• Call: (301) 220 2802
  • Email: info@trainace.com

TrainACE - IT and Cybersecurity Training Blog

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 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+

[fa icon="comment"] 0 Comments

"

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."
Read More [fa icon="long-arrow-right"]

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

[fa icon="comment"] 0 Comments

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?  

Read More [fa icon="long-arrow-right"]

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

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

[fa icon="comment"] 0 Comments

 

 

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.

Read More [fa icon="long-arrow-right"]

What Jobs Need Network+ in Washington, DC?

[fa icon="calendar'] Mar 25, 2020 8:39:00 AM / by Paul Ricketts posted in Network+

[fa icon="comment"] 0 Comments

The Washington, DC area is a rapidly growing tech hub thanks to both federal technology investments and the increasing number of startups putting down roots and opening their door in the Dulles Technology Corridor.

Read More [fa icon="long-arrow-right"]

Change Careers from Health Care to IT

[fa icon="calendar'] Mar 20, 2020 2:11:00 PM / by Paul Ricketts posted in A+, career advice

[fa icon="comment"] 0 Comments

 

When you first jumped into Healthcare as a career, you loved the pay, job security, and the fact that you were helping people. But as time moves on, you're finding the demanding workload and physical demands are starting to get too much. Plus, you hear a lot of good things from your friends working in IT and cybersecurity.

Read More [fa icon="long-arrow-right"]

Is CompTIA Project+ Training in Washington, DC: Worth the Cost?

[fa icon="calendar'] Mar 10, 2020 3:31:00 PM / by Paul Ricketts

[fa icon="comment"] 0 Comments

Project management professionals are in demand. As noted by a recent PMI survey, corporate need for experienced and certified project managers is growing at nearly 33 percent each year — far outpacing many other skilled occupations.

Read More [fa icon="long-arrow-right"]

Windows 10 Training Bootcamp: Your Best Fit for a Washington, DC Tech Career?

[fa icon="calendar'] Mar 2, 2020 3:25:24 PM / by Paul Ricketts posted in Microsoft

[fa icon="comment"] 0 Comments

Windows remains the world’s most popular desktop operating system and the OS of choice for organizations worldwide. And with the recent end of free support for widely-used predecessor Windows 7, Windows 10 has taken over top spot — today, more than 60 percent of all Windows PCs are powered by Windows 10.

Read More [fa icon="long-arrow-right"]

How Do I Get CISM Certified in Washington, DC?

[fa icon="calendar'] Jan 14, 2020 3:21:00 PM / by Paul Ricketts posted in CISM, Cybersecurity, Washington DC

[fa icon="comment"] 0 Comments

The Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) qualification is one of the most popular — and well-paying — credentials in the IT industry. Focused on advancing the skills and knowledge of experienced security professionals, CISM is sought-after by employers looking to enhance infosec departments and expand C-suite teams. In this article we'll break down how to get CISM certified.

Read More [fa icon="long-arrow-right"]

Security Starting Point: CRISC or CISSP in Washington, DC?

[fa icon="calendar'] Jan 8, 2020 3:18:00 PM / by Paul Ricketts posted in CISSP, Cybersecurity, Washington DC

[fa icon="comment"] 0 Comments

Security and risk-focused IT certifications are in high demand as organizations look to bridge the cybersecurity skills gap and boost data defense. While digital attack surfaces rapidly expand and attackers develop new techniques, the supply of skilled security professionals hasn’t kept pace, leaving companies on the hunt for experienced IT pros capable of recognizing key risks, developing effective defenses and deploying security measures at scale.

Read More [fa icon="long-arrow-right"]

How Much Does a Cisco Certified Network Professional Make?

[fa icon="calendar'] Jan 3, 2020 11:07:00 AM / by Paul Ricketts posted in CCNP

[fa icon="comment"] 0 Comments

Cisco network technologies are the backbone of enterprise IT — as noted by SDX Central, the company continues to dominate both the switch and router markets worldwide as companies look to enhance connectivity, reduce complexity and empower staff collaboration.

Read More [fa icon="long-arrow-right"]

Is Linux+ Worth it in Washington, DC?

[fa icon="calendar'] Jan 2, 2020 3:13:00 PM / by Paul Ricketts posted in CompTIA, Linux+, Systems Administration, Network Administration, Operating Systems

[fa icon="comment"] 0 Comments

 

Most of the enterprise IT world runs on Windows — Microsoft’s familiar OS is an organizational mainstay for its familiarity and ease of use. But there’s another common operating system hiding in plain sight: Linux.

Read More [fa icon="long-arrow-right"]

Is CCISO Training Worth it in Washington, DC?

[fa icon="calendar'] Dec 27, 2019 10:00:00 AM / by Paul Ricketts posted in Cybersecurity, Jobs, Washington DC, CCISO

[fa icon="comment"] 0 Comments

 

Washington, DC continues to deliver on startup tech potential — The Tech Tribune recently highlighted 20 technology companies to watch heading into 2020. Combined with increasing federal investment in IT solutions and the infrastructure needed to support these new deployments, there’s a growing market for IT professionals in the DC area.

Read More [fa icon="long-arrow-right"]