One of the most important investments you can make in life is that of your Education. Education is an incredibly powerful asset because it can lead to impressive outcomes–success, opportunity, understanding, and even happiness. When you invest in your education, you are ensuring that you have control of your life.

You must invest in yourself. Any certified IT Professional will tell you how grateful they are to have spent the time and energy to create a future for themselves. They are working in an ever expanding industry doing what they love and making a nice living doing it. Yes, they spent hours studying, learning and perhaps struggling—but now they aren’t. They are settled, knowledgeable, employed and certified.

Sometimes, making an investment can be hard. It’s easy to be short sited and only see what we are losing, rather than what we are gaining. What must be remembered is that long term gains are far greater than the short term losses involved with making the proper investments in our future. Do you think Warren Buffett regrets spending $25 to buy a Pinball machine to place in barbershops at the age of 15, only to own several more machines months later? Absolutely not. This investment preceded a long, successful career which placed him in the running as the wealthiest person in the world.

Chances are you have some things in mind already. Ideas you have been toying with. Perhaps you want to start a business or invent something. Maybe you want to build up your certifications to increase your job options. Regardless of what your investment is, don’t be afraid to make it. Get out there and give it all you got, because that is the only way to make big things happen. You have to just go out and do it. Then one day, when you reflect on your life journey, you will remember the sacrifices you made to achieve your goals and become what you always wanted to be.

What goals in life do you need to invest in? Let us know by leaving a comment!

-newsroom.cisco.com

Find out how to earn a Cisco certification and other Cisco training by calling a PrepLogic account representative at 1-800-418-6789.

“Tom Silver, Dice’s senior vice president of North America, says the biggest demand for hires was for Java programmers, Oracle database experts and network security specialists. An advanced Java programmer in Silicon Valley can garner as much as $107,000 in the region versus $91,000 in other parts of the nation, he says.”

-“Local Technology Salaries Lead the Nation“. The Wall Street Journal. 3 February 2011.

Recruiters report quality engineers are in high demand, with even novice engineers commanding $120,000 to $150,000 a year. Project managers are no stranger to these kinds of high-paying salaries. Ali Behnam, founder of Riviera Partners, a recruiting firm for start-ups, says a good project manager can earn a salary of $150,000 a year.

Not such great news for young start-up companies who can’t afford to match these kinds of salaries quite like Facebook Inc. or Zynga Inc. But, fantastic news for all of the hard-working techies! As competition among firms for good employees increases, so too will the price of a “competitive” salary.

If you are one of the many techies who earned a “lifetime” CompTIA certification prior to January 1, 2011, you have not been bamboozled. The new renewal policy does not affect those individuals who were certified prior to 2011. All individuals certified on or before December 31, 2010 will retain their “certified for life” status. So what’s the catch? There is no catch…per say. But there is a difference between a person’s certificate who certified before 2011 and a person who certifies now, in 2011.

Anyone certified before 2011 will have no valid through date on their certificate or certificate holder CompTIA ID card. Anyone certified on or after January 1, 2011 will receive a certificate and certificate holder CompTIA ID card with an expiration date, along with a “ce” notation.  The ce notation denotes the new CompTIA Continuing Education (CE) Program associated with the renewal program and signifies that the certification will expire three years from the date certified.

If you are planning on getting CompTIA A+, Network+ or Security+ certified, there is an alternative to taking a new exam every three years. The certification renewal policy includes the continuing education component that allows certified individuals to renew their certifications by earning continuing education units, opposed to retaking the most current version of the CompTIA A+, Network+ or Security+ every three years.  CompTIA.org reports, “The CompTIA Continuing Education (CE) Program has been designed to allow individuals a cost-effective method for keeping certifications current through the completion of variety of activities that demonstrate relevant industry knowledge.” (Look for more on CompTIA’s Continuing Education Program in a future blog).

What’s the reason for this policy change? Why are CompTIA certifications no longer “good for life?”  CompTIA’s Continuing Education Program and Certification Renewal Policy cites:

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO), an international body which standardizes the procedures used by personnel certification bodies, requires that individuals have a way to renew the currency of their certification on a regular basis. In CompTIA’s case, that renewal will occur every three years.

This change in policy is in line with the practice of other major providers of certifications for IT professionals. In today’s IT environment it’s important for IT professionals to demonstrate that their knowledge and skills are current. CompTIA’s new renewal program is a way to assist those individuals who would like to take advantage of it. Our certification renewal program includes a continuing education component that gives eligible certification holders a range of ways to keep their CompTIA certifications current without necessarily having to take a new exam.

As we all know, technology is ever-evolving and constantly changing. And in order for your certifications to stay relevant in this fast-paced technological world, those certs must reflect that your IT skills have evolved along with technology. And with CompTIA’s A+, Network+ and Security+ continually being updated with new content developed in conjunction  with the latest must-know subject matter, having to renew your certifications will demonstrate to employers that your IT knowledge is up-to-date and pertinent.

• (70-431) TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2005, Implementation and Maintenance
• (70-441) PRO: Designing Database Solutions by Using Microsoft SQL Server 2005
• (70-442) PRO: Designing and Optimizing Data Access by Using Microsoft SQL Server 2005
• (70-443) PRO: Designing a Database Server Infrastructure by Using Microsoft SQL Server 2005
• (70-444) PRO: Optimizing and Maintaining a Database Administration Solution by Using Microsoft SQL Server 2005
• (70-526) TS: Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 – Windows-Based Client Development
• (70-528) TS: Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 – Web-Based Client Development

It’s important to note that if you have already earned these certifications, that credential will never retire. Retirement for these exams just means that new people will no longer be able to get certified in these skill. A full list of exams being retired can be found at the Microsoft Born to Learn blog.  If you have any questions about Microsoft exams or certifications, please give our career counselors a call at 1-800-418-6789.

PrepLogic’s newly released Photoshop CS5 LearnSmart Video Training is a great course for graphic designers of all skill levels. Photoshop is a fun-to-use graphic design tool, with a host of features, including the use of masks, color spaces, transparency, manipulation of alpha channels and clipping paths and the ability to layer changes to images. The new CS5 version of Photoshop includes many new features, including the Puppet Warp tool that allows you to take elements of your design and manipulate them just like a puppet on a string. Many people use Photoshop as a hobby, but mastering this program can also lead to an exciting career in Graphic Design.

Adobe offers a full selection of certifications that can help you validate your skills as an Adobe expert. By combining Adobe certifications with an impressive portfolio of work, you can help set yourself apart from the crowded field of graphic designers in today’s workforce. In this video, Photoshop CS5 instructor gives you an overview and explanation the Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) and the Adobe Certified Associate (ACA) Certifications.

Be sure to check out Adobe’s website for a complete exam listing and  more information about the Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) certification, as well as the Adobe Certified Associate (ACA) in Visual Communication (Photoshop), Web Communication (Dreamweaver) and Rich Media Communication (Flash). To find out how you can get access to all of our Adobe CS5 courses, give our career counselors a call at 1-800-418-6789.

As a web-based IT training company, PrepLogic provides high level skills training and IT certification exam preparation to people all over the world. They offer computer-based and interactive training for such IT skills as system administration, networking, security, voice technologies and project management. Individuals and companies can choose from a wide array of well-respected IT certification vendors, including Cisco training, MCITP training and CompTIA training. PrepLogic has helped thousands of people earn IT certifications in their twelve year history.

PrepLogic’s $5,000 contribution will fund five “Big” and “Little” matches. “We are really excited and proud to take part in such a great organization,” said PrepLogic’s President Jay Gandee. “Big Brothers Big Sisters has really made a difference in the lives of children here in Tampa Bay. We are thrilled to be a part of that and help out however we can.”

“The lingering impact of the recession has affected children living with families at or below the poverty level the most,” said Stephen Koch, Big Brothers Big Sisters President and CEO.  “PrepLogic’s investment in services for kids who need it the most is an inspiring example of corporate philanthropy at its best.  We know from our documented outcomes that providing these children with a properly screened and trained volunteer will change their perspectives on life and consequently, change their lives forever.  We applaud PrepLogic for their generosity and focus on the future……our children.”

To find out more about the 2nd Annual Golf Fore Kids’ Sake Scramble, call 813-769-3600 or visit the Big Brothers Big Sisters website.

For more information about PrepLogic, call PrepLogic at 1-800-418-6789 or visit http://www.preplogic.com/.

Changes to CCNA Voice
The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Voice certification validates associate-level knowledge and skills required to administer a voice network.  The CCNA Voice certification demonstrates skills in VoIP technologies, such as IP PBX, IP telephony, handset, call control, and voicemail solutions.

The new CCNA Voice certification exam is called the “Introducing Cisco Voice and Unified Communications Administration (ICOMM v8.0) 640-461 exam.   This exam tests a candidate’s knowledge of the architecture, components, functionality, and features of Cisco Unified Communications solutions.  The ICOMM (640-461) exam replaces the IIUC (640-460) and CVOICE (642-436) exam.

The last day to test for the CCNA Voice certification using the IIUC (640-460) or CVOICE (642-436) exam is February 28, 2011.

Changes to CCVP, Now Called CCNP Voice
The Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Voice certification, previously called the CCVP, validates advanced knowledge and skills required to integrate collaboration and voice applications into underlying network architectures.  The CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional) Voice is the next level up after the CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) Voice certification, which is a prerequisite to CCNP Voice.  The CCNP Voice certification demonstrates that an IT professional has a strong and sophisticated skills set in implementing, operating, configuring, and troubleshooting a converged IP network.  The CCNP Voice curriculum  focuses on Cisco Unified Communications Manager (formerly Unified Call Manager), quality of service (QoS), gateways, gatekeepers, IP phones, voice applications, and utilities on Cisco routers and Cisco Catalyst switches. Additionally, the integration and troubleshooting of Cisco Unified Communications applications are now covered in the CCNP Voice, specifically the Cisco Unity Connection and Cisco Unified Presence applications.

Beginning March 1st, 2011 the following new CCNP Voice exams must be passed in order to earn the CCNP Voice certification:

• 642-437: Implementing Cisco Unified Communications Voice over IP and QoS v8.0 (CVOICE v8.0)
• 642-447: Implementing Cisco Unified Communications Manager, Part 1 v8.0 (CIPT1 v8.0)
• 642-457: Implementing Cisco Unified Communications Manager, Part 2 v8.0 (CIPT2 v8.0)
• 642-427: Troubleshooting Cisco Unified Communications v8.0  (TVOICE v8.0)
• 642-467: Integrating Cisco Unified Communications Applications v8.0 (CAPPS v8.0)

The last day to test using current CCVP exams is  February 28, 2011.  The CCVP exams consist of:

• 642-436: Cisco Voice over IP (CVOICE v6.0)
• 642-446: Implementing Cisco Unified Communications Manager, Part 1 (CIPT1 v6.0)
• 642-456: Implementing Cisco Unified Communications Manager, Part 2  (CIPT2 v6.0)
• 642-426: Troubleshooting Cisco Unified Communications Systems (TUC)
• 642-642: Quality of Service (QoS)

From now until February 28, 2011 candidates who take and pass the older exams (versions 6.0) will still receive the title of CCNP Voice.  CCVP candidates can mix and match CCVP exams with CCNP Voice exams.  For example, a candidate can take the old TUC and QoS exams and fulfill the other three exam requirements (CVOICE, CIPT1, CIPT2) with the new 8.0 versions.   However, beginning March 1, 2011 Voice candidates must pass the new exams (versions 8.0) to become a CCNP Voice.

PrepLogic offers a variety of Cisco certification training, including LearnSmart Video CCNA training and LearnSmart Video CCNA Voice training.

Learn more about Cisco Voice Certification changes.

To begin, let’s talk a little bit about the actual Windows 7 operating system.  Windows 7 can be considered the launching pad for many newer technologies.  One of these being the focus on 64-bit computing.  While still able to support 32-bit computing, Windows 7 can also be deployed as a 64-bit operating system.  Windows 7 is equipped with a number of new features that make it the most attractive and fitting operating system for today’s modern environments.   A couple of these new features include the ability to encrypt portable drivers, the ability for users to automatically reconnect if their VPN connection is lost and users can connect to a corporate network from multiple locations without initiating a VPN, but still maintaining a high level of security.

In PrepLogic’s Windows 7 Configuration LearnSmart Video Training course, Windows technology expert Tom Carpenter explains, step-by-step, how to implement, configure and maintain Windows 7.  Whether you want to deploy Windows 7 on a couple computers or an entire enterprise, Tom has got you covered with 14 hours of video instruction.  The Windows 7 video training is enhanced with all of PrepLogic’s new LearnSmart features.  These new features include integrated audio and PDF study guides, which can be sent to e-readers, an expanded video index, IT glossary and a “Personal Trainer” tool that helps you set a training completion date goal and keeps track of your progress through out the course.  The new Content Reader delivers “wiki-style” study guide content related to the video segments, so while you are watching a video on “Managing Network Configurations” the Content Reader displays information about “Managing Network Configurations”.  This information in the Content Reader can then be sent to your iPad, Kindle or Nook.

The Windows 7 Configuration course is designed to teach you the fundamental knowledge base you need to implement, configure and maintain Windows 7 in your work environment as well as prepare you for the TS: Windows 7, Configuring (70-680) exam. Passing this exam earns you the MCTS Windows 7, Configuration certification.  This is a widely popular exam because passing the 70-680 counts as credit toward three MCITP certifications, the MCITP Enterprise Admin, MCITP Enterprise Desktop Admin 7 and the MCITP Enterprise Desktop Support Technician 7.  MCITP candidates are IT professionals capable of deploying, building, designing, optimizing, and operating technologies for a particular job role, in this case job roles that deal with the Windows 7 operating system.

Windows 7 Configuration LearnSmart Video Training offers comprehensive, online CBT that is an affordable alternative to expensive, inconvenient classroom courses and dull, tedious textbooks.  Any IT professional who works with Microsoft technologies needs to be up-to-date and proficient with the latest operating system. PrepLogic’s Windows 7 Configuration training ensures that you have the knowledge and high level skills to properly install, configure and manage Microsoft’s latest operating system so that you can efficiently mange your business’s network environment.