The Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP) will provide 12 months of training assistance equal to approximately $1,473 per month.  Participants must be enrolled in a program approved for VA benefits that is offered by a community college or technical school. The program must lead to an Associate Degree, Non-College Degree, or a Certificate.

To qualify, a Veteran must:

•             Be at least 35 but no more than 60 years old

•             Be unemployed on the day of application

•             Have an other than dishonorable discharge

•             Not be eligible for any other VA education benefit program (e.g.: the Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Assistance)

•             Not be in receipt of VA compensation due to unemployability

•             Not be enrolled in a federal or state job training program

•             Pursue a program that leads to employment in a high demand occupation

The program is limited to 45,000 participants between July 1, 2012, and September 30, 2012, and an additional 54,000 participants from October 1, 2012, through March 31, 2014.

**Applications will be accepted beginning May 15, 2012.**

For more details, please visit The Department of Veterans Affairs website by clicking HERE.

Classes that are eligible for this program with us include the A+/Network+, CCNA, MCSA / MCITP-SA, Security+ and more. Get info on VA / GI Bill training.

Microsoft says the new certification program will be very similar to the current program, and will be based on three certification “tiers” developed and based on a person’s understanding and mastery of software skills, planning and design skills, and solutions. The main difference between the current generation of certification programs and this new incarnation: the new program will address cloud services when applicable. The changes were made based in part on customer feedback, which indicated a need for a more developed set of cloud computing skills.

The new MCSA certification will replace the current Microsoft Certified Technologist designation, with exams focusing on skills directed at implementing software and services. The MCSE certification exams will test candidates’ skills in planning, design and infrastructure while the MCSD will assess development skills. Both the MCSE and the MCSD tracks will require candidates to pass exams at the MCSA level before moving on to exams at the upper levels.

Because technology in the cloud changes at such a fast pace, Microsoft said it became imperative to begin programs which would allow recertification at the expert level. To keep abreast of current and evolving developments in cloud technology, Microsoft also said it expects to require recertification every two years for developers and every three years for professionals in the IT field.

The newly introduced MCSE: Private Cloud certification is one of the new tracks that relies heavily on assessment of cloud computing skills. That track requires the completion of all three MCSA exams, including active directory configuration, network infrastructure configuration and Windows server administrator exams, followed by two of three private cloud exams. The three private cloud exams being offered include Configuring/Deploying Private Cloud with System Center, Monitoring/Operating Private Cloud with System Center 2012 and Windows Server 2008 R2, Virtualization.

While some of these exams are already available others, including all of the MCSA exams, Configuring/Deploying Private Cloud with System Center 2012 and Monitoring/Operating Private Cloud with System Center 2012 are not expected to be available until June. Microsoft also plans to expand its testing of cloud skills in other areas; for instance, knowledge of private cloud elements will be expected at both the MCSA and MCSE levels of upcoming Windows 8 exams. Requirements of the Microsoft Certified Solution Master will be forthcoming, the company said, but candidates should expect them to be comparable to existing versions of the Microsoft Certified master exams. No changes were being made to the Microsoft Certified Architect designation, the company added.

Microsoft said candidates who are currently in the process of MCTS, MCPD and MCITP are unaffected by these changes, since those certifications encompass current and relevant technology. And, since the exams for both the MCSA 2008 and MCITP:SA 2008 are the same, those who have earned the MCITP:SA 2008 should automatically receive the MCSA 2008 without additional work.

As legislators sought to finalize the bills, mass online protests were sparked, effectively stunting the bills in the short term. However, the day after public outcry, the FBI conducted an operation against MegaUpload, a popular file-sharing website. Though MegaUpload is based overseas and facilitates a range of legitimate uses, the site does use several servers in the United States and is widely known as a place to store and find pirated materials such as movies, music and more. The FBI took the site offline and had four of its key members arrested in New Zealand.

While the case is groundbreaking, the incident also came with an immediate backlash. A group called Anonymous, which has claimed responsibility for a number of high profile hacks, set up various Denial of Service attacks on government websites, including the Justice Department and the FBI. Attacks were also launched against supporters of SOPA and PIPA, including the RIAA and the MPAA. The attacks knocked the websites offline, and the immediate impact shows unprecedented vulnerabilities in the country’s virtual network.

Clearly, the playing field has changed. Targeted Denial of Service attacks can be difficult to overcome but it is important to note that there are other, far more damaging attacks that can also be waged if hackers put their minds to it. Therefore, in order to stay effective in this new battlefield, it is important to have advanced security training. The infamous Certified Ethical Hacker certification is now baseline.

Fortunately, there are numerous advanced security training courses available. Some of the most popular of these include Cloud Security, Wireless Security and Mobile Hacking. Such courses provide the skills and knowledge to appropriately protect against such attacks, enabling individuals to both repair any potential damage and set up proper measures to prevent attacks in any environment.  In order to be properly protected, it is important to be properly trained, which is why the value of security courses comes into play.

Ultimately, the Internet is still an evolving landscape with legal questions and ample room for uncertainty. As attempts to define its parameters are inevitably set forward, it is essential for individuals to be well prepared in order to keep websites and content safe and accessible.

Network Administration

Popular job titles within the network administration field include network analyst, network administrator and network engineer. Salaries generally fall between approximately $34,000 and $70,000. The potential for career advancement is high.

A network administrator is typically charged with the maintenance of a computer network’s hardware and software. As a result, many different responsibilities and duties are involved. One thing that isn’t involved is direct contact with end users because a network administrator is usually the highest-ranking member of a company’s technical staff. In a typical day, a network administrator may purchase new hardware, perform new software installs, manage computer licenses, schedule and implement routine maintenance, run test restores, perform network backups and engage in other related activities. To be successful, a network administrator should have a deep understanding of a broad range of technical subjects and be a quick learner.

Systems Administration

Common job titles within the systems administration field include sysadmin, systems administrator and IT systems administrator. In terms of salary, the range is approximately $38,000 to $76,000.

As the name suggests, systems administration refers to the overseeing and management of networks and computer systems. The specific duties that go along with these types of jobs can vary considerably from one company to the next. However, common responsibilities include the installation, support and maintenance of computer systems and servers, which can take up considerable amounts of time. Systems administrators usually need to engage in light programming and scripting, and they are often charged with preparing for and responding to service outages. It’s not uncommon for a sysadmin to be responsible for training and overseeing computer operators. Project management is an important part of the daily life of many systems administrators as well. To be successful in this career, you need to be flexible and able to think on your feet. In-depth knowledge about a wide range of technical subjects is also vital.

IT Security

There are several different titles that fall within the IT security career track. Examples include security analyst, information security engineer and security administrator. Salaries in this field range from about $38,000 to about $91,000.

IT security jobs differ significantly from systems administration and network administration jobs. However, it’s not uncommon for sysadmins and even network admins to occasionally take on IT security duties. Typical responsibilities for a person who works in IT security include the installation, support and maintenance of security infrastructure components like email filters, firewalls, web content filters and server and computer antivirus software. IT security personnel generally handle things like intruder detection and prevention, patch management, security backups and security drills. Depending on the amount of experience that an IT security professional has and on his specific job title, he may also be charged with creating and updating security policies and performing risk assessments. These positions require the ability to focus on minute details and a great deal of responsibility.

Information Assurance

Information assurance positions are a step up from IT security positions. Common job titles include information assurance engineer and information assurance manager. The salary range for positions in this category is approximately $58,000 to $117,000.

While positions in the IT security field are typically concerned with the fine details and the day-to-day operation of a network or server’s security components, positions in the information assurance field are more managerial in nature. With this type of job, you would be responsible for ensuring that information systems adhere to established security rules and protocols. These professionals often conduct security assessments and report the findings to a company’s leadership. They have to be able to manage and deal with potential problems with data or information in a quick and logical way. Extensive knowledge about databases, operating systems, applications and programs is critical. In addition to that, this type of professional is usually charged with ensuring that existing security measures mesh with a company’s needs.

As you can see, the four most common careers in the information technology industry are quite different from one another. Positions in the systems administration and IT security fields tend to be more “hands on” in nature, while positions in the network administration and information assurance fields are typically more managerial in scope. It is important to assess your own strengths, weaknesses and goals to determine which career track is right for you. In the end, it is tough to go wrong with a career in the information technology field.

There are two primary certifications that are helpful in any information technology career. These certifications evaluate an applicant’s skill and knowledge on foundational information technology subjects. By obtaining these certifications, an applicant shows potential employers that they have the knowledge and skills necessary to fulfill their job description. Many employers will make a contingent offer to an applicant based on them achieving these primary certifications. This is often the case in entry level IT help desk positions and computer and desktop support technician positions. These two primary certifications are the CompTIA A+ and the CompTIA Network+ and they are the key to a successful career change in to the IT industry.

The CompTIA A+ certification is comprised of two tests. The CompTIA A+ Essentials test measures the applicant’s competency in computer technology, networking and security, while the CompTIA A+ Practical Application evaluates how well the applicant can apply that knowledge to troubleshoot and resolve certain scenarios. Each test has 100 questions and lasts 90 minutes. On a scale of 100 to 900, an applicant must score 675 on the Essentials test and 700 on the Practical Application to pass. CompTIA recommends but does not require that applicants have 500 hours of hands-on experience or an equivalent amount of training before attempting the exams. Typically a well- structured A+ and Network+ combination class will provide valuable hands-on training to the students, essentially giving them the opportunity to physically perform the tasks that they are learning about in the course content.

The CompTIA A+ certification is the first step toward a successful information technology career and will immediately make someone eligible for entry level repair and technician jobs. Typically, the A+ certification is obtained before the Network+ exam is attempted.

Specifically designed for network technicians, network administrators, or network installers, the CompTIA Network+ certification is also very beneficial to career changing and new information technology job seekers. The 90 minute Network+ examination includes 100 questions about networking equipment, installation, topology, management, configuration and security. The seven-layer open system interconnection (OSI) model is a major focal point of the test. A minimum score of 720 (out of 900) is required to pass.

By obtaining the CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Network+ certifications, information technology candidates prove they have the essential knowledge and skills required to be successful in the information technology industry. Since obtaining these certifications takes hard work and dedication, candidates who obtain them also demonstrate their commitment to success in the information technology field. The exams are known to be slightly tricky and carefully worded. With the level of study required and the degree of difficulty of the exams, they are known to be able to weed out people who may not have the desire to further their Information Technology skill set down the road.

The A+ and Network+ certifications are also gateway certifications to almost all other sub-industries within IT. Some of the more popular sub-industries within the IT industry include networking, systems administration and security. The A+ and Network+ certifications enable students to make a path in each of these directions by providing a solid and well-rounded foundation in IT concepts, terminology, and practical application. One will be equipped with the fundamental to knowledge to both do well in each category as well as know which direction may be of interest to them, as each field is distinct in job duties and day to day operations.

Finding an Entry Level IT Job After Achieving the A+ and Network+ Certifications

Finding your first entry-level IT job after your training and certification can be an enlightening and very challenging experience. Here is an important checklist to consider when attempting to land your first Computer / IT industry job.

• Explore your options. Begin by considering what type of computer job you would like. IT Jobs will vary and have special requirements, so you should assess the skills you have and then decide which job might be best for you. Check to see what’s hot in the current markets so that you are planning for the best possibilities.
• Prepare and revise your resume to reflect the skills you’ve acquired with computers from your certification training. Resumes should look extremely professional and be free of grammar/spelling errors.
• Utilize and post your resume on the current and most popular IT Job search engines and resources like DICE, ComputerJobs.com, Monster, TechJobs, etc.
• Find a staffing agency in your area. Many companies rely on them to find local employees. Submit your resume to your local staffing agency directly and tell them you want an entry-level position with computers.
• Network, Network, Network!!!! Hang out where the IT people hang! You can learn a lot about what people are doing in the field and also make great contacts for job opportunities.

The information technology field is constantly growing and evolving. Computers are a mainstay of our lives, which means that computer technicians and other information technology careers will always be in high demand. Aspiring information technology professionals can take their first step toward a successful career change by pursuing the CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Network+ certifications.

More Information on Starting a Career in Information Technology

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