How Do I Become a Certified Computer Technician?

You may be following the trends in the Information Technology industry and the explosion in Internet usage. Advances in technology and consequent reduction in component prices have brought down the cost of computers, resulting in a tremendous increase in the proliferation of personal computers. It is not uncommon to find a home with more than one computer connected in a Local Area Network (LAN).

The number of computer buyers is increasing, but very few computer owners are tech-savvy, and once they run into problems with the functioning of their computer, they need a trained professional who can troubleshoot their PC.

You may have decided to follow a career as a computer technician by recognizing this need in the market. You may have either trained yourself or studied to become a computer technician. However, this is not enough. What you need to recognize is that the industry wants certified professionals to meet their requirements.

Certification ensures a certain level of expertise and a company can be secure in the knowledge that their problems are being taken care of by trained professionals. For you, professionally, certification means that you can command a higher salary in the market compared to an uncertified professional and have many more options available.

How can one obtain certification? There are online certification exams you could opt for - Brainbench is one such certifying agency. Many of these certifications can be viewed by an employer online but a hard copy of the certification would probably have to be paid for. Alternatively, you could go to professional bodies like CompTIA that award certifications to professionals. These are much valued in the industry and could give you the winning edge over your competitors in winning a contract or a project.

Before you go in for a certification exams, make sure your basic knowledge is in place - it might be better to revise your knowledge of:

- Computer hardware components

- BIOS, Power supplies, ports and expansion slots

- IDE, SCSI and Bus architectures

- Processor - Interrupts, memory

- Basics of PC Repair

- Display cards and other peripherals like printers

- Computer vendor-specific design features

Once you have these fundamentals in place, you are ready to take that certification exam!

Ms. Pinky is a Computer Support Specialist for more than 25 years. Has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Engineering, MS Research work in Systems Engineering.

Get more free computer tips on her blog at http://www.computerhelpdeskandsupport.com/

Finding High Quality Computer Based Training For the MCSE and Other Certifications

Taking an I.T certification is still a relatively expensive training avenue. It can be especially expensive if you decide to take a boot camp or class room based course - that's why most opt for the cheaper computer based training. However, you do still want value for money when it comes to CBT (computer based training), so here's a way to find good computer based training providers.

First of all before you think of purchasing any training, decide upon what certification you want to take. Try to stick to well known certification providers, such as Microsoft (MCSE), CompTIA, Cisco etc. These are considered to be the best certification providers out there and will provide you with a highly recognised and valued certification. Avoid unknown certification providers as these are likely to be worth less on your C.V.

If you still uncertain about what certification to take, do a little research upon each one by viewing the overview of the available certifications on the provider's website, or ringing them. Also take to the web and investigate I.T training forums of which there are plenty.

After you have made your decision, it's time to find your computer based training provider. High street shops, local shops and internet sellers all sell computer based training equipment from training providers, who provide the training gear for I.T certifications. A reputable CBT training seller, such as Currys, mcse training etc, will always have in stock the best training providers out there, which will either be produced by the certification companies, endorsed or approved by them or will be from a freestanding company. If endorsed, produced by or approved by the certification provider (i.e. Microsoft) your training equipment is likely to be okay.

However, you may come into some difficulty when buying from a freestanding training provider. The only way to really make sure there CBT equipment is worth every penny is by researching the provider. Have a look at their website and make sure it is professional looking, that they have a long background in I.T computer based training production and have a good reputation. Don't just look on their website either, scour the forums for advice and look at any awards they may have won.

Moreover, it's important that you make sure you purchase the latest training equipment for the latest certifications (which you should be taking). Avoid buying out of date computer based training equipment, even if they are on offer, as certifications can change quite drastically from year to year.

If you are interested in computer based training for I.T certifications, have a look at MCSE training who only stock the best computer based training providers out there. Interested? Have a look at their website at www.mcsetraining.co.uk

Why Should I Get CompTIA Certification?

In today's competitive economy, it's important to have an edge over the competition in the job market. One way to get ahead is to get a well regarded CompTIA certification. But which CompTIA certification is right for you?

The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) offers a number of IT certifications that can help you qualify for a well paying job. CompTIA certifications cover a wide variety of disciplines including computer basics, IT security, computer networking, Linux programming, and more. But before you begin your CompTIA study, you should decide which certification best fits your expertise and career goals.

If you are just starting out in the IT industry, then the CompTIA A+ certification is probably right for you. CompTIA A+ certification is designed to demonstrate competency as a computer technician. It covers topics such as installation, preventative maintenance, networking, security and troubleshooting. The exam is also vendor neutral and internationally accepted, so many employers see it as credible evidence of your ability to work with computers. The A+ certification is a stepping stone to more advanced CompTIA certifications, so if you are just starting out in the information technology industry, it's a must have.

For people more interested in an important and up and coming field, CompTIA Security+ certification is the way to go. This certification proves your ability to manage system security, network infrastructure, and organizational security. Computer security threats are increasing in number and severity, so this certification is in high demand among employers in the business, healthcare, and government sectors. Pursuing a CompTIA Security+ certification is bound to ensure job security for years to come.

Another important CompTIA certification is CompTIA Network+. This certification exhibits competence in managing, maintaining, troubleshooting, installing, and configuring computer network infrastructures. This is especially important for companies with large computer networks connecting hundreds of employees. There is consistent demand for IT networking professionals, so getting your CompTIA Network+ certification is a good next step after you complete your A+ certification.

If you have a passion for open-source technology and some Linux experience under your belt, you should consider pursuing your CompTIA Linux+ certification. This exam covers the management of Linux systems, user administration, file permissions, software configuration, and the management of Linux-based clients. With many companies moving to open-source software as a method to cut costs, qualified Linux professionals are sure to be in high demand. Prove your ability with the right CompTIA certification, and you show potential employers a clear indicator that you are right for the job.

There are many more CompTIA certifications that deal with more specialized fields. You can find more information at CompTIA's website, http://www.comptia.org. Once you decide on a certification, you can prepare for the test by taking CompTIA training classes at a qualified IT training school. Regardless of which CompTIA certification you decide on, you will be obtaining a valuable credential that will help you get a job in the information technology field. Many employers rely on third-party certifications such as the CompTIA exams as a clear indicator of future employee success. Prove your worth with the right certification, and you will have a definite edge in the job market.

About The Author:

Shawn Livengood works for TechSkills, a career training school with over 25 campuses nationwide. TechSkills offers career training programs for IT certifications, healthcare services, accounting, and project management.

HUBZone Certification - What You Need to Know Before You Begin

HUBZone Certification

Getting your business HUBZone certified can help insure your businesses success. The HUBZone certification is available for startup businesses, however the firm will need at least one employee in order to satisfy requirement #3 below.

What are the criteria for HUBZone Certification?
1. 51% ownership by a US Citizen.
2. The Principle Office of the firm must be located within a HUBZone
3. At least 35% of the employees must live within a HUBZone
4. The firm must be classified by the SBA as a small business. (Small business size determinations separated into primary NAICS Code)

In submitting the initial application to the SBA no verification for any of the following information will be required. The SBA will follow up with the firm 90 days later and ask for follow up information regarding, how the firm is owned, a map showing the primary business location, utility bills showing the firm name in the HUBZone location, drivers licenses showing primary residence of firm employees, as well as other supporting documentation. Make sure you have made these determinations prior to submitting your firm's application.

There are other issues and considerations for firms moving into a HUBZone location. Your CCR Registration is the electronic platform for you HUBZone application. Therefore all information contained in the CCR Registration must accurately reflect the information within the HUBZone application or there will be a conflict created which could cause a denial. Another factor of consideration is that the D&B information on your business links directly into the CCR Registration so this information must be updated to reflect a firm having moved into a HUBZone with the new Principle Office.

The benefits to your business are the following:

1. 10% pricing preference on government contracts. The HUBZone firm is considered to have similar pricing to a non-HUBZone firm if the HUBZone firm is charging $110 and the non-HUBZone firm is charging $100.
2. Large Companies bidding on Federal Contracts are required to show how they are including HUBZone companies as part of the contracts that are greater than $550,000.
3. The SBA has programs set up to help HUBZone firms with additional Bonding for Construction firms as well as aid in special SBA financial loans and resources.
There are also other intricacies to the HUBZone process such as if a county in a state has greater than 140% of the unemployment rate for the rest of the state then the county is considered to be HUBZone and all firms in that country can apply for HUBZone status. If a business is located as part of an Indian Reservation the firm can have less than 35% of the worker living in a HUBZone until such time as the firm is going to perform on a government contract and at that time the firm needs to become compliant with the 35% residence rule.

Other Resources
http://www.hubzone.us.com/

Human Resources - Hot Issues

Human resources is one of the most highly sought-after professions in the market today, and growing by the minute. People with certifications and degrees, however, will be more than likely to secure good jobs in this particular field. Though some of the more basic jobs might not require you to have a degree for some of their positions, it is becoming more common to find human resources jobs requiring you to at least have a Bachelor's degree. Just like any other job field, there are many hot issues related to human resources as well that have become important for people to know and understand.

One first hot issue is that of having a certification or degree to obtain even an entry level human resources position. In fact, once you have completed your HR degree, it is sometimes also recommended that you take the SHRM certification so that you are best qualified for the position. When an employer sees these particular credentials on your resume before hiring you, they will be more likely to pick someone that might have completed the certification for employment because they would have taken the extra step to ensure they are well accustomed and qualified in the field.

Legislation is another one of the biggest HR hot issues because there are so many factors involved. It is usually up to the human resources personnel to know all about the sexual harassment laws, equal employment opportunity rights, employee privacy and work place safety as well. Though most executives within the company might not know what the legislation might state, an HR manager or employee will need to remain aware of how it can affect the workplace. These issues are important and always on the top of the list of an HR executive's mind. There have been many changes regarding the legislation concerning human resources, which therefore makes many people question whether it might be a federal or state-wide issue. This makes recruitment and retention more complicated because there are many more federal regulations than state.

The rewards of such a position are also far greater than it's downfalls. For example, there are many companies operating overseas who might even allow you to travel, thus outsourcing yourself to some smaller countries to train others so that those countries may commercially increase and expand as the United States.

Jim Masefield writes articles on various business issues, for:
HRPrograms.info.

Personal Trainer Certification - Choosing the Right One For You

There are many organizations offering personal trainer certification in the health and fitness industry. Some of these certifications are legitimate and should be considered when determining which personal trainer certification to get but others aren't certifications that are worth the paper they are written on.

How do you know which personal trainer certification to choose?

#1 - Go for the best personal trainer certification not necessarily the easiest.
Choose a certifying organization for personal training that has a third party that reviews their exams. Recently, the personal training certifying bodies have used NCCA, an accrediting body of impartial experts who ensure that the certification of that organization has met stringent standards. This brings credibility to the organization and its certifications, research, events, etc. Not many organizations who certify personal trainers will have this professional "mark" of excellence but those that do, will definitely tell you about it.

#2 - Choose a personal trainer certification that encourages fitness assessments and proper medical and general history of the client during the client intake.

You want to know what you are getting yourself into when you train a client.

How do you know if the client has a heart history? How do you know how much stress the client is under from job, family, and other commitments? What about medications the client is taking - do you know how these will affect the client's training? How do you know what exercise recommendations you should make for a client that you haven't fitness assessed?
Organizations that don't teach personal trainers through their certification programs to ask for and get this information are basically "asking" you to train a potential "walking time bomb."

Who knows, in this day in age, what is truly going on with people in the general population internally. Even younger athletes who you might be training could be "on" something and/or susceptible to something (heart attacks).

You need to know this information through proper client intake procedures. The certification program should teach you this.

#3 - Select the personal trainer certification that requires continuing education hours.

This expectation gives credibility to the certification. The personal trainer should be continually learning more about how to train safely and effectively and to make programs individualized by using a variety of teaching techniques.

The certified personal trainer should learn information to give the client of a general non-medical nutritional nature and should be constantly educating him/herself in how to motivate and hold the client accountable.

This is the standard that a certified personal trainer should be held to.

#4 - What to watch out for.

Can you get a personal trainer certification off the internet in the next half hour? Sure. If it is something that is inexpensive and you can print the certificate immediately after paying with your credit card, you really don't want this personal trainer certification.

If you aren't required to study anything nor have any study materials to purchase in passing a personal trainer exam, you don't want this certification either.

Basically, if it is too good to be true, it is not a legitimate credential. These are the certification credentials that you ought to run from.

The health and fitness industry is huge and the opportunities for certified personal trainers are growing. Start out on the right footing. Get the best certification in the industry to set you apart using these tips as guidelines in choosing.

© Copyright 2008 Kim Fischer

Kim Fischer, owner of Empowered By Learning LLC, created the ACSM Certified Personal Trainer Exam Preparation workshop and accompanying Study Guide and Action Plan for Passing the ACSM Personal Trainer Certification Exam to support people in reaching their goal of becoming a certified personal trainer by the "gold standard" organization in the industry. Kim guarantees that workshop participants will pass the exam or their next workshop is free. Learn more about how to simplify and organize the process and the content for the ACSM Certified Personal Trainer Exam by getting a free excerpt of Kim's step-by-step Action Plan when you subscribe at http://www.empoweredbylearningllc.com

A Hot/Cool Career in HVAC

The need for heating and air-conditioning exists all over the world. Cooling and heating devices help regulate the temperature, humidity, and air quality residential homes, commercial locations, and industrial facilities. The technicians who carry out repairs, maintenance, and installations of heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration systems are often referred to as HVAC technicians or Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning technicians. Opportunities in heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration repair and installation are good, especially for those who have formal training, be it through a technical school or as an apprentice. Certification by North American Technician Excellence (http://www.natex.org/) is the standard to become a licensed technician.

Training in heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration takes from 6 months to 2 years and can be completed at secondary and postsecondary technical and trade schools as well as junior and community colleges. Students in these programs study theory, design, electronics, and equipment construction is studied. Students are taught the fundamentals of installing, maintaining, and repairing systems. Heating and cooling systems are becoming more complex, which is why opportunities for those with training at technical schools or through apprenticeship programs are greater. Many technicians however, still learn on the job as they work.

Students training for this occupation should take classes in computers, mechanical drawing, physics and chemistry, as well as electronics. A familiarity with blueprint reading would also be useful for this career, as would basic knowledge of plumbing. As equipment controls are more regularly used in these systems, basic familiarity of electronics is important as well. Technicians need to keep in mind that their business is service oriented, and customer service is an important part of the job. Technicians need to be polite and tactful when dealing with customers. The ability to climb ladders and lift heavy objects is another aspect of the job not to be overlooked.

Those with formal training in heating and air-conditioning will find the best opportunities in the business. The average hourly wages heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration technicians were $16.78. Though employment projections for this profession are on the rise, if the economy sees a slow down in construction, jobs will suffer. Maintenance and repair however, would keep technicians working regardless of the economy as cooling and heating systems must be kept functioning properly. Year round employment can be expected, as most companies will schedule both installation and maintenance work. Some HVAC companies even require service contracts, which would guarantee work year round.

Melissa Steele recommends you visit EducationGuys.com for more information on college degrees & online schools .

Tattoo Removal Certification - It Matters

If you are like many people out there, you once got a tattoo. Perhaps you still have the tattoo... unfortunately. Perhaps you want to tattoo removed and you are interested in finding the right place and person to remove it. It is important to make sure that you are fully informed of your options and that you research your tattoo removal specialist prior to getting your tattoo removed.

As with any medical procedure, it is important that medical professionals be educated and experienced so that they can provide the best quality care; the same applies to tattoo removal certification. Tattoo removal specialists ought to be educated in how to use the powerful lasers that will assist in the removal of your unwanted tattoo. Since the necessary lasers are potentially harmful in the wrong hands, you want to make sure that the medical professional you are seeking has undergone some form of board tattoo removal certification. It is important that you ask questions to make sure that you feel 100% comfortable with the tattoo removal specialist in question.

Since tattoo removal involves the use of three lasers, a medical professional who is well-educated in all three and how to use them based on your specific tattoo is obviously important. Since only certain lasers work to remove certain ink colors, having a medical professional remove your tattoo not only can safeguard your skin but can ensure that the tattoo removal process is effective and worth your money and time. Seeking out a tattoo removal clinic that specializes in tattoo removal is one option which can help to secure the safety of your skin. If the medical professional has undergone tattoo removal certification, then you can be sure that they have taken the necessary tests and have been overseen to ensure their competence and ability using a laser.

Since tattoo removal can be costly and a number of treatments needed to complete the thorough removal of one large and colorful tattoo, making sure that your laser removal specialist is fully able to effectively remove your tattoo, or at least permanently lighten it, it important. You may find it necessary to ask how many specific tattoo removals have been performed and how long the medical professional has been removing tattoos with lasers. Considering the advent of modern technology and the arrival of laser technology in the medical field, they may not have been practicing for a number of years. This does not necessarily mean that they do not have valuable experience. Rather, you want to get some idea of their hands on experience and make sure that you feel comfortable with the specialist, the team, and the clinic itself.

Keep in mind that not every medical professional that has received tattoo removal certification is the same. Even if a medical professional is certified, you should still inquire about their experience and make sure that you feel safe and comfortable in their care. Tattoo removal is a growing field and is not covered by major insurance so it is obvious that one should use caution when seeking out laser treatment to remove their tattoo.

Finding more information on tattoo removal certification and a tattoo removal specialist in your area is just a click away.

How to Prepare For CCIP Certification

Cisco certified internetwork professional certification or CCIP authenticates the knowledge and expertise required to maintain and manage the infrastructures of service providing organizations having huge internetworks. A networking professional having a CCIP certification is fully capable and competent enough to display his skills in infrastructure IP networking solutions in any service providing organization. IP routing, MPLS, BGP, IP QoS etc form the curriculum of this certification.

This is one of the latest intermediate level certifications by Cisco. A Cisco certified internetwork professional is proficient in IP routing and multicast apart from other technologies like DSL, cable and content networking. This is the reason why you must have the knowledge of a core component in which the fundamentals of IP routing and multicast are covered and an additional elective component where in a network professional can select any particular telecommunications technology. Moreover you can't go for a CCIP certification unless you have already obtained CCNA certification.

The exam questions consist of a mixture of multiple choice, simulation and drag and drop type of questions. The no. of questions asked and the length keep changing from exam to exam. The CCIP certification is legit for three years after which it needs to be validated again by appearing for a recertification. For that one just needs to either give and clear exam 642 or clear any CCIE written exam which is current at that time.
After clearing the CCNA certification one automatically gets eligible to appear for CCIP certification and he can achieve it by passing three or four exams, whichever path they wish to choose. The three exam route just mixes two exams to create one single combined exam, so that the candidate saves his time and money while being tested on the same subject immaterial of the route. He then has to successfully clear both routing and switching subjects to get the certification.

The candidate receives a score card which denotes pass or fails at the end of the examination. To provide assistance in finding the areas of improvement additional information is given. Also, one has to clear all the three or four exams in one go; otherwise he won't be able to earn CCIP certification.

If you are looking for CCIP exams training like 642-691 and 642-901 exams. I'd like to advise to make use of practice exams, study guides, selftest engines, certification tutorials developed by Industry leading Exams Expert with 100% passing and money back guarantee incase you fail in your exam. Visit for more details.

Yoga Certification - The Gateway to the Job of Your Dreams

When discussing teaching Yoga for a living, you might not think you deserve to be happy, while performing work. This seems to be the main objection to a rewarding career: "It's not a real job, unless you are suffering miserably."

This same "undeserving" mentality, which surrounds the workplace, also dominates fitness and medicine. Remember: "Feel the burn," "No pain, no gain," and "Medicine has to taste bad to be good." Some people inherently want to be told that they do not deserve grace, merit, or reward.

In Yoga, we are often familiar with the universal law of karma and the universal law of attraction. To envision unhappiness is a path toward misery. Why not learn to master the power of envisioning our paths in life? No one has to resign himself or herself to failure.

If your job situation looks bleak today, will it be the same tomorrow? Life has many twists and turns, but it only seems to make sense in hind sight. The only way we can control the direction of life is to visualize the future with optimism. By taking the "high road," you are more likely to react to an opportunity, when one arises.

The difference between someone, who is a successful Yoga teacher, and someone who wants to be, is the ability to recognize an opportunity. The path of teaching starts with the study of a specific subject. This is completely true if the subject you want to teach is Yoga.

You can dream all you want, but you must take action in the form of study and practice. After a period of time, you can take an intensive course. There are many choices for Yoga teacher certification courses. There are correspondence, onsite, and online Yoga teacher training courses, to choose from.

However, a 200-hour Yoga course will prepare you for many things, but it will not prepare you for everything. There are too many aches, pains, ailments, and illnesses for one course to cover. This is why almost every Yoga teacher participates in continuing education.

There is no "magic bullet" Yoga training course. Yoga has been documented for thousands of years. One course may be very comprehensive, but a single course is a gateway to many more doors of knowledge and opportunity.

The job of your dreams is in your mind, and the path you choose is ultimately your decision. It does not have to cost you an "arm and a leg" to get started, but the path toward success and happiness starts with your first step in that direction.

© Copyright 2008 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, has written many books on the subject of Yoga. He is a co-owner and the Director of Yoga Teacher Training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com

He has been a certified Master Yoga Teacher since 1995. To receive Free Yoga videos, Podcasts, e-Books, reports, and articles about Yoga, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/member-offer.html

Education and Certification For Health Care Professionals

The health care industry will generate more jobs through 2016 than any other U.S. industry, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The job prospects for these professionals are very good for the foreseeable future. Several factors fuel the high demand for health care workers, including:

* Baby boomers are approaching retirement age and are expected to require more care as they age.
* With technological advances medical doctors have opportunities to work on unusual and demanding cases. This increases the need for allied health professionals to attend to patient care.
* High tech equipment requires additional workers who are trained to operate the specific equipment.
* With more and more options for tests and treatments, people typically use more care than in previous generations. Also, because of early detection and treatment advances, people are living longer.
* There is a nationwide shortage of registered nurses, due largely to the shortage of nursing professionals to provide health care education.

Health care professions offer ample opportunities for advancement. The key to advancement in these professions is health care education. With further education, workers can become specialists in any number of specialties, including case management, grief counseling, legal nurse consulting, and crisis intervention counseling, among many others. Some of the less common education programs prepare students to be funeral service assistants, meditation instructors, alternative/holistic care practitioners, hypnotherapists, and spiritual counselors. With the required education, professionals may also become administrators or health educators.

For those interested in nursing, there's a common sequence of advancement in this high demand field. Becoming a registered nurse requires a two- to three-year diploma or associate's degree in nursing or a four-year bachelor's of science in nursing. Registered nurses with bachelor's degrees have more career advancement opportunities. Online programs allow registered nurses to receive credit toward their bachelor's degrees in nursing for previous coursework and experience.

Many colleges, universities, community colleges, and professional schools offer health care education. They offer degree, certification, and/or diploma programs. Quality programs prepare students to sit for the national certification exams in their specialties. Flexible class times, evening and weekend classes, and online classes make it possible for working professionals to continue their education without leaving their jobs. Online courses may be self-paced independent study or may involve more structured learning.

Many employers reimburse for professional education classes. Larger places of employment may even sponsor courses, certification programs, and seminars at their institutions. This makes it easier for staff to attend and keep up-to-date in their fields.

Because health care standards and procedures change frequently, professionals benefit from continuing education courses in their specialties. In fact most specialties require coursework for recertification. The number of courses required for recertification and number of years between certifications vary according to the specialty.

This industry is the largest employer in the U.S. and it's still growing rapidly. Careers in health care are as close to recession proof as any. Continuing health care education provides opportunities for advancement and specialization in a wide variety of rewarding careers.

Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web.
Learn more about Health Care Education.

Food Safety Certification - Restaurants Aren't the Only Concern

Many people hear about food safety certification and automatically assume that it's only for those people who work in restaurants. However, in any business where food is prepared, served, packaged, or sold, food hygiene is priority number one. Hotels, stores, processing plants, and even convenience marts all have food safety regulations to follow. Food service companies that serve in cafeterias in schools and factories around the country are also required to complete safety training in many instances.

Too often, employers take for granted that people understand how to be safe with food. Unfortunately, too many people have no idea of what food hygiene really is or how they can benefit from the actual food safety certification. There is so much to food service than just making sure that certain foods don't touch or that things are hot when they are supposed to be hot and cold when they're supposed to be cold. You can find online courses that will teach you everything that you need to know and give you a better chance at a successful career.

Every state has different regulations regarding food safety certification. Some states require it for anyone that works with food, while others only require it for management and upper level positions. It might be recommended for servers and part time workers, but some states don't require it, making it a danger when the wrong people don't get trained properly. It's always best, for your career and for your own peace of mind, if you get the proper training and food safety certification so that you can be sure that you're doing things right at all times.

Even if you work in a store, a deli, a hotel lounge, or a cafeteria, you need to understand food safety. Working with something like food doesn't make it easy to skate through work days because the health and well being of the general public is at risk if you don't do your job right. This might sound like a lot of pressure, but you shouldn't be too intimidated by it. You just need to know that your training is essential to your success, and that food safety certification can be what separates you from the rest who don't have the proper training and education that you do. This certification can lead to better job offers, more opportunities, and better pay because you have certification that others might not.

Learn2Serve.com offers online Food Safety Certification for food managers and workers at a hotel, cafeteria, deli or a store.

Hatha Yoga Certification Home Study Courses

Let's say you have decided to become a Yoga instructor, but you do not have weeks or months, of free time, to spend away from your family, friends, and obligations. You have researched Yoga certification classes from NYC (New York City) to Sacramento, CA. The typical training course for Yoga instructors will also require you to pay fairly large sums of money, which creates another hardship.

Are there any other Yoga instructor training options for the working person, with family obligations and a budget? Yes, there are - and a Hatha Yoga certification home study program meets the needs of many practitioners who aspire to teach Yoga. With Internet technology, we also have online Yoga instructor training study programs.

Hatha Yoga Certification home study courses, correspondence courses, and distance learning courses, have existed for decades. Not everyone has the financial resources, or free time, available to "fly off" to Tibet or India.

In an ideal world, it would be nice to have the time, and money, to attend a Yoga teacher certification class in Honolulu, but maybe it's just not realistic thinking at this time. Is a Hatha Yoga certification home study course starting to sound more realistic?

What should you be looking for in a home study course designed for Hatha Yoga instructors? What material should a Hatha Yoga home study course contain? Will there be Yoga certification videos or DVD's. Should the whole Yoga instructor's training course be designed for online learning?

A Yoga instructor's training course and certification should consume a minimum of 200 study hours. This 200 hour standard has become the generally agreed minimum requirement for most Yoga teacher certification organizations.

There are some Yoga teacher certifications that require less than 200 hours, but will you learn about modifications, contraindications, anatomy, physiology, the subtle body, chakras, mudras, bandhas, doshas, kriyas, asanas, meditation, and Pranayama in less than 200 hours? Remember that 200 hours is the generally agreed "minimum" number of Yoga teacher training study hours.

DVD has become the most popular international format for video, so Yoga certification videos should be in DVD format. If you have previous experience as a Yoga student, and had, or have, a Yoga teacher for guidance; your Yoga instructor internship will be a smooth process. Experienced Yoga practitioners can easily grasp the concepts presented within Yoga certification videos.

However, if you have no previous experience, as a Yoga student, you can make life easier on yourself by seeking the guidance of a competent Yoga teacher in your local area.

Lastly, the ability to turn in written assignments by Email speeds up the Yoga instructor certification process, but it also helps to get tutoring by Email or phone. These are options to consider when choosing a Hatha Yoga certification home study program.

© Copyright 2006 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. http://www.riyoga.com He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. To receive a Free e-Book: "Yoga in Practice," and a Free Yoga Newsletter, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html

Becoming A Handyman

Anyone who has the basic knowledge of household equipment and wants to make a career as a handyman can become a professional handyman by joining an appropriate apprenticeship program. The basic skills required to become a handyman include manual dexterity, eye-hand coordination, physical fitness, and a good sense of balance. Other skills include mathematical problem solving ability and good color vision, as handymen have to regularly identify different components by color.

An individual may have special training in trades such as electrical engineering or plumbing, but needs to learn and develop other skills such as house painting or automotive repair for becoming a professional handyman. It is important to have mechanical aptitude to become a handyman as most of the jobs rendered by handymen involve mechanical components and systems.
Individuals can enroll in vocational classes at a local college or training center where many professional handyman degrees can be earned in less than two years of study. Well-trained and experienced professionals teach in these organizations and provide practical insights and guidance related to handyman services. These courses combine theoretical as well as hands on training and require the candidates to pass building codes and certification examinations.

Candidates who do not want to join a certification course can enroll for mini handyman courses offered by local community education centers. These courses aim at making the candidates aware about different tools and equipment used for rendering handyman services. These may include different types of electrical tools and other common tools such as pliers, screwdrivers, knives, scissors, bolt cutters, cable cutters, and hammers.

It is important to follow safety guidelines and wear protective goggles and hardhats. Safety guidelines and procedures form a part of handyman training and apprenticeship. Refresher courses should regularly be organized for existing as well as fresher handymen for improving quality of services rendered and minimizing the number of accidents related to handyman services.

Handyman [http://www.z-Handyman.com] provides detailed information on Handyman, Handyman Services, Starting A Handyman Business, Handyman Tips and more. Handyman is affiliated with Home Remodeling.

Yoga Teacher Certification or Registration - Part 1

Lately, there has been a lot of confusion as to what credentials are needed to teach Yoga. There have been some recent changes within the certifying bodies who train Yoga teachers. Here are some of the most common questions and answers in regard to Yoga credentials and regulations.

Why should a Yoga teacher be certified? What about established Yoga teachers who don't have a diploma? What is the "right'' Yoga credential to have? When should I become a Registered Yoga teacher? Who regulates Yoga?

In many parts of the world Yoga teacher credentialing is a new phenomenon. Yoga teachers had very small groups of loyal students and Yoga was not a mainstream activity. This same lack of credentialing still occurs within Tai Chi and some of the Chinese martial arts. The belief among some traditional Yogis has been that credentials would lead to commercialization.

As Yoga became more popular the need for certification became clear. Yoga teachers should be certified for their own protection. With liability law suits being so popular these days, it would be prudent to have a Yoga teacher's diploma on your wall. Yoga is not considered to be as dangerous as some of the other activities in health clubs, but some Yoga classes can be surprisingly vigorous, to say the least.

With Yoga classes reaching every corner of the earth, some students are jumping off the couch and going straight into the nearest Yoga class, without asking questions. This is one very good reason why Yoga teachers should have a questionnaire for new Yoga students. A questionnaire will inform you of health conditions, ailments, history, fitness level, and if a Yoga student is pregnant.

This sudden popularity of Yoga also creates a less formal relationship between the student and his or her Yoga teacher. Yoga may be seen as something to do in order to lose a little weight before swim suit season. Many new students of Yoga are "just trying it out." The incentive may be a doctor referral, a magazine article, or a news segment on television.

Yoga teaching credentials make acquiring liability insurance much easier. Depending upon the activities within a studio, the liability insurance policy chosen could be for Yoga only or a sports liability policy similar to what a health club would carry. So the short answer to the question," Why should a Yoga teacher be certified?" It's all about liability and don't leave yourself uninsured. Yoga is a relatively safe pursuit, but you should still cover yourself.

© Copyright 2006 by Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in North Providence, RI. He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. He is a master instructor of martial arts, with multiple Black Belts, four martial arts teaching credentials, and was recently inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame. He teaches Yoga, martial arts, and fitness to children, adults, and seniors in the greater Providence area. Recently he wrote: Is Running a Yoga Business Right for You? For Yoga students, who may be considering a new career as a Yoga teacher. http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html

Pipeline Jobs - Welding Certification For a Pipeline Welder

Here are my 11 suggestions for getting a job as a pipeline welder:

1. Spend several hours researching welding forums searching on terms like "pipeline jobs", "pipeline welding", and "pipeline welding certification test." You need to get a feel for the pipeline welding industry.


2. If you still want to go for it, decide whether you want to joint a union or go the non-union route. (this is a subject for a whole article all by itself)


3. If you want to be a union pipeline welder, contact the pipeliners local 798 in Tulsa,OK and let them guide you or change your mind.


4. If you decide to go the non-union route, search job websites like monster and careerbuilder for terms such as "pipeline welder" or "pipeline welding."


5. Learn the welding test requirements by hook or by crook. Call the test supervisor and learn the welding test criteria. Every contractor is likely to administer different welding tests. For example, some require the pipeline welder to cut,bevel, and weld a typical connection. It has been my experience that some weld test supervisors are just looking for a way to fail you. Other weld test supers will actually give tips and advice. Every job is different and there is no one single welding test that is the standard. That is just the way it is.


6. Find a way to practice the test on mock ups that exactly represent what will be required. Practice enough to have confidence that you will be able to pass the welding test.


7. Arrange a pipeline welding test date and show up early.


8. Do not, I repeat ...Do not be cocky or arrogant. The test shop supervisor has you by the short hairs. This is the time to give him the respect he deserves as test shop supervisor and to say yes sir and no sir.


9. Ask questions. For example, Can I use a grinder? Will you fail me for grinding too much? Do you need to inspect the fitup? root pass? hot pass? Learning what will fly and what will not is crucial to passing the welding test.


10. Take your time unless there is a time limit. Relax and try not to be nervous. Keep all arc strikes and grinder marks within the bevel. Weld the joint or joints and chip brush and grind anything that needs it. (if allowed)


11. Pray. You might want to do this one first.

Learn more about pipe welding and welding certification at http://www.weldingtipsandtricks.com/

The Path of Yoga Certification

What does it take to become a yoga instructor? You've practiced the positions and breathing techniques, almost every day, for years. You've gained a deeper understanding of the benefits of yoga and wish to share your knowledge with others. If you're willing to find a training program, the steps to yoga certification are simple.

Though the discipline has been popular for some time, yoga teacher training is far from standardized. Most training programs require that you have a minimum level of experience in yoga before being an instructor. Some require yoga postures (asanas), such as headstands. Others insist that you must be approved by the instructor who is training you. Some certification courses can be taken online or by correspondence.

Yoga is an ancient discipline that has traditionally been passed directly from teacher to student on a one-to-one basis. The idea of a class is relatively new. These days, the speed of information being exchanged, has changed everything including traditional forms of training.

Though there is no single "official" certification program, there are groups designed to keep the study organized. Usually, certifying bodies train an intern to become a Certified Yoga Teacher (CYT), after 200 hours of training. This credential alone is usually enough to begin teaching students in public yoga classes. If you are seeking more credentials, you may decide to train for a 500 hour credential or become a Registered Yoga Teacher.

In the United States, yoga registration is generally handled by the Yoga Alliance. The Yoga Alliance is recognized, within the industry, as a registration program that helps maintain the high standards of yoga. It has different levels of yoga registration.

The first program requires two hundred hours of training, and is sometimes a requirement for employment in a studio. There is also a five hundred hour program for those who want advanced registration. Finally, there are experienced levels of registration, which have the designation, E-RYT.

© Copyright 2008 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, has written many books on the subject of Yoga. He is a co-owner and the Director of Yoga Teacher Training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com He has been a certified Master Yoga Teacher since 1995. To receive a Free Yoga e-Book: "Yoga in Practice," and a Free Yoga Newsletter, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html

Find the Best EMT School For Your Certification Training

An EMT certification is available for each of the four progressive levels of EMT training. These are EMT 1 (Basic), EMT 2 and 3 (Intermediate) and EMT 4 (Paramedic).

Training EMT starts with the basic level, and entry of each of the following levels requires the completion of the previous one(s). The EMT certification program for the first level falls into three categories of training. The first category focuses on training for basic life support, such as performing CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation), Managing airways, treating for poisoning and shock, controlling accessible bleeding, etc. The second category focuses on familiarizing students with conditions that are not threatening to the patient's life, such as splinting, bandaging, delivering babies, or caring for the newborn. The third category of training includes the non-medical requirements that an emergency medical technician is expected to meet, such as proper extrication equipment and techniques, coping with medico legal problems, written and verbal communication skills, etc. Remember that training for EMT is not limited to the examples given above, as the EMT classes available can cover a lot more information, especially for the upper levels of EMT training.

The requirements for the EMT certification training program include possessing a high school diploma or GDE, being at least seventeen, and being fluent in English, written, spoken and read. Requirements may vary from one state to the next, and students may be required to be certified in CPR at certain medical institutions or associations at the time they start the EMT class.

NO one can be an active emergency medical technician before he or she has earned a certification. An EMT certification will be granted upon completion of a training program and a number of training hours on-site and successful passing of two exams, one written, and the other one practical.

The most important information that a future emergency medical technician receives is in the basic level, as this is the foundation for all the skills and knowledge that he or she will have and will learn how to put into practice. Your choice of EMT school should be a very informed one, because the training you receive is vitally important to getting an EMT certification and becoming an active emergency medical technician.

An eligible EMT school should be first of all state approved. If this college is not accredited, all your money was foolishly spent. Secondly, a good EMT school should provide you with various training materials, as required by the complexity of your future profession. Training should include classroom information, emergency room or ambulance training, textbooks, etc.

Once you have completed the training program provided by the EMT school of your choice, you will receive the documents that allow you to take the licensure examination. Assuming that you have learned most of what was presented to you both in class and on site, you will pass the state board exam and receive a license, meaning you can now start applying for EMT positions.

Holding an EMT certification comes with a series of employments opportunities, including working with hospital clinics and emergency departments, ambulance services, police and fire departments, or private industry. Become an EMT in only 14 days with Unitek College's nationally recognized program!

For more information please visit Nursing Training at Unitek College.

What Are Certification Braindumps?

Certification braindumps will get you de-certified if you are caught. That is the main point to understand. What they are exactly, are stolen exam questions and answers. They get stolen by someone memorizing the material or they get stolen electronically or even captured by small device such as a cell phone with a built in camera (that's one of the reasons you aren't allowed to take your phone with you in the exam) and then sold. You can find these on websites (which I won't name because I don't want you going there. Action is already been taken to close them down).

Basically braindumps don't help out those that work in the IT industry. They only help the companies selling them by making them money. Not having the knowledge with the cert devaluates the cert for everyone.

In 2006 Microsoft went after companies selling these and won. And guess what these companies had to do? Hand over their list of 'customers'. Getting de-certified and banned from taking certifications for the rest of your life is not something that is only a myth. It actually happens.

But other than that, how do they know who cheated?

Vendors must protect their certifications, whether its Microsoft, Cisco or whoever. Getting caught cheating isn't only about getting caught 'red handed'. They have a team of forensic scientists that specialize in exams and education.

Then how can you buy practice exams which won't land you in hot water?

Become familiar with CertGuard.

This is a website which you can enter the domain name of any website. And then wait a second for the result. If the box below becomes blue, it's a safe site. If it's red, they are selling braindumps so avoid them. It's that simple.

By Georgina Stath: I am certified and still getting more under my belt. I've dedicated my website to giving you all the information that has helped me. Certification Help & Exam Help -You will find information such as Reviews of books and other products / free practice exams / certification questions and more

Structural Welding Certification Tests - Tips to Help You Pass

Structural welding certification tests are usually either 3/8" thick or 1" thick. Both thicknesses use a 1/4" thick backing strip and a 1/4" gap.

Unless you are lucky enough to be tested for a Fab shop, you will probably be required to weld 2 certification test plates, one in the vertical position (also known as the 3G position) and one in the overhead position (4G). When both vertical 3G and overhead 4G welding tests are passed, the welder is qualified for all positions.

The 1" thick test qualifies for unlimited thickness and the 3/8" thick welding certification plate test has a thickness limitation. Most people think the 3/8" is a bit easier.

Either way, there are a few things you can do that will improve your odds:

• The gap is usually 1/4", use it. Don't try to close the gap, remember that the bevels are only 22.5 degrees. You need that 1/4" gap to get a 1/8" rod in there.


• Clean the metal. That means the backing strip and both plates. Get all the mill scale off. Sure the stick will burn right through and sure you will not clean everything that well in the field but this is a test.


• Either chip and brush on every tie in or light right back up while things are still hot...one or the other.


• Keep all arc strikes within the bevel where they will be consumed with weld.

Ask the test shop supervisor what kind of things will fail you before the welding certification test begins. For example, how much grinding is allowed? What size rod is permitted on the root pass? Does he want to see the fit-up? It goes without saying that you need to have practiced before you even showed up. If it is allowed, get a piece of scrap metal and weld a little while to shake off the rust. Not off the metal, but off of you.

Try not to be nervous and focus.

Good luck Welder.

To read a very different perspective on welding certification along with plenty of welding tips and tricks read Jody Collier's page on Welding Certification and For TIG, MIG, STICK welding and a buttload of other stuff, visit http://www.weldingtipsandtricks.com/

Cisco CCNA Training

Perhaps you've heard about Cisco already, especially since they are the largest supplier of networking hardware and software such as security and router products. The company offers many job opportunities but before you become a member of Cisco, you will need to pass a certification exam. Of course, in order to prepare for the exam, you will need to undergo the Cisco CCNA training.

If you are looking to establish your credentials and expertise in networking, then a Cisco certification is what you need. Cisco CCNA training classes offered today covers different courses such as Cisco Data Center Training, Cisco Security Training, Cisco Network Management Training, Cisco Switching and Routing Training and many others.

Are you a fresh graduate? Even if you are, you can still undergo Cisco CCNA training because the training program caters to both fresher's and long time professionals in the IT industry. With a Cisco Certification, you can now brighten your future career prospects in different industries which are becoming technology oriented.

With more and more industries all over the world are transitioning to more process oriented organizations, the demand for IT professionals who has the skills to meet the new developments in technology. Cisco CCNA training courses are designed to address the need for more skilled IT professionals. These courses offer enough exposure so that you can find a career in other exciting industries such as fashion, law, healthcare, film production, editing and many others.

The first thing you need to do to get Cisco CCNA training is to choose a Cisco training center you want to join. There are several organizations on the internet which offers complete Cisco training courses so make sure you do your research and read the terms of the Cisco Career Trainings and Confidentiality Agreement. You need to know these because sometimes Cisco will prevent you from sharing the information you learn for their trainings. Cisco trainings will teach you a better understanding of the operations and functions of LAN, WAN, VPN, SAN and Cisco IOS fundamentals.

The great thing about Cisco CCNA training is that you get to test Cisco equipments. There are a lot of practice exams you will have to complete. Most of these exams are timed; hence you get to practice for the real certification exam.

Once you complete the Cisco CCNA training program, you are considered a Cisco Certified Network Associate. This will allow you to configure, install and operate LAN, WAN and dial services for both small and giant networks. Through Cisco training, you are now competent when it comes to IP, Serial, Ethernet, Frame relay, VLAN and access lists.

Through these trainings, even students can now have the necessary certifications and the knowledge to install, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot networks - important skills for a world dominated by internet technology.

If you want a brighter future for your career, then getting a Cisco CCNA training is necessary. With the sheer number of IT professionals today, standing out is so much easier if you have the best and the most up to date training available.

There are a lot of organizations offering Cisco CCNA training. Be with the most reliable institution, and improve your career. Visit http://www.cisco-certification.co.uk today!

Mental Health Continuing Education Hot Topics

As in any medical field, the field of mental health requires its professionals to pursue further training once they have their basic degree. These professionals must attend seminars, take classes, and pursue advanced degrees in order to maintain a competitive edge and keep their certifications in many states. If you find yourself looking for something new to learn about as you pursue your necessary mental health continuing education, consider some of these hot topics.

Depression in Children

Depression in children is currently on the rise all around the world. While it is still relatively rare in children under the age of 12, it can happen. You need to know how to identify and treat this dangerous condition, even in your youngest patients. Do you know the basic signs of depression in children? These may be different than the signs of the disease in adults. If you are not aware of the signs to look for, it may be time to pursue mental health continuing education on the topic.

Couples Therapy

As more and more marriages are hurting because of the stresses of modern life, you may find that your clinic is filled with people seeking couples therapy. Remember, a healthy marriage is vital to a healthy state of mind. It is crucial that you find ways to help these patients that will work in the busy modern society that we live in. consider taking a few courses to help you relate to struggling couples.

Brain Science

Today's field is much more complex than it ever was. Are you providing your patients with the latest scientific advances in the field of psychotherapy? Are there medications out there that you are not aware of or using properly? There are two ways to ensure that you are up to date on the latest advances in these fields. The first is to subscribe to and read periodicals in your field. The second is to sign up for conferences and online seminars on this topic. Remember, your patients are relying on you to provide them with the safest, most up-to-date treatments, and your mental health continuing education gives you the ability to give them what they expect and need from you.

Recovery from Trauma

In the violent world we live in, you will likely see more and more patients with traumas in their past that they need help recovering from. You are likely quite skilled already in treating these individuals. You need to make sure you have the best possible skills, though, to facilitate healing of the mind for those you treat who have significant traumas in their past history. Again, furthering your training ensures your skills stay sharp.

Remember, no matter where you are in your career, your main goal is to provide quality treatments to your patients to help them heal from whatever is plaguing them. No matter how good you are at what you do, you can always learn something new. Mental health continuing education provides you with the opportunity to learn about the latest advances in the field and provide your patients with the best possible care.

Mental health continuing education is not difficult but it takes time and commitment and entails being rewarded for your work. To learn how you can participate please see: http://www.psychotherapynetworker.org/

8(A) Information, Fact Or Fiction?

The 8a designation is a coveted federal certification for small business owners. Everyday there are hundreds of business owners seeking advice about the 8(a) program and how to get certified. By doing thorough research, you can literally save thousands of dollars in preparation fees.

So what is fact or fiction about the 8a program? You can do to the source, the SBA website, but unfortunately it is really difficult to navigate and find the exact information you need.

So then you start with a Google search and you find articles.

Just because an article appears on the Internet does not make it fact or even truth. Take for example, the flurry of poorly written articles I have seen on SBA 8(a) certification.

I find it interesting that many of the articles that are written by "Internet Experts" who have NO - that is zip, zilch, nada - experience in owning an 8a business.

In addition to the poor grammar and sentence structure, they are writing articles that are simply not factual. One recent article that I read stated there are "millions of 8a companies". In reality, there are less than 10,000 certified SBA 8a companies currently. If you were researching the 8a program and learned there are millions of companies versus thousands of companies, how would that affect your perception? Would you decide it was too easy or too difficult to even apply for certification?

How do I know how to distinguish between fact and fiction? Here are three tips to help you sift through the fiction and find facts.

1. When you are seeking advice about 8a certification take time to look at the author's credentials and determine if they are credible or not. Check out their website and see how much they reveal about themselves as individuals and as a company. Take time to learn about the writer and their experience in the 8a program, if there is any.
2. Do a Google search of the person's name and see if there are any relevant websites associates with that author. Put the writer into context and determine for yourself if they are truly qualified to be making statements about a very complex program.
3. Call the author, ask them questions, get to know them as a person. Reputable authors are more than happy to email and speak with you on the phone about specifics regarding the 8a certification process.
Don't be duped by "experts" who simply copy other people's work, add in some filler words and pass themselves off as 8a experts.

Karen Miller is The 8a Mentor. She has assisted business owners for the past five years to prepare their social and economic disadvantage narratives, a critical part of the SBA 8a application process. Get the facts about SBA 8a certification and the narrative requirements at: http://www.The8aMentor.com

Sport Pilot Training Certification

"Sport Pilot" used to mean any pilot who flew any type of aircraft for sport, with or without training or license. But the United States Federal Aviation Administration (or FAA) has recently redefined the term "sport pilot" to be applied to the new light sport aircraft airmen's certificate for which training and a certain amount of solo flying time are required.

Light sport aircrafts include parachutes for parasailing, hang gliders, and trikes -- in other words, aircraft that rely on their human sport pilot's physical power, athletic ability and expertise rather than a mechanical engine, which the aircraft may or may not have. They are also easy to transport by car or truck, and expensive hangars aren't necessary.

Those who wish to become sport pilots find that flying light sport aircraft are safe and affordable and that the necessary training is quick and easy. After learning the techniques and dynamics of being airborne from a qualified flight instruction school - such as takeoff, turning and landing - you can be flying solo and progress to longer and higher flights in just a few days. There are many sport pilot training or club organizations around the world to assist you and help you find friends to fly with.

Although there is relatively low risk involved with flying most light sport aircraft, safety is of the utmost importance to the sport pilot. A good training program will have instilled in a prospective sports pilot the habit of properly preparing and exercising good judgment, especially in terms of the weather conditions that he or she will be flying in. The most important decision you as a sport pilot will start with is what type of flying fits your lifestyle and what type of aircraft will do it for you. The next is finding a certified training program to meet your needs.

Planning a trip to Las Vegas? Or any other destination for that matter - be sure to check out the resources, information and travel deals listed in our travel resource directory. Interested in taking a scuba diving vacation or a fishing trip to the Bahamas? Visit A1scuba and Nassau Fishing for more information.

Yoga Teacher Training Online Correspondence Courses - The Inside Story

Is Yoga certification online a new concept? Not really; correspondence courses have existed for decades - concerning a multitude of subjects. It was only a matter of time for correspondence courses to evolve into online courses. Higher education has learned to adapt to the needs of busy adults, who have many commitments at home and at work.

With the help of Email and telephone support, Yoga teacher interns receive much quicker responses, from their tutors, than ever before. Written assignments, completed exams, and critiques, can be sent back and forth via Email.

Some interns elect to send their practicum in a video format or by streaming video. The most popular way to send a practical exam is still by postal mail in DVD format. Of course, the large VHS tapes are also acceptable. However, the small Hi8 tapes, which resemble cassette audio tapes, can be erased by scanning equipment.

Sending a video taped practicum is a viable option, if travel for an on site Yoga certification practical exam is a hardship. The cost of travel, time out of work, family obligations, and commitments to a higher college education, can make it impossible to complete an on site practicum.

Interns of Yoga correspondence courses must be self-starters. It is best to have smaller specific goals in mind for successful completion of the ultimate goal - which is to graduate with a Yoga teacher's diploma in hand.

Examples of smaller specific learning goals are: Reading ten pages per day, teaching for an hour per day, or a mix of learning methods, for a specific number of hours per week. The end result is a state of competence and successful completion of your Yoga instructor certification course.

© Copyright 2008 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, has written many books on the subject of Yoga. He is a co-owner and the Director of Yoga Teacher Training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA - http://www.riyoga.com

He has been a certified Master Yoga Teacher since 1995. To receive a Free Yoga e-Book: "Yoga in Practice," and a Free Yoga Newsletter, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html

Yoga Teacher Certification - Your Untapped Potential

What is your untapped potential? Why do people take a certification course to become a Yoga teacher? Could Yoga teacher training help you to find inherent talents that have remained hidden inside you? Let's look at these, and many other questions, related to finding natural resources within each of us.

What is your untapped potential? Most of us let a few set backs in life guide us down a well-beaten path that is traveled by many. Most people do not consider their full potential. Instead, they become conditioned to settle for less from life. They "play it safe," and become extremely conscious of risk.

Your untapped potential is your ability that lies hidden in dormancy. You may not have had time to consider what you really want to do in life. Assessing your natural talents is a start, but envisioning where your natural talents could carry you is your untapped potential.

Why do people take a certification course to become a Yoga teacher? There are a wide variety of reasons why people take intensive courses. Some interns may feel a calling toward teaching Yoga as a vocation. Some choose to teach as a part-time hobby.

There are many, who take Yoga teacher courses, to help friends and family members. In this case, they are seeking enough information to teach safely. Rarely do interns have visions of a big Yoga teacher salary. It is possible to earn respectable wages, but this requires teachers to market themselves.

The marketing aspect tends to be a "turn off" for those who do not seek full time employment. This runs parallel to the mindset of many artists and writers, who begin to realize that a successful marketing campaign may require 50%, or more, of their time.

Could Yoga teacher training help you to find inherent talents that have remained hidden inside you? Yes, a Yoga teacher intensive course makes it possible to tap into the inner-self through self-realization. For anyone who experiences this awakening of consciousness, the world around them has changed.

This change is due to a transformation from within. At this point it is up to each individual, as to what he or she will do with complete awareness. A few may use it to garner a respectable Yoga instructor salary, while most will use the information they learn to help others.

Untapped potential means many things to different people, but it usually comes down to our personal values. Within each of us, what we see as valuable will be different. Regardless of our differences, a Yoga teacher intensive will guide us to find our true purpose in life.

© Copyright 2009 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, has written many books on the subject of Yoga. He is a co-owner and the Director of Yoga Teacher Training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA - http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com. He has been a certified Master Yoga Teacher since 1995. To receive Free Yoga videos, Podcasts, e-Books, reports, and articles about Yoga, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/member-offer.html.

Aerospace Plastics For Aircraft Plastic Components

Plastics cover a broad field of organic synthetic resin and may be divided into two main classifications - aerospace thermoplastics _ and aerospace thermosetting plastics. Thermoplastics may be softened by heat and can be dissolved in various organic solvents.

Aerospace Thermoplastics.

Thermoplastics may be softened by heat and can be dissolved in various organic solvents. Two kinds of transparent thermoplastic materials are commonly employed in windows, canopies, etc. These are known as acrylic plastics and cellulose acetate plastics. Cellulose acetate was used in the past but since it is dimensionally unstable and turns yellow after it has been installed for a time, it has just about passed from the scene and is not considered an acceptable substitute for acrylic. Acrylic plastics are known by the trade names of Lucite or Plexiglas and by the British as Perspex and meet the military specifications of MIL-P-5425 for regular acrylic, MIL-P-8184 -~ 184 for craze-resistant acrylic.

Aerospace Thermosetting Plastics.

Thermosetting plastics do not soften appreciably under heat but may char and blister at temperatures of 240 to 260 'C (400 to 500 °F). Most of the moulded products of synthetic resin composition, such as phenolic, urea-formaldehyde, and melamine formaldehyde resins, belong to the thermosetting group. Once the plastic becomes hard, additional heat will not change it back into a liquid as it would with a thermoplastic.

Storage and handling.

Because transparent thermoplastic sheets soften and deform when they are heated, they must be where the temperature will never be excessive.

Aerospace thermoforming.

Transparent acrylic plastics get soft and pliable when they are heated to their forming temperatures and can be formed to almost any shape. When they cool, they retain the shape to which they were formed. Acrylic plastic may be cold-bent into a single curvature if the material is thin and the bending radius is at least 180 times the thickness of the sheet. Cold bending beyond these limits will impose so much stress on the surface of the plastic that tiny fissures or cracks, called crazing, will form.

Forming methods.

Simple Curve Forming. Heat the plastic material to the recommended temperature, remove it from the heat source, and carefully drape it over the prepared form. Carefully press the hot plastic to the form and either hold or clamp the sheet in place until it cools. This process may take from ten minutes to one-half hour. Do not force-cool it.

Compound-Curve Forming.

This type of forming is normally used for such parts as canopies or complex wingtip light covers, and it requires a great deal of specialized equipment. There are four commonly used methods, each having its advantages and disadvantages.

Stretch forming. Preheated acrylic sheets are stretched mechanically over the form in much the same way as is done with the simple curved piece. Special care must be taken to preserve uniform thickness of the material, since some parts will have to stretch more than others.

Male And Female Die Forming. This requires expensive matching male and female dies. The heated plastic sheet is placed between the dies which are then mated. When the plastic cools, the dies are opened.

Aerospace Vacuum Forming Without Forms. Many aircraft canopies are formed by this method. In this process a clamp with an opening of the desired shape is placed over a vacuum box and the heated sheet of plastic is clamped in place. When the air in the box is evacuated, the outside air pressure will force the hot plastic through the opening and form the concave canopy. It is the surface tension of the plastic that shapes the canopy.

Aerospace Vacuum Forming With A Female Form. If the shape needed is other than that which would be formed by surface tension, a female mould, or form must be used. It is placed below the plastic sheet and the vacuum pump is connected. When air from the form is evacuated, the outside air pressure will force the hot plastic sheet into the mould and fill it.

aviation-database.com has lots of resources for the aircraft industry. The web is a vast source of information. Aviation-database collects the industry into one huge database of contacts. Aerospace plastic thermoforming aircraft interiors by Cox Wokingham Plastics uses technical thermoforming to manufacture aircraft plastic components.

Information on the Purpose of the SBA 8a - SDB Certification

There is much news going around about the SBA 8a program and it's benefits to small business owners. Here is a quick overview with relevant information about the program purpose and eligibility requirements.

SBA 8(a) / SDB Certification Overview Submission of the 8(a) and SDB application is required from a small business owner who wants to obtain certification to participate in the U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) 8(a) Business Development (BD) program and/or the small disadvantaged business (SBD) program. We recommend you do a Google search to locate the FedBizOpps database and view potential contracting opportunities in your field.

Purpose of Certifications Certification for participation in the 8(a) BD program qualifies eligible firms to receive certain managerial, technical, and contracting assistance designed to assist the firms in competing in the American Economy. It is interesting to note that the definition of a small business may seem rather large to the "traditional small business" owner. For example: 541511 Custom Computer Programming the limits are no more than 500 employees and less than $23 million in sales for three consecutive years.

Certification as an SDB qualifies eligible firms for Federal contract assistance, including the price evaluation adjustment, a source selection evaluation factor or sub-factor, and other subcontracting incentives. This designation offers even more opportunities when submitting bids that are or are not designated for small business owners.

Basic Eligibility Requirements To qualify for 8(a) BD program certification, the applicant firm must: Be a for-profit small business concern, non-profit organizations are not eligible. The SBA looks favorably upon small business owners who have been in a specific field and then choose to open their own consulting practice. So if you are thinking of a second career, this might be a great choice.

Prove 51% unconditionally owned by one or more U.S. citizens who are socially disadvantaged and economically disadvantaged. This group includes women, minorities and service disabled veterans.

Demonstrate the management and daily business operation is controlled by one or more U.S. citizens who are socially and economically disadvantaged.

Demonstrate potential for success; and possess, together with all its principals, good character. Government agencies are getting more strict in conducting criminal background checks to ensure that owners are in good standing with taxes and other personal / business legalities.

To qualify for certification as an SDB, the applicant firm must: Be a small business concern. As stated earlier the definition of a small business is much more than just a one person office. Despending upon the classification a small business might be a large company in a community.

Be at least 51% unconditionally owned by one or more U.S. citizens who are socially and economically disadvantaged. Companies that have one owner do not have to do as much paperwork, while companies that are comprised of husbands and wives may come under additional scrutiny to prove that the woman is qualified and serving in the leadership role.

Management and daily business operation controlled by one or more U.S. citizens who are socially economically disadvantaged.

Special Eligibility Rules for 8(a) BD Certification Firms certified for 8(a) program participation are automatically certified as SDBs. But if a company applies for SDB certification is does not automatically become SBA 8a certified.

Another important note: A firm and the disadvantaged individual upon whom eligibility is based can participate in only one time. Once an individual has used the one-time eligibility to qualify a firm, that individual will be considered non-disadvantaged with respect to any other applicant firm or 8(a) SBD program participant. Note: Brokers and Non-Profit Entities are not eligible for participation in the 8(a) BD Program

Karen Miller, owner of Design2Train (SBA 8a certified) shares SBA 8a application information with small business owners. Each year the federal government sets aside millions of contract dollars for qualified small businesses to bid and receive contracts relating to the many federal agencies. The designation of SBA 8(a) is a coveted program certification. Many federal contracts are "set aside" for 8(a) firms, meaning that only certified businesses may apply or be considered. To become SBA 8(a) certified, a business owner must take the time to apply for and receive certification. Learn more about the application process at: http://www.getsba8acertified.com

Distance Learning Courses for Yoga Instructor Training

Is distance learning for Yoga instructors a new concept? No, distance learning for Yoga instructors has been around for decades. The concept of training to become a Yoga instructor, by distance learning, is much like working with any university via correspondence, but the efficiency of Yoga teacher training courses has improved with new technology.

Does Yoga teacher training online sound "tacky?" These days, the Internet has managed to become the "ultimate vehicle" for learning anything, including Yoga. It makes perfect sense for Yoga centers, and universities, to use the Internet for teacher / student contact.

Traditional on-site Yoga instructor training programs are much more computerized than they were ten years ago. Many on-site Yoga instructor trainers, and master Yoga teachers, maintain contact, with interns, by Email. This constant dialogue, from teacher to student, and vice versa, is very good for exchanging ideas. It also helps avoid common mistakes in communication.

With technology advancing at a rapid pace, the age of online Yoga teacher training is here. Yoga certification online is usually composed of assignments that can be sent by the intern, to the Yoga instructor school, via Email.

Even the Yoga certification videos, or practical exams, can be sent by interns with video streaming technology. Many Yoga instructor interns may still prefer to send their training assignments back, in the traditional way, by Postal Mail.

Is this the best Yoga certification program? The fact is many people cannot afford to leave their families, and employment, for weeks, or months, at a time. Many Yoga instructors outside of India are female, have children, work a full-time job, maintain a home, and some of these women are going to college at night.

With this in mind, the concept of a distance learning Yoga instructor's training course, developed for certification, is convenient and affordable. Truthfully, many interns do shop for an affordable certification, to become a teacher of Yoga.

A Yoga teacher certification, in Thailand, may be affordable, but what will the cost of a flight be? Just the cost of travel, by round trip flight, to Thailand or India, could be, "in the neighborhood" of, $3,000 USD, from North America. Compare that to a premium 200-hour, or more, Yoga instructor's training course and certification, for about $500 USD.

Now you can understand why Yoga instruction, Yoga certification, and Yoga teacher training, packed in a convenient home-study course, is so popular.

This is the 21st century, so Yoga music, Yoga products, Yoga exercise DVD's, and Yoga teacher certification courses, can be easily shipped to any part of the world.

Even, traditional Yoga meditation is being packaged into a certification course. Is this a good thing for Yoga? The demand for Yoga is global, and technology has found the answer - with Yoga instructor training courses and Yoga certification online.

© Copyright 2006 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. http://www.riyoga.com He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. To receive a Free e-Book: "Yoga in Practice," and a Free Yoga Newsletter, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html

Complete Your SBA 8a Certification In Four Easy Steps

Why have you been putting off getting SBA 8a certification? It is NOT that difficult to get certified if you really want to break into government contracting. And you do NOT have to pay someone else to help you fill out the form. If you can read and follow instructions, you can do it. How do I know? I successfully completed my company SBA 8a certification in 2004. Here's the blueprint... now get it done!

Where do you start?

There is an electronic application form at the SBA website. If you take the time to read the four steps to the Electronic Application Process, you will be prepared to complete it in the least amount of time with the least amount of personal pain. I recommend submitting the electronic application form over the mail-in version because you will receive your results back in days, NOT weeks.

Step One: Get registered with CCR

The first step is to get your company registered at the federal Central Contractor Registration (CCR) database The CCR database is a single point of vendor registration and is key to streamlining the procurement process. Note: It might take 24 - 72 hours to get your CCR profile active in the system. Then you can proceed.

Step Two: Register in the SBA General Login System (GLS)

This system supports all services offered by the SBA. Two key pieces of information you will need to know are your Employer Identification Number (EIN) or your Social Security Number. You will also need to register for a Dun & Bradstreet number (DUNS). The DUNS is a requirement for all federal contracts as well as many major corporations. Note: You can register for the FREE service and do not have to sign up for any other monthly fee-based D&B services.

Step Three: Download, sign, get notarized and mail-in Signature Authorization card

This is the only "manual" portion of the process. It becomes the trigger for the SBA to begin screening and reviewing your Electronic application. Be sure you send your Signature Authorization card to the appropriate SBA Program Certification & Eligibility address, based upon the state you are doing business.

Step Four: Begin SBA 8a Application Process via the GLS

Using your new GLS user name / password - enter your information into the application online. Note: You do not have to complete the application in one sitting, fill out as much as you can and then save and come back later. How long will it take to complete the application? The more complex the company structure, the longer it takes to fill out the information. For example:a 100% owned sole-proprietorship owned will not take as long as a multi-owner corporation located in a community property state. Note: My application took about two hours total to complete. You will need your tax returns from the past three years and other documents for reference.

The SBA does offer FAQs and an online training course to get you prepared for the application process. Once you have submitted the application, by law, there is a 90 day response time on getting back to you. My application was reviewed in less than 30 days. So if you submit the application online, you will get a much more timely response.

One other note: Caucasian women have more difficulty in getting SBA 8a certified. One extra support document you may be asked to prepare and submit is a disadvantaged social narrative. This is a paper that documents how overcome social, economic and business factors have influenced your inability to succeed to your maximum capability. Can you write this paper without hiring a company to prepare it for you? YES. Learn how I took my experience and now help hundreds of other women to gain confidence to prepare their own narratives. Read more about the toolkit I prepared at my company website.

Ok, now you know the four steps to the SBA 8a process, what is keeping you from starting your application today?

Karen Miller, President of Design2Train an SBA 8a company has created a Narrative Toolkit to assist small business owners. Get a free report at: [http://www.sba8anarrativetoolkit.com]

Certification In A Technology Field Can Lead To A Hot Web Design Or IT Career

As the cost of a college education continues to rise, some students forgo four-year degrees to pursue quicker and cheaper certifications, such as IT or Web design certifications. Information technology has been a very popular and lucrative career field since the 1990s - and after the field recovered from the dot-com crash and subsequent economic downturn, these careers are now hot again.

Web design certification is one great way to break into the information technology field. Schools such as the Computer Career Center in Las Cruces, NM and El Paso, TX, provide a comprehensive Web design education that prepares students for certification in this field. The CCC Web design education also offers students an opportunity to learn graphic design skills, including photo manipulation and desktop publishing skills. Web design certification - or a graphic design education - enables students to seek entry-level jobs in desktop publishing, Web design and editing, or graphic design pre-press.

For an entry-level computer network or repair career, there are a number of technology certifications to be had. Some schools offer a network administrator course of study, which prepares students to seek several of the top IT certifications in the technology field today. One of the most popular information technology certifications on the market is the CompTIA A+ certification. The network administration education CCC provides at its Las Cruces and El Paso schools enables students to seek this certification, as well as the Microsoft MCSE, the CCNA, and other certifications.

Many IT professionals report that professional network certifications made the difference between career-ladder ascension and career stagnation. And, certifications are not just for individuals with no previous education or work experience. They can be valuable assets for mid-career adults who want to change fields, or who want to add network certifications to their education credentials.

Students with a network certification are equipped to enter one of several technology fields. Some begin in computer repair, where they use their knowledge of computer hardware and systems to repair and upgrade computer hardware. Other students with a network certification take entry-level tech support jobs. They may either receive tech support calls to resolve computer issues over the phone, or they may be employed at a company on-site as a technical consultant.

Technology fields offer great opportunities for growth. Students who begin in entry-level Web design positions may progress to the level of Web master or lead Web designer at a technology company. Similarly, students in entry-level computer repair and tech-support jobs can eventually get careers in consulting, or work in IT at the managerial level. Some students even switch to sales. For example, a person with a Web certification might also be able sell Web advertisements, while a person with an IT certification can more easily switch to selling computer systems and software. An education in the desired technology field, as well as field experience showing progressive responsibility are two great assets in an information technology or Web design career.

Many educational institutions trumpet the advantages of getting a masters degree in a technology field, especially for bachelors-degree holders who want to change careers. However, masters degrees can be expensive, and the increase in pay might not be as significant as the money spent on the degree. Certifications in Web design, network administration, and other tech areas are cheaper and faster than completing a masters degree. Education providers like Computer Career Center help mid-career professionals grow or change their careers with ease.

Students interested in educational or professional advancement can benefit - in some cases, finding great success - by investing in a Web design or IT certification.

Computer Career Center offers education in Web design and network administration that allows students to seek professional technology certifications. Visit their Web site at www.computercareercenter.com.