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IT Trainer Stephen talks IT certification and where to start

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Why IT certifications are important and which certifications to start with

My name is Stephen Mernagh. I'm a Technical Trainer with New Horizons Training, specialising in CompTIA and Microsoft Training.  The training courses I teach range from basics like CompTIA A+ Technical Support and Microsoft Azure Fundamentals, all the way up to more advanced courses covering CompTIA Security and Microsoft Azure Administrator, as examples.

Why Take a Course?

So, the big question - WHY do these courses. We can break this into two areas, namely, first steps in an IT Career or if already employed in IT - building knowledge and/or gaining certification for your job.
Taking any CompTIA or Microsoft course will assist you in gaining valuable skills and knowledge in a particular area, and hopefully later, gaining Certification in that area as well.

Why get Certified?

So, why get 'certified' at all. Again, if you're a new-comer to IT, certification shows you understand that area and have the skills and knowledge of industry to help gain employment - it could make the difference in an interview for that first IT job. If you're already in IT, gaining certification can help in areas such as proven knowledge/skills set, better promotion chances and perhaps better pay - it doesn't harm to get certified. It also keeps you up to date in the ever-changing world of IT.

A lot of employers expect their IT staff to be up-to-date and/or always certified - it may even be an Industry / Business requirement or compliance, depending on the area you work in.

Taking part in these courses can help with those requirements, whether it's to just update your skills or get that certification. You can also pick up some great tips from instructors who may have many years of expeirence with the subject at hand.

Where to Start?

Well you can check out all of New Horizons IT training courses by clicking here. If you are just starting ut in the IT industry, we recommend starting with the CompTIA A+ certification.

CompTIA A+ is the industry standard entry-level certification that proves you have the foundational knowledge to begin a career in IT. 

CompTIA A+ Certification

Upon successful completion of this course, students will learn:

  • Identify the hardware components of personal computers and mobile digital devices.
  • Identify networking and security fundamentals.
  • Install, configure, and troubleshoot display devices.
  • Install and configure peripheral components.
  • Manage system components.
  • Manage data storage.
  • Identify the hardware and software requirements for client environment configurations.
  • Identify network technologies.
  • Install and configure networking capabilities.
  • Support mobile digital devices.
  • Support printers and multifunction devices.

Click here for courses dates and pricing

5 day course Dublin schedule available Live Online Can be run in person.
Contact us for details.

CompTIA Network+ is another industry standard certification for establishing a career in IT and is the preferred qualifying credential for technical support and IT operational roles.

CompTIA Network+ Certification

In this course, you will describe the major networking technologies and systems of modern networks and configure, manage, and troubleshoot modern networks. Students will:

  • Explain the OSI and TCP/IP Models.
  • Explain properties of network traffic.
  • Install and configure switched networks.
  • Configure IP networks.
  • Install and configure routed networks.
  • Configure and monitor ports and protocols.
  • Explain network application and storage issues.
  • Monitor and troubleshoot networks.
  • Explain network attacks and mitigations.
  • Install and configure security devices.
  • Explain authentication and access controls.
  • Deploy and troubleshoot cabling solutions.
  • Implement and troubleshoot wireless technologies.
  • Compare and contrast WAN technologies.
  • Use remote access methods.
  • Identify site policies and best practices.

Click here for courses dates and pricing

 
5 day course Dublin schedule available Live Online Can be run in person.
Contact us for details.

About Stephen

Stephen has worked in IT for more than 20 years, working with Microsoft, Novell and Unix/Linux systems. Installing, configuring, and administering everything from desktops to servers and networks, for small, medium, and large enterprises. He has a strong background in managing Microsoft Servers, such as Active Directory, Exchange, SQL Server, WSUS and SharePoint.

He delivers training in areas such as Technical Support, Networking, Cloud Technologies, and Security, covering Windows Server, Hyper-V, and Microsoft Azure to name a few.

/ Author: Liam Phelan / Number of views: 1634 / Comments: 0 /
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