IT Industry Certifications

IT Industry

IT Industry Certifications

This course focuses on desktop and laptop computers. It also discusses mobile electronic devices, such as tablets and smart phones.

In this course, you will gain the specialized technical skills needed to install, maintain, secure, and repair computers. Earning an industry-standard certification provides confidence and increases your opportunities in IT.

This course is focused on the following two industry-standard certifications:

·         CompTIA A+

·         European Certification of Informatics Professional (EUCIP) IT Administrator Certification (Modules 1 and 2)

This course is only an introduction into the world of IT. A technician can continue to study and earn the following certifications:

·         CCNA - Cisco Certified Networking Associate

·         CCNP - Cisco Certified Networking Professional

·         CCIE - Cisco Certified Internetworking Expert

·         CISSP - Certified Information Systems Security Professional

·         MCP - Microsoft Certified Professional

·         MCSA - Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator

·         MCSE - Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer

·         Network+ - CompTIA Network Certification

·         Linux+ - CompTIA Linux Certification

You can use IT certifications as credits for some university and college degrees in areas such as computer science and telecommunications.

The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) developed the A+ certification program. A CompTIA A+ certification, shown in the figure, signifies that a candidate is a qualified PC hardware and software technician. CompTIA certifications are known throughout the IT community as one of the best ways to enter the IT field and build a solid career.

The latest version of CompTIA A+ is the CompTIA A+ 2012 Edition. Two exams are necessary for certification: CompTIA A+ 220-801 and CompTIA A+ 220-802.

The CompTIA A+ exams measure the necessary competencies for an entry-level IT professional with the equivalent knowledge of at least 12 months of hands-on experience in the lab or field. Successful candidates have the knowledge required to assemble components based on customer requirements. They are also able to install, configure, and maintain devices, PCs, and software. To qualify, they must understand the basics of networking and security. Candidates must be able to properly and safely diagnose, resolve, and document common hardware and software problems, provide appropriate customer support, and understand the basics of virtualization, desktop imaging, and deployment.

Prior to 2011, CompTIA certifications did not expire. Starting in 2011, technicians must renew the A+ certification within three years of becoming certified. Maintaining certification requires either passing the most current A+ exam or enrolling in the CompTIA Continuing Education (CE) program. The CE program allows participants to earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) by becoming involved in approved activities that display an understanding of relevant industry knowledge. Twenty CEUs are required for A+ certification renewal, along with an annual CE fee of US$25.

Many higher-level certifications, such as Cisco CCNA, CompTIA Network+, and Microsoft MCSE, grant full CEU credits if they are earned or renewed after earning the A+ certification. Additional details about the CE program are located on the CompTIA website.

Overview of Technician Jobs

Your experience working with computers and earning a technical certification can help you become qualified for employment as any of the following:

·         Field technician

·         Remote technician

·         Bench technician

Technicians in different computer careers work in different environments. However, the skills required by each career can be very similar. The degree to which different skills are needed vary from one job to the next. When you train to become a computer technician, you are expected to develop the following skills:

·         Building and upgrading computers

·         Performing installations

·         Installing, configuring, and optimizing software

·         Performing preventive maintenance

·         Troubleshooting and repairing computers

·         Communicating clearly with the customer

·         Documenting customer feedback and the steps involved in finding the solution to a problem

A field technician, as shown in Figure 1, works in a variety of locations, including private homes, businesses, and schools. You might work for one company and support only the computer and network systems it owns. Alternatively, you might work for a company that provides onsite computer equipment repair for a variety of companies and customers. In either of these situations, you need both excellent troubleshooting skills and customer service skills, because you are in regular contact with customers and work on a wide variety of hardware and software.

If you are a remote technician, you might work at a help desk answering calls or emails from customers who have computer problems, as shown in Figure 2. You create work orders and communicate with the customer to try to diagnose and repair the problem. Good communication skills are valuable, because the customer must clearly understand your questions and instructions. Some help desks use software to connect directly to a customer’s computer to fix the problem. As a remote technician, you might work on a team of technicians from a business site or in your own home.

As a bench technician, you typically do not work directly with customers. Bench technicians are often hired to perform computer warranty service in a central depot or work facility,