Cisco Certifications: The 640-822 Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 2

Thank you again for taking your time to go through my posts. As promised in the previous blog i am going to discuss ICND part 2. This hands-on Authorized Cisco course builds on the foundation provided by ICND1 (Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices 1), providing a technical foundation for the rest of the Authorized Cisco curriculum. Whether your goal is to familiarize yourself with Cisco technology or to become a Cisco Certified Internetworking Expert, ICND1 and ICND2 are the place to start.

This course not only delivers essential information needed to pass the CCNA certification exams, but it also includes comprehensive hands-on reinforcement to ensure that you add skills and not just knowledge. If you are new to Cisco, ICND2 prepares you for the tasks you will face on the job. Its associated with the CCNA examination which i will discuss in the next coming blogs. It doesn’t matter which exam you start to write ICND 2 or ICND 1, as long as you have finished and passed the 2 exams you will get your CCNA certificate.

What You'll Learn in ICND part 2

• Review how to configure and troubleshoot a switch and router in a small network environment
• Expand the switched network from a small to medium network environment
• Dangers of redundant switching
• Spanning Tree
• Concepts of VLANs and trunking
• Implementing VLSM
• Configure, verify, and troubleshoot OSPF
• Configure, verify, and troubleshoot EIGRP
• Determine when to use access control lists (ACLs)
• Configure, verify, and troubleshoot ACLs
• Configure NAT and PAT
• IPv6 addressing
• Configure PPP, CHAP, and PAP
• Frame Relay operation
• VPN solutions

Exam Number:	640-822 ICND2
Associated Certifications:	CCND and CCNA
Duration:	90 minutes (40-50 questions)
Exam Cost :	Zar 894
Click Here to Register:	Pearson VUE
Exam Policies:	Read current policies and requirements

Exam Topics
The following topics are general guidelines for the content likely to be included on the Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 2 exam. However, other related topics may also appear on any specific delivery of the exam. In order to better reflect the contents of the exam and for clarity purposes, the guidelines below may change at any time without notice.

Configure, verify and troubleshoot a switch with VLANs and interswitch communications
• Describe enhanced switching technologies (including: VTP, RSTP, VLAN, PVSTP, 802.1q)
• Describe how VLANs create logically separate networks and the need for routing between them
• Configure, verify, and troubleshoot VLANs
• Configure, verify, and troubleshoot trunking on Cisco switches
• Configure, verify, and troubleshoot interVLAN routing
• Configure, verify, and troubleshoot VTP
• Configure, verify, and troubleshoot RSTP operation
• Interpret the output of various show and debug commands to verify the operational status of a Cisco switched network
• Implement basic switch security (including: port security, unassigned ports, trunk access, etc.)

Implement an IP addressing scheme and IP Services to meet network requirements in a medium-size Enterprise branch office network
• Calculate and apply a VLSM IP addressing design to a network
• Determine the appropriate classless addressing scheme using VLSM and summarization to satisfy addressing requirements in a LAN/WAN environment
• Describe the technological requirements for running IPv6 (including: protocols, dual stack, tunneling, etc)
• Describe IPv6 addresses
• Identify and correct common problems associated with IP addressing and host configurations

Configure and troubleshoot basic operation and routing on Cisco devices
• Compare and contrast methods of routing and routing protocols
• Configure, verify and troubleshoot OSPF
• Configure, verify and troubleshoot EIGRP
• Verify configuration and connectivity using ping, traceroute, and telnet or SSH
• Troubleshoot routing implementation issues
• Verify router hardware and software operation using SHOW & DEBUG commands
• Implement basic router security

Implement, verify, and troubleshoot NAT and ACLs in a medium-size Enterprise branch office network
• Describe the purpose and types of access control lists
• Configure and apply access control lists based on network filtering requirements
• Configure and apply an access control list to limit telnet and SSH access to the router
• Verify and monitor ACL's in a network environment
• Troubleshoot ACL implementation issues
• Explain the basic operation of NAT
• Configure Network Address Translation for given network requirements using CLI
• Troubleshoot NAT implementation issues

Implement and verify WAN links
• Configure and verify Frame Relay on Cisco routers
• Troubleshoot WAN implementation issues
• Describe VPN technology (including: importance, benefits, role, impact, components)
• Configure and vary PPP connection between Cisco routers

After successfully completing your ICND 1 & ICND 2 you then get the highly sought after certification CCNA. Getting this certification might open up bright opportunities for you. Having discussed in detailed the composition of the syllabuses of ICND 1 & 2 its time to have a look at the resources you can use inorder to achieve your CCNA through the ICND 1 & 2 route. I will include a number of websites you can visit to meet and mingle with other like minded folks in the cyber world and discuss ways and tricks to tackle the Cisco Exams BEAST. I will include the name of books you must have, some tutorial videos you can use and mostly important my experience in taking these exams. I am looking forward to share the possible plan of action you can take to make your Cisco certification adventure a memorable, exciting, rewarding one. Meet you in the next blog, i hope you found all the information helpful.

Cisco Certifications: The 640-822 Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 1

Cisco Certifications: The image below famously known as the Cisco Pyramid, show the hierachy of cisco certification starting with the entry-level at the bottom upto to the expert level certification at the top. I will take you through each certification @ each level.I will try to highlight the exams required to pass to get the certification, the exam codes, exam duration, the exam blue print which in short is the syllabus which a candidate must cover inorder to pass the exams. At the end of the review of all the cisco certifications i will also put the testing centres around South Africa where you can schedule your exam. As said in the previous blog posts there are thousands and thousands of certifications in IT (read previous blog posts). When pursuing any professional certification, you should give much thought and care to your education, experience, skills, goals, and desired career path. So going through each certification and what it covers will help you to make the decision you will never regret in your career but instead it will equip you to reach your ambitions and be what you wanna be.

Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT)

Exam Number:	640-822 ICND1
Associated Certifications:	CCENT and CCNA
Duration:	90 minutes (40-50 questions)
Exam Cost:	ZAR 894.00
Click Here to Register:	Pearson VUE
Exam Policies:	Read current policies and requirements

Exam Description
The 640-822 Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 1 (ICND1) is the exam associated with the Cisco Certified Entry Network Technician certification and a tangible first step in achieving the Cisco Certified Network Associate certification. Candidates can prepare for this exam by taking the Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 1 (ICND1) v1.0 course. This exam tests a candidate's knowledge and skills required to successfully install, operate, and troubleshoot a small branch office network. The exam includes topics on networking fundamentals; connecting to a WAN; basic security and wireless concepts; routing and switching fundamentals; the TCP/IP and OSI models; IP addressing; WAN technologies; operating and configuring IOS devices; configuring RIPv2, static and default routing; implementing NAT and DHCP; and configuring simple networks.


Exam Topics
The following topics are general guidelines for the content likely to be included on the Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 1 exam. However, other related topics may also appear on any specific delivery of the exam. In order to better reflect the contents of the exam and for clarity purposes, the guidelines below may change at any time without notice.

Describe the operation of data networks
• Describe the purpose and functions of various network devices
• Select the components required to meet a given network specification
• Use the OSI and TCP/IP models and their associated protocols to explain how data flows in a network
• Describe common networking applications including web applications
• Describe the purpose and basic operation of the protocols in the OSI and TCP models
• Describe the impact of applications (Voice Over IP and Video Over IP) on a network
• Interpret network diagrams
• Determine the path between two hosts across a network
• Describe the components required for network and Internet communications
• Identify and correct common network problems at layers 1, 2, 3 and 7 using a layered model approach
• Differentiate between LAN/WAN operation and features

Implement a small switched network
• Select the appropriate media, cables, ports, and connectors to connect switches to other network devices and hosts
• Explain the technology and media access control method for Ethernet technologies
• Explain network segmentation and basic traffic management concepts
• Explain the operation of Cisco switches and basic switching concepts
• Perform, save and verify initial switch configuration tasks including remote access management
• Verify network status and switch operation using basic utilities (including: ping, traceroute,telnet,SSH,arp, ipconfig), SHOW & DEBUG commands
• Implement and verify basic security for a switch (port security, deactivate ports)
• Identify, prescribe, and resolve common switched network media issues, configuration issues, autonegotiation, and switch hardware failures

Implement an IP addressing scheme and IP services to meet network requirements for a small branch office
• Describe the need and role of addressing in a network " Create and apply an addressing scheme to a network
• Assign and verify valid IP addresses to hosts, servers, and networking devices in a LAN environment
• Explain the basic uses and operation of NAT in a small network connecting to one ISP
• Describe and verify DNS operation
• Describe the operation and benefits of using private and public IP addressing
• Enable NAT for a small network with a single ISP and connection using SDM and verify operation using CLI and ping
• Configure, verify and troubleshoot DHCP and DNS operation on a router.(including: CLI/SDM)
• Implement static and dynamic addressing services for hosts in a LAN environment
• Identify and correct IP addressing issues

Implement a small routed network
• Describe basic routing concepts (including: packet forwarding, router lookup process)
• Describe the operation of Cisco routers (including: router bootup process, POST, router components)
• Select the appropriate media, cables, ports, and connectors to connect routers to other network devices and hosts
• Configure, verify, and troubleshoot RIPv2
• Access and utilize the router CLI to set basic parameters
• Connect, configure, and verify operation status of a device interface
• Verify device configuration and network connectivity using ping, traceroute, telnet, SSH or other utilities
• Perform and verify routing configuration tasks for a static or default route given specific routing requirements
• Manage IOS configuration files (including: save, edit, upgrade, restore)
• Manage Cisco IOS
• Implement password and physical security
• Verify network status and router operation using basic utilities (including: ping, traceroute,telnet,SSH,arp, ipconfig), SHOW & DEBUG commands

Explain and select the appropriate administrative tasks required for a WLAN
• Describe standards associated with wireless media (including: IEEE WI-FI Alliance, ITU/FCC)
• Identify and describe the purpose of the components in a small wireless network. (including: SSID, BSS, ESS)
• Identify the basic parameters to configure on a wireless network to ensure that devices connect to the correct access point
• Compare and contrast wireless security features and capabilities of WPA security (including: open, WEP, WPA-1/2)
• Identify common issues with implementing wireless networks

Identify security threats to a network and describe general methods to mitigate those threats
• Explain today's increasing network security threats and the need to implement a comprehensive security policy to mitigate the threats
• Explain general methods to mitigate common security threats to network devices, hosts, and applications
• Describe the functions of common security appliances and applications
• Describe security recommended practices including initial steps to secure network devices

Implement and verify WAN links
• Describe different methods for connecting to a WAN
• Configure and verify a basic WAN serial connection

This is the entry level certification, it lays the foundation for a rewarding career in networking. To be frank, passing the INCD 1 doesnt open a lot of opportunities as it is not oftenly advertised as required on most job requirements. This actually opens up your mind and get you familiar with some networking concepts and technologies. With this knowledge and excitement of setting your foot into networking you can now attempt ICND 2 which i will briefly discuss in the next blog. I hope you enjoy the information i have shared. Meet you in the next blog INTERCONNECTING CISCO NETWORKING DEVICES PART 2

Cisco Networking Certifications: Introduction

CISCO NETWORKING CERTIFICATIONS:

Who is CISCO: Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide leader in networking that transforms how people connect, communicate and collaborate.

Cisco was founded in 1984 by a group of computer scientists from Stanford University. Since the company's inception, Cisco engineers have been prominent in advancing the development of IP- the basic language to communicate over the Internet and in private networks. Cisco equipment which includes switches, routers, firewalls, Network security equipment and its popular software Internetwork operating system (IOS) is used world wide.

Husband and wife Len Bosack and Sandy Lerner, both working for Stanford University, wanted to email each other from their respective offices located in different buildings but were unable to due to technological shortcomings. A technology had to be invented to deal with disparate local area protocols; and as a result of solving their challenge - the multi-protocol router was born.

Since then Cisco has shaped the future of the Internet by creating unprecedented value and opportunity for our customers, employees, investors and ecosystem partners and has become the worldwide leader in networking - transforming how people connect, communicate and collaborate. Its products are used worldwide and cisco certifications are the benchmarks in the networking world and the people with cisco certifications are on high demand and are well paid.You can read more on Cisco history on http://newsroom.cisco.com/dlls/corporate_timeline.pdf and visit www.cisco.com for more information about Cisco.

Overview of Cisco Certifications:

For people without any networking or I.T background I recommend them to first do the N+ certification from CompTia. Cisco certification are so demanding and the score marks are very high. The exams for cisco certification includes practical configurations questions on simulated networks which requires to configure the equipment for the network to work, multiple choice questions, also has drag and drop questions and finally the multiple choice questions. Cisco certifications expires after 3 years and inorder to be recognised as a certified professional again, a person must write and pass one exam. Cisco certification are in hierarchical order. You cannot attempt the CCNP certification without the CCNA. Cisco offers various certification programs namely Cisco Certified Security Professional (CCSP), Cisco certified Network Professional Wireless(CCNP wireless), Cisco Certified Voice Professional (CCVP) and many other specialist certifications. The most popular certification from Cisco is the CCNA , CCNP and CCIE certifications.

Pundits in the industry recommends candidates to first do the CCNA and CCNP certifications which offers the solid background in routing and switching which is the core of any functioning network before moving to wireless, security and voice certifications. Visit Cisco’s learning academy for more insight and detailed information about Cisco’s certification programs. http://www.cisco.com/web/learning/index.html

IT Certification Study Options, Choosing I.T Certification Path & Scheduling Exams

IT Certification Study Options, Choosing I.T Certification Path & Scheduling Exams

No two people learn the same way. To help your meet training goals, there are several training methods available in the industry. An individual must choose what best suits him/her and his/her money. Some of the methods an individual can pursue to gain certification are as follows.
Mentored learning: This unique approach to learning unites the strengths of traditional classroom learning and modern e-learning, with a practical approach. It’s usually offered by colleges.

Classroom Learning: Reach full potential through colleges’ instructor lecture and demonstration, followed by student practice through hands-on exercises and assessments. This follows the traditional classroom way and a student / teacher relationship. It’s still the most popular and preferred way of learning. It usually takes very long time ‘n’ you move at the pace of the lecturer. It’s not always the best and the cheapest method of gaining certification. It best suits novice individual

Onsite Learning: This is usually preferred by companies or bigger institutions when training their employees. The employees won’t leave their offices. There might be very few colleges which gives individual mentorship. However, an individual can source a qualified professional to take him/her through the course with the aim of getting certified. This might be very costly to the individual. It best fits companies

Distance Learning. Some claim it’s the most cost-effective than computer training options. It best suits individuals who have a busy schedule and they can’t spare time to attend to classroom learning, onsite learning or mentored learning. Several colleges are offering it and it needs disciplined individuals who are committed to the studies. It ends up taking longer than planned due to several disturbances along the way. In that scenario it ends up very expensive.
Online: This goes well with the current trends. This option works well to individuals who are connected to internet 24/7. There is no face to face interaction with the mentor. All the interaction is done via the internet; it also includes recorded videos of lectures. Individuals access notes, exercises and tests from a server stationed at the college offering the course. A user is given a user name and password to access the study resources on the server. It sounds so modern but from my observations the colleges offering it here in South Africa they are ripping people. I payed 1 600rands to do my CCNA through online training. I was given my username and password; I got access to study resources which includes study guides, practise exams and a video recorded lecture. That was all I got and there was no communication between me and the college and mo-so I did not have anyone to ask when I was having problems. It ended costing more as I was now sourcing a mentor for a fee. If properly administered it might be the best study option available it is very flexible as you can connect and do you training 24/7 hours a day as long as there is internet connection.

Self-Study: On my previous situation with online training I found out that it was more of self-study at a more expensive rate factoring in the internet expenses. If an individual has access to the study resources, the syllabus, the practise exams then I wonder why wasting a lot of money to do the training online, paying colleges, distance learning. There are a lot of websites where people are sharing the study resources for certification. Being in IT it gives me the impression that you will be connected to the internet at some point or another and all resources can be sourced from the internet at no further cost. I found it cheaper and worth pursuing IT certification through self study though it needs lots of commitment, people who have a background in the field as well as a structured studying programme and target dates. A certification which might cost 9 000rands will end up costing an individual less than 200rands.



Taking Certification Exams

Many colleges have what they call national exams and international exams. The national exams are the ones in which that college offers you a certificate that you have attended the certification course or to say at least you have mastered the course. Without scheduling and sitting for an exam at an approved testing centre the certificate from the college won’t be recognised as a formal say Microsoft Certification though some local companies here in SA who recognises the college as genuine might recognise the certificate. International exams are the certification exams taken at the testing centre, of which the testing centre will forward your details after passing the exam to the vendor of the certification i.e. to Cisco for them to print your certificate.

There are two main testing centres for exam certification. They are Thompson Prometric (www.prometric.com) and Pearson Vue (www.vue.com). Please note that your choice of exam centre may vary depending on your certification exam.
Beginning in 2008, Microsoft Learning is partnering with Prometric for the exclusive delivery of the Microsoft professional certification and Microsoft Dynamics exams. CompTia uses prometric testing centres
Effective starting August 1, 2007, Pearson Vue has been chosen as the exclusive certification testing vendor for all Cisco exams. Starting August 1, all Cisco exams will be delivered only through Pearson VUE Authorized Test Centres.

Scheduling the Exam

Scheduling an exam is very easy and straight forward; it doesn’t need the approval or the assistance of colleges you have been training with or where you will take the test. I have noticed colleges and other testing centres prefer individuals to register for their international exams through them as they charge slightly more. I.e. a BCMSN exam which costed 1040rands to register online, they were charging something like 1400rands. I understand they shouldn’t be doing it since they get commission from the testing centres
• All what you need to know is which testing centre is used by the certification program you are pursuing. If its Microsoft or CompTia, then you must schedule the test on Thompson Prometric, if its Cisco then you schedule the test with CompTia
• Visit the website of the testing centre i.e. www.vue.com or www.prometric.com
• If you are not registered on the testing centre’s website, Register or signup to create your account. Use your correct information i.e. names & addresses, as they are the ones which will appear on your certification
• After creating the account, you can then go ahead to schedule an exam
• You must search and choose the nearest testing centre where you will take the exam. i.e. In Cape Town, if you want to write CCNA you can choose to write at Torque IT near Tyger Valley, 2ko International near Green Point or in Stellenbosch
• You schedule the appointment, thus the date and time favourable to you to write the exam depending on availability.
• You make your payment ONLINE using your credit card or a friend’s credit card.
• Another option of making the payment is using the Voucher numbers. Normally colleges buy large amounts of vouchers at discounts. You can buy the vouchers from the college and use the voucher number to prove payment
• After scheduling the exam and making payment, you then get a confirmation which you go with to the testing centre. You then sit for your exam.

With this easy way of registering for the exams, it means you can schedule the exam any time, any day and at any location of your choice.

Certifications in Networking

As said before there are thousands and thousands of certifications in IT. So when pursuing any professional certification, you should give much thought and care to your education, experience, skills, goals, and desired career path.

Once a career road map is in place, selecting a potential certification path becomes much easier. In the event that you have chosen Networking as a preferred choice, I have laid down the possible certification paths you can pursue.
Networking is a specialised field that deals with the communication between computer systems or devices.

Start off your lucrative Networking career by certifying on major networking technologies, systems, skills and tools used in today's computer networks. Then get practical experience by installing, configuring, upgrading and maintaining servers, routers, switches and learning skills that will be useful on the job. There are several vendors that offer certifications in networking namely Cisco, Jupiter, Microsoft, Linux, and Novell.

The most sought after certifications on the market today being Cisco & Microsoft certifications. Cisco mainly deals with networking equipment and its internetwork operating system (IOS) on routers, switches, firewalls, whilst Microsoft certifications mainly deals with administering the LAN using Microsoft Windows Server 2003, 2005, 2008.
For those Networking professionals looking to get a certification to accelerate their career and be masters in networking, the Cisco CCIE is the answer. This Networking certification identifies internetworking professionals with the highest level of expertise, and distinguishes those capable of tackling the most challenging assignments in their field.

Possible road map to become a Network Professional

CompTia: http://www.comptia.org/certifications/listed.aspx

Click the above link to learn and get syllabus for the various CompTia certifications like A+,N+, Security + etc.CompTia certifications are vendor-independent and are recognised by most of the vendors. It makes a novice person in IT to appreciate, learn and know the I.T environment. The vendor-neutral CompTia certifications prove competencies in areas such as installations, preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, security and configuring.

The CompTIA A+

A+: The CompTIA A+ certification is the industry standard for computer support technicians. The international, vendor-neutral certification proves competence in areas such as installation, preventative maintenance, networking, security and troubleshooting. CompTIA A+ certified technicians also have excellent customer service and communication skills to work with clients.
Required exams: CompTIA A+ Essentials, CompTIA A+ Practical Application
Number of questions: 100 for each exam
Length of test: 90 minutes each
passing score: 675 for CompTIA A+ Essentials, 700 for CompTIA A+ Practical A application on a scale of 100-900
Exam codes:
220-701 for CompTIA A+ Essentials
220-702 for CompTIA A+ Practical Application

CompTIA Network+

N+: CompTIA Network+ covers all the network fundamentals you need to get started with your exciting new networking career! It is an international, vendor-neutral certification that proves a technician’s competency in managing, maintaining, troubleshooting, installing and configuring basic network infrastructure.

Since its introduction in 1999, more than 235,000 people have become CompTIA Network+ certified. Microsoft includes CompTIA Network+ in their Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) program, and other corporations such as Novell, Cisco and HP also recognize CompTIA Network+ as part of their certification tracks.

Number of questions: 100
Length of test: 90 minutes
Passing score: 720 on a scale of 100-900
Recommended experience: CompTIA A+ certification and nine months networking experience
Exam codes: N10-004 and JK0-016
Exam codes: N10-003 and JK0-012,

CompTIA Server+

Server + : CompTIA Server+ certifies the technical knowledge and skills required to build, maintain, troubleshoot and support server hardware and software technologies
Number of questions: 100
Length of test: 90 minutes
Passing score: 750 on a scale of 100-900
Recommended experience: CompTIA A+ certification
Exam codes:
SK0-003

CompTia Linux +:

Linux +: Exams cover system architecture; Linux installation and package management; GNU and Unix commands; devices, Linux filesystems, and the Filesystem Hierarchy Standard. Professionals who pass the CompTIA Linux+ exam can work at the Linux command line, perform maintenance tasks, assist users, and install and configure workstations.
Required exams: Two, LX0-101 and LX0-102
Number of questions: 60 on each exam
Length of test: 90 minutes
Passing score: 500 on a scale of 200-800
Recommended prerequisites: CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+ and at least 12 months of Linux administration experience

The nxt topic of Discussion will be Cisco Certification Programs & Microsoft Certifications
Compiled by
Onias S Dhedheya

IT Certifications.

What is I.T Certification

Certification refers to the confirmation of certain characteristics of an object, person, or organization. This confirmation is often, but not always, provided by some form of external review, education, or assessment. One of the most common types of certification in modern society is professional certifications where a person is certified as being able to competently complete a job or task, usually by the passing of an examination.

Professional IT certifications are non-degree awards made to those who have achieved qualifications specified by a certifying authority. Depending on the particular certification, qualifications may include completing a course of study, proof of professional accomplishments, achieving a specified grade on an examination or some combination thereof. The intention is to establish that an individual holding a certification is technically qualified to hold certain types of position within the field.

Certifications, generally, need to be renewed periodically, or may be valid for a specific period of time (e.g. the life-time of the product upon which the individual is certified). As a part of a complete renewal of an individual's certification, it is common for the individual to show evidence of continual learning — often termed continuing education — or earning continuing education units (CEU).i.e Cisco certifications are valid for 3 years

Certifcation Duration

There are two general types of professional certification: some are valid for lifetime, once the exam is passed. Others have to be recertified again after a certain period of time. Also, certifications can differ within a profession by the level or specific area of expertise they refer to. For example, in IT Industry there are different certifications available for networking, software testers, developer, hardware. Certifications can further be categorized as vendor-specific programs and vendor-independent programs.

Vendor-specific Vs Vendor independent Certification:

Vendor-specific certifications are provided by a specific vendor for example i.e. Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE 2003), the Microsoft Certified IT Professional MCITP which is available in a number of area of expertise database developer, database administrator.These vendor-specific certification programs are oriented toward specific technologies, and are managed by the vendors of these technologies. These certification programs are tailored to the institutions that would employ professionals who use these technologies. Microsoft provides a wide range of popular certifications. All major vendors in IT which includes Adobe, Oracle, Cisco, HP, Jupiter, Sybase, have their own academy which certifies candidates.Vendor-oriented certification tends to focus on how to implement that vendor's technology, rather than providing any sort of context around the technology. Since some vendors are leading in their field and their products are widely used around the whole world in various companies from small, medium and large enterprises their certification is usually a catch to experienced professionals and to enthusiastic IT students who are still building their careers since it increases chances of employment. This resulted in these certifications becoming so popular and famous making other certifications look worthless.This kind of certification serves plenty of useful functions. For the vendor, it's a way of ensuring that customer implementations are done correctly and reasonably consistently. A small investment in time and money for certification can pay large dividends for both the vendor and the customer in a correct and standard implementation.

Vendor-independent certification programs are mainly targeted at the standards or different technologies but its not oriented towards a specific technology used by a certain vendor. Usually these certifications are managed by a professional board or an institute i.e The Linux professional Institute. Vendor-specific certification programs provides a qualification that shows an individual is competent to a certain level. CompTIA is another example of a body which provides certifications which are vendor-independent. i.e their CompTIA PDI+ certify individuals installing, servicing and maintaining printers. It also includes an element of customer services, according to the Computing Technology Industry Association. Usually the vendor –independent certification is supported by the major vendors in the case of the CompTIA PDI+ its supported by major vendors in printers, including Hewlett-Packard, Xerox, Canon, Brother International, Lexmark, Ricoh Americas and Konica Minolta.

Technology professionals generate much debate over just that question. Many claim vendor-specific programs best measure a candidate’s skills, while others propose vendor-independent exams are the only worthy way of measuring real-world expertise. Still other observers believe the highest-level accreditations — Microsoft’s MCSE or new Architect Series certification, Cisco’s CCIE, etc. — are the only credentials that truly hold value.

Myself, I don’t fully subscribe to any of those mindsets. The best IT certification for you, after all, is likely to be different from that for another technology professional with different education, skills, and goals working at a different company in a different industry. For that reason, when pursuing any professional accreditation, you should give much thought and care to your education, experience, skills, goals, and desired career path.
Once a career road map is in place, selecting a potential certification path becomes much easier.

CERTIFICATION VS DEGREES, DIPLOMAS, CERTIFICATES

From an industry point of view, vendor certification provides a measurable amount of accomplishment and ability that college degree programs in engineering, computer science, Information Technology no longer convey. In many cases, companies take new college graduates and spend months or even years training them in the practical aspects of ICT. Companies may also have to update the skills of new graduates. This is because a number of ICT fields move so quickly that university and college curricula rapidly get out of date.

In the realm of I.T, vendor certification could benefit a new graduate, or even someone without formal ICT education. It can help either one to gain a toehold in an industry that badly needs more capable and proven people. With no degree and no documented skills, it's difficult for entry-level people to show what they're capable of. In these situations, a vendor-specific certification can open doors that might otherwise stay closed. For companies they are tempted to recruit a person with proven expertise in the technologies they use i.e a company which uses Microsoft products tend to prefer to candidates with Microsoft certification to a candidate with a degree which in most cases is more broad.

Disadvantages of Certification

One big con with certifications is that you have to continually recertify in-order to get the recognition since the certification expires after a certain period of time of which it depends with different vendors. This is unlike degrees which are valid until cows have horns. Those trained only in a vendor-specific technology may be less capable of evaluating alternative approaches to a problem. An engineer with Cisco-specific implementation training would understandably be reluctant to recommend a competitor's switching model. This holds true even when there are clear technical merits in the alternative. A balance between professional or tertiary qualification and professional certification will make candidates more marketable in the job market

BENEFITS OF CERTIFICATION

Some of the benefits are specific to certain certifications.
• Higher Salary
• Proof that you are serious
• Money Saver
• Money Maker
• Benefits to your employer

Satisfaction
Knowing that you have the knowledge required to pass the IT certification exam can be a great moral booster. You can be assured that new employers will take you seriously and your current employer will take notice.

More Career Options
The possibilities for advancement are almost endless once you begin your career in the IT industry with the Certification.

Higher Salary
On average, certified professionals make 5-15% than their non certified peers.
Proof that you are serious
While not all employers require certification, having the vendor’s logo on your resume says more than enough about how motivated you are as a professional

Get Proven...

• Increase your confidence and build credibility
• Move from individual contributor to strategic technology advisor in your organization
• Boost your productivity (and your free time in the process)
• Differentiate yourself in a market clamoring for skilled professionals
• Take advantage of exclusive benefits aimed to make your job easier

Knowledge Sharing
Knowledge Sharing is a platform for certified professionals to share expertise, unique deployments, best practices or any relevant topic of interest. Written only by Proven Professionals, anyone can learn from these Knowledge Sharing articles and webcasts. If you are not a Proven Professional then take the next step, get certified! You, too, can publish your work, receive industry recognition, become eligible for a free pass to IT World and cash.

Get Logos
After getting certified the vendors would have confidence in you, your customers have trust in you, the organisation will have belief in you. As a certified professional you are formally allowed to use the Logo of the vendor. Since the certifications are universally recognised, you will get the respect you deserve in your area of expertise.
To the customer IT certifications boast numerous benefits. They bolster resumes, encourage higher salaries, and assist in job retention. But which IT certifications are best?

Check you in the next issue

Compiled by
Onias Simba Dhedheya

Sources. Wikipedia,techrepublic.com,