Certification FAQ

1. Are there any basic educational qualifications required for appearing for any IT certification exam?

No. IT certifications, including MCSE, MCSA, A+, Network+, CCNA, CCNP, and others do not require any basic college degree. However, one need to choose appropriate certification track depending on one's requirement and background. But note that the vendor may impose certain condition for taking a given certification exam. For example, if   you want to pursue Cisco CCNP certification, you need to have already completed CCNA.

2. Do we need an instructor or classroom training to prepare for any certification?

Thank depends on your background, and availability of time, and preferences. In general, most of the people self-learn with the help of books, and other available resources. Check if you need access to labs, course material, and other on-line references. If the answer is 'yes', it is recommended that you prepare yourself. This would save lot of money that could be better spent in furthering your certification goals.

3. Are the certifications are permanent in nature? In other words, do they have permanent validity?

Yes and No. That depends on the certification vendor. For example, CompTIA certifications have indefinite validity. Though CompTIA recommends that you re-certify when revised syllabus is made available, it is not mandatory to retain the certification title. On the other hand, Cisco requires that you re-certify within 3 years. Otherwise, the certification becomes invalid. It is also possible to renew the certification by attaining next level of certification.

4. Where do we take the certification exam? and how an exam is conducted?

Normally, the exams are computer based. VUE (vue.com) and Prommetric (2test.com) conduct most of these exams.  However, be informed that not all exams are computer based. Some like CCIE have lab exam. Check with the appropriate vendor web site for mode of exam and exam centers.

5. What would be the exam fee?

Normally, exam fee ranges from US$ 89 to US$200. If a certification have 'n' number of exams, you will have to spend nX100 dollars, assuming that one exam costs 100 dollars. Also, note that there wouldn't any refund of fee if you fail an exam. You need to pay again to take the failed exam.

6. Is it available in Japanese language?

Many certification vendors made available different language versions of their exams. Check with the vendor website for information.

7. Is there any restriction on the maximum number of certifications that I can hold?

No. There is no restriction. However, it is limited by the need, and the ability to grasp the material.

8. Which are the most popular certifications available today?

The following are among the most popular certifications available:

  • Microsoft® MCSE, MCSA (website: microsoft.com)
  • CompTIA® A+, Network+ (website: comptia.org)
  • Cisco® CCNA (website: cisco.com)
  • Novell® CNA, CNE (website: novell.com)
  • CheckPoint® CCSA, CCSE (website: checkpoint.com)
  • Hewlett Packard® (website: hp.com)
  • Compaq® (website: compaq.com)
  • IBM® (website: ibm.com)
  • Brain Bench® (website: brainbench.com)
  • Citrix® (website: citrix.com)
  • Lotus® (website: lotus.com)

9. Will a certification ensure a job?

It depends on one's background, experience, and market requirement. If you have appropriate background, and experience, attaining a certification in relevant field will surely improve the chances of getting a job. It also depends the level of certification. For example, if you have an entry level certification, it may not add enough weight to your resume to get a job. It is important to improve upon the initial certification, and be able to keep up with the current technologies. After all, don't forget that hands on experience and product knowledge are most important.

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