CompTIA released the latest revision and update to Network+ December 1, 2011. The new exam code N10-005 replaced N10-004, which was released in 2009. Generally, CompTIA revises and updates its collection of certification exams on a three-year cycle. The Network+ exam focuses on skills and knowledge of a general network technician. Network+ covers a broad spectrum of general networking knowledge ranging from networking devices to cables to protocols to networked software. It includes a reasonable balance of theory, configuration, implementation, architecture, and troubleshooting.

Fuzzing is a testing method that uses a brute force technique to send data to software or hardware inputs and then notice the response or reaction. The purpose is to discover programming or design flaws that need fixing or which can be exploited. Both security professionals and hackers use fuzzing tools. These tools can operate autonomously to craft random or sequential input data sets in order to stress test a target.

In early summer of 2011, the latest version SY0-301 was released. This revamped exam focuses more on risk, operational security, and mobile device security. It also clearly emphasizes security in three main areas: application, data, and host. In your efforts to prepare for SY0-301, it would be a good idea to pay special attention to the new topics and issues added for this latest revision.

Most people know that CompTIA is a leader of vendor-neutral IT certifications, but did you know that their certifications like the A+ and Network+ certs can apply to your Cisco CCENT and CCNA certs? Take a look:

When tests change they always offer a difficult choice since most vendors have a period in which both the old and new exam are available. During this period, test candidates can attempt either exam. That is where we’re at now with Security+.

For a limited time, the folks at Certification Partners and CompTIA are offering a CTP+ Pre-Assessment at no cost.

The Pre-Assessment consists of 65 multiple-choice questions on topics like:

* Data networking
* Telephony networking
* Convergence technologies

Handy with a video camera or web cam? Enter CompTIA’s Get IT video contest! CompTIA is having a contest where users can submit their own 60-second video on the topic of “Why certify?” The public will vote on the videos they like the best, and CompTIA is giving away $5,000 in prizes! Want to enter? Here’s […]

For those who don’t know, CompTIA will retire their “lifetime certification” policy at the end of this year. For everyone who is certified before December 31, 2010, the credential is good for life. Starting January 1, 2011, however, any new certification holders will have to renew their credentials every three years. CompTIA has now posted information […]

Beginning January 1, 2011, CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+ certification holders are required to renew their credential every three years. Renewal can be achieved two ways: Take the most current version of the CompTIA certification exam for your credential. Earn continuing education units (CEUs) by participating in qualified activities such as publishing an article or white […]

Times change, Certifications change and skill sets change  –  seems everything has or is changing in IT. This holds true for Windows Server 2003 certifications  –  some of which have been around for six years.  CompTIA has been encouraging those who hold their certifications to “update” them with newer releases (A+ Certification from 1999 is little different from the […]