Security Training Essential for Employers
By Kristin Clifford, staff writer

The annual CompTIA security study, “Information Security: A CompTIA Analysis of IT Security and the Workforce,” proves that quality security training is more important than ever today. IT security continues to be a top priority for management, as more than 75 percent identify it as such.

Find out more results from the study.

Help Your Students Find Scholarships
By Natalie McGregory, staff writer

Going to college is expensive, and many students who would like to continue beyond high school struggle to finance their education. According to a recent report by the College Board, the average tuition and fees for a four-year public university are up 35 percent from just five years ago.

Encouraging your students to research and apply for scholarships will help off-set their costs.

View a list of organizations that provide scholarships and scholarship information.

CompTIA A+ 2003 Retiring as of June 30

CompTIA A+ 2003 will no longer be generally available beginning on June 30, 2007. For the complete CompTIA A+ retirement schedule, click here.

The upgraded CompTIA A+ exam is generally available now. Instructor materials for the new CompTIA A+ are available now on the CompTIA Online Store (link to store.comptia.org).

CompTIA A+ can help your students stay on top of the changing job role of the IT technician. CompTIA A+ satisfies the job requirements for the new IT Technician roles. It covers the technology and job-specific knowledge, as well as the communications skills necessary to provide excellent customer service.

CompTIA A+ still consists of two exams, only now the first exam covers basic technical skills, while the second exam covers job role-specific applications for those basic skills. CompTIA A+ still provides an excellent entry point into an IT career. The exam covers the latest technology and skills that are a necessity for entry-level IT technicians, as well as covering security and soft skills.

Security skills are needed by every IT employee, no matter the level. With more people able to access more information than ever, good security is crucial to a company’s survival. Soft skills are a top skill set sought by employers. It is important for computer technicians to be able to communicate with their customers in a professional manner. This helps ensure that jobs are done correctly and promotes repeat business and success. Validating these types of skills with a certification shows commitment to these ideals.

Example job roles for CompTIA A+ include the following: IT Technician, Enterprise Technician, PC Technician, Desktop Support Technician, Field Technician, PC Support Specialist, Remote Support Technician, Help Desk Technician, Call Center Technician, Depot Technician, Bench Technician.

Skills shortages are predicted in some areas for computer support professionals. These shortages will necessitate training and certification of a new generation of computer support professionals to fill these jobs.

CompTIA A+ is a stepping stone to specializations or higher level certifications, such as CompTIA Network+ and Microsoft MCSA.

The new Cisco IT Essentials I Version 4.0 maps to the objectives of the CompTIA A+ 60x exams.

What Happens at Breakaway…

• Training – Security, Professionalism and Communication: The Toughest Domains on CompTIA A+. Presented by Mike Meyers July 30-31
• Helpdesk Training – What makes a good helpdesk for educational institutions? How does a corporate helpdesk call center work?
• Network – Find out what your peers are doing and share your best practices with your colleagues.
• Authors – Meet the Authors: Mike Meyers, Jean Andrews, Charles Brooks and Robin Adda
• Testing – Test Where You Teach!

CompTIA’s Annual E2C Conference
July 31 – Aug. 2 (Pre-conference training July 30-31)
The Mirage Resort & Casino
Las Vegas

Register Now.
And get the information you need to get your students trained and certified!
Go to https://breakaway.comptia.org/e2c_register.aspx to register or for additional information.

... Doesn't Stay at Breakaway!

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