The Web's 10 best IT certification sites, Part Two

08 Apr 2002 16:02

Featuring numbers 7 down to 4 in the best IT certification site guide from TechRepublic

You can turn to Certification Magazine for feature articles, guest editorials, and news items written for the IT certification crowd. But that alone isn't enough to make my list of the 10 best certification resources on the Web. The site qualifies for my list thanks to its informative study guides and salary survey, two items that are always in demand.

In addition to those resources, you'll find links to other sites. You can also enter an online request to subscribe to the paper version of Certification Magazine, something you should do if you haven't already. It's a free magazine that regularly offers timely news and guidance for IT professionals pursuing Microsoft, Cisco, CompTIA, and other certifications.

Thomson Prometric hosts both the RapidAssess and 2Test exam registration Web pages, so I count them as a single destination in this list. Both sites are among the most helpful Web resources available because you can use one to help gauge whether you're ready for the real exam and the other to actually schedule your test.

If you've never scheduled an exam online, I recommend you give it a try. You choose from available exam slots at the location of your choice.

You should also try the demonstration exam that maps to the test you'll be taking before you schedule your real exam. The free simulations offer another opportunity to see how well prepared you are. Should you wish to try more questions, you can order them online, although I recommend you consider purchasing the Transcender product in such a situation.

The ExamNotes Web site boasts busy forums where certifications are the focus of discussion, exam descriptions, study guides, and even practice exams. Best of all, ExamNotes isn't limited to covering a single certification program -- it covers a wide range of certifications, including the following:

ExamNotes provides links to other certification sites and offers various electronic newsletters. I expect you'll find the site's real value comes from its study guides and practice exams (powered by Cert21).

MCP Magazine is edged out of the top three only because its focus is essentially limited to Microsoft certifications. The magazine, as a result of a strong relationship with Microsoft, may well be the best source of Microsoft certification news available.

In addition to being a first-rate news site, MCP Magazine offers what may be the industry's definitive salary survey. Other valuable resources on the site include live chats, forums, quiz questions, reviews, and editorial columns.

If you don't subscribe to MCP Magazine, you should. It's a 101communications-powered resource you should take advantage of each month.

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