necessary knowledge to pass these exams Cisco recommends the following courses:

INTRO - Introduction to Cisco Networking Technologies (http://www.inventioconsulting.co.uk/intro.htm) ICND - Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices (http://www.inventioconsulting.co.uk/icnd.htm)

Self study is also an option and is cheaper than sitting the courses. Self study guides can be bought at online bookstores such as Amazon.co.uk

Either way whether you are attending courses or doing the self study it is advisable to spend time reading up from your course notes or books and doing some of the practice exams which can be found at various websites to build your knowledge and gain confidence before sitting the exams.

About the Author: David Carrier founded Inventio Consulting (http://www.inventioconsulting.co.uk) in 2003 and has over 10 years experience in the IT training and education industry.

Training Options for MCSE Certification

Systems engineers who want a good job need to be MCSE certified if they want to work on Microsoft platforms. But, getting trained and certified is not always easy and does not always fit so well into people?s schedules. So, there are several training options for MCSE certification.

The first option is the MCSE bootcamp. MCSE boot camps are wonderful for individuals who need their certification and need it in a hurry as well as people who don?t want to spend weeks or months getting their certification but would rather focus on it intensively and then have it quickly. That?s what the boot camps are all about. In eight days you will learn all you need to know about network and system administration and will be prepared to take the exam. If you are to be successful in the MCSE bootcamp you will want to be familiar with Windows XP so that what you learn can be easily applied. Also, the more you know about Microsoft systems and networks before you take boot camp means the more you will learn. At bootcamp you will learn to install, configure, implement, manage, and maintain the necessary Microsoft systems like Microsoft XP.

If you have already gone through the MCSE training videos and the MCSE braindumps and have finished the MCSE boot camp, but are a little behind with current developments in your field, then the bootcamp upgrade is what you need.

The next option is the certification bundle. This training method allows you to choose your own track, which means you focus on the information you need to learn for your job at your own pace. This training method is online and you simply choose the information you need to learn about in your own time. As you learn you move on and when you finish up you will be prepared to take the exam. There are also options you can focus on like MCSE messaging specialization and others. The Microsoft platform includes so much information that it is helpful to specialize in something particular like messaging.

Another training option is to buy a CD ROM that has study guides, practice exams, and other similar information you help you study and learn. Going at your own pace may be the best option for you and in the end you will pass the test and become certified.

Caitlina Fuller is a freelance writer. The first training option is the MCSE bootcamp. MCSE bootcamps are wonderful for individuals who need their certification and need it in a hurry as well as people who don?t want to spend weeks or months getting their certification. If you are to be successful in the MCSE bootcamp you will want to be familiar with Windows XP so that what you learn can be easily applied

Free Microsoft Certification Training For MCDST

 

Microsoft has many computer certifications that appeal to a wide range of expert computer repair technicians to operating system geniuses. They also have certifications in administration and engineering. Microsoft Certified Professionals are a standard above in the field of information technology. Microsoft certification is widely accepted and recognized by the service and support industry. Microsoft curriculum has the practical knowledge that only an advanced developed company can provide.

MCDST is one of the most sought after Microsoft certifications on the market today. Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician is a title that has much recognition for employers who want a highly qualified technician to work as a help desk specialist and give desktop support by phone and by servicing the individual station. Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST) on Microsoft Windows XP is a certification that validates the fundamental and higher skills needed to enter the IT industry as a support desk professional.

Because of the recognition that Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST) receives many online and classroom IT schools are offering some free tutoring. You will find free information technology Microsoft computer training on the web almost as much as you will find pay certification training. There is a long list of online schools that offer free study guides, some free online tutoring and free practice exam questions in order to prepare you for your certification.

MCDST certification demonstrates valuable troubleshooting expertise with the Windows Desktop Operating System to employers and consumers. It provides a structure for learning the skills that support technicians need. As a desktop support technician, you will use excellent customer service skills, educate users, and solve hardware or software operation and application problems on the desktop. You will learn valuable skills and best practices consistent with networking and file sharing to maintaining DHCP communications devices and Domain name system for Internet system to translate names into IP addresses.

Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician certification validates the fundamental skills needed to enter the IT industry as a support professional. It communicates the technical skills of the individual to clients and employers and distinguishes career candidates from their peers. MCDST certification enhances job satisfaction through increased technical proficiency as you increase your knowledge and skills. MCDST certification helps advance support technician careers by providing a structured framework for learning skills, and provides a knowledge basis for additional Microsoft certifications, such as the MCSA and the MCSE.

Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician Certification Requirements on Microsoft Windows XP are to pass two core exams that provide a valid and dependable measure of technical proficiency. 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 two core exams are: Exam 70-271: Supporting Users and Troubleshooting a Microsoft Windows XP Operating System consisting of about 60 questions and Exam 70-272: Supporting Users and Troubleshooting Desktop Applications on a Microsoft Windows XP Operating System consisting of about 50 questions.

A candidate for Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician will need training for your Microsoft certification. There is free Microsoft training available online with free Microsoft practice exam questions, free study guides and free MCDST training to make your preparation less complicated. Free will only take you so far, you will need to purchase some Microsoft certification training in order to be fully prepared for your actual exam. Your training is not the objective but receiving your Microsoft certification. Learn how to pass your information technology certification exam. There are good resources accessible all you will need is a little searching. Visit billnaugle.com

Bill Naugle has been writing articles, press releases and ebooks to help Webmasters achieve success with information technology certification, internet business and search engine rankings. He has written on many subjects. He started writing on the internet in 2001. http://www.billnaugle.com http://www.lulu.com/content/1198023