Certification

Short answer 32 states let at least some students finish hunter education entirely online. The other 18 require an in-person part: a field day, a range day, live fire or a proctored test. Age is the usual cutoff. In eight states the online-only route starts at 18, in six at 16, and in Texas at

Short answer Most states don’t issue a boating license. They require a one-time boater education card or certificate, and only for some operators. Alabama is the exception: it issues a vessel operator’s license through its driver license offices (ALEA). 45 states and DC require it for at least some operators. Alaska, Idaho, South Dakota and

Short answer What it is: CompTIA’s vendor-neutral entry-level cybersecurity certification. The current exam is SY0-701 (V7), launched November 7, 2023 (CompTIA). New version: SY0-801 (V8) is expected to launch on November 17, 2026 (CompTIA). The English SY0-701 exam stays available until June 11, 2027 (CompTIA), so in English both versions run side by side for

Short answer ITIL (Version 5) is available now. PeopleCert is releasing it in phases; the Foundation exam and a short Bridge exam for ITIL 4 holders are already on sale (PeopleCert). ITIL 4 isn’t gone yet. PeopleCert’s “current plan is to sunset all ITIL 4 modules on 31 December 2027” (PeopleCert ITIL FAQ). The Bridge

Short answer Complete a state-approved nurse aide training program. Federal rules require at least 75 hours, including 16 hours of supervised practical training (42 CFR 483.152). 27 of the 46 states that publish a figure require more; Missouri requires the most, 175 hours. Pass your state’s competency exam, usually a written (or oral) test and

Short answer CPhT stands for Certified Pharmacy Technician. The best-known route is the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), whose exam is the PTCE (PTCB). PTCB cost: “The cost to apply for CPhT Certification and take the PTCE is $129.” Renewal costs $55 every two years (PTCB). Eligibility: a PTCB-recognized training program or at least 500

Short answer Exam voucher: $439 in the US (CompTIA). Voucher with Retake Assurance: $579, which includes a second attempt at SY0-701 (CompTIA). Retake without it: another $439. CompTIA offers no free retests or retake discounts (retake policy). Renewal every three years: 50 continuing education units plus a $150 fee, paid once per cycle, not every

Short answer CNA (nursing assistant): a state-approved training program of at least 75 hours under federal rules, a competency exam, and a listing on your state’s nurse aide registry (42 CFR 483.152, BLS). LPN/LVN: a state-approved program that “typically takes about 1 year,” then a licensing exam (BLS). RN: a bachelor’s degree, associate degree or

Short answer In 44 of 51 jurisdictions (the 50 states and DC), an active CNA in good standing can transfer without retaking the exam, as long as the state’s conditions are met. Kansas is the exception: you must pass the Kansas nurse aide test. Hawaii, Michigan, New Jersey and Wisconsin may require their exam depending

Short answer What it is: Certified Information Security Manager, issued by ISACA. It certifies experience in managing an information security program, not hands-on technical work. Requirement: five years of information security management experience within the ten years before you apply (ISACA). Exam fee: $575 for ISACA members, $760 for non-members, plus a $50 application fee