PSAT

Short for Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test, PSAT is a preliminary, or practice, test for the SAT, which tests reading, math, and writing skills. High scoring students may achieve scholarships.

Also see: Certification

N+

Also known as the Network+, the N+ is a certification by CompTIA that helps demonstrate a person's knowledge in TCP/IP, maintaining and managing a network, network operating systems, and installing and upgrading networks. It's often recommended users with little or no network experience complete a Network+ certification before moving onto their MCSE or CNE certification.

Also see: Certification definitions, Network definitions

Microsoft MVP

Short for Microsoft Most Valuable Professional, the Microsoft MVP is a program by Microsoft that helps recognize the best and brightest community leaders from around the world.

• The official Microsoft MVP page is found at: http://mvp.support.microsoft.com/

Also see: Certifications

MCSE

Short for Microsoft Certified System Engineer, MCSE is an individual who has successfully passed exams dealing with the Microsoft Windows NT, 2000, XP, 2003, or later Microsoft operating system, networking and Microsoft BackOffice server products.
Users with a MCSE certification should have the experience to plan, design, and setup a network, in addition to having the ability to maintaining and supporting it. These users will often have an engineering role in the company.

Also see: Certification definitions, Engineer, MCSA, Network definitions

MCSA

Short for Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator, the MCSA is an individual who has successfully passed the A+ certification, Network+ certification as well as other exams dealing with Microsoft Windows NT, 2000, XP, 2003, or later Microsoft operating system.
Users with a MCSA certification should have the experience of setting up, managing and supporting a network. These users will often have an administrator role in the company.

Also see: Administrator, Certification definitions, MCSE, Network definitions

ITQ

A qualification used by companies in the UK as a method of making sure their employees have the necessary IT skills required to be competent in their job.

• See the official ITQ page at: http://itq.e-skills.com/

Also see: IT, Certification, Certification definitions

ICCP

Short for Institute for Certification of Computer Professionals, ICCP is an association founded in 1973 and is located in Des Plaines, Illinois, USA. ICCP helps test the knowledge of individuals with training and testing in various computer related areas.

• The official ICCP page is found at http://www.iccp.org.

Also see: Certification definitions

Hands-on

Term used to describe the type of training or learning where instead of reading about the topic being learned, the individual has learned about it by actually performing the tasks. Generally, most computer-related jobs require some type of hands-on experience.

Also see: Certification definitions

ETA

1. Short for Electronic Technicians Association International (also abbreviated as ETA-I), ETA is an non-profit association that was founded in 1978 and assists in the certification of electronics equipment service and support. Some examples of the ETA-I certifications are the CST, CNCT and CNST.
   
   The official ETA International website is found at: http://www.eta-i.org/
   
2. Short for Estimated Time of Arrival, ETA is an estimate to when something is expected to be done, an estimate to how long something is going to be not working, or the time someone or something will be arriving.

Also see: Certification definitions, Chat definitions, CompTIA

Degree

A unit of temperature. For example, a computer case monitor may display the temperature of a case being 92°.

• Information about inserting a degree symbol into a web page can be found on our extended special HTML characters page.
• See our keys page for a meaning of many of the keys and symbols found on your keyboard.

2. Type of diploma awarded in the United States Colleges and Universities that are given to students upon the completion of their objectives. These objectives vary on the difficulty, minor, length, and the College or University. Associates degree, Bachelor degree, Masters degree and PhD degree are all examples of the types of degrees that may be awarded.

Also see: Celsius, Certification definitions, Fahrenheit, Measurement

CST

1. Short for Computer Service Technician, CST is a certification first initiated in 1998 by ETA that demonstrates an individual has knowledge and skills including basic computer electronics, which make him/her competent to service and install hardware and software in the computer industry.
2. Short for Central Standard Time.

Also see: Certification definitions, Time

Computer literacy

Someone that has general knowledge of different types of computers, software, basic input devices, and knowledge on how computers work. Although this knowledge is important, it may not necessarily make that individual qualified to perform or work with the product they may be familiar with. However, it will make the individual more qualified than a person that is not computer literate.


Also see: Certification definitions

CompTIA

Short for Computer Technology Industry Association, CompTIA is dedicated to advancing the growth of the IT industry and those working within it. CompTIA is well known for its certifications such as the A+ and N+ (Network+).

• The official CompTIA web page is found at: http://www.comptia.org

Also see: Certification definitions, ETA

CNST

Short for Certified Network Systems Technician, CNST is a certification by ETA for individuals who have previously acquired the CST, CNCT, and A+, and demonstrates an individual's advanced knowledge of computer networks.

Also see: Certification definitions, Network definitions

CNE

Short for Certified NetWare Engineer, CNE is a Novell NetWare certification. An individual with a CNE has a good understanding of Novell NetWare and computer networks.

Also see: Certification definitions, Network definitions

CNCT

Short for Certified Network Computer Technician, CNCT is a certification by ETA for individuals who have demonstrated knowledge of basic computer electronics, Internet and networking technology applicable to various areas of the computer industry.

Also see: Certification definitions

Certified

Sometimes abbreviated as cert, being certified means an individual has passed a set of tests and has an understanding and ability to demonstrate knowledge of a specific topic.

Also see: Cert, Certification definitions

CCNP

Short for Cisco Certified Network Professional, CCNP is a certification that indicates an advanced or journeyman knowledge of networks.

Also see: CCIE, CCNA, Certification definitions, Network definitions

CCNA

Short for Cisco Certified Network Associate, CCNA is a certification that indicates a foundation in and apprentice knowledge of networking for the small office/home office market.

Also see: CCIE, CCNP, Certification definitions , Network definitions

CCIE

Short for Cisco Certified Internetworking Expert, CCIE is a certification that sets the professional benchmark for Internetworking expertise.

Also see: CCNA, CCNP, Certification definitions, Network definitions