Category Archives: Certifications

Computer Networking as a Career – Certifications Review

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The networking area of IT has always been in demand with increasing scope for network requirements and advancement of cloud networking, and SAAS models. A few entry level certifications are given below for starters.

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA): This is widely regarded as a staple network certification, and for good reason. The CCNA validates your knowledge of networking fundamentals, including IP addressing, network security, and troubleshooting. It’s a vendor-specific certification, meaning it focuses on Cisco technologies, which are widely used in the industry.

CompTIA Network+: This is a vendor-neutral certification, which means it covers a broader range of networking concepts and is not tied to a specific vendor’s products.  CompTIA Network+ is a good option for those who are new to networking or who want to work with a variety of networking technologies.

Juniper Networks Certified Associate (JNcia-Junos): This certification validates your knowledge of Juniper Networks Junos operating system, which is a popular alternative to Cisco IOS. If you’re interested in working with Juniper technologies, then the JNCIA-Junos is a great certification to get.

Study Resources:

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA): 

Certexams.com CCNA NetSim – Provides easy to use interface for hands on practice, no other software needed to run the NetSim. Optional CCNA Exam Sim offers best in class questions with answers and scenario based questions.

Boson NetSim: [Boson NetSim] – Offers highly realistic simulations that mimic the real CCNA exam environment.

Cisco Learning Network Practice Tests: [Cisco Learning Network practice tests] – Official practice tests from Cisco themselves, ensuring alignment with the exam content.

MeasureUp: [MeasureUp practice tests] – Provides practice tests with detailed explanations for each answer.

CompTIA Network+:

Simulationexams.com [Sim-Ex Practice Tests for Network+] – Offers hundreds of most relevant questions with answers and explanations. Network+ Labsim is available optionally, in addition to Examsim.

Exam Compass: [Exam Compass practice tests] – Known for their large question banks and customizable practice tests.
CompTIA CertMaster: [CompTIA CertMaster] – Official practice tests and study materials from CompTIA.
Professor Messer: [Professor Messer practice tests] – Offers free practice tests along with video lectures and study guides.

JNCIA – Junos:

Cert-Ex Exam Sim for JNCIA and JNCIA Netsim – Certexams.com offers both the exam sim and net sim for Juniper JNICA exam.

Juniper Networks Practice Tests: [Juniper Networks practice tests] – Official practice tests from Juniper to ensure they match the exam format.

IPexpert: [IPexpert practice tests] – Provides practice tests with explanations and focuses on real-world scenarios.

Firebrand Training: [Firebrand Training practice tests] – Offers practice tests alongside other study resources like bootcamps.

Given below are the Advantages of Networking Certification:

Boosts employability: Certifications validate your networking skills and knowledge, making you a more attractive candidate to employers. They can help you stand out from the competition, especially for entry-level or specialized positions.

Salary increase potential: Earning a networking certification can put you in line for a higher salary. Studies have shown that certified professionals often command higher salaries than their non-certified counterparts.

Career advancement: Certifications demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning and professional development. This can open doors for promotions and leadership roles within your organization.

Stronger foundation: The process of preparing for a certification exam strengthens your core networking knowledge. This can make you a more confident and effective network administrator or engineer.

Industry recognition: Many certifications are well-respected within the IT industry. Earning one shows that you possess the skills and knowledge that employers are looking for.

Networking opportunities: Some certifications offer access to online communities or user groups. This allows you to connect with other professionals in the field, share knowledge, and learn from each other.

References:

Cloud Infrastructure and Career Certifications

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Server Cloud administration is crucial for ensuring the smooth operation of any organization that relies on digital infrastructure. Given below are the most important aspects of server infrastructure maintenance:

Maintains Business Continuity: Servers store and manage critical data and applications that keep businesses running. Server administrators ensure these systems are up and running to avoid costly downtime that disrupts operations.

Enhances Data Security: Data breaches can be devastating. Server administrators implement security measures like firewalls and access controls to safeguard sensitive information from cyberattacks.

Optimizes Performance: Servers need regular maintenance and optimization to function efficiently. Server administrators monitor performance, troubleshoot issues, and apply updates to keep everything running smoothly.

Supports End Users: Employees rely on servers to access files, applications, and other resources. Server administrators provide technical support, troubleshoot user issues, and ensure everyone has what they need to be productive.

Manages Scalability and Growth: As businesses grow, their IT needs evolve. Server administrators plan for future needs, scale server capacity, and implement new technologies to accommodate changing demands.

In short, server administration is the backbone of a healthy IT infrastructure. It keeps businesses operational, protects valuable data, and ensures users have the resources they need to succeed. Here, we discuss about some of the most widely taken Server side certifications from career perspective. These certifications are greatly perceived as a value addition for those seeking server side roles, such as Server Admin, Cloud Admin, Data Center Administrator.

CompTIA Server+ is a vendor-neutral certification that validates a candidate’s ability to install, configure, and manage servers across various platforms. It’s a good entry-level certification for IT professionals who want to get into server administration.

Microsoft Certified Azure Administrator Associate is a certification that validates a candidate’s ability to manage Azure subscriptions, implement and manage Azure resources, and configure and manage Azure virtual machines. This certification is a good option for IT professionals who want to specialize in Microsoft Azure cloud computing.

Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) is a certification that validates a candidate’s ability to perform basic system administration tasks on Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). This certification is a good option for IT professionals who want to work with Red Hat Linux systems.

VMware Certified Professional – Data Center Virtualization (VCP-DCV) is a certification that validates a candidate’s ability to deploy and manage VMware vSphere, a virtualization platform. This certification is a good option for IT professionals who want to work with VMware virtualization technologies.

Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate is a certification that validates a candidate’s ability to manage and deploy applications on AWS. This certification is a good option for IT professionals who want to work with AWS cloud computing.

The best server certification for you will depend on your experience, skills, and career goals. If you’re just starting out, then a vendor-neutral certification like CompTIA Server+ is a good option. If you have experience with a particular vendor’s products, then a vendor-specific certification like Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate or Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) may be a better option. Checkout TutorialsWeb.com for free Server plus notes and other articles.

References:

  1. Comptia Server+ Certification
  2. AWS Certifications
  3. Free Server+ Exam Notes

CCNA Certification

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The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification is a widely recognized entry-level certification in the field of networking offered by Cisco Systems. The CCNA certification validates the skills and knowledge required to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot medium-sized routed and switched networks. It is an essential credential for individuals aspiring to pursue a career in networking and serves as a foundational step for more advanced Cisco certifications.

Key Details about CCNA Certification:

  1. Certification Tracks:
    • The CCNA certification underwent a significant update in 2020, consolidating several specialized tracks into a single, comprehensive CCNA.
    • The previous tracks, such as CCNA Routing and Switching, CCNA Security, and others, were merged into the new CCNA.
  2. Prerequisites:
    • There are no formal prerequisites for CCNA. However, having a basic understanding of networking concepts is beneficial.
  3. Exam Details:
    • The CCNA exam (Exam Code: 200-301 CCNA) covers a broad range of topics, including networking fundamentals, network access, IP connectivity, IP services, security fundamentals, and automation and programmability.
    • The exam is conducted at Pearson VUE testing centers.
  4. Exam Format:
    • The exam format includes a mix of multiple-choice questions, drag-and-drop, simulations, and scenario-based questions.
    • The duration of the exam is 120 minutes.
  5. Passing Score:
    • The passing score for the CCNA exam is not pre-determined and is subject to change based on a statistical analysis process.
  6. Recertification:
    • The CCNA certification is valid for three years.
    • Recertification can be achieved by passing the current CCNA exam, a higher-level Cisco certification exam, or a combination of both.

Topics Covered in CCNA Exam (200-301):

  1. Network Fundamentals:
    • Basics of networking concepts, models, and architectures.
  2. Network Access:
    • Ethernet LANs, VLANs, wireless LANs, and various network access security concepts.
  3. IP Connectivity:
    • IP addressing, subnetting, routing, and troubleshooting connectivity issues.
  4. IP Services:
    • DHCP, NAT, NTP, SNMP, and other IP services.
  5. Security Fundamentals:
    • Basic security concepts, such as ACLs, firewalls, and VPNs.
  6. Automation and Programmability:
    • Introduction to network automation, programmability, and basics of Python scripting.

Preparation Resources:

  1. Official Cisco Learning Resources:
    • Cisco provides official study materials, including books, e-learning courses, and practice exams.
  2. Practice Labs:
    • Hands-on labs and simulations are crucial for practical understanding. Cisco offers Packet Tracer and VIRL for virtual lab environments.
  3. Community Support:
    • Engaging with the Cisco community forums and study groups can provide valuable insights and support.
  4. Books and Study Guides:
    • Numerous books and study guides are available from Cisco Press and other publishers.
  5. Training Courses:
    • Instructor-led training courses, both online and in-person, are available from Cisco authorized training centers.

The CCNA certification is highly regarded in the IT industry and serves as a stepping stone for those pursuing more advanced Cisco certifications, such as CCNP and CCIE. It demonstrates a foundational understanding of networking concepts and is relevant for professionals involved in network administration, support, and implementation.