certifications

Non-Vendor Specific:

A+ Certification: This certification indicates that the individual possesses the knowledge and skills essential for becoming a successful computer service technician. The two-part exam (you must pass two test modules - "Core" and either the DOS or MAC module) covers hardware and software technologies and is not related to any vendor-specific products.

Certified Internet Webmaster: CIW is the largest Internet job-role certification. An IT certification for the knowledge economy, CIW is an Internet vendor-neutral or job-role curriculum and certification designed to help career changers enter the IT industry and experienced and vendor-certified professionals build on existing IT skills. CIW is offered for three disciplines - Designer, Enterprise Developer and Administrator - and one cross-functional area - Web Site Manager, which combines the other three disciplines.

CompTIA: CompTIA is the organization that sponsors the A+ Certification, a non-profit organization made up of individuals from various large companies (Digital, AT&T, USAirways, Packard Bell etc.) More than 6,000 computer resellers, VARs, distributors, manufacturers and training companies in the United States and Canada belong to CompTIA. Reseller members, who form the heart of the Association, run the gamut from single location systems integrators to nationwide franchise groups.

Network+ Certification: Designating that an individual possesses the knowledge and skills essential to becoming a successful network technician, this exam covers network hardware and software and network architecture in a vendor-neutral environment. "Soft" skills are also emphasized as part of the certification.

Vendor Specific

Cisco Systems:
Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE): CCIE is certification for networking professionals offered by Cisco Systems. The CCIE is the highest level of Cisco certification and deals mainly with networking hardware. Three specializations in routing and bridging technologies are offered: Routing and Switching, WAN Switching, and ISP Dial. Tracks can be further broken down to focus on network design or network support. The CCIE Certification is widely considered the most difficult industry certification to achieve. Candidates must have a prerequisite two years of work experience and they must have attained Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) status. Candidates must also pass a qualifying exam to apply for CCIE certification, and then must pass the CCIE expert exam in their given track, as well as a laboratory component in which candidates demonstrate skills in different pressure-intensive scenarios. This certification must be renewed every two years.

Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP): CCNP is certification for networking professionals offered by Cisco Systems. The CCNP is the second-highest level of Cisco certification behind the CCIE. After completing the requirements for the CCNP, candidates are prepared to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot complex routed LAN, routed WAN, Switched LAN networks, and Dial Access Services. Prerequisites for the CCNP are Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) status, as well as the successful completion of a qualifying exam. Candidates must then pass the CCNP expert examination. Five CCNP specializations are offered: Security, Network Management, LAN ATM, Voice Access, and SNA Solutions.

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA): CCNA is certification for networking professionals offered by Cisco Systems. The CCNA is the first level of Cisco certifications and is a prerequisite for all advanced certifications, including CCNP and CCIE. After completing the requirement for the CCNA, candidates are prepared to install, configure, and operate simple-routed LAN, routed WAN, and switched LAN networks. Candidates must successfully complete the CCNA expert exam.

Cisco Networking Academy: Sponsored by Cisco Systems and designed for high school and college students, Cisco Networking Academies prepare students for the Cisco Certified Networking Associate exam. The Cisco Networking Academy is a complete, four-semester program on the principles and practice of designing, building, and maintaining networks capable of supporting national and global organizations.

Novell:

CNA (Certified NetWare Administrator): CNA certification indicates that an individual has the skills and knowledge needed to handle the day-to-day administration of an installed Novell networking product such as NetWare 4.1.

CNE (Certified NetWare (or Novell) Engineer): CNE certification, more advanced than CNA certification, qualifies an individual to manage network environments, and solve company wide support problems. CNE certification offers specialization in different product areas, including; NetWare, IntranetWare and GroupWise, depending on your interests and business needs.

CNI (Certified Novell Instructor): CNI certification indicates that an individual is qualified to teach Novell certification courses.

Master CNE: Master CNE certification is the highest level of IT certification. A Master CNE demonstrates proficiency beyond CNE certification by passing additional performance-based tests proving specialization in one of five areas: Network Management, Internet/Intranet Solutions, Client/Network Solutions, Messaging and Connectivity.

Microsoft:

Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA): MCDBA is certification for database administrators. An MCDBA must pass four core exams that require candidates to prove their expertise with Microsoft database products in a networked environment, as well as one elective exam covering advanced database topics.

Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer + Internet (MCSE+I): In addition to the core MCSE skills, an MCSE+Internet credential qualifies IT professionals to deploy and manage intranet and Internet solutions that include a browser, proxy server, host servers, database, and messaging and commerce components.

Microsoft Office User Specialist (MOUS) Program: MOUS is the overarching umbrella term for APPLICATION certification available to Office users. Proficient and/or Expert levels of certification are available for each component of the Office suite, plus FrontPage.

Microsoft AATP Program (Authorized Academic Training Program): AATP-compliant schools receive free software licenses from Microsoft each time they offer a Microsoft Official Curriculum (MOC) course. AATP instructors must have passed the exam for which they are preparing students. They can teach using either MOC materials (exclusively available from Microsoft) or 3rd party approved courseware (like ours).

Microsoft Certified Product Specialist (MCPS): MCPS is a single product certification program. MCPS candidates must pass one operating system exam, based on a current Microsoft Windows desktop or server operating system. In addition, all elective exams for premium certification, (MCSE & MCSD) are available to provide further qualification of skills with MS BackOffice products, development tools, or desktop applications.

Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP): MCP is the overarching umbrella term for the TECHNICAL professional in the networking and programming areas. MCSE/MCSD/MCPS and MCT all fall under MCP.

Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD): MCSD is certification for developers and programmers. Two core technology exams are required based on the Windows operating system and its architecture, as well as 2 elective exams based on Microsoft development tools.

Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE): MCSE is certification for network professionals. An MCSE candidate must pass 4 operating system exams that require candidates to prove their expertise with desktop, server, and networking components, (e.g. NT Server, NT Workstation, Networking Essentials, NT Server in the Enterprise) and 2 elective exams that prove expertise with Microsoft BackOffice products, (e.g. TCP/IP, Internet Information Server, SQL Server).

Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT): MCT's are qualified instructionally and certified technically by Microsoft to deliver Microsoft Official Curriculum instructor-led courses to computer professionals. Only trainers who intend to deliver Microsoft Official Curriculum instructor-led courses at Microsoft Authorized Technical Education Centers, (ATEC), are eligible to become Microsoft Certified Trainers.