IT Certification

IT Certification - FAQs

Basic overview of what  test to take, where to register, etc.

The table below indicates the exam number of the most common certification exams. 
 

Note: your instructor may be able to get discounted CompTIA test vouchers for you. 

There are several ways to earn your MCSA certification as indicated at http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcsa/windows2003/default.mspx .  One path to the MCSA certification is by passing exams 72-270, 72-290, 72-291, CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Network+

Note:  Microsoft offers students their exams at about ½ price.  Student exams have the 072 prefix, as indicated above.  Aside from the price, the student exam is the same as its counterpart.  

You can take your Microsoft and CompTIA certification exams at a Thomson Prometric testing center (www.prometric.com).

To register for a 1/2 price Microsoft exam, you will need to register by phone, call 800-617-3926

There are currently 2 testing centers in the Milwaukee Area:    

• PcProSchools
  15800 W Bluemound Rd, Suite 110
  Brookfield, WISCONSIN 53005
  Phone: 2629010276 Site Code: WI67   
   

• THOMSON PROMETRIC TESTING CENTER
  19435 West Capitol Drive, Suite L04
  Brookfield-Milwaukee, WISCONSIN 53045
  Phone: 262-796-0836 Site Code: WI25

You can take Cisco and CompTIA certification exams at a Pearson Vue testing center (www.vue.com). 
Note:  Milwaukee Area Technical College is a Pearson Vue testing center. 
Refer to the additional information below regarding MATC's testing center .

To take an exam at a Pearson Vue center, register online (www.vue.com) or call one of the following numbers:

• For CompTIA exams call 1-877-551-7587

• For Cisco exams call 1-877-404-3926

Discounted CompTIA Exam Vouchers

MATC students, can purchase CompTIA exam vouchers for about 50% of retail price.  Students should contact their instructor for additional information regarding purchasing exam vouchers.  After purchasing the discounted voucher(s), students will need to register with a VUE testing center to take their exams.  The discounted vouchers  require students to register for a slightly different exam number.  The exam numbers will have a JK0 prefix, as indicated at http://www.vue.com/servlet/vue.web2.core.Dispatcher?webApp=ExamList&webContext=CandidateSite&cid=119

Current exam voucher prices are listed below:

A+ (two tests required for certification)             $74
Network+                                                        $118
i-Net+                                                              $118
Server+                                                            $118
Linux+                                                              $118
Project+                                                           $118
Security+                                                          $165

How do I earn my Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) certification?

There are a number of ways to get your MCSA certification as indicated at http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcsa/windows2003/default.mspx

You will need to verify this with the site above, as I understand it you will get your MCSA by passing the following:

• 70-270 (or 70-620), 70-290, 70-291, A+ and Net+

OR

• 70-270 (or 70-620), 70-290, 70-291 and Security+

How do I earn my MCP (Microsoft Certified Professional) certification?

Passing any Microsoft Certifcation exam (70-620, 72-620, 70-270, 72-270, 70-290, 72-290, 70-291, 72-291, etc.) earns you your MCP,

What Should I use to study?

First of all talk to your instructor.  Obviously you will want to start with your textbook & lab manual.  I have heard that the self study software that comes with your texts is outstanding, so make sure to use that.   As far as additional software goes, Transcender and Self Test Software is pretty much recognized as the best in the industry.  There is also a lot of material posted on the web about the various certification exams.

Several students have commented on the following:

• IT Certification Forums at http://www.proprofs.com/
• http://www.101freemcsequestions.com/
• http://tonyatmatc.googlepages.com/certificationcentral

Good Luck!

When will MATC's Pearson Vue testing center be open?

Our Pearson Vue testing center is located in M408 and will be open on from 8-4PM as follows:

Summer 

• Thursday exams May 29 and June 12, 19, 26  8AM-4PM 
• Fridays -  Februrary 8th - May 16th
  

Fall

You will need to register online or via phone as indicated above