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FAQ.

ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON IT CERTIFICATION

1. What is IT Certification?
2. What is the role of Jidaw Systems Ltd in IT Certification?
3. How do I become certified?
4. What resources are available to assist me in getting certified?
5. Which certification programs are very popular?
6. Which is the best certification or the most profitable
certification?
7. Which is better: a degree or a certification?
8. Must I be a graduate to get certified?
9. Since I am experienced and doing very well on my job or in the IT
industry, do I still need to be certified?
10. Can I read up and prepare for most of these certification
programmes on my own and as well pass since I read Computer Science or Computer Engineering?
11. Is COAN/CPN certification valuable when compared with the foreign certification?
12. What is the difference between '3-month certificate' or '6-month
diploma' courses and IT certification?
13. Is certification the only route to a successful career in IT?
14. What are the types of Exam format in use?
15. Must I go through training in order to be certified?

16. Is training alone enough for me to go and do the IT certification
exams?
17. Must an institution be a testing centre before it can offer
training on IT certification?
18. Can I do more than one certification at a time?
19. What are the benefits in having multiple certifications?
20. Where can I work, as IT certified professional?
21. How can I promote My Certification and myself?
22. What is the process for getting certified?
23. Where will I go for Certification Testing?
24. Which background training should I go for before starting a
certification program?
25. What are common Certification Mistakes?
26. What is the difference between MCSE and Cisco certification and
which one is better?
27. Why are certification exams updated? And what is recertification?
28. What is Cisco all about and why do I need the knowledge of
networking before doing Cisco certification?
29. What is the role of Jidaw Systems Ltd in IT Certification?

 

1. What is IT Certification?
IT Certification provides an independent verification of a certain level of expertise (skills and knowledge) in a particular area of Information Technology. The programs are meant to identify the necessary skills for an individual to perform their job competently and most important, successfully in specific areas of IT.
Technical areas include Database Administration, Programming, Engineering, Networking and Internetworking. It provides professionals with industry recognized and valued credentials.

2. What is the role of Jidaw Systems Ltd in IT Certification?
Jidaw Systems Limited (MasterComputers), a member of CompTIA, will not only prepare you to pass your certification exams, but will also empower you with IT tools you need to improve both on your job performance and, as well, on your company's productivity. The aim of Jidaw is to ensure you succeed and achieve your career goals in the IT industry.

3. How do I become certified?
To become certified you must:

·* Identify, define and know your career or employment need or needs.
·* Assess your current employment situation.
* Consider the amount of resources (time, money and effort) you are willing and able to spend on certification.
* Identify certification options based on the above and get details for each option.
* Research the real world / industry potential of the certification.
* Select your certification based on your research.
* Search for a recognized, reputable, proven and time-tested IT training institution that have results to show like Jidaw Systems Limited (MASTERCOMPUTERS).
* During and after your training, you should read and work through the entire given manual, textbook, CDs, practical exercises, practice tests and related past questions. Hands-on experience will be a major advantage.
* After all the above steps, the candidate can now register, pay and then sit for the exam at any testing center.

4. What resources are available to assist me in getting certified?
Internet forums and discussion groups
Study guides and textbooks
Self-assessment tests
Computer-based training (CBT)
Video Learning
Instructor-led Training at training centers
Online classes
Materials provided by the Certification sponsor
World Wide Web Certification sites
www.jidaw.com

5. Which certification programs are very popular?
Popular certification sponsors / programs are: Oracle Corporation (Oracle Certified Professional - Database Administrator), Cisco Systems / Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), Microsoft Corporation / Microsoft Certified System Engineer (MCSE), Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) / A+, Sun Microsystems / Sun Certified Programmer for the Java Platform (Java 2).

6. Which is the best certification or the most profitable certification?
One cannot really say that one certification is better than the other. Some certification programs enjoy much wider recognition than most, but that won't mean others won't prove valuable to you. It is a matter of matching your interests, work goals, time availability and financial resources to a certification program. It is better to choose a certification that fits in with your career development plans rather than choosing any popular certification program.
For example, someone with interest in programming or database administration can go for either Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD), Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA), Java or Oracle certification, or the combination of two or more of the above certifications.
However, for someone with an interest in a networking environment may choose to go for Network +, Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) in Windows 2000 Professional, Windows 2000 Server, Network Infrastructure and Directory Services or Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE), or the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA). Just in the same manner, someone who intends to be a computer service professional can go for the A+ certification (a vendor neutral certification.

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7. Which is better: a degree or a certification?
Everything depends on an individual's career objectives, resources available in terms of time, money and effort and an individual's current work situation and environment. A degree is expected to develop someone intellectually and mentally and to impart the required knowledge for a particular field. On the other hand, certification is intended to make someone an expert on a particular product or field, so as to make one skillful in that particular product or field. Which is best for you depends on your personal goals and aspirations.

8. Must I be a graduate to get certified?
No. There is room for everyone who is capable, with a deep interest in the field and ready to work hard. Once you can read and understand simple English, the remaining aspects are just the availability and acquisition of the necessary materials, training, concentration and extra-effort. Good educational qualifications will however ease the way into the top positions of computer professionals and are usually a requirement in many job openings.

9. Since I am experienced and doing very well on my job or in the IT industry, do I still need to be certified?
Yes. Certification provides an external validation and measurement of technical qualifications. A certified individual is demonstrating to potential employers that not only are you saying you are capable in that area, but an external body is confirming your level of competence. It is an independent support of your knowledge and skills that enhances your professional credibility.

10. Can I read up and prepare for most of these certification programmes on my own and as well pass since I read Computer Science or Computer Engineering?
Yes. But the person must be ready to provide: (1) all the necessary reading materials including training CDs as well as enough and relevant practice exercises, (2) working and compatible computer systems, and (3) conducive learning environment. Meanwhile, classroom training enables trainees to interact one with another and with the trainers; exposes trainees to wide range of different materials maybe from other trainees, trainers or the library; provides answers to bothering questions the trainees might have in mind; offers conducive learning environment; and also provides enough and relevant practice exercises. Jidaw Systems Limited (MasterComputers), the IT Certification professionals, provides all of the above at a low cost but for high quality.

11. Is COAN/CPN certification valuable when compared with the foreign certification?
Computer Association of Nigeria (COAN), acting under the mandate of Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN), organizes quite a number of computer professional exams. This local certification program is in various categories and offers numerous opportunities such as being qualified for Associate Membership or Full Chartered Membership of COAN. In no small measure, this locally conducted certification has its relevance and a way of complimenting and adding more value to our credentials while, as well, granting a strong footing in Nigerian IT industries.

12. What is the difference between '3-month certificate' or '6-month diploma' courses and IT certification?
The '3-month certificate' or '6-month diploma' programs organized by some computer schools or training institutes are monitored by the universities with which they are affiliated. These programs deal with general knowledge of computer and computing. However, in some institutions, the trend seems to move from certificate to diploma to higher diploma, at times, to Bachelor of Science in computer related fields. But, unlike these certificate or diploma programs, certification programs are fashioned out to make someone an expert on a particular product or field and therefore, bring about specialization.
Jidaw has introduced diploma programs such as the A+ Tech Support / Computer Engineering Diploma which combines the best of both worlds. This innovative program is an IT career entry-level program based on CompTIA's A+ Certification. However, the A+
diploma program is not just a certification program, but covers areas such as Professional Ethics and other aspects of IT Professionalism in addition to the core technical subjects.

13. Is certification the only route to a successful career in IT?
No. But it can be viewed as the shortest and easiest way of getting a credential valued by the IT industry. More so, the point to keep in mind is that, the essence of going for certification is to empower you with the needed IT tools so as to be able to improve on your job performance and bring about increase in your company's productivity.
Therefore, certification will be valueless if after having acquired IT certification, you cannot use it to improve on your job performance and increase your company's productivity.

14. What are the types of Exam format in use?
The tests are conducted over the Internet in varying formats.
· Adaptive Exam Format: - this testing format works by evaluating the test-taker's most recent answer. A correct answer leads to a more difficult question while an incorrect answer leads less difficult question. This process continues until the test targets the test-taker's true ability.
· Fixed-length Exam Format: - this testing format delivers certain number of questions to its takers, giving a specific time to complete the exam.

15. Must I go through training in order to be certified?
No, but training assists the students and provides easy, simple and quick way of getting certified. Training also brings about cost saving on IT training materials. It is therefore better and safe to go through training in order to be certified.
Jidaw Systems Limited (MasterComputers) offers all kinds of IT training. Jidaw Systems Limited training has been tried and tested with a high record of success in certification exams. At our training center, for some certification courses students are given an original textbook and CD.

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16. Is training alone enough for me to go and do the IT certification exams?
No. IT certification exams, aside from training, demands the right attitude, time, hands-on experience and extra-effort on the part of the students.

17. Must an institution be a testing centre before it can offer training on IT certification?
The above question is similar to this question: Do you have to wash your head where you cut your hair? Obviously No.

18. Can I do more than one certification at a time?
Yes. However, it is good to adopt the "keep it simple" principle by doing one certification at a time, and more certifications one after the other.

19. What are the benefits in having multiple certifications?
You are not amazed by any problem. You have numerous ways of looking at a problem. You are self-assured when contributing specialized solutions or advice.

20. Where can I work, as IT certified professional?
An IT certified professional can work in all the IT Industries; Banks, Manufacturing Companies, service companies, cybercafes, business centers, Internet Service Providers, Institutions; oil companies, Government Establishment, Ministries, computer vendors, Parastatals and Agencies etc. You can as well set up on your own.

21. How can I promote My Certification and myself?
You have to maximize its value as a career tool. Register with Internet associations, sponsor sites and forums in your area of certification. Use your logo in letters and complimentary cards. Success in IT is not dependent on Tech skills alone. The following are also essential: Have a Career focus; Market yourself; Develop your soft skills; and always adopt a Professional Attitude. We advise that you attend our Career seminars for more insight.

22. What is the process for getting certified?
Read the objectives for that exam
Read any recommended exam study guide
Complete any study/training classes and materials
Get hands-on experience
Review/practice tests
Register for the exam
Take the exam

23. Where will I go for Certification Testing?
The majority of current certification exams are administered through independent testing centers operated by two organizations: Prometric and Virtual University Enterprises (VUE). These testing centers are all over the world. Use these links to locate testing centers:
http://www.jidaw.com/links.html#prometrictest,
http://www.jidaw.com/links.html#vuetest
http://www.jidaw.com/testing.html

24. Which background training should I go for before starting a certification program?
This first thing is that the person must be computer literate. The question is then best answered by your certification choice. For example, somebody who wants to go for MCP, MCSE or CCNA should first go for Networking Fundamentals training. While someone who is interested in programming and intends to go for MCSD, MCDBA, Java or Oracle certification should first go for Introduction to programming training. In case of somebody who wants to do A+ certification should first go for basic PC Repairs and Maintenance training. For your information, all these training are available at Jidaw Systems Limited (MasterComputers) at affordable cost.

25. What are common Certification Mistakes?
Underestimating the cost
Choosing a certification because it is popular
Choosing a certification because it is easy to get
Failing to ascertain a certification's practical applications
Unrealistic expectations
Choosing the wrong training center
Poor Preparation and Study habits
Forgetting about continuing requirements
Picking a certification that does not match what you want to do or be.
Pursuing certification that has no verified practical experience
That once you are certified you no longer have to work to increase your skills.
Read more on 5 Top Certification Mistakes (http://www.jidaw.com/article4.html)

26. What is the difference between MCSE and Cisco certification and which one is better?
MCSE is a certification on Microsoft product (now Windows 2000). It is all about installing, configuring, monitoring, Optimizing and troubleshooting networks that are running on Microsoft Windows 2000 operating system. Cisco, on the other hand, is a certification on Cisco network connectivity products e.g. bridges, switches and routers. It is all about installation, configuration, maintenance, monitoring and troubleshooting of the Cisco bridges, switches and routers in an internetworking and routing environment. Both certification programmes are good but the combination makes the sky a stepping-stone.

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27. Why are certification exams updated? And what is recertification?
Because knowledge within the IT industry is dynamic and rapidly changing, to ensure relevance certifications will be updated from time to time to to address new and emerging technologies. Program updates are based on the need to improve the certification quality using industry feedback and developments in the IT industry.
Recertfication is related to Program updates and is a requirement for certification sponsors who time-limit their certifications. Again the essence is to demonstrate an ongoing commitment to knowledge aquisition and the maintenance of continuing competence. Some vendors believe that it is essential to certify that the certification holder is keeping up with current trends in the industry.

28. What is Cisco all about and why do I need the knowledge of networking before doing Cisco certification?
Cisco is a certification on installation and configuration of Cisco bridges, switches and routers. The basic requirement for Cisco certification is a good understanding and knowledge of basic networking.

29. What is the role of Jidaw Systems Ltd in IT Certification?
Jidaw Systems Limited (MasterComputers), a member of CompTIA, will not only prepare you to pass your certification exams, but will also empower you with IT tools you need to improve both on your job performance and, as well, on your company's productivity. The aim of Jidaw is to ensure you succeed and achieve your career goals in the IT industry. Jidaw Systems Limited is acknowledged as a leader in Nigeria for IT Training, Certification and IT Career Advancement. Unique features of training at Jidaw Systems include: instructor-led training, real work experiences, hands-on experience, and competitive and flexible payment terms.

You need to visit Jidaw Systems Limited to see the 'records of success' of our past students. Stop walking in darkness, visit MasterComputers for all your IT problems and solutions.

NOTE: To succeed with Jidaw and in your IT Career you must possess the Drive and Motivation to achieve and advance -commitment plus effort. Come if your focus is on substance, not flashy setup or gimmicks, because the right focus leads to achievement and fulfillment.

For more information/enquiries talk with IT experts on the line:  01-8958064, 01-4808445 or 08035007778 or 

For More Career Tips, Views And Advice, head straight to the IT Career Resource Center:

http://www.jidaw.com/certarticles/careercert.html  

 

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