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.
Paul Ricketts

Recent Posts
Is CCNA going away?
[fa icon="calendar'] Aug 14, 2020 8:52:12 AM / by Paul Ricketts posted in CCNA, Cisco
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
Why is CCNA important in Maryland?
[fa icon="calendar'] Jul 10, 2020 2:48:26 PM / by Paul Ricketts posted in CCNA, Cisco
Do You Need CompTIA A+ Certification for Cybersecurity?
[fa icon="calendar'] Jul 8, 2020 9:20:00 AM / by Paul Ricketts
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.
Maryland Jobs that Require CompTIA A+ Certification
[fa icon="calendar'] Jul 2, 2020 9:15:00 AM / by Paul Ricketts
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.
How Hard is the CompTIA A+ Exam?
[fa icon="calendar'] Jun 26, 2020 9:21:46 AM / by Paul Ricketts posted in CompTIA, CompTIA A+
To become CompTIA A+ certified, there are two exams that you must take and pass. These exams are much like any other written test you may have taken in the past. The exams each contain different types of questions that are used to validate your knowledge in specific areas. It’s difficult to say how hard the exams are, because every test-taker has a different level of IT experience, knowledge, and skills. Further, individuals may have a different way of approaching exams and a different level of anxiety about test-taking.
Is a CEH Certification Worth It in Maryland?
[fa icon="calendar'] Jun 1, 2020 1:17:39 PM / by Paul Ricketts posted in CEH, EC-Council, Hacking
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.
Is the Azure Fundamentals Exam Worth it in Washington, DC?
[fa icon="calendar'] Mar 31, 2020 8:47:00 AM / by Paul Ricketts
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.