JMU/AITP recommends that people new to certifications begin with CompTIA's A+ certification, as it gives a great foundation for further knowledge and gives a good taste of how cert examinations flow. If anyone is interested in forming a study group to prepare for a particular certification, or would like more information on any of the certs, please contact Jonathan Albert (our Education Chair) at alber2jd@jmu.edu.

Please also note that JMU's Information Technology department offers an Information Security class (IT 424) in the Spring that makes use of questions from the Security+ test to a large extent. In fact, the textbook used is specifically for the Security+ exam, so taking this course should help prepare you for the exam (in addition to fulfilling an IT elective credit).

Recommended Reading:

Network+

Harwood, M. "Network+ Training Guide" Mike Harwood is one of the writers that I can unequivocally recommend--this book was tailored exactly to the test.

Meyers, M. "Network+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide" Meyers is great at explaining things and teaching the reader, but don't rely solely on his books to pass the test.

Linux+

Bird, D. "Linux+ Certification Study Guide" This is another Harwood book, and it explained everything succinctly and clearly and was accurate preparation for the test.

Security+

Ciampa, M. "Security+ Guide to Network Security Fundamentals 2nd edition" w/LabSim for Security+ Package ISBN 1418829692 (individual ISBNs 0619215666 & 0619217162). The book that is used in the IT 424 Information Security Test.

Crayton, C. "The Security+ Exam Guide (Testtaker's Guide Series)" Covered the issues well, a more tedious read than Shimonski's book, but definitely had relevant information.

Shimonski, R. "Security+ Study Guide and DVD Training System" The DVD is useless, but the book is the best I read in terms of having information relevant to the test.

Hausman, K. "Security+ Exam Cram 2" Good for brush up right before the exam; simplified, but a great final read before heading into the test center.

For more information on each of the above exams and/or more info on the books, contact kruckgp@jmu.edu.