New Transcender practice tests released for CompTIA’s A+ 2009 track
November 13, 2009 at 10:23 am | In CompTIA | Leave a CommentTags: a+, CompTIA
As of today we’ve released two new practice exams for the CompTIA A+ certification:
- 220-701 (CompCert: A+ Essentials 2009 Edition)
- 220-702 (CompCert: A+ Practical Application 2009 Edition)
These two exams are replacing the multi-track A+ certification, which combined 220-601 (CompCert: A+ Essentials 2006 Edition) with any of the following three exams: 220-602 (A+ IT Technician), 220-603 (A+ Remote Support Technician), or 220-604 (A+ Depot Technician). CompTIA states that the English-language version of these four exams will retire in the U.S., Canada, and South Africa on February 28, 2010, and will retire in the U.K., Australia, and New Zealand on August 31, 2010. Other languages and markets for these exams will also expire on August 31, 2010.
If you’re in the middle of your A+ certification and aren’t sure which exam to take next, feel free to contact us and we can talk it over with you, and help determine the best exam for your situation. CompTIA certifications do not expire, but the 2009 version might be a better fit for your particular career path.
As always, you can check CompTIA’s web site directly: http://www.comptia.org/certifications/listed/a.aspx
All of these exams are covered by our new discount exam voucher bundle offer.
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
CompTIA A+ exams 220-601 through 220-604 to be replaced by 220-701, 702
July 31, 2009 at 7:57 am | In Certification Paths, CompTIA | 4 CommentsTags: CompTIA, a+
CompTIA is revising and re-consolidating their flagship entry-level exam, the A+. We anticipate that the 2009 exam versions will be released some time in August (no firm date yet, but we’ll post it here as soon as we know it). The NEW exams will be:
- 220-701: CompTIA A+ Essentials (100 questions)
- 220-702: CompTIA A+ Practical Application (100 questions)
Meanwhile, the existing 2006 A+ exams (220-601, -602, -603, -604) will remain available to test-takers until July 31, 2010. If you’ve been studying the 2006 objectives, you can still take those exams and have a valid and current certification. If you were previously certified in A+ under the 2006 or earlier versions, you can take the all-in-one upgrade Bridge exam, BR0-003, to re-certify under the 2009 objectives.
We’re busy developing our own practice exams for the 220-70* exams — look for those in the third quarter of the year.
ETA 9/30/09: The new release dates for our practice exams are October 25 for 220-701 and November 6 for 220-702.
Network+ 2009 (N10-004) practice test: Robin takes on Network+
May 4, 2009 at 12:15 pm | In CompTIA | Leave a CommentTags: CompTIA, network+, N10-004
Recently, Transcender announced the release of our Network+ 2009 version practice test. This was quite a milestone for me. I personally wrote or revised over 400 practice test questions and 400 flash cards. (By the end of the project, I was very tired, but it was quite a learning experience for me too.)
There are some changes with the new version. For instance, the objectives state we must memorize all the wire colors of the 568A and 568B cables. Even in the days where I wired offices on a weekly basis, this handy chart was located on a little Post-It note tucked neatly away in a pocket of my tool caddy. I had a co-worker who had them memorized, but he was one of those guys who literally memorized everything. (You know the type: just ask him who won the Cy Young award in 1985. He can tell you, along with the stats. Ugh!) Me, I just checked my Post-It.
So when it comes to exam time, this is my technique: I memorize this type of information before taking the test. Once I hit the testing center, I jot the information down IMMEDIATELY when handed my dry-erase board (and possibly make the test facilitator a little nervous), pass the exam, and dump the information. Back in the real world, I just refer back to my Post-It note (in its rather tattered form) when I REALLY need it.
But once I’d completed writing our practice test, I felt like I had accomplished so much…both personally and for our customers. Our practice test really hits the mark. We based our items on the exam objectives and the application of our test experiences.
Transcender N10-004: 375 practice test questions / 466 flash cards
We released our practice test after thoroughly analyzing the content in the live exam. The test content is weighted based on CompTIA’s Exam Guide.
For those previously certified on Network+, we have the Bridge version of our practice test for sale, BR0-002. This will test you on the difference between N10-003 and N10-004.
So with that information, I know you’ll make the choice to purchase Transcender’s Cert-N10-004 practice test. Remember to study those explanations! They are absolutely the most important piece of our tool. And use those flash cards just before taking the test as a last-minute review of the basics.
We know that with our tool you’ll pass with flying colors!
– Robin A.
P.S. Watch CompTIA’s web site for announcements over the coming months! The new Beta versions of the Project+, Linux+, and Server+ exams have been released. In addition, the A+ exams are being revised as well. So a lot is happening in the CompTIA world!
CompTIA’s Network+ 2009 (N10-004): Finding References
February 10, 2009 at 3:10 pm | In CompTIA, Study hints | 7 CommentsTags: CompTIA, network+
Update: There is a follow-up post on finding more Network+ references here: http://transcender.wordpress.com/2009/10/13/comptias-n10-004-network-2009-references-abound/
CompTIA has released the newest version of the Network+ exam. I took the exam the first week of February, and I can honestly see the changes. While the exam is still knowledge based, I could see where CompTIA has tried to be more task-focused in the exam design. I also saw that CompTIA has revised the exam sufficiently to include new technologies.
Immediately after taking the exam, I started to develop Transcender’s N10-004 practice test. Over the past few weeks, I had been doing groundwork to prepare for writing the test. Part of this preliminary work includes locating, and sometimes purchasing, references for the test.
To find references, my first step is always to check the CompTIA certification site to see what is listed. Usually CompTIA releases their official CompTIA Press books around the same time as the exam. Unfortunately, as of this post, none of the book references they list are for the 2009 version of the test.
Not finding any official CompTIA references listed, I decided to search Amazon.com. I got all excited when several books came up….only to realize that none of them are slated for release until April/May 2009. My, that doesn’t really help me now, does it?
At this point I decided I must come up with preliminary online references that could jump-start my practice test development. (A few years ago, I used the Microsoft Encyclopedia of Networking to help with the development of N10-003. I still have this book. But Transcender is trying to work toward using mostly online references to help our customers during the studying process. Nothing is more frustrating than having to purchase several books on top of purchasing your practice test, right?) (Oh, my, focus Robin. You are starting to chase a rabbit!)
I decided to search for generic online networking references, like encyclopedias, glossaries, and tutorials. I found the following references that could be a great starting place for those preparing for the 2009 Network+:
Computer Network Tutorials – http://www.networktutorials.info/
Computer and Wireless Networking Basics – http://compnetworking.about.com/
Networking Glossary – http://compnetworking.about.com/od/basicnetworkingconcepts/l/blglossary.htm
The Network Encyclopedia – http://compnetworking.about.com/od/basicnetworkingconcepts/l/blglossary.htm
Now these four references will by no means cover all of the topics in the Network+ exam, but they will serve to get you on your way.
What do you do about the topics that are not covered here? One word – GOOGLE. But be smart with your Google search. If searching for a particular term like 568A, enter “What is 568A in computer networking” in the search string. You would be surprised at the number of terms and acronyms that mean different things depending on the industry you are in. And personally, I don’t want to wade through several pages of unneeded search results pertaining to conservation, engineering, stimulus plans, or anything else. I hear enough about that on TV.
Be careful which result you use for your primary research. Know where you information is coming from. For example, I know that most of us use Wikipedia.org as a general source of information. However, the information on Wikipedia.org is not always accurate. So make sure to corroborate any information from a reputable company or organization, such as Microsoft, Cisco, CompTIA, or an educational institution. An inaccurate reference can cause you to memorize the wrong facts and miss exam questions.
I guess that’s enough about this for now. I’ll post an update if I find anything interesting over the next few days.
To find out more about what CompTIA says about Network+, go to http://certification.comptia.org/network/default.aspx. One reminder: the current version of Network+ (N10-003) will be retired July 31, 2009. If you are currently Network+ certified, you are not required to upgrade your certification. But my personal opinion is that it never hurts…and besides, it adds to your list of designations in your signature line (something that we techies seem to enjoy).
-Robin Abernathy
Reader writes: Which version of CompTIA Security+ practice test to buy?
September 3, 2008 at 7:31 am | In CompTIA | Leave a CommentTags: CompTIA, exam upgrades
In response to our previous post on CompTIA’s Security+ exam revisions, David asked: So the BIG question is – if I purchase exam material today would it be worthwhile or should I just wait until you have the material that covers the 2008 objectives? Can I upgrade if I purchase today?
David, that depends on which version of the exam you want to take. If you plan to take the 2007 version of the Security+ exam (with the old objectives), then our current practice test (SY0-101) will prepare you to pass it. CompTIA will offer the 2007 version until April 2009, and we’ll continue to sell the 2007 practice test until that exam retires.
When making your decision, keep in mind that CompTIA certifications do not expire; once you are certified in Security+, you would not have to update your certification unless your employer specifically required it. See this CompTIA Security+ exam upgrade FAQ for more information.
I’ll break here briefly to explain the difference between our product’s updates and upgrades. Transcender will periodically update an existing test and re-publish it with an incremented version number. In the download and CD versions, there’s a handy button you can use to check for updates to a purchased exam – we don’t announce them, but as soon as they’re available, you can download them. Online customers receive the updated version automatically. Updates are free and you can continue updating a purchased test until you take the exam or until the exam expires.
Continue reading Reader writes: Which version of CompTIA Security+ practice test to buy?…
CompTIA’s Security+: What We Expect
August 22, 2008 at 10:51 am | In CompTIA | 2 CommentsTags: CompTIA, Security+
As you may have heard, CompTIA has been working to revise their Security+ exam. This is very good news for an exam that is ripe for a comprehensive update. While CompTIA’s exams are great for new IT professionals, the current Security+ test was created in 2001 and doesn’t cover technology developments from the past 7 years.
CompTIA started the revision process for this exam early this year and sent out multiple requests for subject matter experts (SMEs). They recently announced that the new version of Security+ will be released in October, 2008, and published the updated Exam Objectives. You can download the new objectives at http://certification.comptia.org/resources/objectives.aspx. You will need to fill out the BOLD fields in the form.
The new objectives are in italics. (Thanks, CompTIA!) Here’s a quick overview of the main points, illustrating how the objectives and their relative weighting have shifted (click the thumbnail to view a readable version):
Blog at WordPress.com. | Theme: Pool by Borja Fernandez.
Entries and comments feeds.
