Certification Articles

Archive for February, 2009

What is CCNP?

The Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) certification gives you advanced knowledge of networks. As a CCNP certified, you would be able to install, configure and troubleshoot converged, local and Wide Area Networks for organizations having networks of 100 to 500 nodes. Also it gives you the ability to manage routers and switches that comprise the network core. It also focuses on topics such as security, converged networks, quality of service (QoS), virtual private networks (VPN) and broadband technologies.

CCNP Modules

As mentioned earlier, you need to have a CCNA certificate to go on to get a CCNP certificate. CCNP is made up of four modules:

1. Building Scalable Cisco Internetworks (BSCI)

This module gives you the basic knowledge of creating proficient and flexible enterprise networks. This involves installation, configuration, monitoring, and troubleshooting of network infrastructure devices such as Cisco ISRs routers according to the Campus Infrastructure module in the Enterprise Composite Network model.

2. Building Cisco Multilayer Switched Networks (BCMSN)

This module is actually comprised of the methods that tell how to create an efficient and expandable enterprise network. This is done by taking complete care of all the matters related to installing, configuring, monitoring, and troubleshooting of network infrastructure devices such as Catalyst Multilayer Switches. It follows the Campus Infrastructure module of Enterprise Composite Network model.

3. Implementing Secure Converged Wide Area Networks (ISCW)

This module makes you proficient in making it possible that the enterprise network reaches to remote workers and sites. The focus in this module is mainly on giving the awareness of processes that are used to realize remote access and VPN client configuration.

4. Optimizing Converged Cisco Networks (ONT)

The optimization of QOS techniques in converged networks integrating voice, wireless and security applications and their effective use is the focus of this module.

For the aid of individuals taking the CCNP program and succeeding the certification test, Cisco and its so many affiliated world-wide technical training institutes do offer training classes with a detailed study material on every subject matter for the preparation.

CCNP Exams:

Here are CCNP exams you must pass.

• CCNP 642-902 Exam
• CCNP 642-813 Exam
• CCNP 642-832 Exam

Introduction

In the ever-growing field of IT, one has to keep pace with the emerging technologies and stay up-to-date. During the last decade the filed of IT has expanded so much that you can’t be an expert at everything. You have to select a track for yourself, look for the certifications recognized and accepted by the industry, and get on with it.

Certifications are the measure of your ability and specially knowledge in some specific area. They not only add a star on your resume, but also give you an edge in this ever-growing and evolving field. And not to forget, it does add up in your promotion and salary raises.

Networking Certifications

As an IT Professional, if you are looking to pursue your career in the field of networking and specifically to indulge in the vast market of Cisco based networking products, The Cisco Certified Network Associate or the CCNA is a certification for you.

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Description:

The 642-565 SSSE exam tests a candidate’s knowledge of Cisco security products and product positioning and where each technology fits in the Cisco Self-Defending Network strategy. Topics covered include Cisco Security Appliance (ASA), PIX Firewall, IDS/IPS, VPN, Security Management, CS-MARS and NAC Appliance.

Exam Topics:

The following topics are general guidelines for the content likely to be included on the Remote Access exam. However, other related topics may also appear on any specific delivery of the exam. In order to better reflect the contents of the exam and for clarity purposes, the guidelines below may change at any time without notice. Read the rest of this entry »

The Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) certification is considered as one of the one most popular and sought after technical certifications in the industry. Obtaining an MCSE credential certifies that you are capable of demonstrating necessary skills to successfully lead organizations in terms of designing, implementing and administering business solutions with the use of the Microsoft Windows Server System and the Windows operating system.

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What are the new CCNA specializations?

To become a specialized CCNA, you must first be a “regular” CCNA, and then pass a single certification test in your specialist area.

There are three new CCNA specializations:

• CCNA Security
• CCNA Voice
• CCNA Wireless

Each of these is an area of technology in which Cisco is pushing for a very strong presence.
What do I need to know about these specializations? Read the rest of this entry »

Many IT departments try to implement ITIL configuration management without giving much thought to the staffing of the configuration management service. Like any IT task, configuration management requires skilled people with standardized processes, but this aspect is often overlooked in the rush to find the perfect configuration management database (CMDB) tool.

What makes for the most effective configuration management team? The answer will depend somewhat on the size of the IT environment. The essential roles, however, are the same whether one expert plays three or four roles or volume dictates that one role requires two or three people. There are lots of creative ways to deploy these roles across an organization, but here are the essential roles you should consider when embarking on a configuration management service: Read the rest of this entry »

Description:

As a NetApp Certified Data Management Administrator, you will have proven skills in performing in-depth support, administrative functions, and performance management for CIFS, NFS, and FCP for SCSI or iSCSI for TCP/IP protocols on a NetApp storage appliance running the Data ONTAP® operating system in NFS and Windows® (CIFS) multiprotocol environments. You will also be able to implement active-active controller configuration and SyncMirror® to ensure continuous data availability and rapid recovery of data in the event of a disaster, and use the SnapMirror®, SnapRestore®, and SnapVault® products to manage and protect mission-critical data.

Required Exams:

Storage Networking (NS0-153 Exam)
Data Protection Solutions (NS0-163 Exam) Read the rest of this entry »

This intermediate level certification is intended for system administrators who perform the installation, configuration and day-to-day tasks associated with ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of a WebSphere Portal environment. Read the rest of this entry »

The Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) certifications enable professionals to target specific technologies and distinguish themselves by demonstrating in-depth knowledge and expertise in their specialized technologies.

The MCTS: Windows Vista – Configuration certification is designed to validate the knowledge and skills necessary to understand the functions and features of Windows Vista and to troubleshoot network-connectivity and applications issues.

Candidate profile:

The successful candidate has at least one year of IT experience resolving network connectivity issues and working with desktop operating systems, security, and applications.

How to earn your MCTS: Windows Vista – Configuration certification?

MCTS candidates must pass one exam. Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST) candidates can transition skills to Windows Vista by passing an upgrade exam.

Required exam:

70-620 : Windows Vista, Configuring