CompTIA Certification
C
Security+ (Computer and Information Security)
Communications security, infrastructure security, operational security
and organizational security are covered by Comptia security certification.
It enables the candidate in basic skills in information security.
Linux+ (Linux Operating Systems)
If you have at least six months of experience on Linux operating system
and wan tp prove your experience then Linux+ is the certification
for you. CompTIA Linux+ gives you fundamental knowledge about open
source resources/licenses, user administration, file permissions/software
configurations and managing local storage devices and network protocols.
HTI+ (Home Technology Integration)
Core competence in installation, integration and troubleshooting of
automated home subsystems. The topics include Computer Networks, Broadband,
Cable/Satellite, Telecommunications, Audio/Video, Structured Wiring,
Electrical Wiring, HVAC (Heating/Air Conditioning Systems) and Home
Security.
Project+ (Project Management)
Competency in Project Management along with skills in business knowledge
and interpersonal skills needed to transform a technical person into
higher value business roles.
e-Biz+ (e-Commerce)
Basic concepts and key issues of e-business is dealt in this paper.
It is suitable for marketing and sales professionals who need an understanding
of e-business for management, finance, and customer service functions.
RFID+ (Integration Services of RFID Systems)
RFID-Radio Frequency identification is a complex evolving technology
and its expertise is necessary. CompTIA devised a long term strategy
to develop a technician’s knowledge and skills in the installation
and maintenance of RFID products.
Server+ (Server Hardware Technology)
Hardware issues like RAID, SCSI, and Multiple CPU’s are some
topics covered under server+. Competence in server technology is the
aim of this certification. Installation, configuration, maintenance
and troubleshooting are the areas that are needed for this certification.
Who Needs CompTIA certifications?
Certification may seem to be a credential gained for
- Career advancement
- Increased Compensation
- Increased knowledge
- Specific Specialization
- Entry level certification
What ever is the reason for opting for a specialization people find
that even though they have a lot of hands-on experience the compensation
the industry offers is very less. With a validation of their skills
by an independent organization their repute in the industry increases
considerably. Added to this are bonuses and other benefits.
Corporate send a few of their workers for training and instead
of a specific certification would like them to have a vendor neutral
specification. Certification also encourages the employees to update
to the current trends in the industry and is become necessary for
retention in the industry.
Exam Description
The exams are now linear having previous been adaptive, and thus now
contain approx 80 questions. The usual time taken to complete each
the exam is less than 60 minutes, with 90 available.
The description for the exams and the language they are offered
in are given below
- 220-301-A+ 2003 Linear Core Hardware Exam (Dutch, English,
German, Japanese, Korean, Spanish-Castilian)
- 220-302- A+ 2003 Linear OS Technologies Exam (Dutch, English,
German, Japanese, Korean, Spanish-Castilian)
- 225-020-CDIA+ Certification Exam (English, Japanese, Portuguese-Brazilian)
- 225-030-CDIA+ Certification-(English)
- CR0-301-OCR A+ 2003 Linear Core Hardware Exam (English)
- EK0-002- e-Biz+ (Japanese, Korean)
- HT0-101-HTI+ Residential Systems (English)
- HT0-102- HTI+ Systems Infrastructure and Integration (English)
- HT0-103- HTI+ Residential Systems (UK Only English)
- HT0-104- HTI+ Systems Infrastructure and Integration (UK
Only English)
- IK0-002- i-Net+ Certification (English, Japanese)
- JK0-007- E2C/Jobs+ i-Net+ Certification (English, Japanese)
- JK0-009- E2C/Jobs+ Server+ (English)
- JK0-010- E2C/Jobs+ Security+ Certification (English, Japanese)
- JK0-011- E2C/Jobs+ Linux+ Certification (English, Japanese)
- JK0-012- Jobs+/E2C Network+ Certification (English, Japanese)
- JK0-013- E2C/Jobs+ Project+ (English)
- JK0-101- E2C/Jobs+ HTI+ Residential Systems (English)
- JK0-102- E2C/Jobs+ HTI+ Systems Infrastructure and Integration(English)
- JK0-301- E2C/Jobs+ A+ 2003 Linear Core Hardware Exam (Dutch,
English, Japanese)
- JK0-302- E2C/Jobs+ A+ 2003 Linear OS Technologies Exam (Dutch,
English, Japanese)
- N10-003- Network+ Certification (English, German, Japanese,
Korean)
- PK0-002- Project+ (English, German)
- RF0-001- RFID+ Certification Exam (English)
- SK0-002- Server+(English, Japanese)
- SY0-101- Security+ (English, Japanese, Korean)
- TK0-201- CTT+ (English, German, Japanese)
- XK0-002- Linux+ Certification Exam (English, Japanese)
The rates differ if you are a member of CompTIA or if you get vouchers
the cost for a few major exams are
$218.00 for CTT+, HTI+, i-Net+, Linux+, Network+, Project+, Server+,
$237.00 for CDIA+, e-Biz+, RFID+, Security+,
$153.00 A+
Test of Skills
As this site is devoted to network and security we would go into details
of these two certifications.
Network+
- Introduction
- Topologies
- Physical OSI Layers
- Logical OSI Layers
- Cabling & Connectors
- Ethernet Basics
- Modern Ethernet
- Beyond 10Base-T
- Structured Cabling
- Testing Tools
- Protocol Concepts
- Common Protocols
- Practical TCP/IP
- IP Address/Sub netting
- Network Protocols/DNS
- DNS within a Windows Environment
- Network OS Concepts
- History of Network Operating Systems
- Sharing Resources in Windows 2000/XP
- Protecting the Network
- Interconnecting Operating Systems
- Dial-Up Connections
- WAN Connections
- Remote Connection Options
- Wireless Networking
- Disaster Recovery
- Troubleshooting Strategy
- Alternate Wireless
- IPv6
Comptia Security+
- Basic Access
- Authentication Methods
- Implementation Modes
- Denial of Service
- Identity Theft
- Identity Attacks
- Common Attacks
- Malicious Code
- Remote Access Security
- Remote Services
- Email Security
- Secure Web Traffic
- Web Client Vulnerabilities
- Web Server Vulnerabilities
- Authentication Services
- Communication Security
- Infrastructure Design
- Media Security
- Security Topologies
- Intrusion Detection
- IDS Monitoring
- Security Baselines
- Security Checklist
- Cryptography Concept
- Key Management
- Operational Security
- Policies and Procedures
- Security Management
Registering for the Exam
Exams are conducted online by Pearson VUE and Thomson Prometric. You
can go to their sites directly or even from the comptia web site
(http://www.comptia.org/certification/Network/register.aspx).
You can even call up and register for the exams. Comptia exam vouchers
are given to member organizations. Comptia discount vouchers are available
you could book them early incase you are preparing and are very sure
to take the test. These vouchers are valid for a small period of time
and are not transferable or refundable
Pearson VUE link is http://www.vue.com/comptia/
Or call Pearson VUE at:
US and Canada: For registration: 877.551.PLUS (7587) / For voucher
purchases: 800.869.4101
Latin America: 952.681.3758
EMEA: 44.16.18557000
Asia Pacific: /61.2.9323.5586
Japan: 0120.355.173
Prometric link is http://securereg3.prometric.com/
Or you could even look up for their telephone numbers nearest to
you and call up and register.
Jobs and Salaries
The jobs in the industry are many as CompTIA is accepted worldwide
as a vendor Neutral certification. The pay depends on the certification
taken entry level or intermediate level. The job profiles for network
plus certification are Technical Support, Helpdesk Support, Network
Engineer, Support Engineer, Trainer, IT Support Engineer, Helpdesk
Engineer, Security Engineer, Network Support, Technical Support, and
Consultant.
Security+ job profiles are Security Analyst, Consultant security,
Support Engineer, Security Engineer, Security Consultant, Systems
Engineer, Tester, Technical Support, Desktop Support, Support Analyst,
Network Engineer, Systems Analyst and Security specialist.
The earnings potential for Network+ is $25,000 and security+ is
$35,000.
Comptia’s certifications are vendor Neutral and hence are
the best bet in the IT industry to gain a foothold or the move up
the ladder.