How to Study for IT Certifications: Use Flashcards!

One of the perks of buying your self-study materials is that you can WRITE in them, right? Just go to town with the ubiquitous yellow highlighter and the next thing you know, only words like “the”, “and” and “to” are left untouched. And you feel like you’re studying hard—wringing the most out of the text in preparation for your exam.

The truth is that the more you underline the less you know exactly what you need to remember. In 2013, five psychology professors from the University of Virginia, the University of Wisconsin, Kent State University and Duke University collaborated to test ten different learning strategies to determine what works and what only feels like it works. In case you were wondering, this is where you retire your highlighter and pick up some flashcards.

The report, “Improving Students’ Learning With Effective Learning Techniques: Promising Directions From Cognitive and Educational Psychology”, published in the journal of the Association for Psychological Science, Psychological Science in the Public Interest, cites distributed practice and practice testing as the most effective study methods, receiving the highest overall utility ratings.

So, let’s break this down. Distributed practice means you study for short sessions over a longer period of time—no cramming. Practice tests are exactly that, but there is more than one way for you to skin this particular cat: Flashcard drills. The study points out that the simple act of recalling information reinforces that knowledge and helps with later recall.

Additionally, flashcards can effectively take complex material and break it down in to digestible segments, making the information easier to learn; Translation: the more you practice, the better prepared you are. If you combine traditional practice tests with flashcards, then you have a winning strategy that both familiarizes you with the exam format and allows you to target areas of difficulty with additional drills.

To jumpstart your exam preparation, mindhub has a wide variety of certification flashcards and practice tests to show you how to study for IT certifications.

How to Make Earning Your CCNA Routing and Switching Certification Easy

Candidates working to earn a CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) in Routing and Switching must pass exam #ICND1 200-101 and exam #ICND2 200-101 or exam #200-120, which is a composite of both. The Pearson uCertify Course offered on mindhub.com focuses on the information required to earn your CCNA routing and switching certification, which deals with the extension of switched networks using VLANS, determining IP routes, using access lists to manage IP traffic, making point-to-point connections and the establishment of frame relay connections.

The Pearson uCertify Course Package is a comprehensive study resource that includes a 672-page textbook, a cert guide and a network simulation bundle. This is a certified and peer-reviewed program put together with Pearson VUE, the world's largest multinational publisher and educational company. You won't find a more applicable study resource than this one, put together in conjunction with the organization writing and giving the test!

The Pearson uCertify CCNA Routing & Switching ICND2 200-101 Course Package is designed for use in an instructor-led class environment and has features to aid the instructor, such as:

• Coursework and student management rosters
• Analytics for tracking student progress and engagement
• Pre- and post-assessment benchmarking capabilities
• Grading book export capability
• Examination domain maps

For the student, the package contains everything required to take you through to exam success. The unique dashboard is easy to use and immediately accessible on your PC, tablet or smart phone (android or iOS). There are interactive elements found throughout the course, including flashcards, quizzes and exercises. There are video tutorials, hands-on simulator practice exercises and a personal study planner that lets you track your individual progress.

Textbook Contents

The first-edition textbook has been totally revised to align with the new ICND2 200-101 exam. It's presented concisely and designed specifically to help students' retention of important exam topics. It comes complete with instructor lesson plans and guides, power point presentations and a bank of practice test questions.

Simulation Software

The state-of-the-art software gives students the capability to engage in hands-on troubleshooting and configuration exercises without having to invest in expensive laboratory hardware. Students learn by doing, not just reading, with close to 150 valuable interactive lab exercises. All applicable exam topics are thoroughly covered in this program and presented material has been proven to help candidates pass the test the first time out!

How to Get Your Life and Health Insurance License in 5 Steps!

There are many things to consider after making the decision to obtain your life and health insurance license. Beginning a new career can be an incredibly exciting time, while it can also be daunting working in an unfamiliar industry. Here at mindhub.com, insurance education has been simplified through our 360 Training Insurance License Prep Courses and training materials. Some states also require a certain number of in-person training hours before you can sit for a state licensing exam. Below, we have outlined the general steps to becoming a successfully licensed insurance agent.

Step 1:
Make sure your personality is a fit to perform the job & gain understanding of the requirements. Insurance agents hear "no" far more than they hear "yes." The financial growth and employment flexibilities are well worth the effort for those who can handle frequent rejection. Ask yourself a few questions:
•    Do I have people skills?
•    Do I possess a strong personality?
•    Is a general knowledge and understanding of the life and health insurance industry something that I am willing to work to attain?

If you answered yes to all of these questions, it’s safe to say you have what it takes to begin working your way into a new career as a Licensed Life and Health Insurance Agent.

Step 2:
Insurance pre-licensing courses are a pre-requisite to sit for the exams offered by your state. Life & health insurance training classes online provide training geared to your state’s specific qualification guidelines, including a pre-exam, thoroughly preparing you for your state exam. 360 Training’s life insurance preparation materials help deliver the knowledge needed to ensure confidence and comfort in your new role, while being able to work at your own pace and in the comfort of your home.

Step 3:
Take the state licensing exam. Once all of the prior requirements have been met, be sure to check your state’s specifics on in-person training, as you may be required to participate in on-site training as well. From here, you are ready to take the state licensing exam, which covers insurance basics and specific insurance laws in your state. Check your state's insurance department website for details on scheduling your exam.

Step 4:
 Apply for an insurance broker's license. You must submit to your state’s insurance department the application, proof of education (if required by your state) and proof that you have passed your state exam. You must renew the license after a designated period of time, usually every two years, depending upon the state in which you are becoming licensed.

Step 5:
 Begin networking in order to build your personal & business brand. Seek out insurance associations and become a member of those in your area, as well as the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisers, the National Alliance of Life Companies, and the National Association of Independent Life Brokerage Agencies. Joining organizations with a strong presence in your area will help you to gain networking opportunities and be involved in a group's training, while continuing to learn from your peers.

Why You Should Use Mike Meyer's Guide to Managing and Troubleshooting PCs

Individuals in the process of becoming certified for CompTIA A+ are required to sit for two separate exams: 220-801 and 220-802. Exam 220-801, where the questions are weighted heavily (67%) toward computer hardware and networking, is thoroughly covered in this 4th edition, 352-page volume by McGraw-Hill Press called Mike Meyers' Guide to Managing and Troubleshooting PCs. As evidenced by its name, it is written by best-selling author Mike Meyers and covers the most recent (2012) revision of the CompTIA A+ 801 exam.

Managing and Troubleshooting PCs is an extremely effective exam preparation textbook noted for its easy, conversational teaching style and for providing information that's immediately applicable to real world situations. It's accompanied by a CD-ROM that features an "Introduction to A+" video by the author and includes a set of utilities and tools that can be used on the job or in the lab.

Unique Aspects

The interactive design of this tutorial program proves to be quite engaging. Full-color photos and illustrations make learning easy and enjoyable. Learning objectives for each chapter mimic the objectives detailed for the actual CompTIA A+ certification exam and a map to be used in finding further references is also included. You'll find important skill-development activities included along with a logical, step-by-step instructional method that includes thought-provoking sidebar questions, self-assessments and two practice exams meant to simulate the actual live test.

Key Elements

As an authorized CompTIA Gold Partner, McGraw-Hill has brought out a volume approved by CompTIA as having chapter content and objectives that are aligned with their own and that focus on the materials covered in the 801 exam. Materials available in addition to the printed textbook and CD-ROM include chapter quizzes accessible from a free learning center (online). Sidebars found throughout the printed pages provide encouragement for students to explore further on their own, to cross check what they've learned and also give insider tips and tricks from industry experts. You'll also find chapter reviews at the end of each section as well as:

• Bulleted chapter summaries aligned with exam objectives
• Exercises for building appropriate vocabulary and a list of key terms
• Multiple-choice and case-study questions to provide focused study/practice

Many schools that offer associate degrees in IT require successful completion of a PC Troubleshooting and/or PC Repair course. CompTIA A+ certification provides you with a highly regarded credential accepted worldwide and one that many companies such as Lenovo, Dell, Oracle and others require of all their service technicians.

Top 5 In-Demand IT Certifications for 2014

Information Technology (IT) is a wide-open field that's full of career opportunities in just about every industry out there, whether big or small business, healthcare, government or any organization that employs the use of computers. While getting a college degree is an important step in helping you get your foot in the door, the proven method for distinguishing yourself in the industry, advancing your career and opening up multiple opportunities is earning various IT certifications.
  
Typically, employers are looking for individuals who have shown their diligence and determination by obtaining one or more well-regarded IT certs. Obtaining a certification in a particular subject validates your knowledge and skill level in that area and demonstrates to a potential employer that you have gone the extra steps necessary to hold yourself above the rank and file in your industry. Here's a quick look at the top five in-demand IT certifications for 2014 and reasons why any of these five may be important for you to consider obtaining.

1.    CompTIA A+
As the oldest, best-known and most respected computer hardware certification out there, CompTIA A+ is a vendor-neutral credential that's now more than 20 years old. It's accredited by both ISO (International Organization for Standardization) and ANSI (American National Standards Institute) and holding this certification demonstrates your competent capabilities as a computer technician. A+ is recognized by the Department of Defense and is a mandatory certification for service technicians working at companies such as Dell, Lenovo and Intel.

Earning the A+ credential requires successfully passing two exams, 220-801 & 220-802, each of which contains 90 questions. Passing grades for the two exams are 675 and 700 respectively. The 801 exam focuses primarily on questions regarding computer hardware (40%) and networking (27%). An additional 11% each is spent on the following three categories:

• Laptops
• Printers
• Operational procedures

Exam 220-802 concerns itself with questions regarding the following four topics:

• Mobile devices – 9%
• Security – 22%
• Operating Systems – 33%
• Troubleshooting – 36%

2.    CCENT
The CCENT (Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician) credential is the first step in obtaining Cisco Systems certifications and is a required step for those on their way to becoming a CCNA® (Cisco Certified Network Associate). Earning a CCENT credential demonstrates that you have the necessary talent and expertise to handle an entry-level network support job requiring the installation, management, maintenance, troubleshooting and security of smaller-sized enterprise branch networks. CCENT training covers basic networking fundamentals, including:

•  WAN technology
•  Routing & switching
•  Basic security concerns
•  Simple network configurations

It does not deal with the more intricate and technical details concerning Cisco routing & switching or network design.

3.    SQL Server
Earning an MCSE (Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert) credential is a qualifying step that demonstrates your success in understanding and applying the knowledge and skills necessary to becoming a database developer or analyst. As a Certified Expert of Microsoft's SQL Server, you are providing credentialed validation of your ability to design, build and maintain detailed information and database solutions. SQL, which stands for Structured Query Language, is a special programming language used for relational data management systems and a holder of this SQL Server certification is highly regarded in the industry. SQL is the standard for both ISO and ANSI and, as such, is used in a wide variety of data management systems worldwide.

4.    Oracle Database
Similar to the Microsoft SQL Server Expert Certification described above, Oracle Corporation also offers its own expert certification in database design and management. The first step in earning an Oracle Database Administrator certification is to successfully pass any one of the following three exams:

• 1Z0-007 Intro to Oracle9i SQL
• 1Z0-047 Oracle Database SQL Expert
• 1Z0-051 Oracle Database 11g: SQL Fundamentals

All three are two-hour timed exams and must be passed with a 71%, 66% or 60% grade (respectively) to qualify for advancement. Again, only one of these three tests must be passed. Once completed successfully, the last step is to take and pass exam #1Z0-052 Oracle Database 11g: Administration. This is a 90-minute exam with a passing grade of 66%.

5.    Linux

While Windows has been and remains to be the operating system (OS) for most desktop computers, the Linux Operating System, first released in 1991, is found on nearly half of the world's servers and more than 80% of all supercomputers. Because many IT professionals deal mainly with server computing in their daily activities, they find themselves working with the Linux Operating System much of the time and are motivated to learning more in-depth information about this particular OS than others.

Earning Linux certifications can be done in a variety of ways and through a wide range of levels, such as Junior, Senior and Advanced Linux Levels. Highly valued and widely recognizable Linux certifications are available through CompTIA, Oracle, Linux Professional Institute, Novell and others.

Property and Casualty Insurance Differences By State

It may come as no surprise that Property and Casualty insurance varies from state to state, but were you aware that these differences aren't just circumstantial? In fact, most states go as far as to enact specific laws they believe will best protect their citizens or aid insurance providers that create employment and economic revenue. Such legislative actions have significant impacts on how insurance products are ultimately sold and managed.

Are the Differences Major?

In general, Property and Casualty insurance offers protection against a range of property risks, such as fire, flooding, earthquakes and boiler leaks. One thing you might have noticed when examining contracts, however, is the fact that some risk situations are outright excluded from coverage.

For instance, if a consumer lives in a state like Massachusetts, their insurance may automatically come with a storm damage clause. Because the likelihood of storm damage is generally perceived to be rare, insurance company lobbyists may not have campaigned against the inclusion of such terms.

In states like South Carolina, on the other hand, the routine occurrence of severe weather systems may mean that consumers have to purchase separate hurricane coverage for such events. Notably, Florida has enacted laws designed to change the way insurance works and support state-run providers in light of local proclivities for natural disasters. Some private insurance firms have even quit offering coverage in these areas as a result, and the corpus of legislation impacting how products may be sold is continually expanding.

Defining Key Terms

Also remember that although they're commonly grouped together, Property insurance and Casualty insurance are different. Property insurance is designed to protect businesses or individuals who have invested in the property itself, while Casualty insurance provides them with legal liability protection in case someone else incurs a property loss or an injury.

Because state laws vary drastically when it comes to tort law and liability proceedings, it's quite possible that a state may require specific endorsements and minimum deductibles for policies to be valid. Quantified minimums are common, and they may also be accompanied by special stipulations pertaining to business consumers, such as New Jersey's Temporary Disability Benefits Law and various worker compensation laws enacted throughout the nation. Due to the unique history of insurance laws in any given state, it's usually critical to study specific codes and statutes in order to gain a better understanding of the variances.

Choosing the Right Life and Health Insurance License Study Guide

The Life and Health Insurance Prep Course from 360training, offered by mindhub, is a comprehensive review of state specific and national insurance laws. Editions are available for various states. This life and health insurance license study guide helps candidates prepare for the state administered exam in order to gain licensure.

What’s included?

The Online Prep Course will allow you to learn and remember the critical insurance vocabulary, concepts and products that will be tested on your State Licensing Exam. Within the course you will find the essential information that you’ll need to obtain your license. This crucial knowledge is presented in easy to read, user-friendly language that is devoid of legal complexities and legislative mumbo-jumbo. The publisher has even taken care to clearly define the insurance terms before they are used.

The instructional content is reinforced with:

• Interim quizzes in the format of your state exam so that you may monitor your progress easily
• Key Points summary at the end of each chapter that reduces the critical information to less than a page
• An extensive glossary/index that allows you to effortlessly define or locate that important term you simply cannot remember
• A rigorous final exam designed to tell you if you are adequately prepared for the State Exam
• State Law material translated into plain English which simplifies the section of the test that causes 70% of the failures.

The course is divided into two sections: the ‘national core’ (useful in any state), containing information in sections 1-3, and section 4 is the State Law portion of the course. Within each section, you’ll learn and review insurance vocabulary, concepts and products that will be on your state licensing exam. 

• Section 1 of the course outlines the purpose of insurance, contract laws and intricacies of underwriting.
• Section 2 covers life insurance including types of policies, provisions, annuities and retirement plans, business group life and social security information.
• Section 3 includes accident and health policies and plans. This particular section outlines policies and provisions surrounding medical expenses, disability income, Medicare and Medicaid and individual health care policies.
• Section 4 goes over state Life and Health insurance laws. Each section is specially designed to give you comprehensive knowledge about Life and Health insurance to help you pass the licensing exam with flying colors.
 

Included with the course is the easy-to-read Resource Guide that explains the legal complexities of Life and Health insurance coverage as deemed within national and state laws. The Resource Guide mirrors the content, sequence and style of the Online Course. It fleshes out the subject matter, serves as a useful reference and provides a format that can be easily highlighted to organize and reduce the tedium of note taking.