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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

How to Renew CCNP Certification in Maryland

[fa icon="calendar'] Aug 31, 2020 11:24:00 AM / by Paul Ricketts posted in CCNP

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In February 2020, Cisco did some rearranging and updating its certification program to address the needs of modern networking, requiring both infrastructure and software expertise. One of the credentials that were affected is the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) certification. The CCNP is a professional-level certification that validates your proficiency in building, implementing, and troubleshooting local area networks (LAN) and wide-area networks (WAN).

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Is CCNA Worth It in Maryland?

[fa icon="calendar'] Aug 24, 2020 11:17:45 AM / by Paul Ricketts posted in CCNA

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Cisco products and services are used worldwide by major corporations. That means that IT professionals who understand and can maintain Cisco technologies are in demand. The Cisco Certified Networking Associate (CCNA) designation is the first step in certification for many IT professionals. In fact, it is the most popular certification globally. It provides validation that you have the associate-level knowledge of Cisco technologies and networking basics.
 
But the CCNA exam can be challenging for early career professionals, so is CCNA worth it? 
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Is CCNA going away?

[fa icon="calendar'] Aug 14, 2020 8:52:12 AM / by Paul Ricketts posted in CCNA, Cisco

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CCNA is Cisco’s entry-level certification exam for anyone looking to get started in IT, especially in network support and network management roles. In February 2020, Cisco made significant changes to the CCNA accreditation by bringing together the old multi-track program under one comprehensive exam. Consequently, elements of the specialist exams such as CCNA Security were consolidated into the new CCNA 200-301.

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How to Get a CCNA Certification in Maryland

[fa icon="calendar'] Aug 5, 2020 10:09:00 AM / by Paul Ricketts posted in CCNA, Cisco

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Cisco certifications are some of the most sought after and globally recognized in the information technology industry. The Cisco Certified Networking Associate (CCNA) credential is an important first step for many IT professionals. The CCNA has become one of the most popular certifications in the world. It provides certificate-holders with validation that they have comprehensive associate-level knowledge of the technologies and solutions needed to implement and administer a wide range of modern networking and IT infrastructure.

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How to Get a CCNP Certification in Maryland

[fa icon="calendar'] Jul 30, 2020 10:05:00 AM / by Paul Ricketts posted in CCNP, Cisco

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IT certifications, like the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), are designed to test the skills that you will use on the job, not merely the knowledge you memorize from training (though there is a lot to remember, too). Most IT certification exams have a hands-on component that requires you to have practical experience that can only be learned by doing. The CCNP certification exams tend to be highly technical, with some questions that are more like lab exercises.

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Cisco’s CCNA and CCNP Certifications in Maryland

[fa icon="calendar'] Jul 24, 2020 9:59:56 AM / by Paul Ricketts posted in CCNA, CCNP, Cisco

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Cisco has some of the most popular IT certifications available to technology professionals. They are among the most well-known and widely recognized in the industry. Two of Cisco’s valuable certifications are Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) and Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP). These two certifications have recently undergone some changes (February 2020), and it’s essential to understand the new requirements if you’ve decided to begin or advance your IT career.

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Why is CCNA important in Maryland?

[fa icon="calendar'] Jul 10, 2020 2:48:26 PM / by Paul Ricketts posted in CCNA, Cisco

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If you intend to work in the field of computer networking, system administration, or cybersecurity, getting to grips with Cisco based technology is critical to your future. With Cisco supplying two-thirds of the world's networking technology, you are sure to encounter Cisco equipment and software at some point in your career. This is particularly true in Maryland and the rest of the Washington DC region, where Cisco is heavily favored by the large organizations, agencies, and associations headquartered here.

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Do You Need CompTIA A+ Certification for Cybersecurity?

[fa icon="calendar'] Jul 8, 2020 9:20:00 AM / by Paul Ricketts posted in CompTIA, Cybersecurity, Getting Started in IT, A+

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Cybersecurity is a thriving field in the IT industry. It’s no wonder that so many people are interested in beginning a career in this specialized IT area. As threats and cyberattacks continue to increase, as well as the number of devices that are used today, businesses are looking for cybersecurity employees to help protect their digital assets and sensitive information from cyber criminals. They are seeking qualified and certified professionals to fill a deluge of open positions.

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Maryland Jobs that Require CompTIA A+ Certification

[fa icon="calendar'] Jul 2, 2020 9:15:00 AM / by Paul Ricketts posted in CompTIA, Jobs, Getting Started in IT, A+

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Candidates that have the CompTIA A+ entry-level certification typically have an easier time getting jobs than those who are not certified. This is true all over the country, not just in Maryland and the greater Washington D.C. metropolitan area. Employers and IT recruiters often make it a point (sometimes a requirement) to seek out candidates who have the CompTIA A+ certification. This credential lets them know that you have the knowledge and skills they require for various IT positions. In the metro D.C area, there are various jobs that require candidates to have an A+ certification.

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How Hard is the CompTIA A+ Exam?

[fa icon="calendar'] Jun 26, 2020 9:21:46 AM / by Paul Ricketts posted in CompTIA, Getting Started in IT, A+

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Preparing for the CompTIA A+ certification exam can be a challenging task, but with the right approach and resources, you can increase your chances of success. At XYZ Training, we understand the importance of effective preparation and have developed a comprehensive training program to help you achieve your certification goals. Drawing from our extensive experience in the IT industry and our commitment to delivering high-quality education, we have tailored our training program to provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the exam.

Here are some actionable insights to help you prepare for the CompTIA A+ certification exam:
  • Understand the Exam Objectives: Familiarize yourself with the official CompTIA A+ exam objectives, as they outline the specific topics that will be covered in the exam. This will help you focus your study efforts and ensure that you are adequately prepared.
  • Utilize Study Resources: Take advantage of the various study resources available, such as textbooks, online courses, practice exams, and study guides. These resources can provide you with a structured approach to learning the material and help you identify areas where you may need additional study.
  • Create a Study Plan: Develop a study plan that outlines the topics you need to cover and the amount of time you will dedicate to each. This will help you stay organized and ensure that you cover all the necessary material before the exam.
  • Practice Hands-on Skills: The CompTIA A+ exam includes performance-based questions and simulations, so it is important to have hands-on experience with computer hardware and software. Set up a lab environment and practice troubleshooting scenarios to enhance your practical knowledge and skills.
  • Take Practice Exams: Practice exams can help you familiarize yourself with the format and style of the questions you will encounter in the actual exam. They can also help you assess your readiness and identify areas where you may need further study.
  • Join Study Groups or Forums: Engaging with others who are also preparing for the CompTIA A+ certification exam can provide you with additional insights and support. Join study groups or online forums where you can ask questions, share resources, and learn from others' experiences.
  • Stay Updated: The IT industry is constantly evolving, so it is important to stay updated on the latest trends and technologies. Follow industry news, blogs, and forums to ensure that your knowledge is current and relevant.
  • Manage Your Time: Allocate enough time for studying and practice, but also ensure that you take breaks and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Managing your time effectively will help you avoid burnout and maintain focus throughout your preparation.
  • Stay Positive and Confident: Approach the exam with a positive mindset and believe in your abilities. Confidence in your preparation and knowledge will go a long way in helping you perform well on the exam.
By following these actionable insights and utilizing our comprehensive training program, you can enhance your preparation for the CompTIA A+ certification exam and increase your chances of success. At XYZ Training, we are dedicated to supporting your certification goals and providing you with the resources and guidance you need to excel in the IT industry."
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Is CEH Certification Worth It in Maryland?

[fa icon="calendar'] Jun 1, 2020 1:17:39 PM / by Paul Ricketts posted in CEH, EC-Council, Ethical Hacking

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EC-Council's Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification first launched in 2003. Since then, it has been continuously updated and is now in its 10th edition. The certification is designed to test your ability to use the knowledge and skills of malicious hackers to help organizations lawfully identify vulnerabilities within their systems before cyber-criminals can exploit them. CEH is considered a great starting point for IT technicians looking to develop computer forensic and penetration testing careers. Training for CEH takes time and effort, so is CEH certification worth it?  

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Is the Azure Fundamentals Exam Worth it in Washington, DC?

[fa icon="calendar'] Mar 31, 2020 8:47:00 AM / by Paul Ricketts

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Microsoft’s cloud business is booming: According to recent data, revenue growth is up 62 percent over the previous quarter for Azure. This dovetails with the growing need for cloud-certified IT professionals: 94% percent of businesses say they’re struggling to find top cloud talent — and the challenge is growing as environments diversify across multiple cloud providers.

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