Given that Apple is a stable market leader, ACSP certification seems like a really good long-term career investment

This past August (2012) Apple was stealing headlines across the globe, but not because its latest device or product release. Instead, they were being awarded a very rare distinction, which of course was being officially recognized as the world’s most valuable company. Sure, holding such a title throughout the duration of one calendar year is certainly a great achievement, but (following the release of the iPhone 5) Apple is now actually being touted as the most valued company of all time.

Now, it should be fairly obvious that these types of rallies don’t last forever; eventually Apple stock will shrink or take a hit somewhere down the line. However, given that Apple is in fact a bona-fide market leader; it makes sense to align oneself with them, especially if you’re involved in tech and/or IT.

This of course brings us to Apple’s ACSP certification program. For starters, ACSP stands for Apple Certified Support Professional, and those holding the certification should have an excellent grasp of the Mac OS X operating system. What makes the ACSP such a solid program to pursue however, is the fact that it is a solid entry-level certification that is versatile and extremely useful. An Apple Certified Support Professional can troubleshoot, manage important services, and basically assist OS X users when it comes to maintaining and utilizing their systems.

Why do you need the ACSP certification, exactly? Needless to say, if you find yourself surrounded by Apple products and users on a regular basis, it might be a good idea to familiarize yourself with the finer points of the technologies which are driving these devices. If you’re employed in IT, you probably encounter Apple products all the time (if not in an official capacity, then on a personal level); ergo, it only makes sense to know use and service them, at least from the perspective of software. Surely most businesses and employers wouldn’t be opposed to having someone around who truly understands how to deal with Apple-related problems either. In fact, if there is a fairly significant number of people using Apple gear at your place of employment (which is very possible), it might even be noteworthy selling point in terms of your usefulness and overall career track.

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Chances are, we’re going to continue to see an increased proliferation of Apple devices, so get used to it. However, this isn’t a problem; it’s a big opportunity for those who understand technology and the dynamics of the market. The bottom line is that one should always try to align themselves with companies, products, and ideas that are long-lasting. For example, if you were going to sign up for cloud computing service, which might entail a lengthy and involved transition / process, you wouldn’t want to choose an unreliable, fly-by-night provider, would you?  Of course not, doing so puts the stability of the IT department and its assets at risk and could cause significant harm to the entire company at large. Well, the same line of thinking applies to personal certifications. In other words, it’s always a good idea to stay connected with what’s at the forefront and seems to have the most ‘staying power’. In this way, you’re virtually guaranteed to have a greater number of useful certifications under your belt and at your disposal should internal strife arise in your organization.

Even those who aren’t chasing a traditional IT career will find certifications like ACSP useful in their career pursuits. With such qualifications one should be able to land a solid tech support job with virtually any sizable company; assuming that they have other positive attributes to bring to the table, of course. Likewise, it’s pretty much a given that an Apple Certified Support Professional is a prime candidate for a career in Apple tech support or as an ‘Apple Genius’.

Increased competition and economic uncertainty is making life more difficult for career seekers, having an ACSP certification is just another way of expanding one’s options. Those who are particularly proactive will find that such distinctions can make all the difference in the world when it comes to landing a career and maintaining it.

Looking for powerful ACSP study materials?  Click here to receive high-impact strategies for Mac OS X lion

Get your MCITP certification before 2014…

Did you know that MCITP certifications are going to be phased out over the course of the next couple of years?  

Microsoft is certainly one of the most visible and prolific corporations on the planet; this is why it’s never a bad idea to have some MS-specific certifications. Unbeknownst to many however, one of their more well-known server administration preparation programs (MCITP) is undergoing changes. More specifically, the MCITP certification exam offered by Microsoft is ‘phased out’ in lieu of more recent builds and programs. However, the certification is still going to be available through 2014, which is why you should strongly consider ‘scooping up’ this cert if you’re the kind of IT professional who wants to possess a strong, unique portfolio of career accomplishments.

Having said that, there are some very good reasons why MS is discontinuing their MCITP program. For starters, MCITP is directly tied to one of its flagship products, Windows Server 2008. Now that Windows Server 2012 has arrived, it is being formally recognized as the successor to the 2008 edition; naturally, this also means that any related training programs will need to be updated as well. This doesn’t mean that the MCITP certification is useless; in fact, it’s entirely within reason so assume that a great number of businesses, corporations, institutions and groups will continue to use WS 2008. In other words, those who are actually have an MCITP cert may find themselves in great demand after 2014 (once the program has been discontinued) by companies who have yet to upgrade to Windows Server 2012.

Why would any individual or group avoid the WS 2012 you ask?  Since the latest version of the windows server software is essentially helping to usher in Cloud Computing in a major way, moving to it might not be on the minds of some business owners and managers. As many across the web have already noted, Windows Server 2012 is basically Microsoft’s attempt at producing an accessible Cloud OS solution that can compete with UNIX / Linux-based models. Needless to say, this is a great (and wholly desirable development) but it simply isn’t on everyone’s radar as of yet. Likewise, Windows Server 2012 is bringing a new type of file system to the forefront, ReFS, which seeks to improve upon NTFS; certainly this will impact those organizations that have extensive data aggregation setups to deal with. Moreover, WS 2012 is not offering support for computers with Itanium-based processors. Given that a great deal of businesses currently utilize this type of hardware it’s entirely logical to also assume that they might not want to upgrade their hardware immediately (or all at once) just to appease the new software build.

Individuals who are particularly proactive in their pursuit of certifications will obviously want to remain up-to-date with the programs that support the latest software, but one shouldn’t rule out older systems. The truth is, there might very well be some excellent (and profitable) opportunities for those IT specialists who are able to work with non-cloud infrastructure. Does this mean that you should immediately quit researching your cloud certifications? Absolutely not!  The point is that training industries, software development and corporate strategies don’t always shift together in a neat, organized fashion; IT workers need to ensure that they have the appropriate tools and training on hand to meet the real challenges that they will face. It is strongly advised that all IT pros become very well-versed in as many different facets of their trade as possible, cloud computing being one of the most visible and important cross-sections out there.

Having an MCITP certification on your resume’ simply allows you to move into business sectors where change and progress might be a little slower or more deliberate. IT personnel who understand this will not only be able to make an impact with these types of organizations, but they will also emerge with more responsibilities and perhaps take a more central role in their company as well. It’s also worth mentioning that those who possess an intimate knowledge of both MCITP as well as certifications designed for WS 2012 will likely become invaluable employees for those firms who are transitioning to the cloud. 

Can the Google AdWords Certification program really help improve your online marketing skills? In a word, yes….

While there tends to be a great number of smaller businesses that routinely use AdWords to help reach customers, rest assured, the bigger institutions are interested as well. In fact, many large companies are having their marketing and IT departments work with AdWords in an attempt to match competitors and/or gain advantages through web searches. To put it another way, understanding how AdWords works is quickly becoming critical for anyone (or group) selling anything to anyone. Likewise, more and more IT personnel are being called upon to set up and run AdWords programs; which usually means that it’s time to study and certify.

A person who has completed the AdWords certification program clearly understands how to use it in a professional capacity. The most recent advances in terms of best practices and use of new technological components are also covered in an AdWords course. In other words, we’re talking about a thorough program which effectively trains initiates in the most up-to-date AdWords techniques and methods.

However, while there is in fact dedicated program for individuals, forward-thinking companies (and managers/owners) should note that there are also group options available. For example, it is possible to become an AdWords certified partner, which will grant intrepid companies with several perks, like:

Ability to use/display a Google Badge on its pages

Direct marketing support

Being added to the ‘Google Partner Search’

Unique offers, coupons

Private invitations to Google events

In a world where most businesses have access to the same resources, these seemingly minute benefits can make all the difference in the world when it comes to attracting customers. Naturally, achieving partner status requires an organization to adhere to certain criteria. For instance, the terms and conditions must be met, which are largely aimed at making sure that a company is properly representing AdWords. Also, it requires the business to have spent at least $10k during a 90 period (where charges were incurred in at least 60 days out of the 90). Finally, the business must be employing at least one individual who is fully certified / qualified and has at least two certifications to their credit (Google-based). This last point is interesting because once most businesses see how much their online streams improve they’ll likely begin demanding that more employees become certified in AdWords (which will only further help matters).

Once a business or individual officially qualifies as an AdWords associate, they may see certain opportunities arise where there were none previously. Getting certified however means that you’ll have to pass the exam, which a number of people have noted isn’t as easy as you might think. In fact, some people are very vocal about how challenging this AdWords certification exam is, and are quick to note that a person will likely need quality training materials that provide an in-depth analysis of how AdWords functions if they are to pass the test. A truly dedicated person can probably spend a few weeks intensely studying AdWords and manage a passing score. However, the goal isn’t just to pass the test, it’s also to transform you into an AdWords master and make you savvier when it comes to online marketing in general.

But aside from the tangible benefits of having another useful certification to add to your name, training in AdWords is simply a great idea. Sure, certifications look great on resumes but there’s no substitute for knowledge and experience. At the end of the day, it is one’s knowledge base and understanding which will allow them to achieve great things. In other words, the goal isn’t necessarily to simply “get certified” so much as it is to absorb as much information relevant to running a top-notch AdWords campaign as possible. This approach will allow you to truly make an impact, whether that’s in helping your employer, or in your own entrepreneurial endeavors.

Interested in AdWords?  Click here to learn the success secrets of the experts and super-charge your online marketing programs (or prepare for certification)

Big companies are looking for IT employees who have the CompTIA Server+ certification

Disasters…they come in all shapes and sizes. In the IT world, a great number of problems tend to emanate from issues directly related to the security and states of servers. For businesses, protecting server integrity is a top priority; after all, they are critical components which often house valuable data, enable virtualization and make basic networking possible. Given these basic facts, it’s no wonder that companies (including a number of larger institutions) are always on the lookout for those with server-centric certifications to their credit. For those that are interested in meeting the demands of these organizations, a CompTIA Server+ certification is an excellent place to start.

In case you’re not already familiar with it, the Server+ cert program is a specialized training course which is offered through CompTIA (or, the Computer Industry Training Association). CompTIA is one of the more prolific organizations when it comes to IT certifications, and they’ve been around since the 1980’s; in other words, they’re very well established, to say the least.

Anyway, getting back to the point at hand; the CompTIA Server+ certification is a vendor-neutral program which trains candidates to use server software and hardware. The course covers areas like disaster recovery as well as the most common server issues and other notable technological concerns. The bottom line is that this is a fairly comprehensive certification program which essentially teaches initiates what they really need to know about servers in order to function in a professional IT capacity. Among the job titles that are typically sought after by those holding this certification are:

Systems engineer

Security analyst

Network administrator

Web site administrator

Network engineer

What’s more, this is an internationally-recognized certification, so those who are very ‘mobile’ or planning on accepting a position in another country should know that this is a very versatile qualification to own. Likewise, as you can see from the bulleted list above, there are plenty of excellent career options to choose from as well. An individual with a CompTIA Server+ certification should be able to find employment with large and small companies alike (from dedicated IT personnel to helping individual small businesses run their websites). Just as an example, IBM, Intel, HP, Dell, 3Com, Compaq, Adaptec and others are beginning to require their technicians to achieve this particular certification.

Simply put, when the CompTIA A+ program came online it changed the IT industry in a fairly major way. Suddenly companies were eager to get their employees into this new cert course, and you might even say that this move indirectly led to various technological improvements on a larger scale (globally). As expected, the server+ program is quickly becoming a highly sought-after certification that surpasses that of A+ in nearly every way imaginable.  

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Needless to say, as more and more large institutions begin requiring their IT personnel to seek out CompTIA Server+ Certification it will likely add (extra) perceived value to those who were ‘ahead of the curve’. Likewise, it’s extremely likely that those who receive these qualifications earlier will be positioned for the best jobs in the career field. In other words, “the early bird gets the worm” once again. Additionally, given that there is in fact a demand for those with Server+ training, and the certification isn’t that prohibitively expensive to obtain, there’s really no reason not to seek it out. Moreover, this is a dedicated training program we’re talking about here; even the most clueless IT worker will likely learn quite a lot throughout the course of attaining a CompTIA Server+ certification.

Before you attempt Server+, CompTIA recommends that you complete the A+ program first; it will provide initiates with a much clearer understanding of the basics. With regards to difficulty, Server+ is a much more involved course which most will consider to be moderately challenging at the very least. Some individuals might find that they need to spend extra time preparing for their exams; in other words, you shouldn’t skimp on training materials.

Click here for 100 CompTIA success secrets…

Did you know that the CISSP certification is recognized worldwide?

We are living in a global marketplace that’s teeming with opportunities; however, there are problems to contend with before the advantages can be extracted. For IT personnel, one of the biggest challenges on the international level is accreditation. This is to say that a lot of the most popular training programs and certifications don’t necessarily apply on a broad scale. Simply put, if you’re a globetrotting IT professional, you’re going to need some qualifications that recognized on a ‘worldwide’ scale.

You’d be hard-pressed to find a more accepted certification than CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional), which boasts members in at least 140 different countries. CISSP was created by the ISC (International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium) and as its name implies, it deals with all manner of security issues falling under the IT heading. Among those who formally recognize and promote CISSP are the US Department of Defense, ANSI ISO/IEC, and the NSA.  

All of the information collected and assessed by CISSP becomes part of what is known as the “CBK”, or “Common Body of Knowledge”. Likewise, as you might expect, this CBK covers a large amount of (informational) territory:

Business continuity / disaster recovery planning

Legal, regulations, investigations and compliance

Telecommunications / network security

Cryptography

Software development security

Access control

Security architecture / design

Operations security

Physical security (of the environment)

Information security governance / risk management

Each area covered by the cert is basically an independent analysis of specific problems and concerns which are common to every respective category. Likewise, as any IT worker can tell you, each division deals with common problems which organizations across the globe are dealing with on a daily basis.

What is it that makes CISSP such a powerful tool? For one thing, CISSP is “vendor-neutral”, which means that has the ability to apply to a much broader set of situations and is not tied to one specific company or organization. This independence from certain controlling forces has allowed the certification to address the concerns of a much larger pool of candidates, which has in turn, has allowed its practitioners to deal with perhaps a wider array of security issues than expected. What makes CISSP so dynamic and versatile is the fact that it is taxonomical, or seeks to collect security issues and solutions wherever they might crop up. This inclusive approach toward virtually all IT security problem solving is what has allowed CISSP to become so widely accepted.  

Perhaps the only real downside to the CISSP certification is the imposed 3-year limit. CISSP has instituted a policy not unlike many others out there, whereby practitioners must keep coming back for restorations and renewals. While some might be apt to say that this is simply a means collect additional fees, the truth is that it allows the organization to stay afloat and imbues its members with the latest information, technology and solutions available.

Actually attaining the CISSP certification will require an individual to meet certain stipulations, familiarity with IT security being one of them. The standard requirement dictates that a person needs 5-6 years of hands-on experience in order to qualify for certification. Moreover, a person’s history and background are also examined; those with criminal histories might find it difficult or impossible to get their CISSP. Endorsements are also encouraged; those who have the support and backing of a CISSP member who is in good standing are ‘well-positioned’ indeed. It has been touted that CISSP certification holders generally possess salaries which are in excess of $20k higher than those lacking this nearly crucial qualification!  

If you plan on exercising your ability to find work in foreign countries or just want to make sure that you’re well-prepared for any problems you might face in terms of IT security, a CISSP certification is the way to go. Given that it’s becoming increasingly necessary to seek out individuals with particular skills, IT managers can also use CISSP as a sort of benchmark for their hires, especially if they’re from “out of town”. For individuals that are seeking employment in IT however, a CISSP certification can function a bit like a “business passport”, assuming that you’ve got the drive to attain it and the desire to work on an international level, of course.

CISSP Certified Information Systems Security Professional certification

Do you want to easily pass the CISSP exam on the first try?  

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