Certifications and Training

Practice questions for IT certification exams and updates about changes in certifications.

Top 20 cloud computing skills to boost your career in 2021

As cloud adoption increases, so too does the need for IT experts with cloud computing skills. Here are 20 key skills to help you on your journey.
Getting started with a career in IT infrastructure: A brief guide

Learn about the jobs available, skills required/in demand and the most popular relevant certifications/certificates/degrees as you consider infrastructure as an IT career path.
Top 7 cloud computing careers of 2021 and how to get started

Cloud computing touches many aspects of modern life, and the need for cloud professionals is great. Learn about the necessary skills and education for a cloud computing career.
How to land a job in cybersecurity

Find out if you're a good fit for a career in cybersecurity, the kind of training required, how to start building IT security skills and the types of jobs available.
25 terms to know before taking the IT4IT Foundation exam

Learn about IT4IT and prepare for the basic terminology that may appear in the IT4IT Foundation exam by reviewing these 25 terms.
The top 20 programs for studying artificial intelligence

Learn about the top undergraduate and graduate school programs for students or professionals interested in studying the emerging field of artificial intelligence.
Top 8 most in-demand IT tech jobs of 2021

For job seekers in 2021, it's important to find a role that will be in high demand both now and in the coming years. Here are eight of the most promising jobs in technology.
11 top IoT online courses to boost your career (free and paid)

Are you ready to get started or move to the next level learning about IoT system design and technology? One of these certification or degree programs might be just right.
Top 30 IoT interview questions and answers

Do you or a job candidate have what it takes to meet the demands of IoT? Find out with our 30 questions and answers on planning, deploying and maintaining the internet of things.
8 certifications and courses for admins, DevOps and IT ops pros

With a few years of experience now on your resume, it's time to boost or validate those skills you've gained. Explore these courses and certifications for one that fits your goals.
Free machine learning course: Using ML algorithms, practices and patterns

This 13-lesson series offers an overview of machine learning and its applications for those hoping to break into the machine learning job market or learn more about this technology.
7 steps for a network and IT security foundation

Enterprises should make it a habit to review their IT security systems, following steps that include network segmentation, multifactor authentication and security education.
CompTIA ITF+ practice test questions and answers

CompTIA's IT Fundamentals+ certification demonstrates general knowledge of computer components, operating systems and networks. This quiz will help you prepare for the exam.
PMP exam prep: Project management test and answers

Use this 20-question practice test to review your knowledge of project management key concepts ahead of taking the PMP exam. The certification exam will cover 49 management processes.
CompTIA A+ practice test questions and answers

CompTIA's A+ is the most popular of all IT certification programs. Use these practice questions to prepare for the A+ exam and identify areas to study.
Where ISO certification fits in a risk mitigation strategy

Thomas Johnson explores why ISO certification helps organizations as part of their risk mitigation strategy in business continuity planning as companies adjust to the new normal.
Navigate the DOD's Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification requires DOD contractors to achieve baseline security standards. Explore the five levels of certification and how to achieve them.
6 Crucial Interview Questions for ERP Job Candidates in 2020

On the ERP job hunt? Pour over these six need-to-know questions before your interview to help fortify your enterprise resource planning knowledge, shake the nerves and win the job.
Prepare for these common SRE interview questions

To ace that job interview, aspiring SREs should prepare to discuss everything from programming languages to network troubleshooting at varying levels of detail.
Prepare Your Answers for 15 Server and Networking Interview Questions

When interviewing for server and networking job positions, most interviewers look for knowledge in three main areas -- servers, systems design and networking.
Data science interview preparation: How to answer top questions

A successful interview for a data scientist position relies on the ability to effectively communicate and demonstrate your combined experiences and skills.
How to prep for your AWS cloud certification exam

Use this guide to AWS certifications to start your exam prep. Let's make sense of all the exam resources out there.
5 basic network management interview questions and answers

Job interviews should be a two-way conversation. Here are some common network management interview questions for both hiring managers and job applicants.
Cisco online certification tests are now available

Cisco online certification testing launched April 15. To prevent cheating, the Pearson VUE testing software commandeers the video cameras and microphones on candidates' home PCs.
Prepare for a CIO Interview With These 20 Questions

What are the intelligent questions to ask a CIO during an interview to ensure they're the right fit for the role? According to many IT leaders and recruiters, these are the top 20.
CISA exam preparation requires learning ethics, standards, new vocab

The CISA certification is proof of an auditor's knowledge and skills. However, the exam isn't easy and requires some heavy learning -- especially when it comes to vocabulary.
CISA practice questions to prep for the exam

Ready to take the Certified Information Systems Auditor exam? Use these CISA practice questions to test your knowledge of the audit process job practice domain.
A roundup of the Cisco certification changes in 2020

The network industry is changing and so are required network engineer skills. Here's how Cisco redesigned its certification programs to keep up with industry goals.
How Cisco certification changes alter CCNP and CCIE tracks

Here's what to expect from the colossal Cisco certification changes to the CCNP and CCIE tracks that aim to increase material relevance and benefit network engineers' daily lives.
CISM practice questions to prep for the exam

Risk management is at the core of being a security manager. Practice your risk management knowledge with these CISM practice questions.
The who, what, why -- and challenges -- of CISM certification

Think you're ready for the CISM certification exam? Peter Gregory, author of CISM: Certified Information Security Manager Practice Exams, has some pointers for you.
AWS SysOps certification exam guide outlines admin responsibility

In this book excerpt from "AWS Certified SysOps Administrator Associate All-in-One Exam Guide," review the best practices for OS and application security on AWS.
CompTIA PenTest+ practice test questions to assess your knowledge

Think you're ready to take the CompTIA PenTest+ certification exam? Test your skill set with some of the sample multiple-choice questions you may be facing.
Top 5 cloud architect interview questions and answers

Job candidates need technical skills and much more to work in the cloud. Prepare for your cloud architect interview with these potential questions and answers to stand out from the crowd.
Cisco CCNA practice test: Try these 20 exam questions

Use this CCNA practice test as study material to prepare for the Cisco CCNA Routing and Switching 200-125 exam. With 20 questions on a range of topics, we're not playing around.
Try a CCNA 200-301 practice quiz from the official cert guide

This practice quiz provides a sneak peek into the new 'CCNA 200-301 Official Cert Guide, Volume 1,' which reflects Cisco's CCNA certification and exam redesigns.
Network pros on new Cisco DevNet certification: 'Finally!'

Want to learn infrastructure as code? Now, there's a Cisco cert for that. Learn more about the new network automation certification suite, plus changes to the CCNA, CCNP and CCIE.
What the VMware VCP certification backtrack means for you

In 2019, VMware rolled back its VCP certification policy. This means that expired VCP 4 and 5 certificates have gone live again, and VCP names now correlate with year.
How to pass the CISSP exam on your first try: Tips to get a good score

Want to become a CISSP? Here's everything you need to know, such as how difficult the exam is, tips for studying, what's needed to obtain a passing score and more.
5 DevSecOps interview questions employers are likely to ask

To land that DevSecOps dream job, prepare to answer questions not only about specific IT and security tools, but about DevOps team culture as a whole.
Top 5 incident response interview questions

Job interviews are always nerve-wracking. But you can prepare now by honing your responses to the most likely interview questions for an incident response position.
Qlik debuts free data literacy certification

Qlik unveiled a free data literacy certification in the hopes of making people -- both customers and non-customers -- more data literate.
Study tips to ace the CNCF's CKA exam

IT certifications are an IT admin's superpower, lending official credibility to technology expertise. Know what to expect -- and practice -- to become Kubernetes certified.
CDP Institute releases customer data platform certification

While waiting for Salesforce to release a customer data platform and for Adobe to perfect its newly released CDP, RealCDP certification aspires to validate CDPs available today.
IT pros must adapt to Azure certification path changes

Microsoft reworked its Azure certifications recently and offers an upgrade path for IT pros with older credentials, but there is little time before the transition tests expire.
Android brings FIDO2 certification to 1 billion devices

The FIDO Alliance announced Android has received FIDO2 certification, which will bring the ability to sign into websites and apps with biometrics, rather than passwords.
Succeed with the test-first Java certification prep approach

Java certification exam prep is an important step for anyone interested in the test. Consider a test-first approach that might help you more effectively study for the exam.
Top 7 system administrator interview questions and answers

To land any IT job, you need to master the interview. Here are seven questions to expect in your next sysadmin interview and how to ace the answers.
Electronic medical records certification aims at data sharing

To promote better patient access to their digital health information, EHR certification requirements now include provisions for interoperability and APIs.
How should I prepare for a VMware exam?

To prepare for a VMware certification exam, study the blueprint that VMware provides. You can also save some money on the test if you keep an eye out for discount codes.
Why take the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner exam?

Even if you're not an IT pro, you can ace the AWS certification exam. Break down the communication walls between nontechnical staff and cloud experts by obtaining this AWS certification.
MEF launches SDN certification and specs for Presto APIs

MEF worked with The Linux Foundation and ETSI to develop an NFV and SDN certification to focus on related knowledge and skills. Meantime, MEF published specs for its Presto APIs.
Information security certification guide: Specialized certifications

This information security certification guide looks at vendor-neutral certifications in specialized areas such as risk management, security auditing and secure programming.
Information security certification guide: Forensics

This information security certificate guide looks at vendor-neutral computer forensics certifications for IT professionals interested in cyber attribution and investigations.
Information security certification guide: Advanced level

Part three of this information security certification guide looks at vendor-neutral advanced security certifications for more experienced IT professionals.
Forge your own Azure training and certification path

IT professionals who want to achieve a Microsoft Azure certification can choose their own concentrations around areas such as infrastructure management, machine learning and more.
Choose the right VMware certification to boost your career

With so many VMware certification levels and specialization tracks, it's easy to get in over your head. Fortunately, this expert advice can help steer you straight.
Smooth your AWS certification path with this advice

With AWS certification in heavy demand, many IT professionals are headed back to the classroom. Cloud trainer Anthony Sequeira offers some advice to help you pass the exam.
Who needs to take the Exchange 2016 exam?

The 70-345 exam for Exchange Server 2016 requires a significant investment of time and energy. Before you step onto the certification path, make sure there is a payoff down the road.
What are three must-ask SharePoint developer interview questions?

Companies looking to hire SharePoint developers need to ask the right questions to choose the best candidates. These three SharePoint developer interview questions can get you started.
The case for code in the Salesforce developer certification

The Salesforce developer certification measures click skills or code skills. Here is a guide to knowing the code skills necessary to pass the Force.com Developer certification.
AWS certification types with the most street cred

Passing an AWS certification exam is often a top benchmark on a cloud pro's resume. These AWS certifications are considered the most difficult -- and valuable.
The case for click in Salesforce Developer Certification

The Salesforce development certification measures click skills or code skills. Here is a guide to knowing the click skills necessary to pass the Force.com Developer Certification.
Latest Cisco certification programs aimed at network programmability

The latest Cisco certification programs are for IT professionals working with the vendor's Digital Network Architecture.
How can you ace ISTQB exam preparation? Organize the studying

It's a big test, but if you break it down into smaller bits -- and study with a group -- it's much easier. Expert Amy Reichert explains prepping for the ASTQB/ISTQB exam.
What to expect in the Salesforce Administrator certification exam

Looking into what it takes to become a certified Salesforce Administrator? Prepare for the 60-question exam with insight into subjects covered during the 90-minute test.
DevOps certification is not the only path to success

Is DevOps certification worth the paper it's printed on? In emerging areas such as DevOps, IT ops pros should combine real-world skills with training to get ahead.
How to kick-start your ASTQB and ISTQB exam preparation

If this is the year to build your software testing career, the ASTQB and ISTBQ certification tests might be a good idea. Expert Amy Reichert explains how to start preparing.
Cisco certification changes focus on data center and analytics

Cisco certification changes, effective in January, mean trainees will need to focus more on data center and analytics topics.
Get started with Salesforce certification training

As the Salesforce platform expands, getting your Salesforce certification training can increasingly make you an asset to your business.
What to know before taking the CCNP Data Center exam

With a focus on data center network implementation and support, CCNP Data Center is a subset certification from Cisco. But is taking the exam really worth all the effort for IT pros?
Prove your virtualization skills with VCP6-DCV certification

The first step to becoming a qualified administrator is to pursue certification. The VMware Certified Associate - Data Center Virtualization exam is a good place to start.
Register for AIIM's Certified Information Professional certification

AIIM has resurrected its Certified Information Professional certification, and you can register for it now.
What should candidates expect in interviews for CISO jobs?

When candidates prepare for a CISO job interview, they should know the answer to 12 specific questions. Expert Mike O. Villegas reviews the questions.
Tips to ace tough IT operations interview questions

Few things career-wise are as nerve-wracking as job interviews. Knowing what to expect going into that first meeting for a Web or app administrator role can quell some uneasiness.
Prepare for your next cloud security manager interview

When interviewing for a cloud security manager position, candidates should be ready to talk about everything, from encryption technology to DevOps.
Should I invest in formal SDN training, certification?

Network engineer and software-defined networking pro Will Murrell considers whether formal SDN certification and training is worth the time, expense and effort.
Microsoft certification preparation advice for Windows admins

Windows admins who want to prepare for Microsoft certification should learn which options exist and best align with their career path in order to form an effective study strategy.
Get a head start with these VMware admin interview questions

VMware is a top platform for enterprise virtualization. Potential administrators should have a strong grasp of the technology before an interview for the job.
Six questions cloud app developers should nail in an interview

To wow potential employers, cloud app developers should prove in an interview that they're more than just code jockeys.
Prepare yourself for these VMware administrator interview questions

Before you get to your VMware interview, prepare yourself with these questions.
Industry group says FedRAMP certification process is 'broken'

An advocacy group representing cloud providers such as Hewlett Packard Enterprise and IBM has criticized FedRAMP and called on the government to fix the cloud certification program.
What is the state of my Windows Server certification?

An administrator with an MCSA Windows Server 2008 certification can upgrade to the Windows Server 2012 equivalent by taking an exam.
Is the FedRAMP certification making a difference?

There was speculation in the security world over whether the FedRAMP certification would be helpful or not. Now that it's in full use, Mike Chapple looks at the state of FedRAMP.
What is the best way to prepare for the ITPM certification?

The ITPM certification can help security managers bolster insider threat programs. Here's what the certification involves and how to best prepare for it.
CCIE certification: Changes ahead for Cisco partners

Cisco partners can expect new written exam topics to surface in mid-2016 in light of the networking vendor's updated CCIE framework; a CCNA update is on tap as well.
Five things to know to land a cloud architect job

Demand for cloud architects is growing in the enterprise, but competition for jobs is tough. Here are five questions to help you ace a cloud architect interview.
What does the CASP certification update include?

CompTIA released updates to the CASP certification. Expert Mike O. Villegas reviews the changes and discusses whether they add value to the certification.
How useful is QA certification for career advancement?

If you're new to the field of quality assurance, you might find having QA certification helpful for career advancement.
Cisco CCNA quiz: Take Part 2 of the advanced practice exam

In this CCNA quiz, we present you with 10 questions on a variety of advanced CCNA topics, including IPv6, OSPF, router security, NAT, GLBP and more. Make sure you answer all 10 questions and assess your readiness to take the CCNA exam.
Uptime certification misuse leads to big changes

The Uptime Institute's tier-level certification will now only be handed out to constructed projects that meet the standards, not for designs.
Secure a job on these DevOps interview questions

Practice answering these questions to highlight your broad scope of experience, wide knowledge of tools, and multidisciplinary DevOps savvy during an interview.
Five COBOL interview questions to land a new job

Time for a new job on the mainframe? Brush up on your COBOL basics and prepare for these strategic interview questions.
Best practices to prepare for your MCSE: Messaging exam

One Exchange MVP answers four common questions admins have as they prepare for their MCSE certification exams.
Why is the Certified Ethical Hacker certification suddenly popular?

The Certified Ethical Hacker certification gained in popularity recently. Expert Joseph Granneman explains the CEH and why it's relevant again.
Getting to know the new GIAC certification: GCCC

The new GIAC certification, GCCC, is not a very specific certification, but it could prove useful in organizations. Expert Joseph Granneman explains why.
What to expect from the new CompTIA Security+ certification exam

With the new version of the CompTIA Security+ exam adding some necessary changes, expert Joseph Granneman explains how they affect the relevance of the exam.
ONF launches vendor-neutral SDN certification program

With its SDN certification program, the ONF aims to set a standard for engineers to have a broad, foundational understanding of SDN technology and concepts.
VMware releases certification track for NSX platform

VMware took the wraps off its certification track for NSX, making it eligible for IT professionals desiring recognition in the network virtualization field.
An introduction to the (ISC)2 CISSP security certification exam

Spotlight article: Learn about the (ISC)2 CISSP security exam, the 10 CISSP domains and the exclusive CISSP prep materials offered by Shon Harris and SearchSecurity.