CompTIA PDI+ Certification Overview

CompTIA-PDI CompTIA PDI+ is an entry-level, vendor-neutral certification proving competence in basic maintenance of printers, scanners, copiers and fax machines.

The certification is recognized by several industry leaders, including Canon, Sharp and Xerox, as a benchmark certification for professionals that service and support document imaging devices.

CompTIA PDI+ covers a technician's understanding of basic electromechanical components and tools, print engine and scan processes and components, color theory, connectivity and networking. The exam also covers soft skills such as customer service, professionalism, safety and environment. While there are no prerequisites for the CompTIA PDI+ certification exam, it is recommended that entry-level candidates have foundation-level knowledge or hands-on experience working with printing and document imaging devices.

TEST DETAILS

Number of questions:
85
Length of test:
90 minutes
Passing score:
675 on a scale of 100-900
Languages:
English, Spanish, Japanese and German
Exam code:
PD0-001

 

 

 

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CompTIA Linux+ Certification Overview

DuoBrand_0209_10 CompTIA Linux+, Powered by LPI, is a high-stakes, vendor-neutral certification that validates the fundamental knowledge and skills required of junior Linux administrators.

CompTIA Linux+, Powered by LPI, consists of two exams, LX0-101 and LX0-102. The exams cover system architecture; Linux installation and package management; GNU and Unix commands; devices, Linux filesystems, and the Filesystem Hierarchy Standard. Professionals who pass the CompTIA Linux+ exam can work at the Linux command line, perform maintenance tasks, assist users, and install and configure workstations.

Earning CompTIA Linux+ is a stepping stone to vendor-specific training, such as Oracle Certified Associate and Novell SUSE Linux programs.

A new benefit for CompTIA Linux+ candidates is that they may choose, at the time they take the exams, to have their exam record forwarded to the Linux Professional Institute. Certification in CompTIA Linux+, Powered by LPI, enables candidates to become certified in LPIC-1 as well, enabling further participation in the LPI program if the candidate chooses. Please note that CompTIA maintains candidate-confidential records for all exam takers, for their own access and use for employment or educational purposes. Any choice to forward a CompTIA Linux+ exam record to LPI is made only by the candidate.

The CompTIA Linux+ exam is scheduled to be available soon in German, Brazilian Portuguese, Chinese and Spanish.

For individuals studying toward the previous CompTIA Linux+ exam, XK0-002, that exam has been retired in Japan. That exam will be retired in all other parts of the world, all languages, on October 31, 2010.

TEST DETAILS

Required exams:
Two, LX0-101 and LX0-102
Number of questions:
60 on each exam
Length of test:
90 minutes
Passing score:
500 on a scale of 200-800
Recommended experience:
CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+ and at least 12 months of Linux administration experience
Languages:
English

CURRENT TEST DETAILS

Number of questions:
98
Length of test:
90 minutes
Passing score:
675 on a scale of 100-900
Recommended experience:
CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Network+ certifications or equivalent knowledge
Languages:
English, Japanese
Exam code:
XK0-002

Download Exam Objectives

CompTIA Server+ Certification Overview

CompTIA-Server The CompTIA Server+ certification is recognized by the industry to prove competency in server support.

CompTIA Server+ is an international, vendor-neutral certification for technical support professionals with 18 to 24 months of IT experience. Although not a prerequisite, it is recommended that CompTIA Server+ candidates hold a CompTIA A+ certification.

CompTIA Server+ certifies the technical knowledge and skills required to build, maintain, troubleshoot and support server hardware and software technologies. The exam covers virtualization, disaster recovery and security procedures. 

TEST DETAILS

Number of questions:
100
Length of test:
90 minutes
Passing score:
720 on a scale of 100-900
Recommended experience:
CompTIA A+ certification
Languages:
English
Exam codes:
SK0-003

Download Exam Objectives

CompTIA Security+ Certification Overview

CompTIA-Security The CompTIA Security+ certification designates knowledgeable professionals in the field of security, one of the fastest-growing fields in IT. Security threats are increasing in number and severity, and the gap between the need for security professionals and qualified IT personnel is the largest of any IT specialty, according to a 2008 CompTIA study. Even in a troubled economy, most businesses plan to maintain or increase their investment in security.

CompTIA Security+ is an international, vendor-neutral certification that proves competency in system security, network infrastructure, access control and organizational security. Major organizations that employ CompTIA Security+ certified staff include Booz Allen Hamilton, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Motorola, Symantec, Telstra, Hitachi, Ricoh, Lockheed Martin, Unisys, Hilton Hotels Corp., General Mills, the U.S. Navy, Army, Air Force and Marines.

Although not a prerequisite, it is recommended that CompTIA Security+ candidates have at least two years of technical networking experience, with an emphasis on security. The CompTIA Network+ certification is also recommended.

For IT professionals requiring re-certification:

The newest version of the CompTIA Security+ certification exam was launched in late 2008. IT professionals who are encouraged or required by their employers to remain current on their certifications have two options: They can take the new version of the exam, or they can take the CompTIA Security+ bridge exam, which covers the new objectives. The test, exam code BR0-001, is a 60-minute, 50-question test available in English. A passing score is 560 on a scale of 100-900. Only professionals who are currently CompTIA Security+ certified under 2002 exam objectives are eligible to become CompTIA Security+ 2008 certified by taking the bridge exam.

TEST DETAILS

Number of questions:
100
Length of test:
90 minutes
Passing score:
720 on a scale of 100-900
Recommended experience:
CompTIA Network+ certification and two years of technical networking experience, with an emphasis on security.
Languages:
English, Spanish
Exam codes:
SY0-201, JK0-015

Download Exam Objectives

CompTIA Network+ Certification Overview

CompTIA-Network The CompTIA Network+ certification is the sign of a competent networking professional. It is an international, vendor-neutral certification that proves a technician’s competency in managing, maintaining, troubleshooting, installing and configuring basic network infrastructure.

Since its introduction in 1999, more than 235,000 people have become CompTIA Network+ certified. Microsoft includes CompTIA Network+ in their Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) program, and other corporations such as Novell, Cisco and HP also recognize CompTIA Network+ as part of their certification tracks.

Although not a prerequisite, it is recommended that CompTIA Network+ candidates have at least nine months of experience in network support or administration or academic training, along with a CompTIA A+ certification.


For IT professionals requiring re-certification:

The newest version of the CompTIA Network+ certification exam was launched in early 2009. IT professionals who are encouraged or required by their employers to remain current on their certifications have two options: They can take the new version of the exam, or they can take the CompTIA Network+ bridge exam, which covers the new objectives. The test, exam code BR0-002, is a 60-minute, 50-question test. A passing score is 500 on a scale of 100-900.

Only professionals who are currently CompTIA Network+ certified under the 2005 objectives are eligible to become CompTIA Network+ 2009 certified by taking the bridge exam.

TEST DETAILS

Number of questions:
100
Length of test:
90 minutes
Passing score:
720 on a scale of 100-900
Recommended experience:
CompTIA A+ certification and nine months networking experience
Languages:
English, Spanish, German
Exam codes:
N10-004 and JK0-016

Until March 2010, the previous Network+ exam, with exam codes N10-003 and JK0-012, will be available in  Japanese, Chinese, German, Korean and Greek. However, applicants are encouraged to take the most recent version of the exam when possible.

Download Exam Objectives

CompTIA A+ Certification Overview

CompTIA-A The CompTIA A+ certification is the industry standard for computer support technicians. The international, vendor-neutral certification proves competence in areas such as installation, preventative maintenance, networking, security and troubleshooting. CompTIA A+ certified technicians also have excellent customer service and communication skills to work with clients.

CompTIA A+ is part of the certification track for corporations such as Microsoft, Hewlett-Packard, Cisco and Novell. Other technology companies, including CompuCom and Ricoh, have made CompTIA A+ certification mandatory for their service technicians. More than 700,000 people worldwide have become CompTIA A+ certified since the program’s inception in 1993.

The latest version of CompTIA A+ is CompTIA A+ 2009 Edition. Two exams are necessary to be certified: CompTIA A+ Essentials, exam code 220-701; and CompTIA A+ Practical Application, exam code 220-702.

CompTIA A+ Essentials measures the necessary competencies of an entry-level IT professional with a recommended 500 hours of hands-on experience in the lab or field. It tests for technical understanding of computer technology, networking and security, as well as the communication skills and professionalism now required of all entry-level IT professionals.

CompTIA A+ Practical Application is an extension of the knowledge and skills identified in CompTIA A+ Essentials, with more of a "hands-on" orientation focused on scenarios in which troubleshooting and tools must be applied to resolve problems.


For candidates certified under previous versions of the exam:

CompTIA A+ certified professionals who are encouraged or required by their employers to remain current on their certifications have two options:

1. Take the CompTIA A+ 2009 Edition (two exams). 

2. Only those who are certified in the most recent version of CompTIA A+ (2006 objectives) by taking 220-601 and one of the following: 220-602, 220-603 and 220-604 exams are eligible to update their currency through taking the CompTIA A+ bridge exam (one exam), which covers the new objectives.

    CompTIA has retired the English version of the 600 series of CompTIA A+ in the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico and South Africa. The English version will retire in all other countries on August 31, 2010. The educational versions of these exams (JK0-601, JK0-602, JK0-603 and JK0-604), as well as the German, Korean, Arabic, Chinese and Japanese translations of the 220-601 and 220-602 CompTIA A+ exams, will remain in the market for use until August 31, 2010.

    TEST DETAILS

    CompTIA A+ 2009 Edition

    Required exams:
    CompTIA A+ Essentials, CompTIA A+ Practical Application
    Number of questions:
    100 for each exam
    Length of test:
    90 minutes each
    Passing score:
    675 for CompTIA A+ Essentials, 700 for CompTIA A+ Practical Application
    on a scale of 100-900
    Languages:
    English, Spanish, German, Turkish, Japanese, Traditional Chinese (Taiwan)
    Coming Soon: Korean, Simplified Chinese, Portuguese
    Exam codes:
    220-701 for CompTIA A+ Essentials
    220-702 for CompTIA A+ Practical Application
     

    CompTIA A+ 2009 Edition Bridge Exam

    Required exam parts:
    One exam
    Number of questions:
    85
    Length of test:
    90 minutes
    Passing score:
    500 on a scale of 100-900
    Languages:
    English
    Exam codes:
    BR0-003

    Download Exam Objectives

    2009 Exam Objectives
    Both CompTIA A+ 220-701 and CompTIA A+220-702 are required for certification.

    2006 Exam Objectives
    Two exams are required to achieve certification. One of the exams must be CompTIA A+ Essentials, CompTIA A+ 220-601.

    CompTIA Certifications Overview

    image For individuals, attaining certifications means increased job security, additional career opportunities and increased credibility in the workplace. For businesses, hiring certified workers means higher customer satisfaction, increased productivity and lower employee turnover.

    CompTIA A+
    For entry-level IT technicians, the CompTIA A+ exam covers preventative maintenance, basic networking, installation, troubleshooting, communication and professionalism.

    CompTIA Network+
    For networking professionals, the CompTIA Network+ exam covers managing, maintaining, troubleshooting, operating and configuring basic network infrastructure.

    CompTIA Security+
    For experienced security professionals, the CompTIA Security+ exam covers system security, network infrastructure, cryptography, assessments and audits.

    CompTIA Server+
    For experienced IT professionals, the CompTIA Server+ exam covers areas such as RAID, SCSI, managing multiple CPUs and disaster recovery.

    CompTIA Linux+
    For experienced Linux professionals, the CompTIA Linux+ exam covers user administration, file permissions, software configurations and the fundamental management of Linux systems.

    CompTIA PDI+
    For entry-level printer and document-imaging technicians, the CompTIA PDI+ exam covers basic electromechanical components and tools, print engine and scan processes, color theory and networking.

    CompTIA RFID+
    For RFID professionals, the CompTIA RFID+ exam covers installation, maintenance, repair and troubleshooting of RFID products.

    CompTIA Convergence+
    For experienced convergence professionals, the CompTIA Convergence+ exam covers designing, implementing and managing voice and data networks.

    CompTIA CTT+
    For technical instructors, the CompTIA CTT+ exam covers classroom preparation, presentation, communication, facilitation and evaluation in both traditional classroom and virtual classroom environments.

    CompTIA CDIA+
    For document imaging solutions sellers, the CompTIA CDIA+ exam covers planning, designing and specifying a document imaging management system.

    CompTIA Project+
    For project managers, the CompTIA Project+ certification covers the entire process of project management, including initiation, planning, execution, acceptance, support and closure.

    CompTIA Exam Pricing (in US Dollars)

    * CompTIA A+ Exam Prices: Non Member Pricing – $163.00
    * CompTIA CDIA+, CTT (VBT), e-Biz+, Security+, RFID+ Exam Prices : Non Member Pricing – $251.00
    * CompTIA Convergence+, CTT+ (CBT), DHTI+, HTI+, i-Net+, Project+, Linux+, Network+, Server+ Exam Prices: Non Member Pricing – $232.00CompTIA Corporate
    Members receive discounts off the non member pricing.

    CompTIA Registration
    CompTIA exams may be taken at Pearson VUE or Thomson Prometric testing facilities.

    CCNA Certificatation FAQs & Tips

    faq CCNA is a long topic to talk about and there are many tips that can help you save much time when sitting in the exam hall. From the comments here and information from other places, this article tries to summarize all the CCNA frequently asked questions to save you some time. Please feel free to ask anything that you are unclear about CCNA so that all of us can help you. I will update this article frequently to bring you the newest information about this exam.

    1. Please tell me how many questions in the real CCNA exam, and how much time to answer them?

    Until now, you have 90 minutes to answer 50 questions in the real CCNA exam but if your native language is not English, Cisco allows you a 30-minute exam time extension. But there are a few requirements to get this extension, so the best way is asking your teacher or mentor before taking the exam.

    2. How much does the CCNA Exam 640-802 cost? And how many points I need to pass the exam?

    It now costs $250

    The passing score is 825/1000.

    3. How many ways can I get the CCNA certification?

    There are 2 ways to achieve this certification:

    • By taking two exams ICND-1 640-822 and ICND-2 640-816
    • By taking only one CCNA 640-802 exam

    4. I got the CCNA certification, will this certification expire?

    CCNA certification is valid for three years. To recertify, pass the ICND2 exam, or pass the current CCNA exam, or pass a CCNA Concentration exam (wireless, security, voice), or pass the current CCDA exam, or pass any 642 – XXX professional level or Cisco Specialist exam (excluding Sales Specialist exams), or pass a current CCIE or CCDE written exam.

    5. After completing the INTRO exam (ICND 1), students currently have a three-year window in which to complete the ICND exam (ICND 2) to earn CCNA certification. Will this option still exist?

    Yes, students will still be able to take and pass the first exam (INTRO or ICND1) and have a three-year window to pass the second exam (ICND2), before the first exam expires.

    6. If students fulfill the exam requirements for the CCNA certification, will they also receive CCENT certification?

    No, students who certify at the CCNA level will not earn CCENT certification. The purpose of the CCENT certification is to provide an option for those who aren’t ready for CCNA.

    (Information from http://www.cisco.com/web/learning/le3/le2/le0/le9/learning_certification_type_home.html)

    7. Which sims will I see in the CCNA exam?

    The popular sims now are EIGRP, VTP and Access-list 2 sims but no one can guarantee you will not see other sims in your exam. So the best way is practicing all sims on this site.

    8. How many points will I get for one sim?

    Well, Cisco doesn’t tell how many points you will get for each correctly solved sim but from my experience, you will get from 80 to 100 points for each sim. Cisco maybe is a bit rude for sims because you will just get a few points (or nothing!) if you can’t solve the sim completely. So be careful with the sims and try to write all the commands on paper many times before taking this exam.

    9. In the real exam, I clicked "Next" after choosing the answer, can I go back for reviewing?

    No, this is a very important thing about CCNA exam. You can just go forward!

    10. What is the key to pass CCNA?

    The CCNA exam covers many aspects of networking and most of the topics will be asked. But the most important topic is subnetting so make sure you understand how to subnet. Of course other topics are important too so you shouldn’t bypass them.

    11. Can I use short commands, for example "conf t" instead of "configure terminal"? Will I get full mark for short commands?

    It is another big question in the CCNA exam. Some reports said that you can use the "Tab" and short commands but some said they didn’t work. Sometimes the simulator in the exam doesn’t accept short commands and marks as "incomplete command". Besides, no one can guarantee it will cost points or not if you use short commands so my recommendation is you should learn the full commands.

    12. What are your recommended materials for CCNA?

    There are many options you can choose, but below are materials used and recommended by many candidates:

    Books:

    • Sybex CCNA 6th edition by Todd Lammle
    • Cisco Press ICND1 & ICND2 Certification Guide
    • CCNA Networking Academy 1-4
    • Cisco 640-802 CCNA Portable Command Guide
    • Cisco Discovery and Cisco Exploration study guide

    The difference between CCNA Discovery and CCNA Exploration is "CCNA Discovery is designed for students with basic PC skills and can be delivered as an independent curriculum or integrated into broader courses of study at secondary schools, technical schools, colleges, and universities. CCNA Exploration is designed for students with advanced problem solving and analytical skills, such as those who are pursuing degrees in engineering, math, or science". (Reference from "new CCNA faq").

    Video Training:

    • CBT Nuggets
    • Train Signal
    • Testout

    From my point of view, these video are just optional materials and they cost much, you can definitely pass the CCNA exam without buying them. If you have strong budget and want to learn in a more comfortable way then buy them! (but it is difficult to pass if just listening to them without reading books, believe me!)

    Simulators (luckily, they’re the best and free):

    • Packet Tracer (and you can get real exam labs on my site here)
    • GNS 3

    GNS 3 is really good and it uses real IOS so all the commands are available but these IOS are copyrighted so it is hard to get. Besides, GNS 3 needs much RAM to run so from my experience you should use the Router c2600 with 64MB RAM to run if your labs are simple (like assign IP addresses, hostname, RIP…). If you need to configure OSPF or EIGRP, use higher router. These two simulators are enough to practice labs for CCNA but if you want to learn about other simulators, check out my Free Router Simulators article. Packet Tracer is light, quick and convenient for common tasks but sometimes it doesn’t act like real devices. A good point of Packet Tracer is that Cisco has many good labs (.pkt files) to practice with.

    Websites & Forums:

    About Dumps…

    If you use dumps like pass4sure, Testking or ActualTest… make sure you understand the concept behind each question. It’s a very big mistake if you just learn which answer is correct without understanding the concept. Notice that in the real CCNA exam, you will be given different IP addresses, subnets and more options to choose; so it is easier to understand them than to learn them by heart. Finally, my advice is you just should use dumps as a final review after finishing the CCNA course.

    13. How much time should I spend on each sim?

    You should not spend more than 15 minutes for each sim. Recall that you only have 90 minutes so if you spend 15 minutes for each sim x 4 sims = 60 minutes. The 30 minutes left is for solving 40 multiple choice questions. If you are not a native English speaker and have 30-minute expansion (ask the mentor to confirm) than you can spend 20 minutes for each sim.

    14. Can I pass without doing sims?

    As mentioned above, each sim will cost you from 80 to 100 points. In the real exam you will have to solve 4 sims that give from 320 to 400 points. Suppose you answered all other questions perfectly then you will get 600 to 680 points but the passing score is 825. It means that you surely fail if ignore them.

    From the calculation above, if you missed only one sim the chance to pass is average but if you missed two, the chance to pass is very, very low.

    15. I need to know if the exam questions are the same in all the geographical locations?

    Yes, the exam questions are the same in all geographical locations. But notice that Cisco has a pool of questions and each time you take the exam, a number of random questions will show up so you will not see all the same questions as the previous exam.

    16. I am going to take the exam in a few days and i wonder can we have a pen and paper for ip calculations or calculator itself?

    You are not allowed to bring a calculator or anything else to the exam hall. You will receive a rough paper or a small board to write everything you need during the exam time. However, you should bring a pen or a pencil because sometimes the exam hall doesn’t have one (yes, some exam centers are not good Sealed) and maybe it will make you more comfortable.

    17. I failed the exam. Will I see the same questions and sims in my next try?

    Cisco has a pool of questions and sims so you will see some same (but surely not all) questions in your next exam. Luckily, the sims are the same (read question 7 for popular sims in the exam).

    18. In the exam, how can I access to the routers in the simulator?

    As you can see in the exam, there is always one PC connected to the router you need configure. Just click on this PC to be taken to the CLI of the router (no need to type telnet … or do anything else). Of course it is not true in real life but maybe Cisco did it that way to save you some time!

    19. I am going to take the exam in a couple of days. Where can I get newest information from candidates who have just passed the exam?

    You can visit the Share your experience section in this site, scroll down to the bottom of that page to read newest information about CCNA exam.I really want to say thanks to all candidates who are willing to share experience after taking the exam. It is an invaluable gift for CCNA candidates.

    Cisco Certifications Overview

    The first step in general Cisco Career Certifications begins either with CCENT as an interim step to Associate level, or directly with CCNA for network operations or CCDA for network design. Think of the Associate level as the foundation level of networking certification.

    General Certifications: Three Levels of Certification
    • Associate: The first step in Cisco networking begins at the Associate level, which also includes CCENT, an interim step to Associates for those with little job experience. Think of the Associate level as the foundation level of networking certification.
    • Professional. The Professional level is the advanced level of certification.
    • Expert. The CCIE and CCDE are the highest level of achievements for network or design professionals, certifying an individual as an expert.

    » Read more

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