Many Cybrarians have been asking the question, “How do I get _________ certified?”
There are many resources across the internet that discuss how you can earn various certifications. I wanted to get specific in a series of blog posts on how you can earn certifications in some of Cybrary’s most popular topics by providing a more helpful, compiled list in the same place you earn those very certifications.
- Choose your certification based on your current skill level- beginner, intermediate advanced. Tools such as career paths can help with this decision-making.
- Get familiar with the exam but using the resources available on Cybrary. Everything from blog posts to forums can be useful.
- Set aside the allotted time and purchase the exam. You will be given a free retake.
For this post, let’s take a look at TCP/IP. As of February 14, 2017, over 2,800 people have taken the TCP/IP micro certification exam. On average, you can take the exam in under 30 minutes.But first, we’ll explore TCP/IP further.
What is TCP/IP?
TCP/IP is the set of internet protocols that forms the basis of the internet and most networks.
Okay, tell me more:
The transmission control protocol (TCP) is the protocol that is most commonly used for transmitting packets across the internet. It is a connection-oriented protocol, meaning that it establishes a logical connection in what we call a ‘3-way handshake.’
What careers will a TCP/IP certification prepare me for?
Any job with a heavy network focus, including “IP and WIFI Tester, Security Engineer, VoIP Network Specialist, IP Data Services, Network Engineer, Technical Account Manager, IP Architect, Networking Consultant, Technical Service Professional, Network Support Analyst, Resident Technician, Enterprise Customer Service Engineer.”
Why get your TCP/IP certification?
A strong base of knowledge of the foundation of networking prepares you for a career in a wide variety of roles. A TCP/IP certification demonstrates to employers that you have a level of knowledge equivalent to six months experience.
Who is the target audience?
Anyone who runs a server or network, as well as those looking to obtain one of the jobs listed above how have yet to master this topic.
What will I learn?
- Understand what TCP/IP is, and how it works
- Work with TCP/IP’s Network
- Troubleshoot TCP/IP networks
- Secure TCP/IP networks
- Access, Internet, Transport, and Application layers
What is the best course of study?
The best approach when studying for a certification, even a micro certification, is to complete the corresponding course in its entirety. If there is one particular area where you are struggling, use the search bar at the top of the site to locate other resources that explore that area in greater depth. Likewise, notecards are a useful tool to take advantage of during your coursework that can help you review right before testing.
Topics to focus on when studying:
- Applications
- IP Address Structure
- Link layer
- Wireless LANs
- Protocols
- Firewalls
- TCP/IP
What is the TCP/IP exam format?
With a skill level of beginner, this multiple-choice exam consists of 40 questions, which you must complete in 40 minutes. In order to obtain the certification, you must receive a passing grade of 70% or higher.How do I know if I’m ready for the exam?Try the practice exam first. You can access it here.
Additional TCP/IP study resources:
“Done for you” –List of TCP/IP Training VideosA Comprehensive Guide to TCP/IP
I’m ready for the exam. Now what?
Great! You can take the TCP/IP Micro Certification here. Once, you’ve earned the certification, be sure to include it on LinkedIn and list it within your resume.In a future post, I’ll be discussing why and how you can leverage micro certifications in your resume.
Olivia Lynch (Cybrary_Olivia) is the Marketing Manager at Cybrary. Like many of you, she is just getting her toes wet in the field of cyber security. A firm believer that the pen is mightier than the sword, Olivia considers corny puns and an honest voice essential to any worthwhile blog.
