What are these tests for anyway?

This page contains information about the different certifications that are offered by CIW and CompTIA. Only the certifications covered in this web site will be covered on this page.  For additional information about certifications offered by these entities, please visit their respective websites.

CIW Certification Information

The excerpts below were taken from the CIWcertified.com website.

The CIW certification program validates job-role skills competency for entry-level job seekers and seasoned professionals alike. Candidates can earn CIW certificates in various information technology (IT) job roles, from the foundational CIW Associate certification, continuing to CIW Professional and specialization certifications, and up to advanced-level Master CIW certifications.

The CIW certification track map

CompTIA Certification Information

The excerpts below were taken from CompTIA's website.

A+

CompTIA A+ certification is an international industry credential that validates the knowledge of computer service technicians with the equivalent of 500 hours of hands-on experience. Major hardware and software vendors, distributors and resellers accept CompTIA A+ as the standard in foundation-level, vendor-neutral certification for service technicians. The skills and knowledge measured by the CompTIA A+ exams were derived from an industry-wide and worldwide job task analysis.

Earning CompTIA A+ certification proves that a candidate has a broad base of knowledge and competency in core hardware and operating system technologies including installation, configuration, diagnosing, preventive maintenance and basic networking.

CDIA+ (Certified Document Imaging Architecture

The CompTIA CDIA+ certification is the first global standard of competency and professionalism in the document imaging/document management industry. Supported by a network of worldwide industry leaders, it validates a professional's level of expertise in the technologies and best practices used to plan, design, and specify a document imaging, management system. The certification grew 63 percent between 2001-2003, and signifies the highest level of professionalism and competency in the industry.

e-Biz+

The CompTIA e-Biz+ Certification measures baseline knowledge about the topics that impact e-business initiatives. CompTIA e-Biz+ tests basic concepts, key issues and critical technologies of e-business, supplying IT and business professionals alike with a solid e-business foundation.

CompTIA e-Biz+ is designed for technical and non-technical individuals who work in an e-business environment. It is also suitable for marketing and sales professionals who need an understanding of e-business for management, finance and customer service functions. Once CompTIA e-Biz+ certified, these professionals are better able to contribute to their organization's e-business success.

HTI+

The CompTIA Home Technology Integrator (HTI+) certification exam is a cross-industry, vendor-neutral credential providing recognition that a technical professional has attained a standard of excellence in the integrated home networks industry. The CompTIA HTI+ certification is based on a set of standards designed to measure the mastery of core competencies regarding the installation, integration and troubleshooting of the following automated home sub-systems: Home Security, Audio/Video, Computer Networks, Electrical Wiring, HVAC (Heating/Air Conditioning Systems), Cable/Satellite, Broadband, Telecommunications and Structured Wiring.

There is a growing demand for integrating and troubleshooting various home sub-systems and enabling consumers to take advantage of and fully enjoy the "Connected Home lifestyle." The demand for skilled integration professionals has grown significantly, and both potential candidates and the industry have indicated that an entry-level certification for this job role is needed. If you have at least one year of experience in the following business areas, a CompTIA HTI+ certification can make a positive difference in your career: information technology, building trades, electricians, HVAC installation, audio/video integration and home security.

I-Net+

CompTIA i-Net+ certification is an international industry credential that validates the knowledge of technical and non-technical professionals alike with at least six months experience in Internet, Intranet, Extranet and e-commerce technologies. Developed by leading industry, e-commerce and Internet experts, the objectives and domains tested include Internet basics and clients, development, networking, security and business concepts. In addition to technical careers, non-technical professionals who are pursuing related careers such as the sales and marketing of Internet solutions and services may also benefit from this certification.

The CompTIA i-Net+ certification exam validates base-line technical knowledge of Internet, Intranet and e-commerce technologies, independent of specific Internet-related career roles. Those holding CompTIA i-Net+ certification can demonstrate knowledge and competency implementing and maintaining Internet, Intranet and Extranet infrastructures and services as well as the development of related applications.

Network+

The CompTIA Network+ certification is an international industry credential that validates the knowledge of networking professionals with at least nine months of experience in network support or administration or adequate academic training. A typical candidate would have CompTIA A+ certification or equivalent knowledge, but this is not a prerequisite. An accepted foundation-level, vendor-neutral certification for networking professionals, many IT certifications integrate CompTIA Network+ into their curriculums. There are approximately 135,000 CompTIA Network+ certified professionals worldwide. The skills and knowledge measured by this examination were derived from an industry-wide job task analysis and validated through an industry-wide survey of more than 2,500 participants.

Earning a CompTIA Network+ certification demonstrates that a candidate can describe the features and functions of networking components, and possesses the knowledge and skills needed to install, configure and troubleshoot basic networking hardware, protocols and services. The exam tests technical ability in the areas of media and topologies, protocols and standards, network implementation, and network support. The exam also covers new technologies such as wireless networking and gigabit Ethernet.

Project+

CompTIA Project+ certification is a global credential that validates the knowledge required to effectively manage projects throughout the entire project life cycle. Based on best practices of project management, as identified by major organizations, the exam incorporates project management concepts including important soft skills such as conflict resolution, negotiation, communication, team building/leadership, and setting and mapping expectations. Individuals with 12 months practical project management experience or those with a strong desire to demonstrate project management knowledge should earn the CompTIA Project+certification.