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"Representing more
than 8,000 computing and communications companies, CompTIA helps its members
stay competitive and profitable by providing vendor-neutral standards
in certification, e-commerce, customer service and workforce development
to meet these industry-wide challenges."
-Comptia.com
CompTIA has set a standard for vendor-neutral
certifications in the current IT marketplace. A CompTIA cert will demonstrate
your ability to learn and work in a multi-vendor environment. The certifications
are respected and require a reasonable investment of time and money.
A+
Possibly the most popular entry-level certification, the A+ is for people
with some experience (6 months or less) in computer service. Once completed,
this is a widely accepted certification that demonstrates knowlege of
a broad range of software and hardware technologies.
*Approximate
Costs:
Self Study CD from SelfTestSoftware:
$139
2 Exam Vouchers: $139 each (non-member), $89 each (corporate member)
Total Approximate
Cost: $317 - 417
CDIA+
The CDIA+ is
for document imaging professionals and will give you the knowledge to
plan, design and specify an imaging system.
*Approximate
Costs:
Self Study CD from MeasureUp:
$76
1 Exam Voucher: $199 (non-member), $149 (corporate member)
Total Approximate Cost: $165 - 215
CTT+
The
Certified Technical Trainer is a cross-industry certification designed
to demonstrate a high level of excellence in the field of technology training.
This is an advanced certification available to all training professionals
and requires two exams (one computer-based and one video performance-based).
*Approximate
Costs:
90 Day Subscription from ASU
Online : $69.95
2 Exam Voucherc: $199 each (non-member), $149 each (corporate member)
Total Approximate Cost: $367.95 - 467.95
eBiz+
Designed
for professionals who want to show expertise in the key issues and technologies
driving e-business solutions.
This cert is entry-level and designed for technical and non-technical
users.
*Approximate
Costs:
Self Study
CD from MeasureUp:
$76
1 Exam Voucher: $199 (non-member), $149 (corporate member)
Total Approximate Cost: $165 - 215
I-Net+
This
is an entry-level certification for those who need to demonstrate fundamental
knowledge of internet, intranet, and extranet technologies. According
to CompTIA, the I-Net+ exam covers the following topics: Internet basics
and clients (30%), development (20%), networking (20%), Internet security
(20%), and business concepts (10%).
*Approximate
Costs:
Self
Study CD from SelfTestSoftware:
$89
1 Exam Voucher: $199 (non-member), $149 (corporate member)
Total Approximate Cost: $238 - 288
IT
Project+
*Approximate
Costs:
Self
Study CD from MeasureUp:
$76
1 Exam Voucher: $199 (non-member), $149 (corporate member)
Total Approximate Cost: $165 - 215
Linux+
If you are looking for a way to demonstrate your fundamental knowlege
of Linux, and you have 6 months of experience with the Linux operating
system, then the Linux+ is for you. This entry-level cert is a great starting
place for those looking to move on to higher-level Linux certs.
*Approximate
Costs:
Self
Study CD from SelfTestSoftware:
$89
1 Exam Voucher:
$199 (non-member), $149 (corporate member)
Total Approximate Cost: $238 - 288
Network+
With 2002 came a new set of updated objectives for the Network+ exam.
Network+ focuses on the technical knowledge needed for support and administration
of networking systems. This is still an entry-level certification but
is designed for those with at least nine months of practical networking
experience.
*Approximate
Costs:
Self
Study CD from SelfTestSoftware:
$99
1 Exam Voucher:
$199 (non-member), $149 (corporate member)
Total Approximate Cost: $248 - 298
Security+
Targeted
to appear in the fourth quarter of 2002, the Security+ exam is still in
beta. If you are interested in becoming a subject matter expert (SME)
for this exam, visit CompTIA's
site.
Server+
An
intermediate certification, Server+ deals primarily with Industry Standard
Server Architecture (ISSA) issues and is designed for those with 18-24
months of experience.
Before
acquiring the Server+, it is recommended that you hold another certification
(A+, Microsoft, CNA, or similar). When complete, you will have the knowledge
to install, configure, and maintain servers in multiple environments.
*Approximate
Costs:
Self
Study CD from SelfTestSoftware:
$89
1 Exam Voucher:
$199 (non-member), $149 (corporate member)
Total Approximate Cost: $238 - 288
*The approximate
costs are just that: approximate. There are a wide variety of training
options available both online and from training centers. The cost
of each certification will vary greatly based on your level of experience
and the resources you choose. I used the training options on this page
as examples because they are recommended by the CompTIA
site and post pricing online.
Join
the Discussion on the Certification Forum
If
you have any questions, comments or ideas for this site, be sure to send
me an email.
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