Candidates for this certification have a foundational knowledge the procedures used to develop an artificial intelligence (AI) solution, as well as an understanding of the issues surrounding the governance, transparency, security, and ethics of AI. Successful candidates will be able to analyze and classify a problem. They should be able to demonstrate knowledge of data collection, data processing, and feature engineering strategies.

Candidates should be able to choose an appropriate algorithm for training a model, and understand the metrics used to evaluate model performance. They should understand the AI development lifecycle and how a production pipeline is used to allow for continuous improvement.

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For this exam, please expect  45-50 questions to complete within 50 minutes.

 

General Exam Objectives:

1. AI Problem Definition

1. Identify the problem you are trying to solve using AI (e.g., user

2. Classify the problem (e.g., regression, unsupervised learning)

3. Identify the areas of expertise needed to solve the problem

4. Build a security plan

5. Ensure that AI is used appropriately

2. Data Collection, Processing, and Engineering

1. Choose the way to collect data

2. Assess data quality

3. Ensure that data are representative

4. Identify resource requirements (e.g., computing, time complexity)

5. Convert data into suitable formats (e.g., numerical, image, time series)

6. Select features for the AI model

7. Engage in feature engineering

8. Identify training and test datasets

9. Document data decisions

3. AI Algorithms and Models

1 Consider applicability of specific algorithms

1. Train a model using the selected algorithm

2. Select specific model after experimentation, avoiding

3. Tell data stories

4. Evaluate model performance (e.g., accuracy, precision)

5. Look for potential sources of bias in the algorithm

6. Evaluate model sensitivity

7. Obtain stakeholder approval

4. Application Integration and Deployment

1. Train customers on how to use product and what to expect

2. Plan to address potential challenges of models in production

3. Design a production pipeline, including application integration

4. Support the AI solution

5. Maintaining and Monitoring AI in Production

1. Engage in oversight

2. Assess business impact (key performance indicators)

3. Measure impacts on individuals and communities

4. Handle feedback from users

5. Consider improvement or decommission on a regular basis

 

Specific Exam Objectives: Certiport - Marketing Resource Library

Candidates for this certification should have a foundational knowledge the characteristics of cloud solutions, including the advantages they offer to stakeholders and their cost structure. Candidates should be able to distinguish between various cloud offerings and architectures, including virtual machines, containers, data storage options, and identify when each is appropriate to meet a business need. Candidates should also understand the phases in the cloud development lifecycle and understand the importance and of governance and security when developing and deploying a cloud solution. The exam is vendor-neutral, although candidates should understand, at least at a fundamental level, the terminology used by both Azure and AWS.

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For this exam, please expect  35-45  questions to complete within 50 minutes.

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General Exam Objectives:

1. Cloud Concepts

1. Explain cloud advantages to stakeholders

2. Explain cost to stakeholders

3. Explain performance to stakeholders

4. Explain reliability to stakeholders

5. Explain availability to stakeholders

6. Recommend off-the-shelf (OTS) or custom solutions as needed

2. Developing cloud architecture

1. Choose between public, private, and hybrid cloud implementations

2. Draw an architectural diagram (show data flows)

3. Define requirements

4. Identify how services communicate through application

5. Create virtual machines

6. Identify data storage requirements

3. Implementing the cloud development life cycle

1. Create content in virtual environments

2. Perform testing

3. Structure the overall cloud-based solution

4. Deploy application

4. Deploy the application

1. Manage operational costs

2. Develop business continuity and disaster recovery policy

3. Provide support to users

4. Monitor cloud systems

5. Understanding cloud governance

1. Comply with privacy and regulatory requirements

2. Comply with ethical guidelines

3. Managing cloud security

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Specific Exam Objectives: Certiport - Marketing Resource Library

Candidates for this certification will be required to  employ strategies for understanding and solving problems in ways that leverage the power of computing principles to develop solutions. Candidates should know how to decompose problems, collect and analyze data, recognize patterns in data, represent data through abstractions, and automate solutions by using algorithmic thinking. Candidates should also know how to collaborate with others and how to create computational artifacts to communicate the problem and its solution to others.

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Please expect 43-50 questions to complete within 50 minutes.

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General Exam Objectives:

1. Foundational Concepts

1. Understand and recognize different types of data (ISTE 3B, 5B)

2. Recognize and apply logical reasoning (ISTE 3A, 5B)

3. Explain algorithmic thinking (ISTE 5A, 5D)

2. Identify and Collect Data

• Assess data needs and available data (ISTE 3B, 5B, 5C)

• Understand data quality (ISTE 3B, 5B)

3. Apply Abstraction

1. Identify patterns in and apply abstraction to data (ISTE 5A, 5B, 5C)

2. Recognize, create and interpret abstract models (ISTE 5C, 5D)

4. Specify a Solution

1. Define and decompose a problem (ISTE 4B, 5A, 5C)

2. Identify requirements (ISTE 4A, 4B, 6A)

5. Automate a Solution

1. Use a sequence of steps in algorithms (ISTE 5B, 5D)

2. Automate repetitive tasks by using iteration (ISTE 5D)

3. Use selection statements in algorithms (ISTE 5D)

4. Use variables in algorithms (ISTE 5D)

6. Present and Improve a Solution

1. Produce a computational artifact to present a solution to a target audience (ISTE 6A, 6C, 6D)

2. Collaborate on computational artifacts (ISTE 1C, 7B)

3. Perform iterative design on an automated solution

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Specific Exam Objectives: Certiport - Marketing Resource Library

Candidates for this exam are starting their journey in the cybersecurity field. This exam assesses their understanding of key security paradigms, terminology, and mindset. Successful candidates will have a keen awareness of the importance of security and the threats to a business when security procedures are not followed. They are willing to teach others about security concerns. They are developing the investigative and implementation skills necessary to succeed in the field and have an aptitude and desire to learn more.

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For this exam, please expect  40-50 questions to complete within 50 minutes.

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General Exam Objectives:

1. Security Principles

1. Explain common security principles

2. Explain cybersecurity frameworks and industry-accepted best practices

3. Explain vulnerabilities, threats, and common attacks

4. Recognize social engineering attacks

5. Explain access management principles and procedures

6. Explain how encryption protects the confidentiality and integrity of data

2. Securing the Network

1. Identify vulnerabilities associated with commonly used protocols

2. Describe the role of addressing in network security

3. Describe the purpose and function of network security technologies

4. Validate the security of wireless networks

Examine network security logs to identify anomalies

3. Securing Endpoint Devices

1. Apply security settings to harden operating systems

2. Use endpoint tools to gather security assessment information

3. Use packet capture utilities to identify anomalies

4. Demonstrate familiarity with endpoint security policies and standards

5. Interpret system logs to identify anomalies

Perform malware removal

4. Vulnerability Assessment and Risk Management

1. Use threat intelligence sources to identify potential network vulnerabilities

2. Explain risk management

3. Explain the penetration testing process

5. Incident Handling

1. Explain the digital forensics process and attack frameworks

2. Explain the elements of cybersecurity incident response

3. Explain the importance of disaster recovery and business continuity

4. planning

5. Assist users in restoring data after an incident

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Specific Exam Objectives: Certiport - Marketing Resource Library

Candidates for this exam are seeking to prove introductory knowledge of how to responsibly manipulate, analyze, and communicate findings of data analysis.

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For this exam, please expect  35-45 questions to complete within 50 minutes.

 

General Exam Objectives:

1. Data Basics

1. Define the concept of data science

2. Describe basic data variable types

3. Describe basic structures used in data analytics

4. Gather data and categorize data

2. Data Manipulation

1. Import, store, and export data

2. Clean data using SQL, R, Python, and Excel

3. Organize data using SQL, R, Python, and Excel

4. Aggregate data using SQL, R, Python, and Excel

3. Data Analysis

1. Describe and differentiate between types of data analysis

2. Describe and differentiate between data aggregation and interpretation metrics

3. Describe and differentiate between exploratory data analysis methods

4. Evaluate and explain the results of data analyses

5. Define and describe the role of artificial intelligence in data analysis

4. Data Visualization and Communication

1. Report data

2. Create visualizations from data

3. Derive conclusions from a data visualization

5. Responsible Analytics Practices

1. Describe data privacy laws and best practices

2. Describe best practices for responsible data handling

3. Given a scenario, describe types of bias that affect collection and interpretation of data

 

Specific Exam Objectives: Certiport - Marketing Resource Library

Candidates for this exam have fundamental knowledge of computer hardware, connections, operation, and management. Candidates should have hands-on experience with Windows 10 or Windows 11 installation and configuration, network connections, application and peripheral device management, data access and management, and basic device security in a Windows business environment.

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For this exam, please expect  31-41 questions to complete within 50 minutes.

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General Exam Objectives:

1. Windows Installation and Configuration

1. Recognize basic computer components and explain their functions,

2. Describe the purpose of Active Directory services, including:

3. Install Windows using the default settings

4. Configure user account options

5. Configure desktop settings

6. Configure accessibility settings to meet user’s specific needs

7. Manage updates

2. Windows Feature, Application and Peripheral Management

1. Manage applications and Windows features

2. Explain the purpose and capabilities of Windows Copilot (Windows 11 Only)

3. Describe the purpose of the Windows Registry

4. Compare and contrast capabilities of peripheral connection types

5. Configure projection and display properties

3. Data Access and Management

1. Describe cloud services

2. Describe and configure local and network file sharing and permissions

3. Manage backup and restore of user files and states

4. Device Security

1. Configure Windows Defender Firewall settings

2. Describe user authentication and configure Windows sign-in options

3. Describe various security threats

4. Describe how to respond to various malware and social engineering attacks

5. Manage User Account Control (UAC) settings

5. Windows Management and Troubleshooting

1. Perform troubleshooting tasks

2. Troubleshoot operating system and application issues

3. Manage and troubleshoot hardware and peripherals

4. Manage and troubleshoot device connections to networks and domains

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Specific Exam Objectives: Certiport - Marketing Resource Library

Candidates for this exam are familiar with general networking concepts and technologies and understand how to manage and troubleshoot a network in a small-medium business environment. Candidates should have some hands-on experience with Windows and Linux operating systems, TCP/IP, name resolution processes, networking services, and network topologies and troubleshooting in wired and wireless environments. 

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For this exam, please expect  35-45 questions to complete within 50 minutes.

 

General Exam Objectives:

1. Networking Fundamentals

1. Define network concepts

2. Define cloud and virtualization concepts

3. Describe remote access methods

2. Network Infrastructures

• Define the characteristics of local area networks (LANs)

• Define the characteristics of wide area networks (WANs)

• Identify wireless networking methods and characteristics

Compare and contrast network topologies and access methods

3. Network Hardware

• Describe characteristics of switches

• Describe characteristics of routers

• Describe characteristics of physical media

4. Protocols and Services

1. Describe the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model

2. Describe the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) model

3. Describe IPv4 concepts

4. Describe IPv6 concepts

5. Identify well-known ports

6. Describe name resolution concepts

Identify the roles of networking services

5. Troubleshooting

1. Given a scenario, describe the troubleshooting process in a small- medium business network

2. Given a scenario, use the appropriate hardware troubleshooting tools

3. Given a scenario, use the appropriate Windows software tools to troubleshoot a problem

4. Given a scenario, use the appropriate Linux software tools to troubleshoot a problem

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Specific Exam Objectives: Certiport - Marketing Resource Library

Candidates for this exam will demonstrate foundational security knowledge and skills, including an understanding of core security principles operating system security, network and device security, and secure computing practices.

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For this exam, please expect  35-45 questions to complete within 50 minutes.

 

General Exam Objectives:

1. Defense in Depth

1. Identify core security principles

2. Define and enforce physical security

3. Identify security policy types

4. Identify attack types

5. Identify backup and restore types

2. Operating System Security

1. Identify client and server protection

2. Configure user authentication

3. Facilitate non-repudiation using audit policies and log files

4. Manage permissions in Windows and Linux

5. Demonstrate knowledge of encryption

3. Network Device Security

1. Implement wireless security

2. Identify the role of network protection devices

3. Identify network isolation methods

4. Identify protocol security concepts

4. Secure Computing

1. Implement email protection

2. Manage browser security

3. Install and configure anti-malware and antivirus software

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Specific Exam Objectives: Certiport - Marketing Resource Library

Information Technology Specialist certifications can be grouped into pathways to validate highly demanded technical skills sought after by employers. With a broad range of technical certifications, pathways will open the door to opportunities in the technical industry and throughout the IT field.  Pathways include:

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Network Automation Specialist

• Required exams include: Python, Software Development and Cisco Certified Support Technician Networking (see Cisco Exam Page)

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IT Technical Support Specialist 

• Required exams include: Networking, Network Security, and Device Configuration and Management

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