Dear CertMag: How do I get started as a certified technician?

 Dear CertMag  is a weekly feature that addresses common questions about certification and related IT issues. Have a question? Send an e-mail to editor (at) certmag (dot) com.

Dear CertMag: I’m a certified technician and have recently completed CompTIA Network+ and Server+, but I have no job experience. What steps can I take to stick out to …

SpiceWorld 2014 tech conference under way in Austin

Going all the way back to at least the debut of Austin City Limits in 1976, the state capitol of Texas has been a ground zero for fun and interesting cultural events. The city is nationally famous for its many annual music festivals, from the jazz, blues, bluegrass and Texas twang of the Old Settler’s Music Festival to the …

CertStudent: Overcoming failure by sticking to his certification guns

 CertStudent  is a regular feature that profiles students of all ages who are pursuing certification at schools, in training programs, and on their own time (and own dime). Know an interesting  CertStudent ? Share the details with us at editor (at) certmag (dot) com.

There isn’t a whole lot to do in the small town …

Be prepared: Study is key to conquering Cisco’s CCIE Security exam

This feature first appeared in the Summer 2014 issue of Certification Magazine.

One of the most challenging networking credentials in the IT certification world is the Cisco Certified Internetworking Expert (CCIE) offered by Cisco. Now imagine combining that clout with a specialization in security. For many networking professionals, a CCIE Security stamp of approval is at …

Fearless forecast: What’s in the pipeline from Windows 9?

Windows 8 has been with us for a couple of years now and its reception in the marketplace has been tepid at best. A lot of users found the interface changes in Windows 8 to be unpalatable. In fact, many users elected to keep the familiar environment provided by Windows 7 on their desktops, and …

Hot tip: Certification observations from Chris Ward of CBT Nuggets

We don’t all learn the same way, especially when it comes to certification. Some people are most at home sitting in a classroom and taking notes from an instructor. For others, a book and a set of do-it-yourself lab exercises may offer the best solution. For many, training videos are an essential tool. If you’re …

High school grad trumps peers’ college training with certification

This feature first appeared in the Summer 2014 issue of Certification Magazine.

After applying for a full-time customer support position with a wireless internet service provider in Worcester, Mass., recent high school graduate Steven Rich (Tantasqua Regional High School, class of 2014) landed in the same hiring pool as a handful of candidates with college …

CompTIA has big plans for millionth A+ certified professional

It doesn’t seem to happen all that much anymore, but once upon a time celebrations of this or that businesses’ milestone millionth customer occupied a somewhat iconic place in pop culture. Maybe we’re just not as impressed by the number 1,000,000 anymore. Besides which, hey, it’s a tough economy. When Banco Walmart opened its millionth account (after …

Stand out from the IT crowd by refining these career skills

This feature first appeared in the Summer 2014 issue of Certification Magazine.

People often talk about how quickly things change. Look back even just a few years, and you’ll see how different things were then than they are now. Ask anyone under the age of 15 to make the sound of a phone’s busy …

Dear CertMag: I’m ready to go pro — how do I get a sports IT job?

 Dear CertMag  is a weekly feature that addresses common questions about certification and related IT issues. Have a question? Send an e-mail to editor (at) certmag (dot) com.

Dear CertMag: Big NBA fan and gym rat here. I’ve never been good enough to actually play sports for a living, but I’d love to get into …