January 18th, 2011

Microsoft Certifications in 2010: A Look at the Numbers

Microsoft was busy this past year creating, updating and publishing hundreds of new certification exams.  Here is a quick look at the numbers:

English Exams Published:

  • 4 Microsoft Office exams:
    • MOS: Microsoft Office Word 2010 (77-881)
    • MOS: Microsoft Office Excel 2010 (77-882)
    • MOS: Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2010 (77-883)
    • MOS: Microsoft Office Outlook 2010 (77-884)
  • 7 Microsoft Technical Associate exams:
    • Software Development Fundamentals (98-361)
    • Windows Development Fundamentals (98-362)
    • Web Development Fundamentals (98-363)
    • Database Administration Fundamentals (98-364)
    • Networking Fundamentals (98-366)
    • Security Fundamentals (98-367)
    • Windows Server Administration Fundamentals (98-365)
  • 14 Microsoft Technical Specialist exams – Including:
    • MCTS: SharePoint 2010, Configuration (70-667)
    • MCTS: SharePoint 2010, Application Development (70-573)
    • MCTS: Project Server 2010, Configuration (70-177)
    • MCTS: Bing Maps Platform, Application Development (70-554)
  • 6 Microsoft PRO exams
  • 3 Upgrade exams
  • 8 Microsoft Certified Masters exams
  • 8 Microsoft Dynamics exams
  • 21 beta exams (includes TS, PRO, and MOS betas)

Microsoft’s Born to Learn Blog reports the most popular certifications in 2010 were:

A total of 67 exams were published in English in 2010. And a total of 278 exams were published in 2010 in a variety of languages, including Chinese, Japanese and Portuguese. PrepLogic offers high-quality training for over 80 Microsoft certifications, including LearnSmart Video Training, Mega Guides, Practice Exams and Audiobooks. If you have any questions about earning an MCITP certification or any Microsoft exam or certification,our career counselors would be more than happy to help! Give us a call at 1-800-418-6789.

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December 9th, 2010

Exam Retirements; SQL Server 2005, Visual Studio 2005, more

Microsoft recently announced that a number of certification exams are being retired. With mainstream product support ending for SQL Server 2005, Visual Studio 2005 and BizTalk Server 2006, the certifications for those products will no longer be offered. Here’s a few of the certification exams that will no longer be offered after June 2011.

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
  • (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.

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December 8th, 2010

Can You Say Adobe Certification?

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 Certifications (ACA).
Be sure to check out Adobe’s website for 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.

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.

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November 4th, 2010

International Project Management Day

For all of you project managers and aspiring project managers, it’s a day of celebration! Today, November 4, 2010 is International Project Management day. International Project Management day was established in order to praise and give recognition to all of the dedicated and hard working project managers out there. Project management and project planning skills are highly marketable and always in demand by hiring companies.

In honor of this day, CompTIA is giving a %15 discount on the CompTIA Project+ exam.  For those of you who are planning on earning a CompTIA Project+, there is no better time than today to sign up! For more information, please visit the CompTIA website.

PrepLogic offers CompTIA Project + training and PMP training.

So here’s to you project managers!  We appreciate all that you do!

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November 4th, 2010

Press Release: PrepLogic Gives Back to Community with Donation to Big Brothers Big Sisters

PrepLogic, an IT certification and skills training company with headquarters in Tampa, is one of the title sponsors of the 2nd Annual Golf Fore Kids’ Sake Scramble benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay, Inc.  PrepLogic is making a $5,000 contribution to the Big Brothers Big Sisters fundraiser, which takes place on November 15th at Eaglebrooke Golf & Country Club in Lakeland. The donation from PrepLogic will go towards the Big Brothers Big Sisters children’s mentoring program. This donation is part of PrepLogic’s continuing initiative to support local charitable projects that help out children in need.

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/.

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October 26th, 2010

A Reality Show for the IT Pro

Exciting opportunity! Microsoft is creating a new online reality show called “Career Factor” (a clever play on words of the popular TV reality show “Fear Factor”). The basis of the show is centered on cast members documenting their five month journey to improving their technology careers with the help of Microsoft resources and training. The cast members will document their journey using web videos and social media outlets.

Microsoft seeks “outgoing, social media savvy individuals” looking to better or advance their IT careers.  Each cast member will have their own story arc, in which he/she will set a specific career goal and work with the Microsoft team to achieve that goal. Microsoft seeks to cast the people for the following story arcs:

A few of the benefits a Career Factor cast member will receive include:

  • Free training materials to support your goal on Career Factor. This includes training courses, books, and certification exams that would be helpful in meeting your goal.
  • Free admittance to all Microsoft Certified Career Conferences (a series of online career fairs)
  • Personal attention through mentors and the Microsoft community
  • Filming equipment (Microsoft Webcam & Handheld camera) for you to keep

The casting application is due November 13, 2010. The application process includes a written application for each story arc a person is applying for and a short video (1-2 minutes) introducing yourself and telling the Career Factor team why you are the ideal candidate. Every story arc has a few requirements that must be met in order to be eligible for the role.

This a great, fun opportunity for anyone interested in a career in technology and a once in a lifetime chance to gain significant publicity throughout the tech world.

To apply for Career Factor or learn more about this cool, new reality show go to Microsoft’s Born To Learn blog.

PrepLogic offers a variety of Microsoft certifications and MCITP training.

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October 25th, 2010

What’s Different about the New CCNA Voice Certification?

If you are working toward a Cisco Certification in the Voice technologies track, you need to be aware of some major changes. On Thursday we posted a blog article about these changes. Here is a quick overview:

  • The CCNA Voice certification has been updated with new content and a new exam titled ICOMM v8.0 640-461.
  • The CCVP certification has been re-branded as the CCNP Voice and all five exams have also been updated.

Today we are going to focus on the new CCNA Voice exam, whose full title is, “Introducing Cisco Voice and Unified Communications Administration (ICOMM v8.0) 640-461 exam”.

The old CCNA Voice certification had two exam options. A candidate could either take the IIUC 640-460 exam or the CVOICE 642-436 exam. A candidate only needed to pass one of these exams to earn a CCNA Voice certification.   Now, a candidate has another option, the new ICOMM v8.0 640-461 exam. Eventually, the ICOMM v8.0 640-461 will be the ONLY exam a person can take to earn the CCNA Voice. Beginning March 1, 2011 the IUC 640-460 and CVOICE 642-436 will no longer be offered. But until that date, CCNA Voice candidates can take any one of these three exams to earn their CCNA Voice.

The new CCNA Voice exam title now has the word “Administration” in it.  This is, of course, to represent the new exam’s focus on administrative topics. These topics include:

  • Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CUCM)
  • CUCM Express
  • Cisco Unity Connection
  • Cisco Unified Presence

The certification is well suited for people in IT who have voice administration roles. Additionally, the new ICOMM v8.0 640-461 requires more hands on practice, particularly with the CUCM, Unity Connection, and Unified Presence topics.  A minor change to note is the new ICOMM v8.0 640-461 is currently only offered in English.  The Cisco website has not yet published a release date for the ICOMM v8.0 in other languages.  The old IIUC 640-460 exam is offered in English, Japanese, Chinese, Portuguese, Korean, French and Spanish.

The eventual elimination of CVOICE 642-436 for the CCNA Voice does affect candidates who then wish to go on to CCNP Voice (previously called CCVP). Earning a CCNA Voice is a prerequisite to earning the CCNP Voice. The old CCNA Voice candidates were able to take the CVOICE v6.0, get their CCNA Voice certification from passing ONLY the CVOICE v6.0 and then use that passing score as one of their pre-requisites for the CCNP Voice (CVOICE is one of the five exams needed to become CCNP Voice certified). So, if a CCNA candidate chose to take the CVOICE instead of the IIUC, they would only need to take four more exams to become a CCNP Voice.  Come March 1, 2011 CCNA Voice candidates will have no choice but to take the ICOMM v8.0 640-461 (the CVOICE option will be eliminated). Thus, to become a CCNP Voice after March 1, 2011 you will have to take a total of six exams, the ICOMM v8.0 to be CCNA Voice certified and then five exams, including CVOICE v8.0, to be CCNP Voice certified.

You can read more about these changes at the Cisco Learning Network website.

You can also watch this Learning@CISCO video for more information.

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

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October 21st, 2010

Updates to Cisco Voice Certifications: New Exams for CCNA Voice and CCNP Voice

Cisco, the vendor behind the well respected CCNA certification, has announced a few major changes to their Voice certifications.  The company has updated their Voice certifications to be more in line with recent advances in data, voice and video convergence.   The two certifications that have been updated are the CCNA Voice and the CCVP certification.   The CCNA Voice certification has been updated with new content and a new exam titled ICOMM v8.0 (640-461).   The CCVP certification has been re-branded as the CCNP Voice and all five exams have also been updated.    Both the CCNA Voice and CCNP Voice certifications are intended for people in IT who work with Unified Communication applications and voice networks.

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.

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October 12th, 2010

Spotlight On Windows 7 Configuration (70-680) LearnSmart Video Training

One of our most in-demand LearnSmart Video Training courses is the CBT (computer based training) Windows 7 Configuration (70-680) LearnSmart Video Training course.  This should come as no surprise considering the wide spread use and popularity of Windows 7, Microsoft’s newest enterprise class operating system. So, today we are going to spend some time talking about the Windows 7 Configuration LearnSmart Video Training, highlighting all the cool features that make this training one of our customer’s top picks.

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.

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September 29th, 2010

Microsoft Temporarily Suspends Active Directory (83-640)

Microsoft Temporarily Suspends Active Directory (83-640)
Microsoft has temporarily suspended the TS: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuring (83-640) exam due to issues with the performance based portion of the exam. All students who wish to earn Active Directory credit for their MCTS or MCITP certification may take the multiple choice based TS: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuring (70-640) exam.
In response to customer feedback, Microsoft has decided to suspend Exam 83-640. Prometric will immediately begin delivering a version of this exam that does not contain lab-based questions. Candidates who are registered for this exam will be automatically rescheduled to take the 70-640 version of the exam at the same time and testing center, and they do not need to contact Prometric unless they want to change their registration to a different time or location.
The content that a candidate must know is identical for either exam, the difference is in the delivery method. The 70-640 exam contains 100% multiple choice questions, while the 83-640 includes a percentage of performance-based lab type questions. Repeated issues with these questions is why the exam has been suspended for re-tooling.
Microsoft is removing the virtual labs due to increased reports of performance issues. However, Microsoft is committed to incorporating performance-based items in our certification exams and will continue working to incorporate performance-based items into exams in a way that ensures a world-class testing experience.
Since the objectives for the exams remain the same, students who have training courses labeled 83-640 may use those products to prepare for the 70-640 exam.

Microsoft has temporarily suspended the TS: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuring (83-640) exam due to issues with the performance based portion of the exam. All students who wish to earn Active Directory credit for their MCTS or MCITP certification may take the multiple choice based TS: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuring (70-640) exam. Here’s more from Microsoft’s exam FAQ:

In response to customer feedback, Microsoft has decided to suspend Exam 83-640. Prometric will immediately begin delivering a version of this exam that does not contain lab-based questions. Candidates who are registered for this exam will be automatically rescheduled to take the 70-640 version of the exam at the same time and testing center, and they do not need to contact Prometric unless they want to change their registration to a different time or location.

Microsoft explained why the suspension was made:

Microsoft is removing the virtual labs due to increased reports of performance issues. However, Microsoft is committed to incorporating performance-based items in our certification exams and will continue working to incorporate performance-based items into exams in a way that ensures a world-class testing experience.

The content that a candidate must know is identical for either exam, the difference is in the delivery method. The 70-640 exam contains 100% multiple choice questions, while the 83-640 includes a percentage of performance-based lab type questions. Repeated issues with these questions is why the exam has been suspended for re-tooling. Since the objectives for the exams remain the same, students who have training courses labeled 83-640 may use those products to prepare for the 70-640 exam.

Keep up with PrepLogic’s blog for more announcements about this exam and our MCITP training products. If you have any questions about fulfilling your Server 2008 Active Directory Configuring exam requirements for MCTS or MCITP certification, give us a call at 1-800-418-6789.

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