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Paul Ricketts

Paul Ricketts
Originally from the UK, Paul Ricketts is the Director of Marketing at TrainACE in Greenbelt, MD. Having started out in the field of Geographic Information Systems, Paul has a wealth of experience in a wide variety of industries, focused on tech., graphics and data analysis. Having finally settled in the field of marketing, he has spent the last 8 years fine tuning his skills in the art of communication and persuasion.

Recent Posts

Is CEH Hard to Pass?

[fa icon="calendar'] May 14, 2021 11:09:04 AM / by Paul Ricketts

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If you are at the point where you’re asking, ‘is CEH hard to pass?’ chances are that you are familiar with what an ethical hacker does and how important the CEH certification can be to someone looking to become one. Right now, you are looking for some reassurance that any time and money invested in training and certification is worth it. So, while we can’t predict if you will pass, we can give you a sense of what you need to do to get your CEH accreditation and what to expect from the exam.

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How to Become a Certified Ethical Hacker

[fa icon="calendar'] Apr 21, 2021 11:37:56 AM / by Paul Ricketts posted in CEH, EC-Council, Ethical Hacking

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In recent years becoming a certified ethical hacker has become a much sought-after skill in the cybersecurity world. Seeded by small groups of early hackers who bucked the trend of hacking for financial gain or simple disruption, it took time for the practice to be accepted as a legitimate role in the business world.

But how do you become a certified ethical hacker?

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How to Get into IT Without a Degree

[fa icon="calendar'] Mar 11, 2021 3:52:44 PM / by Paul Ricketts posted in CompTIA, A+

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It’s a question we hear a lot here at TrainACE – Can I get into IT without a degree?

In short, yes you can. An increasing percentage of successful IT professionals have built their careers on their experience, and by obtaining professional certifications, rather than taking a four-year degree. Professional IT certifications cover a wide range of topics in a focused way, and many can be obtained relatively quickly. Increasingly employers in Maryland are looking for people with specific skill sets and are relying on certifications to assess an individual’s skills and knowledge.

Let’s explore how you can get into IT without a degree.

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What's the Difference between Security+ 501 and 601?

[fa icon="calendar'] Jan 25, 2021 10:19:00 AM / by Paul Ricketts posted in CompTIA, Cybersecurity, Security+

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CompTIA certifications are globally recognized and highly sought-after credentials, and Security+ is considered by many to be an essential cybersecurity certification. Information technology professionals who earn the CompTIA Security+ certification are in high demand worldwide by many large corporations and organizations. In Washington, D.C., where many businesses are headquartered, there is a huge need for cybersecurity professionals to fill the hundreds of available job roles.

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What Are the Benefits of Security+ Certification in DC?

[fa icon="calendar'] Jan 18, 2021 10:12:36 AM / by Paul Ricketts posted in CompTIA, Washington DC, Security+

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Each year, there are more cybersecurity attacks than the year before. As a result, organizations are allocating more of their IT budgets to increase security, which leads to the need to hire more cybersecurity professionals to help protect their data and systems. In the metropolitan Washington, DC area, there are hundreds of open positions for cybersecurity experts and not enough qualified candidates to fill them. So, what are the benefits of security+ certification?  

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A Day in the Life of a Network Engineer in Washington, DC

[fa icon="calendar'] Dec 21, 2020 9:13:00 AM / by Paul Ricketts posted in Washington DC, Network+

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As a network engineer in Washington, D.C., you will be in the heart of the country and the IT industry. The duties of someone in this role are wide-ranging and can be very complex. Putting it simply, a network engineer is responsible for building and maintaining the daily operations of an organization’s computer networks, including an intranet, extranet, wide area network (WAN), and local area network (LAN). However, there isn’t a typical day for a network engineer, and you never know what will come up.

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What is the Best Way to Study for Network Plus in Maryland?

[fa icon="calendar'] Dec 14, 2020 1:16:00 PM / by Paul Ricketts posted in Network+

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CompTIA certifications are some of the most sought-after credentials worldwide. The Network+ certification is an entry-level designation that validates your proficiency in managing, maintaining, installing, troubleshooting, and configuring necessary network infrastructures. Like other certifications, Network+ requires that you pass a certification exam to earn your credential. While this certification is a beginner-level credential, it doesn’t mean the exam will be easy. It requires that you study sufficiently and that you have the necessary knowledge and skills if you want to pass.

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Which is Better in Washington D.C.- Network Plus or Security Plus?

[fa icon="calendar'] Dec 7, 2020 9:25:00 AM / by Paul Ricketts posted in Network+, Security+

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Professionals in the IT industry are in demand in Washington, D.C. and around the world. In fact, the current demand far outweighs the candidate pool for many IT roles. One of the first things that hiring managers look for in potential new hires is their certifications. The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) is one of the most well-known and trusted certifying agencies for IT professionals, offering many certifications including the Network+ and Security+ credentials.

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What Are CompTIA Network+ Salaries in Maryland?

[fa icon="calendar'] Dec 1, 2020 2:56:00 PM / by Paul Ricketts

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When it comes to determining the average salary or earning potential associated with the CompTIA Network+ certification, it's important to consider various factors that can influence these figures. While specific salary data can vary based on factors such as location, years of experience, job role, and industry, here are some key insights to keep in mind:

  • Industry and Job Role: The industry and job role you pursue with a CompTIA Network+ certification can greatly impact your earning potential. For example, IT professionals working in the telecommunications or finance sectors may have higher salary ranges compared to those in other industries.
  • Experience Level: Generally, individuals with more years of experience in the IT field tend to command higher salaries. As you gain more experience and expertise, your earning potential may increase.
  • Geographical Location: Salaries can vary significantly based on the location where you work. Major metropolitan areas or regions with a high demand for IT professionals may offer higher salaries compared to smaller towns or rural areas.
  • Additional Certifications and Skills: Having additional certifications or specialized skills can enhance your earning potential. Employers often value a combination of certifications and skills that align with their specific needs.
  • Market Demand: The demand for IT professionals with CompTIA Network+ certification can also impact salary ranges. If there is a high demand for individuals with this certification in a particular region or industry, it may drive up salaries.

While these insights can provide a general understanding of the earning potential associated with the CompTIA Network+ certification, it's important to conduct thorough research and consult reliable sources to obtain the most accurate and up-to-date salary data. Consider exploring reputable salary surveys, job boards, or professional networking platforms that provide salary information specific to IT professionals with the CompTIA Network+ certification. Additionally, networking with professionals in the field or seeking guidance from career advisors can offer valuable insights into salary expectations and career advancement opportunities.

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What Entry Level Jobs Can You Get in Maryland with Network Plus?

[fa icon="calendar'] Nov 19, 2020 2:49:07 PM / by Paul Ricketts posted in Network+

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The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) introduced the Network+ certification more than two decades ago, and it has continued to be one of the most recognized and sought-after credentials in the IT industry since then. The certification tests the skills of IT professionals who have some prior experience with networking that is required to work on network design and implementation.

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What CCNA Entry Level Jobs are Available in Maryland?

[fa icon="calendar'] Nov 17, 2020 10:16:24 AM / by Paul Ricketts posted in CCNA, Cisco

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You've learned about the exciting possibilities of a career in IT and are looking to jump in. You have some computer experience but need a qualification to help you get the entry-level role you need to get started. So, let us break-down Cisco's CCNA certification and the CCNA entry level jobs you can expect to get once you have it.

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Is CCNP Certification Worth It in Maryland?

[fa icon="calendar'] Sep 4, 2020 11:28:00 AM / by Paul Ricketts posted in CCNP

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The Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) certification program underwent some changes earlier this year. It now encompasses two exams, one that tests your core networking skills, and a second that tests your knowledge in a concentration area of your choice. Earning the CCNP credential means that you have successfully passed both exams.

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