Steven McEvoy Shares His IT Experiences


For a time, Steven McEvoy’s job prospects were few and far between.  McEvoy was having trouble getting a job after being off for a long period of time due to injury. He had experience working in IT for non-profits, but no official credentials. Two years went by with no luck landing a professional IT position. However, when he started training and working toward certification, he found a job very quickly.

McEvoy now works as an IT Applications Specialist at Crawford and Company. He is on the intermediate team and is working to learn the responsibilities of the senior IT staff.

Crawford and Company creates proprietary software that is primarily used by the insurance industry for claims management.

“My favorite thing is the fact that in the specific job I have, it is different every day,” McEvoy said. “I can come in and remote a machine in Sydney, I can come in and remote a machine in Vancouver. I can be remoted in to a 2k3 server anywhere in the country.”

Crawford and Company has 87 offices in Canada and 400 worldwide. As part of his job role, he spends time doing remote repairs for machines across the country, does rebuilds for opting images, makes universal backups and supports and beta tests the proprietary software for Crawford and Company.

“The biggest challenge is the speed at which the company is growing,” McEvoy said. “We have added 500 users in three months – probably 1,000 next year in Canada. Every time there is a new hire, new equipment needs to be purchased and deployed. Often what happens is users think they know how to do things right and start to do them, and it is a lot harder to fix something that is done wrong than to it is to do it right the first time.”

McEvoy spends time studying for certifications when he isn’t working. As part of the associate degree program he completed, he earned all three designations of CompTIA A+. He has also completed four Microsoft Visa exams and is working on getting CompTIA Linux+ and CompTIA Server+ certified as well as earning his MCSA and MCSE for Server 2003 certifications. 

“I find that the biggest advantage of having certifications is salary range,” McEvoy said. “There is a guy on my team who basically does the exact same work that I do, and he makes significantly less than I do…He is making 20 percent less than I am based on the fact that I have significantly more certifications and training.”

 McEvoy is also hoping that his studies and certifications will help facilitate a move onto the senior IT team. In addition to training, McEvoy keeps up with trends through subscriptions to industry magazines and whitepapers.  He recommends that other IT professionals be continuously learning and that they find something they are passionate about, as he has found in computer forensics and data recovery.

McEvoy has also joined the CompTIA IT Pro program so he can access the forums there and posts there and on Microsoft’s TechNet forums.

McEvoy strongly recommends certification for anyone looking to get an IT profession, and advises IT Professionals to take initiaitve with their job search, especially in light of the current job market given the increased outsourcing of entry-level IT jobs.

A younger classmate was having trouble finding a job because he had no background experience, but he had a specific company in mind that he really wanted to work for. McEvoy recommended that he contact the Human Resources department at that company to determine who made hiring decisions for the department he wanted to work for. He suggested the classmate offer to volunteer as an intern.

The advice was successful – his classmate volunteered at the company while still in school and was offered a permanent position there after graduation.

“So it might be a short term sacrifice because it is usually not nearly as much money, or sometimes no money, but it gets your foot in the door particularly if it is somewhere you really want to be,” McEvoy said.

McEvoy is also building his name through his book reviews and blog. He works as a freelance writer for seven different publications, and has published more than 200 book reviews in media outlets and 400 on his blog in the past three years. When he started the training program, he became more technology-focused, reviewing all the books he used in his studies as well as additional technology-themed books.

Interested in earning some certifications of your own? Visit Killtest.com/comptia/ for more information on CompTIA certifications.

Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD)


The Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD) credential highlights your job role, featuring your specific area of expertise.

MCPD: Enterprise Application Developer
The Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD) credential highlights your job role, featuring your specific area of expertise. Now you can easily distinguish yourself as an expert as an Enterprise Application Developer.

MCPD: Web Developer
The Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD) credential highlights your job role, featuring your specific area of expertise. Now you can easily distinguish yourself as an expert in Web application development.

MCPD: Windows Developer
The Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD) credential highlights your job role, featuring your specific area of expertise. Now you can easily distinguish yourself as an expert in Windows Development.

MCPD: Windows Developer 3.5
MCPD Windows Developer 3.5 Description Candidates for the Microsoft Certified Professional Developer in Windows Developer 3.5 on Visual Studio 2008 (MCPD Windows Developer 3.5) are professionals who use Visual Studio 2008 and the Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5, or who

MCPD | Aug 27

Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST)


Description
The Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST) credential proves that you have the skills to successfully support end users and to troubleshoot desktop environments running Microsoft Windows.
Audience
The MCDST credential is for IT professionals working in the typically complex computing environment of small, medium, or large organizations
Prerequisites
An MCDST candidate should have 6–12 months of experience supporting end users of a desktop operating system.
Certification Track
Core Exams: (2 Exams Required)
Exam 70–271: Supporting Users and Troubleshooting a Microsoft Windows XP Operating System

Exam 70–272: Supporting Users and Troubleshooting Desktop Applications on a Microsoft Windows XP Operating System
Acquired Skills
The MCDST certification covers the skills of help desk technician, customer support representative, PC support specialist, technical support representative, and technical support specialists
Requirements
MCDST candidates are required to pass two core exams. These two exams are:
70-271 Supporting Users and Troubleshooting a Microsoft Windows XP Operating System
70-272 Supporting Users and Troubleshooting Desktop Applications on a Microsoft Windows XP Operating System
Elective exams are not required.

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MICROSOFT | Aug 26

Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP)


Description
Individuals with expertise in a particular Microsoft product can pursue the Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) credential. MCPs have demonstrated in-depth knowledge of at least one Microsoft product. The MCP credential provides a helpful first step on the way to other Microsoft technical certifications.

Audience
The MCP credential is for individuals who have the skills to successfully implement a Microsoft product or technology as part of a business solution in an organization.

Prerequisites
Hands-on experience with the product is necessary to successfully achieve certification.

Acquired Skills
You will be certified in the use of a particular Microsoft product or technology.

Requirements
MCP candidates are required to pass one current Microsoft certification exam that provides a valid and reliable measure of technical proficiency and expertise (a current exam is any exam that has not been retired). MCP exams are developed with the input of professionals in the industry and reflect how Microsoft products are used in organizations throughout the world. Exam 70-058: Networking Essentials is an exception to the one exam requirement. Passing this exam alone will not certify an individual as an MCP.

MCP | Aug 25

CCEA3.0 Certification


The Citrix  Certified Enterprise Administrator (CCEA) program is a technical certification that expands the knowledge of  Citrix administrator by focusing on deepening the skills required for installing and administering the Citrix MetaFrame Access Suite of products.

CCEA3.0 training has become so popular today that you will often find many CCEA3.0 courses and online CCEA3.0 training resources being offered in your city, regardless of where you live on this planet. To become an CCEA3.0 Professional, you will need to learn all the CCEA3.0 test objectives. Study them with the use of an CCEA3.0 guide and then test and evaluate your knowledge via our leading edge CCEA3.0 training resources.

1Y0-223:  MetaFrame Presentation Server 3.0: Enterprise Edition Administrator.

1Y0-973:  MetaFrame Password Manager 2.5: Administrator.

1Y0-722:  MetaFrame Secure Access Manager 2.2: Administrator.

1Y0-252:  MetaFrame Presentation Server 3.0: Troubleshooting Enterprise Environment.

1Y0-251:  MetaFrame Presentation Server 3.0: Management and Maintenance for the Enterprise.

Citrix | Aug 23

Certified Novell Engineer (CNE)


CNE certification is the leading vendor certification program in the IT industry. CNE training fosters skills  for high-end, solutions-based technical support. The CNE program is designed to create a “thread” of knowledge from fundamental supporting technology to multi-user client server and/or advanced network applications to an overview of advanced enabling technology.

CNE training offers specialization so candidates can focus on the skills they need. Review the CNE certification requirements and test numbers by viewing this progress chart.
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Novell.Inc | Aug 22

Citrix Certified Integration Architect (CCIA)


This CCIA program focuses on best practices recommended by Citrix for analysis, design, and build /test of Citrix technologies. The main incentive for candidates to pursue the CCIA designation is candidates acquire the knowledge, expertise, recognition and credibility required for successful Citrix deployments.

Another benefit is this same knowledge and expertise, when applied to small-to-large implementations, reduces costs, increases implementation success rates and speeds up implementation tim.

CCIA training has become so popular today that you will often find many CCIA courses and online CCIA training resources being offered in your city, regardless of where you live on this planet. To become an CCIA Professional, you will need to learn all the CCIA test objectives. Study them with the use of an CCIA guide and  then test and evaluate your knowledge via our leading edge CCIA training resources.

CCIA Certification exams:

1Y0-222: CCIA MetaFrame Presentation Server with Feature Release 3

1Y0-611: CCIA Design, Integration and Methodology

1Y0-610: CCIA Core Technologies and Architectures

Citrix | Aug 21

Citrix Certified Administrator (CCA)


System administrators, Citrix resellers and business affiliates, and independent consultants will find the Citrix Certified Administrator (CCA) certification an excellent credential. It demonstrates product expertise on Citrix platform products and is the starting point for Citrix’s other technical certifications.
CCAs are skilled industry professionals who have demonstrated a thorough knowledge of Citrix MetaFrame XP Presentation Server, Citrix MetaFrame Presentation Server 3.0 or Citrix MetaFrame Presentation Server for UNIX.

Citrix | Aug 20

CompTIA Project+


Project+ Certification is a testing program sponsored by CompTIA that certifies competency and professionalism in IT Project Management, including the necessary business knowledge, interpersonal skills, and project management skills required to successfully manage IT projects.  Project+ is a non-vendor, non-product specific certification program that supports the transition of IT professionals and organizations from “traditional” technical roles into high value business roles. New Horizons’ Project+ course is a five-day class that prepares students to take the Project+ certification exam.

The certificate tests knowledge across the disciplines of technology-oriented project methodology combined with business and interpersonal skills. At course completion, the student will be able to demonstrate:

l  Project Initiation and Scope Definition

l  Project Planning

l  Project Execution, Control, and Coordination

l  Project Closure, Acceptance, and Support

New Horizons Computer Learning Centers and CompTIA do not strictly define the prerequisites for Project+. It is suggested that students have either the A+ certification or equivalent IT-related work experience to adequately prepare them. Project+ is designed for IT professionals with 12 months of experience in leading, managing and directing small IT projects. 

CompTIA | Aug 18

CompTIA Network+


Network+ is a testing program sponsored by CompTIA and geared toward technicians with 18 to 24 months of experience in the IT industry. Network+ Certification is a non-vendor, non-product specific certification program that validates your knowledge as a networking professional and demonstrates a wide range of skills required in today’s network environments. The program was developed with the support of major computer hardware and software vendors, distributors, resellers, and publications in the industry.

 

Network+ Certification covers networking technology and practices in the following competencies:

l  Media and Topologies

l  Protocols and Standards

l  Network Implementation

l  Network Support

 

New Horizons Network+ course is a five-day class that prepares students to take the Network+ exam. Furthermore, the Network+ Certification can be the first step in achieving a Windows MCSE or CNE Certification.

 

Students should have a solid background in PC technology before taking Network+. Network+ Certification is designed for students who have a basic understanding of technology concepts, especially in computer networking infrastructure. It is suggested that students have their A+ Certification or equivalent IT-related work experience to adequately prepare them.

CompTIA | Aug 16

CompTIA Linux+


Linux+ certification is an international industry credential that validates the knowledge of individuals with at least six months of practical Linux experience.  Professionals who want to certify their technical knowledge in basic installation, operation and troubleshooting for Linux operating systems should consider this certification. The skills and knowledge measured by this examination were developed with global input to assure accuracy, validity and reliability.

 CompTIA has introduced the Linux+ certification to measure foundation-level Linux operating system proficiency as a reliable indicator of employee success for both professionals and employers in:

l  Installation

l  Configuration

l  Management

l  Security

l  Documentation

l  Hardware

CompTIA | Aug 15

CompTIA A+ Certification and Your Business


The benefits of a CompTIA A+ certified staff go beyond the reputation of having qualified and knowledgeable employees. Businesses that hire CompTIA A+ technicians notice an increase in revenue, customer satisfaction and employee retention. Employing CompTIA A+ technicians will also give you peace of mind, knowing that your customers are receiving service from professionals who have a proven knowledge of core hardware and operating system technologies including installation, configuration, diagnosing, preventive maintenance and basic networking.

Key benefits of having CompTIA A+ certified employees:

l  Higher sales through enhanced customer trust and quality of service.

Customer loyalty is a key source of revenue for any business. If the job is done right the first time, they’ll be back, and recommend your business to others, generating new customers.

l  Competitive advantage as potential partners and customers look for businesses with certified people on staff.

If your technicians are CompTIA A+ certified, you may qualify as a CompTIA A+ Authorized Service Center. This distinctive title allows your company to advertise your dedication to customer service. The CompTIA ASC program logo ensures a customer that the business owner and employees take pride in their work and are interested in advancing the skill level and quality of their operations.

l  Lower costs of training, recruiting and hiring.

With CompTIA A+ you can be confident your employees have the skills to successfully complete the job. CompTIA A+ certified technicians have proven their basic knowledge and abilities working with core hardware and operating system technologies.

l  Increased productivity due to skilled workers.

Several studies have been conducted regarding the positive effect certification has on a company’s ROI. With help desk technicians alone, businesses that employ a high number of certified help desk staff can handle 11 percent more phone calls and 28 percent more field service calls than companies that employ low numbers of certified help desk staff.*

l  Increased job satisfaction, resulting in reduced turnover.

Ninety-three percent of CompTIA certified IT professionals feel their customers are in qualified hands, and 84 percent say they have the confidence and required skills to do a superior job.

CompTIA | Aug 14

642-503 CCSP Certification


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CCSP | Aug 13

CompTIA Network+


Network+ is a testing program sponsored by CompTIA and geared toward technicians with 18 to 24 months of experience in the IT industry. Network+ Certification is a non-vendor, non-product specific certification program that validates your knowledge as a networking professional and demonstrates a wide range of skills required in today’s network environments. The program was developed with the support of major computer hardware and software vendors, distributors, resellers, and publications in the industry.

Network+ Certification covers networking technology and practices in the following competencies: 

l  Media and Topologies

l  Protocols and Standards

l  Network Implementation

l  Network Support

Killtest Network+ course is a five-day class that prepares students to take the Network+ exam. Furthermore, the Network+ Certification can be the first step in achieving a Windows MCSE or CNE Certification.

Students should have a solid background in PC technology before taking Network+. Network+ Certification is designed for students who have a basic understanding of technology concepts, especially in computer networking infrastructure. It is suggested that students have their A+ Certification or equivalent IT-related work experience to adequately prepare them.

CompTIA | Aug 12

The latest 640-802


 

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CCNA | Aug 11