Meet Microsoft Azure

Archive for IT Certifications – Page 9

Meet Microsoft Azure

By Della Wyler
Monday, November 7th, 2016

When it comes to storage for your files and programs, you need the best for yourself and your clients.  Microsoft has taken it’s cloud computing platform to the next level with Microsoft Azure, released in 2010.  This is the ultimate sharing program, and is ideal for businesses or multiple users, as well as individuals with the need for privacy or mass storage.  It also happens to be one of the many Microsoft certifications we offer at TechSherpas 365 . 

Microsoft Certifications for Microsoft Azure

This platform is useful for any IT professional.  There are a number of tools and templates integrated within the system that make management of apps faster and user friendly.  You can manage your cloud infrastructure and storage with ease and efficiency.

Azure is known for its flexibility, supporting a vast selection of operating systems and programming languages.  You can use a wide variety of programs and integrate them with Azure.  By combining technologies that are already utilized by IT professionals everywhere, Azure has created a mass support system that is sought after at all levels.

Perhaps one of the most appealing and groundbreaking aspects of Microsoft Azure is its capability for ultimate security.  Many businesses and organizations store private client information that cannot be released at any cost.  This creates a hesitancy when it comes to storing data on a cloud, and forces business to undergo constant backups.  The storage equipment and space used to backup these businesses can be expensive and require constant upgrades, which also cause the business to incur charges.

With Microsoft Azure, you acquire a commitment to privacy.  Microsoft is the first major cloud provider to adopt the new international cloud privacy standard.  When you are certified in Microsoft Azure, you are able to provide your clients or company the ideal storage solution.  You have affordable space that provides high security, and the name Microsoft backing you up with assurance of your services and security standards.

You can offer your client flexible payment plans, since Microsoft Azure allows you to scale your payment plan to the services you need.  This also makes it a great tool for your own work, as you can grow your Microsoft Azure services while you grow in your industry and needs.  

At TechSherpas , we offer various levels of training and Microsoft certifications with Microsoft Azure.  We are a Gold Microsoft Learning Partner with an excellent reputation in IT training.   Our instructors have shown the highest level of competence and expertise with Microsoft technologies, and can help you take your career and your company to the next level of excellence.

 

Categories : Cloud Technology, IT Certifications
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Choose YOUR OWN path towards Microsoft Certification

By Della Wyler
Friday, July 24th, 2015

Why should you get Microsoft certified? This is a question that many students ponder. The truth is IT certifications are a great way to increase your credibility for the job. Employers are looking for candidates that have hands-on training, are officially certified, and can demonstrate they are ready for the job. Microsoft certifications prove to your employer that you have completed hands- on training, providing real life experience, and are knowledgeable about the technology. Certifications will help knock out the competition and increase your chances of employment. With a few certifications under your belt, your career can skyrocket to a new level!

Skyrocket Your Career with a Microsoft Certification!

Certifications are a great way to spice up your resumes and add an additional credential. With more employees entering the IT field, it’s important to stay on top of the game and increase your credibility in your career. A certification can be the deciding factor during your next job interview. Studies indicate that candidates who are officially certified receive more job offers in the IT field. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to get certified!

Choose the certification path that’s right for you

TechSherpas is committed to helping you achieve your career goals, whether you desire to be a Project Manager or Security Engineer. We are proud to offer our Microsoft Certification Bundles that provide you with everything you need to get certified! Our discounted bundles include:

  • Official Microsoft courses and course material (Courses are live instructor-led with remote student capability)
  • Practice exams (180 days of access to practice tests and exam engines)
  • Official Microsoft exams

Students may choose from Windows Server 2012, SQL Server, Windows 7 & 8, SharePoint, Office 365, Exchange Server, Visual Studio, Lync Server, or System Center. Different levels of certification are also available – MTA, MCSA, MCSE, MCSD.

Looking for an accelerated path towards certification? Check out the Microsoft Certification Boot Camps.  This options is a faster pace and gets you certified in days.

There is no typical student. People choose to get trained and certified for different reasons. People have different learning styles. People have different schedules, flexibility, and budget. As a training company, we understand this and is why we have developed two different Microsoft certification paths – to appeal and accommodate a diverse client base. These options let the student choose the path that is right for them. What is holding you back from earning your certification?

Categories : Careers in IT, IT Certifications, MCSE, Microsoft, Training & Education, Windows Server
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IT Certifications worth considering

By Della Wyler
Monday, June 9th, 2014

If you are serious about building a successful career in the IT field, then you should definitely consider earning one or more IT certifications. Depending on the area you are interested in, there are a number of options. Certification let others know that you are knowledgeable and hold IT-Certifications-300x300specific expertise. Below are just some of the more popular and in demand IT certifications that are available.

Training classes ensure that you pass the certification exam, so be sure to look into those as well. Not only do they prepare you to pass the exam , but they also provide some real hand-on experience through course labs, and other exercises.

Networking Certifications

 Information Security Certifications

 Virtualization Certifications

  • VMware Certified Advanced Professional 5 – Data Center Administration (VCAP5-DCA)
  • Citrix
  • RHCVA: Red Hat Certified Virtualization Administrator
  • Oracle Virtualization
  • IBM

 Programming Certifications

  •  MCSD: Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer
  • ZCE: Zend Certified Engineer
  • ACE: Adobe Certified Expert for Developers
  • Oracle (Sun) Certified Java Credentials
  • Google Apps for Business Certification

 System Admin Certifications

  •  Microsoft MCSA & MCSE
  • Linux Professional Institute Certifications
  • Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE)
  • HP Accredited Systems Engineer & Certified Systems Engineer
  • CompTIA Server+

 Web Certifications for IT Pros

  • Adobe Certified Expert
  • MTA: HTML5 Application Development Fundamentals
  • Zend Certified Engineer PHP 5.3
  • Mark Lassoff’s Bargain Certified Web Developer
  • W3Schools Web Certifications: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and More

 Cloud IT Certifications

 Telecommunications Certifications

  • Cisco CCNA Voice & CCNP Voice
  • CTNS: Certified Telecommunications Network Specialist
  • CIPTS: Certified IP Telecom Network Specialist
  • RCDD: Registered Communications Distribution Designer
  • CCNT: Certified in Convergent Network Technologies

Wireless Networking Certifications

  • CWTS: Certified Wireless Technology Specialist
  • CWNA: Certified Wireless Network Administrator
  • Cisco Wireless Certifications
  • SANS GAWN: GIAC Assessing & Auditing Wireless Networks
  • iNARTE WDCP: Wireless Device Certification Professional

 Computer Hardware Certifications

  • CompTIA A+
  • ACMT: Apple Certified Macintosh Technician
  • CompTIA Server+
  • CWTS: Certified Wireless Technology Specialist
  • BICSI ITS Technician

 Help Desk Certifications

  • HDI Customer Service Representative
  • ACSP: Apple Certified Support Professional
  • iET Service Desk Analyst & Service Desk Manager
  • MCSA: Windows 8
  • Test-Based Help Desk & Tech Support Certs

 Project Management Certifications

  • PMP: Project Management Professional
  • CAPM: Certified Associate in Project Management
  • CompTIA Project+ Certification
  • MPM: Master Project Manager
  • CPM: Certified Project Manager Certification

 Database Certifications

 Linux Certifications

  • CompTIA Linux+ Powered by LPI
  • Linux Professional Institute Certifications
  • Novell/SUSE CLA, CLP & CLE
  • Red Hat RHCSA, RHCE & RHCA
  • Oracle Linux OCA & OCP

 IT Governance Certifications

  • ITIL Expert Certification
  • ISACA CGEIT Certification
  • ISACA CRISC Certification
  • GRCP Certification
  • BCS IT Governance & InfoSec Foundation
Categories : IT Certifications
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Project Management Training

By Della Wyler
Monday, January 6th, 2014

Project Management is a highly sought after skill that encompasses many different skill-sets including, organization, leadership, and time and resource management. It’s a skill that is developed through both specialized training and experience managing successful projects and project failures. In a survey conducted by CIO.com, they found seven must-have skills for Project Managers:

1) Be highly organized and a good multi-tasker

2) Take charge and know how to lead

3) Be an effective communicator

4) Know how and when to negotiate

5) Be detail-orientated

6) Recognize and solve problems quickly

7) Possess the necessary technical skills

Project Management
Project Management
There are certifications and software tools available that help those pursuing a career in Project Management, build these seven must-have-skills. Getting a certification is important as it demonstrates your ability to understand the fundamentals and common language of project management. Once you have this knowledge it is even more important to know how to apply them to real projects, and build and learn from your project experience. Tools such as Microsoft Project allow you to apply the project management principles, be more productive, and overall be a better project manager.

The Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification
PMI’s Project Management Professional (PMP) credential demonstrates that you have the experience, education and competency to lead and direct projects. The PMP certification establishes a common language among project managers and helps each other work within a common framework. A Project Management Certification is great for any industry, and will teach you how to organize a project from beginning to end. If you have a desire to pursue a career managing projects, this certification will provide you with the solid foundation and understanding of everything you need to know to be an effective project manager. Experience comes with time, but the foundation and understanding of the basic project management principles will come from training.

Taking the PMP exam is not free. Training for the PMP will ensure that you pass the exam the first time you take it. Among the things you will learn in the PMP training class are:

The Project Management Framework
Project Scope Management
Project Time Management
Project Cost Management
Project Quality Management
Human Resource Management
Click here to learn more about the Professional Management Professional (PMP) Certification Preparation class.

Benefits of using Microsoft Project
Microsoft Project
Microsoft Project
We know experience is gained over time, and that experience is a strong quality that can make a great project manager. The great Project Managers have found that there are tools, when utilized consistently throughout the project, that make job tasks easier, making them more productive and effective project managers. These tools help them deliver their projects on time, on budget, while meeting or exceeding expectations. One of the tools out there that has helped Project Managers tremendously is Microsoft Project. The truth is, if you are a Project Manager and you are not using this tool then, you are missing out on the opportunity to really excel in the project management role. The Microsoft (MS) Project management tool can surely help develop these must-have-skills.

MS Project for Organization and Multi-Tasking
Microsoft Project helps Project Managers get organized and stay organized. The Project templates allow project managers to easily plan and manage their project for beginning to end. Task Path highlighting allows users to indicate which tasks are most important.

MS Project helps you be a team leader
The Project tool provides Project managers a platform where they can assign tasks to individual team members, as well as share and collaborate. The tool creates timelines, giving the ability to monitor the time is takes to complete a task. Project managers can learn and recognize when adjustments need to be made in order to maintain schedule and budget. A strong leader emerges when actions are taken before the project gets off track.

Effective communication with MS Project
Communication is a key contributor to project success. Projects can crumble because of the lack of communication between all parties and team members involved. Microsoft Project has great communication features that keeps everyone connected. Sharing and collaboration is easy as ever with all project information located in one central place that all team members have access to at all times. Keeping your team informed of project status, and allowing them to share input is crucial in maintaining proper communication.

Give attention to detail with the help of MS Project
This tool allows you to break down tasks as much as needed to get very detailed on the time and budget needed for each task. Over time, a Project Manager can learn from this data, and adjust and predict future schedules and budget.

Microsoft Project Training Classes
There are a number of Microsoft Project training classes you can take:

50413: Mastering Microsoft Project 2010
50552: Microsoft Project 2010 Exam Prep Bootcamp
55054: Mastering Microsoft Project 2013
91110: Microsoft Project 2013: Part 1
91111: Microsoft Project 2013: Part 2
Microsoft Project 2010 Level 1
Microsoft Project 2010 Level 2
Ultimate Microsoft Project 2013 Exam Prep Boot Camp
Project Management Principles for IT Professionals
Project Management skills are helpful in any industry, and IT professionals are amongst those who could use project management training. IT projects require tight budgets and timelines, while maintaining quality, which sadly aren’t being met. We can at the recent launch of the Obamacare website as an example of poor IT project management which led to disaster. There are training classes out there specifically for IT Professionals. These classes dive into the project management principles, but training in Microsoft Project is also recommended so you know how to implement and manage you projects better. The Project Management Principles for IT Professionals training class, not only prepares students for the CompTIA Project+ exam, but provides essential training in several areas including, but not limited to:

necessary business knowledge
interpersonal skills
discovery and analysis of problem/opportunity
developing a schedule and budget
project planning and team development
identifying variances in schedule and budget and outline corrective actions
Get more information on Project Management Principles for IT Professionals here.

Excel with Project Management Training
There are several things that make a good project management, seven must-have-skills to be exact. These skills are acquired through training and experience, as we have discussed here. If you are serious about pursuing a career where you will be managing projects, then getting the training and certifications is the first step. This will certainly push your resume to the top of the stack. Once you land the job (maybe not the one you want in the long-run), it is most important to apply these concepts and training to the real thing, and gain the invaluable experience companies are looking for. Experience is valuable and highly sought, and will come with time. Visit our website to register for a class, or contact one of our reps to get started today (866)704-9244.

Categories : IT Certifications, Microsoft, Project, Project Management, Training & Education
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Qualified IT Security Professionals Needed – IT Security Certifications can help

By Della Wyler
Thursday, November 21st, 2013

With IT security threats increasing and the number of qualified IT security personnel decreasing, organizations, both public and private, are facing a serious problem. Countless organizations are realizing they need more IT security man power to handle the growing number of threats that can harm their business and their valued customers. The small number of IT security staff is just not cutting it these days, and because of this, IT security is the fastest growing field in IT. Data from Indeed, a popular job site, showed help ads for security professionals increased by 100% during the past five years.  So do you think investing in IT security education is a good idea right now? I would think yes! Not only would a career in IT security provide job security, but the pay isn’t too shabby either. The average salary of a Security Specialist or Network Administrator is almost $94,000. Be the solution organizations are looking for by getting qualified in IT security.

Getting qualified for an IT Security Career

Pursuing a career in IT security is an excellent path to travel down, when deciding how you want to create job and financial stability. So where should you begin? There are several ways that you can build your resume to showcase your IT security skills. What can you do to land the security job you are looking for? What will help you stand out from the group?

1)      Know IT Security – Be knowledgeable on the subject. Read about IT security news and events both historical and current. Follow the trending topics. There are plenty out there, as you can’t turn on the TV without hearing about some IT security threat. These threats are even making great story plots for Hollywood.

2)      Obtain Security Certifications – Having a solid foundation, understanding, and skillset is also crucial to successful deployment of IT security practices. It’s these skills that save organizations money and hassles, and also give them peace of mind. Certification and specialized training are excellent ways to get those skills and build the knowledge of a highly respected IT security professional. There are various certifications you can get, which we will discuss in more detail.

3)      Hands-On Experience – Set-up your own “working lab”. Take things apart, and put them back together. Hack into your system, and then create security features to prevent those break ins. Hands-on experience is always best. Experience allows you to put your skills and knowledge to use. Get in an entry-level position as soon as possible, or volunteer. Experience is developed by working through the problems.

Security Certifications

When it comes to IT security there are several certifications that are worth looking into and obtaining. Depending on your level of IT experience, you will want to start with more entry-level certifications, and build up to the more advanced ones as you feel more comfortable, gain more experience, and are ready to advance your IT security career.

CompTIA Security+

CompTIA Security+ is an international, vendor-neutral certification. It is an entry/foundation –level certification that demonstrates competency in:

  • Network security
  • Compliance and operational security
  • Threats and vulnerabilities
  • Application, data and host security
  • Access control and identity management
  • Cryptography

CompTIA Security+ not only ensures that candidates will apply knowledge of security concepts, tools, and procedures to react to security incidents; it       ensures that security personnel are anticipating security risks and guarding against them. Candidate job roles include security architect, security engineer, security consultant/specialist, information assurance technician, security administrator, systems administrator, and network administrator. Kick start your IT security career – start training for your CompTIA Security+ certification.

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

Certified ethical hackers aka “Whitehats” are those highly skilled IT professionals that have the ability to beat hackers at their own game by uncovering systems’ weaknesses and vulnerabilities. By revealing these vulnerabilities and identifying the access points, these can be addressed before the “bad guys” have the opportunity to penetrate the system and create havoc on the company as well as its customers. The CEH credential is an intermediate certification, and demonstrates competency in:

  • foot-printing and reconnaissance,
  • scanning networks, enumeration
  • system hacking
  • Trojans
  • worms and viruses
  • sniffers
  • denial of service attacks
  • social engineering
  • session hijacking
  • hacking webservers, wireless networks and web applications
  • SQL injection
  • Cryptography
  • penetration testing
  • and evading IDS, firewalls, and honeypots

Those with a CEH certification are good candidates for the following positions: Network Testing, Systems Analyst Specialist, Information Technology Security Specialist, IT Vulnerability Specialist, and Tester/Ethical Hacker. To kick-off your IT security career, and start training for your Certified Ethical Hacker certification click here.

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

For those IT professionals that are serious about a career in IT security the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is a must. These IT professionals possess expert knowledge and technical skills necessary to develop, guide, and then manage security standards, policies, and procedures within their organizations. This is an advanced vendor-neutral IT security credential that is recognized world-wide, and demonstrates competency in:

  • Access Control
  • Application Development Security
  • Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Planning
  • Cryptography
  • Information Security Governance and Risk Management
  • Legal Regulations
  • Compliance and Investigations
  • Operations Security
  • Physical Environmental Security
  • Security Architecture and Design and Telecommunications and Network Security

The CISSP certification is meant for experienced IT professionals and offers three concentrations for targeted areas:

  • CISSP Architecture
  • Engineering
  • Management

Those with a CISSP certification are good candidates for the following positions: Senior Analyst, IT Security Threat & Vulnerability Director, Principal Security Strategist, and Network Engineer. To advance your career in IT security, start training for your Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP) certification.

Certified Penetration Testing Engineer (CPTE)

Another certification based around ethical hacking, Certified Penetration Engineer (CPTE) specializes in penetrating systems – they learn how to locate a system’s vulnerabilities and exploit a system’s weakness, which allows them to create safeguards against the real threats. The CPTE certification demonstrates competence in several area of penetration testing:

  • Information Gathering
  • Scanning
  • Enumeration
  • Exploitation
  • Reporting

Through utilizing and mastering these important techniques, penetration engineers are able to discover the latest vulnerabilities, threats, and techniques blackhat hackers are using today. To build a career with a focus penetration testing, start training for your Certified Penetration Testing Engineer (CPTE) certification..

Job Security through IT Security

IT Security threats are everyday occurrences that organizations world-wide, both private and public, need to be aware of and face head-on. They need to be pro-active in preventing breaches and penetration of their valuable and confidential systems. These are real threats that can be devastating to any organization, big or small. This is the reason the need for IT security professionals is increasing on a daily basis, with no sign of slowing. The world needs more, many more, qualified IT professionals to handle the growing threat. Get knowledgeable in the IT security world. Know the threats that are out there. Even better, get certified! Contact TechSherpas to start your journey of a successful career in IT security.

Categories : CompTIA, Hacking, IT Certifications, IT Security, Training & Education
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Vendor-Neutral Certifications create a solid foundation to build upon – Get CompTIA Certified

By Della Wyler
Wednesday, September 25th, 2013

It should no longer be a surprise that certifications hold weight, and can be the deciding factor in selecting the best candidate for the job or promotion. IT certifications continue to be key indicators of knowledge and skills sets required by the IT staff of successful organizations. Among the certifying IT entities, is CompTIA who strives to be the voice of thecomptia world’s information technology (IT) industry. CompTIA is the world’s largest provider of technology-neutral and vendor-neutral certifications, and the education and certification programs prepare individuals for a successful career in the IT field. These neutral certifications create a solid foundation for higher-level, and vendor –specific, and multi-vendor environments they will encounter on the job.

There are four different CompTIA IT certification series that test different knowledge standards, from entry-level to expert. Here, we will focus on four specific certifications within the Professional & Specialty series that are quite popular within the job market at this time:

CompTIA A+

This is the perfect certification for those who are looking to start a career in the IT field, and will help land you an entry level IT position. The A+ certification demonstrates your knowledge of the fundamentals of hardware, software and operating systems; system troubleshooting and repair; networking; security and operational procedures including communication skills that a helpdesk or remote support employee should have. Good candidates for this certification are:

  • Network Support Technicians
  • Field Service Technicians
  • PC or Support technicians
  • IT Administrators

CompTIA A+ is supported by top technology companies and organizations. In fact, CompTIA A+ is part of the certification track for corporations such as Microsoft, Hewlett Packard, and Cisco. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security requires CompTIA.

CompTIA Security+

The Security+ certification demonstrates proven knowledge of security concepts, tools, and procedures to proactively guard against IT security risks and quickly react to security breaches. It helps ensure competency in:

  • Network security
  • Compliance and operational security
  • Threats and vulnerabilities
  • Application, data and host security
  • Access control and identity management
  • Cryptography

Good candidates for CompTIA Security+ certification include:

  • Security Architect
  • Security Engineer
  • Security Consultant/Specialist
  • Information Assurance Technician
  • Security Administrator
  • Systems Administrator
  • Network Administrator

CompTIA Security+ is regularly required in organizations such as Hitachi Information Systems, Trendmicro, Lockhead Martin, the U.S. State Department, and U.S. government contractors such as EDS, General Dynamics, and Northrop Grumman.

 CompTIA Cloud Essentials

The CompTIA Cloud Essentials specialty certification demonstrates that an individual knows what cloud computingmeans from a business and technical perspective, as well as, at a high level, what is involved in moving to and governing the cloud .The CompTIA Cloud Essentials certification will target candidates in IT and non-IT job roles who could benefit from cloud education and testing on the high level business and technical concepts that make up the cloud computing landscape. The certification can also credential the ‘cloud brokers’—those who sell cloud services or whose strategic business plans include cloud technologies for their organization.

Target candidates include:

  • Business analysts and business process owners
  • Managed Service Providers
  • New data center staff
  • Sales/marketing staff in cloud product or service environments

“By 2015, public cloud services will make up 46% of net new growth in overall IT spending” – eWeek 2011.

CompTIA Network+

The Network+ certification proves a technicians competency in managing, maintaining, troubleshooting, operating and configuring basic network infrastructure. Certified professionals have proven knowledge of networking features and functions, including wiring standards and how to use testing tools. CompTIA

Network+ certification is the first step toward a job as a network engineer or manager, and maps to vendor-specific certifications such as Cisco’s CCNA. Candidates for CompTIA Network+ certification:

  • Network Administrator
  • Network Support Technician
  • Wireless Network Installer/Specialist
  • Help Desk Technician
  • Network Solutions Architect
  • Network Engineer, Managed Services

Network+ is recognized by Microsoft as part of their MS program. Other corporations, such as Novell, Cisco and HP also recognize CompTIA Network+ as part of their certification tracks. Department of Defense (DoD) approves CompTIA Network+ to fulfill certification requirements for Technical Level 1 positions. The average starting salary of network engineers can be up to $70,000.

CompTIA Linux+

CompTIA Linux+ is a great first certification to develop your educational and career path in Linux administration. Linux platforms are becoming a popular alternative to commercial operating systems. Government agencies, corporations and academic institutions are turning to Linux to manage their IT needs, primarily in server support and storage. CompTIA Linux+ proves you have the knowledge and skills to work at the Linux command line, perform maintenance tasks, assist users, and install and configure workstations.

Certified professionals have a proven knowledge of Linux system architecture; Linux installation and package management; GNU and Unix commands; Linux file systems, and the Filesystems Hierarchy Standard. Candidates for CompTIA Linux+:

  • Junior Network Administrator
  • Systems Administrator
  • IT Helpdesk Support
  • Linux Database Administrator
  • Web Administrator

The U.S. Navy recognizes CompTIA Linux+ as an option to fulfill the DoD Operating System certification requirement.

CompTIA Certifications will prepare you for any IT career path 

 

Any of these vendor-neutral certifications will prepare you for a successful career in IT, regardless of which path, technology, vendor, or organization you chose to work for or specialize in. These certifications provide a solid foundation in which you can build upon, and can serve as a stepping stone to more advanced and vendor-specific certifications such as Microsoft, Cisco, Oracle, and VMware. To begin your path to the IT career of your choice, get the competitive edge businesses are looking for. Get certified today. TechSherpas is a CompTIA Authorized Partner. Follow the links to view the courses, dates available, and register to prepare for the certification exams:

Categories : CompTIA, IT Certifications, Training & Education
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The Pathway to Database Expertise– Becoming an MCSE in Data Platform & Business Intelligence

By Della Wyler
Friday, August 2nd, 2013

“You can have data without information, but you cannot have information without data.” – Daniel Keys Moran. Data is everywhere we look. In this age of the internet, Google, and high tech reporting tools, businesses and people are flooded with an abundance of data. The flooding of data can be overwhelming, and difficult to analyze and take away valuable MCSE-300x300information. Isn’t data collected in order to provide information to assist with making important decisions? That’s kind of the point, right? That is precisely why data savvy people are so important to successful companies now more than ever. Data experts are needed to collect, organize, and analyze the flood of data from limitless resources.

The Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE)

One way people become experts in their particular line of work is through education and certifications. Studies show that 91% of hiring managers consider certifications as part of their hiring criteria. (Microsoft, Microsoft Certification Program Satisfaction Study, April 2012) With this being said, certification should be high on the To-Do-List to prepare yourself for success, right? Right!

Within the IT world there are several certifying organizations. Globally recognized, Microsoft is one of the largest. Microsoft offers various certification levels that fall under four main umbrellas (below). A Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) certification allows IT professionals to prove their ability to build innovative solutions across multiple technologies, both on-premises and in the cloud. There are currently eight different MCSE certifications that fall within 2 of the 4 main umbrellas:

Client – MTA Server

  • MCSE Desktop Infrastructure
  • MCSE Server Infrastructure
  • MCSE Private Cloud
  • MCSE Communications
  • MCSE Messaging
  • MCSE SharePoint

Database

  • MCSE Data Platform
  • MCSE Business Intelligence

Developer – MCSD

The focus here is on MCSE. To get up to speed on the other levels of Microsoft certifications read the Certification blog here.

The Database Pathway – SQL Server Expert

The Database Pathway provides IT professionals with invaluable, sought after SQL Server skills. Data Platform courses teach how to demonstrate the broad skills needed to administer and build solutions for enterprise scale organizations. These courses also teach the design of database solutions for Microsoft SQL Server 2012 and the development of Microsoft SQL Server 2012 databases.

The Pathway to earn a Database or SQL Server MCSE begins the same, with an MCSA in SQL Server 2012, and then branches off into two distinctive areas. Depending on their job roles and career goals, IT professionals can choose from two different database pathways:

  • MCSE Data Platform – for database professionals who build enterprise-scale data solutions on-premises or in cloud environments
  • MCSE Business  Intelligence – for database professionals who develop and deploy business intelligence solutions and reports

 

As illustrated above, interested MCSE candidates should obtain the following certifications and training in a specific order:

  • MTA
    • Database Fundamentals (40364) – 3 Day Course
  • MCSA – SQL Server 2012
    • Querying Microsoft SQL Server 2012 (10774) – 5 Day Course
    • Administering Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Databases (10775) – 5 Day Course
    • Implementing a Data Warehouse with Microsoft SQL Server 2012 (10777) –  5 Day Course

Then choose from these two paths:

  • MCSE – Data Platform
    • Developing Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Databases (10776) – 5 Day Course
    • Designing Database Solutions for Microsoft SQL Server 2012 (20465) – 5 Day Course
  • MCSE – Business Intelligence
    • Implementing Data Models and Reports with Microsoft SQL Server 2012 (10778) – 5 Day Course
    • Designing Business Intelligence Solutions with Microsoft SQL Server 2012 (20467) – 5 Day Course

For pricing and to register for these courses visit our MCSE Database Courses page. Be sure to also check out our promotion page to receive a discount and learn how to earn free MCSE training!

TechSherpas ’ headquarters in Tampa, FL is a Prometric testing center. When you are ready to take the exam, visit the Prometric website, locate TechSherpas and select a time and date to come in and sit for your exam. The MCSE exam cost is $150.00.

Why take certified Microsoft training courses before taking the certification exam?

When you take an exam you want to be as prepared as possible. This will ensure that you won’t have to retake the exam, and more importantly, it also gives you the SQL skills that hiring managers and companies are looking for.Sixty-four percent of IT hiring managers rate certifications as having extremely high or high value in validating the skills and expertise of job candidates. (CompTIA, Employer Perceptions of IT Training and Certification, January 2011). Having a certification is one thing, and having experience and skills are a completely different thing. The truth is, hiring managers are looking for both! Getting extensive training, with hands-on labs give you more experience working within databases, in real work-place situations.

What kind of jobs and pay can I expect from this certification?

So you registered for classes, prepared for the MCSE certification exam, and passed! What’s next? What kind of job can you expect from having this credential on your resume? An MCSE certification can put you in a very good position when it comes time to find a job or lock in that promotion. It can also add some cash to your wallet as the MCSE is among the top 15 paying certifications of 2013.

Those with an MCSE certification, specifically in Data Platform or Business Intelligence make excellent candidates for the following positions:

  • Database Analyst
  • Database Designer
  • Database Administrators
  • Network Engineers
  • Database Developers
  • Systems Engineer
  • Business Intelligence Analyst

Getting MCSE certified creates a pathway for success

Becoming a database expert by earning your MCSE Database Platform or MCSE Business Intelligence will certainly open doors for you. Certification, training, and experience are three of the top four most important characteristics when selecting a candidate for a cloud-related position. (IDC/Microsoft, Climate Change: Cloud’s Impact on IT Organizations and Staffing, November 2012). Visit our website and contact us today to get started on your MCSE journey.

Categories : IT Certifications, MCSE, Microsoft, Training & Education
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Can you hack it? Ethical Hacking skills in demand

By Della Wyler
Friday, June 14th, 2013

Turn on the news and you will undoubtedly hear about some new cyber-attack. They happen to individuals, large organizations, financial institutions, retailers, and even government agencies. The latest and now very public issue regarding our nation’s security is the persistent computer-hacking problems the US has been having with China, spanning a decade! These cyber-attacks are quite disturbing because hackers can steal intellectual property, weapons, financial data and other corporate IT-Security-300x261secrets. You may have also heard claims that the US government could be the biggest hacker in the world, investing millions of dollars in offensive hacking operations. Hmmm, that will get you thinking. The point is, Cybersecurity is crucial in this age of advancing technologies, and hacking is one skill that can provide insight and solutions to the rampant stream of cybercrime. President Obama recently stated, “Cyber threat is one of the most serious economic and national security challenges we face as a nation” and “America’s economic prosperity in the 21st century will depend on cybersecurity.” With cyber-attacks on the rise with no sign of slowing, the demand for hackers is higher than ever.

White Hats off for Ethical Hackers
Although there are those who will not support hacking in any way, shape, or form, the growing threat on information systems is evident, and we need to be able to counteract, or even better, prevent these attacks. The terms hacker and hacking typically carry a negative connotation as they are commonly associated with the skill of unlawfully breaking into computer systems. But not all hackers are bad. In fact, through ethical hacking, these ridiculously skilled people have the ability and knowledge to navigate computer systems, diagnose security flaws, and provide insight and solutions to the problems created by “crackers”. An ethical computer hacker, or a computer security expert, aka White Hat hacker, specializes in penetration testing and other testing methodologies to ensure the security of an organization’s information systems. Their job is not to break-in and cause damage, but to determine how to break-in current systems, point out vulnerabilities, and provide suggestions on how to make penetration of the system less likely by Black Hat hackers. Ethical hacking jobs are done with consent from the target.

Although hackers are constantly teetering the gray area, by following certain guidelines hackers can stay within the legal boundaries and out of trouble. Unfortunately, not all do, and eventually some cross over to the dark-side of “cracking” aka Black Hat hacking. On the flip-side, some Black Hat hackers have found the light (mostly after being busted and serving time) and are now White Hat hackers working for government agencies, or running their own consulting firms. (We dive into the famous and infamous hackers in our “Cracker busting Hackers” blog.)

Avoid the underground – the dark side of “cracking”
Although Black Hat hacking can create an exciting big screen drama, the damage it can create in real life can be devastating, costing large amounts of resources and money. Black Hat hackers are those who unlawfully break into computer systems for malicious reasons or personal gain. They can be motivated by profit, protest, or challenge. These are the ones that give hackers the bad rap. These are the bad guys you hear about on the news – the ones that steal confidential information from credit card companies, or money from financial institutions. They cause major damage, comprising security and functionality of websites and networks. They steal:

Client or customer information or other business data
Credit card details and social security numbers, for identity fraud or theft
Passwords for access to our online bank, ISP or web services
Email addresses, which may be used for spamming
Children’s names, photographs, ages or other of their personal details held on the computer
DDoS (Distribution Denial of Service) attacks

Andrew Auernheimer, a 26-year-old independent security researcher, was sentenced to 41 months in prison for programmatically scraping user information from a public AT&T website and sharing it with Gawker.com. Auernheimer was charged under the Computer Fraud & Abuse Act, which many feel is too broad. After he was convicted, Auernheimer wrote for Wired that the selective prosecution of some security researchers will deter future hackers from ever disclosing exploits, even critical ones that effect national security. Do you think Auernheimer has a point?

Certified Ethical Hacker Training & Certification
With so many types of cyber-attacks, protection is vital and many people rely on the ethical hackers to help with their protection strategies. People who enter into this particular field are typically computer savvy, and have acquired much of their computer knowledge through self-teaching methods. They likely have a solid understanding in computer programming, and possess creativity skills. In addition to computer programming courses, those interested in ethical hacking should explore certified ethical hacking training, and certifications. The International Council of E- Commerce Consultants offers a professional certification – Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH). CEH training courses provide students with interactive environments where they learn to scan, test, and penetrate their own systems, through various techniques and tools used by black hat hackers. They learn all about ethical hacking and countermeasures. Students are typically required to provide signed documentation that they will not use this knowledge for malicious purposes.

Some of the techniques that hackers use to penetrate the systems include:

Vulnerability Scanner
Password Cracking
Packer Sniffer
Spoofing Attack (Phishing)
Rootkit
Social Engineering
Trojan Horse, Viruses, & Worms
Key Loggers
In addition to CEH training, inspiring hackers should explore these other IT Security courses:

CISSP: Certified Information System Security Professional
Certified Penetration Testing Engineer
Certified Forensics Examiner

Job opportunities and salaries for Ethical Hackers
With the majority, if not all, important business information being stored on computer networks, IT security is more important today than ever before. Both public and private organizations face cyber threats, and take security of confidential information very seriously. A CEH is usually employed by an organization who trusts him or her to attempt to penetrate networks and/or computer systems for the purpose of finding and fixing computer security vulnerabilities. Who better protect your information than a Hacker? Because of this way of thinking there are plenty of job opportunities available for Certified Ethical Hackers (CEH). Here are some of the job positions that CEHs in the US currently hold along with their associated salaries:

Median Salary by Job – Certification: Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) (United States)Median Salary by Job

Choose the life of a hacker, not a cracker
If you’re going to lead the life of a hacker, you need to be conscientious and responsible as some areas start to look gray, and less black and white. Becoming certified and knowing the law will help you stay out of trouble. White Hat hackers often become Black Hat hackers, and vise-versa. If you are a hacker, we highly encourage you to use your powers for good versus evil. We get it! Hackers enjoy cracking codes. It’s fun! So why not get paid to do it? Get certified and get paid to do what you love. The outlook on finding a job and keeping a job in this field is very promising, as cybercrime increased 8.3% from 2011 to 2012. Ethical hackers have the opportunity to save people, organizations, and agencies from falling victim to costly cyber-attacks. Avoid crossing over to the dark-side, or be prepared to spend life on the other side of steel bars. Go down in history as a famous Hacker, not an infamous Cracker. Read about the most notorious Hackers & Crackers on our next blog.

Categories : Careers in IT, IT Certifications
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Top In-Demand IT Certifications

By Della Wyler
Wednesday, April 24th, 2013

Studies have shown that IT professionals with a certain degree of expertise and knowledge via a certification are more likely than their non-certified counterparts, to get selected for the job. In addition, the certified applicants land higher-paying jobs. This news may not be new to you, but you may be wondering which certifications you should get. If you can get all of them, be our guest! There is no limit on how many you can earn, but if your time is limited, and you want to capitalize on one in specific, we have a list of the top in-demand IT certifications for 2013.

Mastering Microsoft

As the application of the Cloud gained popularity, Microsoft realized the need to revamp their certification program. There different levels of certifications based on what path you decide to take: Client, Server, Database, or Developer. Of these, there seems to be a higher demand for the MCSA (Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate), and the MCSE (Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert): Private Cloud.

The MCSA is actually a prerequisite for the MCSE, and is the place for experienced IT professionals to begin the certification process. The salary range for those who hold and MCSA Certification is $52,000-$115,000, with an average salary of $59,000. The salary can vary greatly based on the location, company, industry, and experience. Organizations seeking individuals with MCSA certifications cover industries across the board: Healthcare; Information Technology; Financial; Government; and Communications. Basically any organization that has an IT department wants their IT staff to have at least an MCSA Certification.

The MCSE is available for those choosing to excel in Microsoft’s Server & Database paths. Although there are currently 8 different MSCE paths you can take, the one that seems to be sought more often by is the MCSE: Private Cloud. That’s not a huge surprise since these days you can’t do anything without hearing about the Cloud. Because of its accessibility and space-saving attributes, the Cloud is appealing to a large audience both in the personal and business worlds. The Cloud is quickly gaining popularity, amongst organizations, as they are realizing the savings in cost associated with housing and maintenance of their IT hardware and software. The salary range for those who hold a MCSE Certification is $52,000-$102,000, with an average salary of $61,000. As with the MCSA, the range of industries seeking MCSE Certified individuals is vast, and includes those mentioned above, as well as teaching positions.

Although these appear to be the highest in demand currently, studies have shown Microsoft certifications fuel new careers and six figure salaries, so feel free to explore all the options.

Networking Knowledge

Although CompTIA is known for their excellent A+ Certification, the Networking+ Certification appears to be a slightly stronger factor when selecting an individual to manage and maintain the IT infrastructure. This isn’t too much of a surprise as this certification extends beyond the generalist knowledge and skill set associated with the A+ certification. The salary range for individuals that hold a Networking+ certification is $36,000-$66,000 with an average salary of $38,000.

Perfecting Project Management

The ability to manage projects effectively and efficiently is a skill set that is required and desired across all industries. Those who master these skills can achieve great success for not only for themselves, but for the organization they work for. This has been recognized world-wide, and Project Management has earned itself a certification program that is respected and sought my many. There are several certifications that fall under this umbrella, but the one currently in highest demand, is the PMP (Project Management Professional). IT is a large part of project management certifications. These systems enable professionals to excel in planning, budgeting, managing time, and reducing costs. What company wouldn’t be interested in a candidate holding this certification? The salary range for those holding a PMP Certification is $65,000-$232,000, with an average salary of $86,000.

Virtualization

VMWare specializes in virtualization and cloud software and services. As previously mentioned, Cloud computing is becoming more common as organizations around the world, are exploring and utilizing the Cloud. This drives the demand for experienced and knowledgeable IT professionals up. Those holding a VCP (VMWare Certified Professional) certification are attractive candidates for organizations looking to reduce IT infrastructure costs. This competency is built on the skills and knowledge needed to successfully install, deploy, scale, and manage VMware vSphere environments along with a solid foundation in basic cloud infrastructure concepts including public/private/hybrid clouds, multi-tenancy, and cloud security. The salary range for those holding a VCP certification is $59,000-$80,000 with an average salary of $69,000.

Security Savvy with CISSP

Protection of an organizations data, systems, and networks is important, and as such, requires a qualified individual to maintain the security of these vital components. As these systems are moving to the cloud protection has become even more essential. The vast majority of company information is transmitted via email or the web, and with this comes the threat of viruses and hackers. There are several certifications available that focus on the IT security, so choosing which one to get could be a difficult task, but it appears that the CISSP is the one with highest demand and helps land better paying positions. The salary range for an individual holding a CISSP certification is $65,000-$111,000, with an average salary of $80,000.

Train for Success

There are many IT certifications available for IT professionals who want to take the next step in advancing in their careers. There are several factors that come into play when choosing the certification that is right for you. Depending on the type of IT you want to specialize in, will guide you down the path you need to follow, and pay will likely be a factor for you as well. Now you know which certifications are being sought out most, and how much earning potential is there. Training for your certification exam will give you the knowledge and tools you need to pass your exam, but even better will better prepare you for real, on the job situations, which is most important. This knowledge and experience is what will make you excel in your job position, creating value, high-demand, and higher pay. Contact TechSherpas to get the valuable training you need to become an asset your company can’t refuse.

Categories : IT Certifications

The Reinvented Microsoft Certifications

By Della Wyler
Wednesday, January 30th, 2013

Information technology reinvents itself daily. It seems like every time you learn how to use the newest technology, the next newest version is released. Corporations realize the benefits of having a successful IT department, and many are requiring certain credentials and certifications from job candidates and current employees. With the demand for qualified IT professionals on the rise, receiving training and getting certified in this ever-growing field is becoming more important than ever before. A certification can distinguish you from the crowd, and get you into a position to kick off or advance your career.  Microsoft is a corporation who realizes the relevance of IT certifications, and felt it necessary to develop a certification program that would distinguish IT professionals that have acquired the specific knowledge and understanding to successfully utilize the various technologies offered. As of April 2012, Microsoft has reinvented their certification process, and made changes in order to keep up with all the recent technological advances.

Why the change in Microsoft certifications?

Microsoft has been branded a leader in technology, and developed a certification program to allow qualified individuals to affirm their knowledge of various Microsoft programs. Microsoft holds their certification program at a high level, and understands that it too has to keep up with the dynamic world of IT. It’s for that reason that Microsoft reinvented their certification program. It was necessary in order for them to maintain their market relevance as the industry shifts to the cloud. Microsoft Certifications now validate broader and deeper skills required to build solutions on-premises or within the cloud. As with other professionals who receive certifications and licenses, such as doctors and engineers, those receiving Microsoft Certifications will have to dedicate time to continuing their education and will have to get re-certified every few years, depending on the type of certification.

Small names bring big change

The acronyms associated with the various certifications offered by Microsoft have changed slightly, but one shouldn’t imply that the actual certification changes are so minor.  The two most notable changes are: 1) there are fewer certifications covering more topic areas, and 2) certifications are no longer product/versioned-based.

There are four main categories in which you can receive a Microsoft Certification. Those are:

Within these four main categories there are four different levels, in which you can get certified. Those include:

  • MCSA (Microsoft Certified Solutions Association) – The Foundation
  • MCSE (Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert)– The Globally Recognized Standard
  • MCSD (Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer) – The Globally recognized Standard for Developers
  • MCSM (Microsoft Certified Solutions Master) – The Pinnacle of Professional Distinction

Microsoft Certifications Roadmap

The previous certifications included:

  • MCTS (Microsoft Certified technical Specialist) – This certification is being replaced by the MCSA.
  • MCITP (Microsoft Certified IT Professionals) – This certification is being replaced by the MCSE. The MCITP level is being combined. In order to get an MCSE in SQL Server, you need to pass exams for developing & designing database solutions.
  • MCPD (Microsoft Certified Professional Developer) – This is being replaced by the MCSD
  • MCM (Microsoft Certified Master) – This certification will eventually be replaced by the MCSM
  • MCDBA (Microsoft Certified Database Administrator) – The MCSE in the Database category has replaced this certification.

It’s important to note that these certifications remain current and still valuable in the market, and therefore are still being offered. They do have expiration dates, so you need to be aware of those and look into upgrading to the new certification. That being said, many companies are still utilizing the older technologies, so the old certification is still valuable. As new technologies are released, they will be released in the new solutions structure. Over time, the MCTS, MCITP, and MCPD certifications will retire and will transition to a legacy status. Legacy Microsoft Certifications (retired certifications) will still appear on your transcript and will be designated as such.

The Microsoft Certification Hierarchy

  • New to IT – MTA is a recommended entry point into IT certification and job preparation. Pass just one exam and you’ll earn a certification, taking your first step toward a career in technology. If you are just starting your IT career path or are looking to enhance your understanding of IT fundamentals, MTA will validate your core knowledge. MTA is an optional industry-recognized certification for those pursuing a career path in IT infrastructure, database design, or software development using Microsoft technologies. Currently there are three MTA certification tracks: Infrastructure; Database; and Development.
  • The first level – MCSA is a pre-requisite to the MCSE Certification. It is also serves as the foundation for a career path. Currently, there are five MSCA certifications: Windows Server 2012; Windows Server 2008; Windows 8; Windows 7; and SQL Server 2012. This certification will get any candidate on the right path in building a sustainable career in IT, and focuses on the ability to design and build technological solutions rather than a specific job role, like the previous MCTS certification.
  • The second level – MSCE is the globally recognized standard for IT Professionals. To earn this certification you must be able to demonstrate your ability to build innovative solutions across multiple technologies, both on-premises and in the cloud. Currently, there are eight MSCE certifications: Server Infrastructure, Desktop Infrastructure, Private Cloud, Data Platform, Business Intelligence, Messaging, Communication, and SharePoint. To ensure the certifications remain meaningful and valuable indicators of candidates’ skills, MCSE certifications will require recertification every three years.
  • The third level – MCSM, the “pinnacle of professional distinction” is where you will validate your ability to successfully design and implement innovative technical solutions for complex on-premise or off-premise hybrid enterprise environments. Currently, there are five certifications within MCSM: Data Platform; Messaging; Communication; SharePoint; and Directory Services. The MCSM will require recertification every 3 years.
  • For the Developer – MCSD is the globally recognized standard for developers and is replacing MCPD. To earn this certification you must be able to demonstrate your ability to build innovative solutions across multiple technologies, both on-premises and in the cloud. Currently, there are three MCSD certifications: Window Store Apps; Web Applications;  and Application Lifestyle Management. To ensure the certifications remain meaningful and valuable indicators of candidates’ skills, MCSD certifications will require recertification every two years.

Certifications for a better future

If you were already familiar with the Microsoft Certification program, you’ll notice that the new requirements are more stringent and recertification is now required for many of the certifications. This is just another sign that IT credentials are important and are being perceived as such. There is some opposition to the new certification program as it may be more difficult for some more than others to keep up with the re-certifications. The reality is companies implement and utilize the latest technology upgrades at different rates. That being the case it still may be beneficial, even essential, to receive certifications from the older program, depending on the technology being utilized by your firm. This is something you need be aware of when choosing what certification to get, but either way, IT professionals need to be able to demonstrate their capabilities, knowledge, and understanding in order to obtain a job in IT and continue to build their IT career. According to a recent study completed by CompTIA, 86% of hiring managers indicate IT certifications are a high or medium priority during the candidate evaluation process. Right now there is 40% gap in supply and demand for qualified IT professionals. It’s time to capitalize on that gap! Don’t be left behind! Get training! Get certified! We offer Microsoft certifications from both the older and newer certification programs, so which ever path you choose, TechSherpas can guide you to the top.

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