Hours left to save 40% off ALL products in our fall sale!
October 21, 2009 at 4:23 pm | In Transcender news | Leave a CommentTags: sales & specials
It’s time for the fall Transcender product sale. See the chart below for some examples of the great prices you can grab on our industry-leading practice tests, study guides, and independent learning materials!
| Training Products Offered | Every Day Price | Current Price | Sale Price |
| CD-ROM | $149.00 | $119.00 | $71.40 |
| Download | $149.00 | $119.00 | $71.40 |
| 30 Day Online Access Practice Tests | $109.00 | $89.00 | $53.40 |
| E-learning Courses | – | $74.00 | $44.40 |
| Virtual Lab Courses | – | $149.00 | $89.40 |
| Study Guide – PDF Version | $40.00 | $25.00 | $15.00 |
| Study Guide – Printed Version | $45.00 | $30.00 | $18.00 |
*Terms and Conditions :: Please note that PMP and CISSP practice tests cost more. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with other discounts or promotions. This offer cannot be applied to previous purchases. Discount does not apply to taxes. Offer Expires at midnight CST on 10/21/09.
Attention DoD Employees, Partners, and Hopefuls
October 15, 2009 at 2:44 pm | In Certification Paths, Transcender news | Leave a CommentTags: Certification Paths, DoD 8750.1
If you’re an employee, contractor, or partner of the Department of Defence (DoD) and you’ve been dragging your feet on meeting the 8750.1 Certification requirement, we’re here to help! Or if you’re looking to complete your credentials in hopes of landing a job with the DoD, we’re here to help you too! Transcender has mapped out the certification requirements along with nifty links to our study tools that will prepare you to pass those exams. We’ve also provided some key contact information in case you have any questions not covered on our Web site or in the DoD literature.
The Directive’s requirements are clear: ALL military, contract, civilian, or foreign employees with access to a DoD system must be certified by January 1, 2010, to be considered in compliance and avoid loss of funding to their organization. So check out the details of DoD 8750, and follow the Transcender roadmap to get you started!
–Aima Rotella
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CompTIA’s N10-004 Network+ 2009 – References Abound
October 13, 2009 at 9:58 am | In CompTIA | Leave a CommentTags: CompTIA, network+, reference materials, study tips
Several months ago, I blogged about CompTIA’s new Network+ test, N10-004. At that time, I was lamenting the fact that there were no published references for the Network+ test. I was literally spending hours searching the Internet for help. I included links to some of the more helpful sites in my post, but hoped that a more comprehensive reference would be released soon.
Well, here it is October already, so I thought I’d do a little informative update about the references now available. I performed a search at Amazon.com for Network+ 2009 books. I received 26 results. Included in this list were several Sybex books, a few Todd Lammle books, a couple of Mike Myers books, and other authors. If you are looking for a good study reference, I would suggest paying attention to the length of the book and to the reviews. As for the length, I hate to say “the longer the better.” But I definitely wouldn’t purchase a book that was considerably shorter than the others. The reviews can be very insightful, particularly if there are a few bad reviews.
Now, what would I choose? Well, I personally would probably purchase a Mike Myers or Todd Lammle book. I have experience with their material and have found that they are fairly thorough. One of Mike Myers’ books is over 700 pages, and one of Todd Lammle’s books is over 800 pages. That should keep you busy for quite a while.
And don’t forget to purchase Transcender’s Cert-N10-004 practice test. The questions are great, and the tutorials/explanations are out of this world! Take it from me, the always objective and über-talented author of said practice test.
Also, if you have been previously certified in Network+, there is a Bridge exam that only covers the new topics. The Bridge exam is ONLY available to Network+ certified professionals. And you guessed it, the aforementioned über-talented author of the Network+ practice exam has also put together a practice test for the Bridge (Cert-BR0-002) — you know, in my spare time.
Look for an upcoming post where I discuss answers to the Network+ topics that seem to be tripping our customers up (based on their comments to us).
-Robin
Putting CatOS commands on our Cisco practice tests: the method to our madness
October 8, 2009 at 10:48 am | In Cisco | Leave a CommentTags: ccna, study tips
CatOS commands on the CCNA – Tell me it ain’t so!!
Several of the Transcender Cisco practice tests, including 640-802 and 642-812, include some Catalyst OS command questions as well as the standard Cisco IOS. At least once a week I get emails from customers taking me to task over this issue and asking why we have “deprecated commands” on our current tests. Many customers have the impression that because Cisco is phasing out the Catalyst operating system on its switches, there is no need to study CatOS commands for the exams. Adding fuel to this fire, many popular Cisco study guides omit any information on CatOS commands.
So I’d like to address this issue and explain the reasons why we have deliberately chosen to leave a small percentage of CatOS commands in our practice tests; yes, even the most recent practice tests:
- Out there in the real world, there are a lot of older switches still in production environments running the Catalyst OS, and you may well encounter them in your job.
- Cisco still supports the Catalyst OS, and will continue to support it until January 2013 (see this End-of-Sale and End-of-Life Announcement for the Cisco Catalyst OS Release 8.x).
- If you look at the stated objectives for the CCNA and CCNP exams, you will notice that it does not say “IOS only” anywhere. In fact, at the top of each list of exam objectives, you’ll see this disclaimer:
The following information provides general guidelines for the content likely to be included on the exam. However, other related topics may also appear on any specific delivery of the exam. In order to better reflect the contents of the exam and for clarity purposes the guidelines below may change at any time without notice.
Given that Cisco exams have a huge question pool, we think it may be possible to encounter a Catalyst OS-related question, or a question that includes a CatOS command as a distractor (wrong answer), on a current exam. Therefore we will continue to include some CatOS commands on the practice test until Cisco definitively says “No more.”
CatOS commands – all the info that you’re likely to need.
I’ll start with some information about the two OS systems.
CatOS
Configuration changes in the CatOS software are written to NVRAM immediately after a change is made. No intervention by the user is required.
All configurations in CatOS are done via a set command sequence executed from the enabled-mode prompt. Issuing the clear command from the same prompt will erase a particular command.
IOS
In contrast, IOS does not save configuration changes to NVRAM unless the copy run start (or write memory) command is executed. If the configuration is not explicitly saved, any changes to the configuration will be lost should the system be reloaded.
All command-line configuration in IOS (whether on the Supervisor or the MSFC) is done from the configuration mode, commonly known as “config-t”.
Commands can be removed with the no or default form of the original command.
Below is a comparison of the common commands on user ports.
This list is provided just to give you a flavor for the differences in the two command sets. For more information use the links below:
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/hw/switches/ps700/products_tech_note09186a008010e9d5.shtml
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/switches/lan/catalyst4000/6.3and6.4/command/reference/cr_toc.html
Happy CATting,
Troy McMillan
Only 10 days left to enter our Cert Idol video contest!
October 6, 2009 at 1:09 pm | In Transcender news | Leave a CommentTags: cert idol, free stuff
Don’t let this chance pass you by. You have ten days left to cut a short (30 seconds to 2 and a half mintues) video explaining why you deserve to be voted Transcender’s Cert Idol.
If Transcender’s study guides and practice tests helped YOU land the certification of your dreams, tell us all about it. Click the logo to be taken directly to the contest’s entry site:
What We’re Working On – The October Edition
October 2, 2009 at 2:27 pm | In Transcender news | Leave a CommentTags: what we're working on
So by “monthly” we really meant “seasonally”. It took us a while to get back to the What We’re Working On post series, but here we are now, and we’ll do our best to update you whenever there’s something new brewing in our Development plans. Here’s what we have on tap for October….
We were excited to get our first Windows 7 product on the shelf last month (70-680 TS: Windows 7, Configuring). But there was no rest for the weary as George quickly shifted his attention to studying the objectives for the 70-685 and 70-686 tests. And good thing he did, because those beta codes were announced almost simultaneously and filled up quick!
Some of our guys were lucky enough to grab seats and will take the Windows 7, Enterprise Desktop Support Technician (71-685) and the Windows 7, Enterprise Desktop Administrator (71-686) beta exams in the next couple of weeks. As was the case with the 70-680 practice test, I don’t have a concrete release date yet for either of those products, because we don’t know when Microsoft will release their exams, and we don’t typically release our product until they do. Microsoft Learning indicates a November release. In the meantime, check out the test objectives and official Microsoft resources available here:
- Exam 70-685 Pro: Windows 7, Enterprise Desktop Support Technician
- Exam 70-686 Pro: Windows 7, Enterprise Desktop Administrator
Josh is wrapping up development of the .NET 3.5 track. And he should have 70-563, 70-564, and a couple of corresponding upgrade products on the shelf by the end of the year. And, no, now would not be a great time to ask him if he’s checked out .NET 4.0 and what he thinks about it…just saying.
Robin has seen the light at the end of the project management tunnel with the release of our PMP 4th Edition and CAPM 4th Edition practice tests. But, like George, Robin doesn’t like to sit and wait for her next project, and thanks to CompTIA she didn’t have to. She’s already deep into development of the new A+ practice tests for 220-701 (A+ Essentials) and 220-702 (A+ Practical Application). Although we just got our first look at the new exams in August, Robin’s committed to a Fall release for these tests. Having seen several of her items for Cert-220-701 this week, I can tell you that it’s well on its way to a mid-October release! Yep, she’s really that good.
If you’re keeping track, we mentioned Robin was working on the Project+ practice test this summer. We’re confident in the product we’ve produced, but we’re committed to seeing the version of the exam that’s released to our customers, so we’re keeping an eye out for CompTIA’s release and will follow up with our practice test then. As Jennifer noted in June, all IT professionals need project management skills, so think about taking this one if just for the sake of your own knowledge.
On the Oracle front, we’ll be releasing 1Z0-047 in October to round out our 11g offering. And that puts us in a bit of an expert dilemma…1Z0-054 or 1Z0-048? We’re considering adding one of these to our line-up before the end of the year as well. Any thoughts?
If you have any other requests, comment here or email us at transupport@kaplan.com. We’re here to support your IT certification efforts and if there’s something you need, we’d love to hear from you!
Oracle launches new account management feature for certification holders
October 1, 2009 at 4:10 pm | In Oracle | Leave a CommentTags: oracle news
As per Paul Sorensen at Oracle, Oracle University has just launched their new Oracle Certification Program management system. All certification holders and certification candidates can access their account information through the new tool, CertView, at https://education.oracle.com/pls/eval-eddap-dcd/ocp_interface.ocp_candidate_login.
For more information, see this post here: http://blogs.oracle.com/certification/2009/09/0126.html.
Don’t forget to check out the September 2009 edition of the Oracle Certification E-Magazine while you’re there!
83-640 versus 70-640: How do they calculate my score if it’s virtual? and other desperate questions
September 28, 2009 at 7:55 am | In Microsoft | Leave a CommentTags: 83-640, Performance-Based Testing
There’s been a steady trickle of comments and customer emails on our post 83-640 versus 70-640: Which MCTS: Windows Server 2008, Active Directory Configuration is which? since we published it in February. The actual 83-640 exam went live in May. Since then, people have been writing to say they can’t find the new objectives online, that they can’t find the exam offered at a local testing center, or that they don’t understand how the virtual lab is scored and don’t want to lose points by clicking around to find the right command.
First, I want to point out that we’re not affiliated with Microsoft, and so we can’t help you directly. But we’re more than happy to help you find the right place to go. Most of the information you need has been published in the last year on Microsoft’s Born To Learn blog, and the blog team is very responsive to comments and questions.
As a first step – and this sounds dumb, but believe me, sometimes our eyes trick us – if you don’t see 83-640 listed on Prometric’s web site, be sure you’ve scrolled to the bottom of the list of tests. As James Seymour points out, 83 falls below 70, so you’ll have to scroll past all the other tests first.
If it’s not listed in your area, try contacting your test provider by phone and asking if they’re currently administering the 83-640 test. Microsoft is working region by region to ensure that test providers have the ability to run it in their labs. If your region isn’t supporting it, you may have to take 70-640 instead. Again, this post in Born To Learn is the place to find that answer.
The way that Microsoft scores tests is proprietary. However, Liberty Munson (Microsoft’s psychometrician) has specifically stated that the number of clicks or commands you enter in a scenario on your way to the goal do NOT affect the score. Only the configuration that you submit affects the score.
There is no per-simulation-item time limit. There is an overall time limit for the exam, and for some exams the simulations are grouped in a separately timed section. However, you will not be penalized for spending a long time on one simulation. Either you complete the task successfully and you earn the point or points associated with that simulation, or you don’t. The only disadvantage to spending a long time on one simulation is that you are eating up time you could be spending on another item.
Finally, you don’t need to find the “new” exam objectives, because there aren’t any. The material being tested, and the objectives, are unchanged from 70-640. Only the way in which the test is administered has changed. You can see our team member’s comments on the pilot version of this exam for a preview of the experience.
We hope this helps. Keep the comments coming!
Transcender Cert Idol Video Submissions: Quick FAQ’s
September 25, 2009 at 2:38 pm | In Transcender news | Leave a CommentTags: cert idol
We’ve kicked off the Transcender Cert Idol video contest with a bang. All of the rules for submission are covered here and here, but I thought we’d reiterate a few key points.
Q. When do I submit? When do I know if I’ve won?
A. As a reminder, the contest timeline is:
- September 23 – Contest begins (Submission Period)
- October 15 – Last day for video submissions
- October 16 – Voting period begins
- November 6 – Voting period ends
- November 12 – Winners announced
Q. Who’s eligible to enter? Do I have to be in the U.S.?
A. The contest is only open to legal residents of the 50 United States (excluding territories and possessions) and the District of Columbia who are 18 years of age at the time of entry. (However, people under 18 can be in a video submission with a parent/guardian’s signed consent.)
Q. What exactly are you looking for in a video?
A. An original video explaining why you are the “Cert Idol.” The video should address AT LEAST ONE the following questions: Continue reading Transcender Cert Idol Video Submissions: Quick FAQ’s…
Submit YOUR video to win an HP dv2 Laptop, Kindle 2, Camcorder, and Playstation 3 from Transcender!
September 24, 2009 at 2:21 pm | In Transcender news | Leave a CommentTags: cert idol, contest
Do you want to be a YouTube video star, winning the adoration of millions? Do you know the Transcender brand and its benefits well enough to pitch it in a creative, humorous way? Do you want to explain why you’ve personally benefitted from our practice test products or study guides? Well, we’ve launched the Transcender Cert Idol video contest to give you just that opportunity you’ve been waiting for. This is how it works:
- Between September 23 and October 15, 2009, make a video. Make it original, make it about Transcender products, and make it good…and we’d appreciate it if you make it last less than 3 mins. (You can review the official rules here.)
- Perform a one-time registration on Transcender.com, or use your existing Transcender account information to create a contest entry in your name.
- Upload the video to the Transcender YouTube Video Channel (user Transtrainer).
- Cast your vote! Tell your friends, your coworkers, your family, and strangers on the Internet to vote for you as well. You can cast one vote per day during the voting period.
- Get the most votes. <— KEY. The voting period will run from October 16 – November 6, 2009.
- Win fantastic prizes!
Grand Prize bundle:
a Hewlett-Packard dv2 12.1-inch notebook computer
a Sony PlayStation 3 game console
a Kindle 2 6″ wireless reading device from Amazon.com
a Panasonic SDR – 26 SD flash memory camcorder with 70x zoom lens
a Casio Exilim EX-FC100 9.1 megapixel digital camera with 5x optical zoom
a Garmin Nuvi 265WT 4.3-Inch Bluetooth portable GPS navigator
and an Ecosol Powerstocl USB-powered portable charger
Second Prize:
a Sony PlayStation 3 game console
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