Core Body of Knowledge - 2231-79 NEC

Author Profile

• Application Packager
• Over nine years in IT working in a variety of support-orientated and application packaging roles for three companies in both permanent and contractor capacities
• First company I was employed as a Support Technician supporting software/hardware before becoming Support Manager in charge of a small team performing network administration
• Next I was Senior IT Professional where I performed 3rd-line client/server support and application packaging using WinInstall
• At the third company I did more support work before concentrating solely on application packaging using Wise
• Experience of all Windows operating systems (client and server), Exchange, SQL, Oracle, MSI technology and VB scripting
• Only IT qualifications are two MCPs in NT Server and Exchange Server which I attained several years ago. Have a university degree in History

ASCO 2231-79 NEC CBOK Example

Complete RPL application form including Project Reports

This includes all the CBOK sections detailed below and both Project Reports for this RPL.

1. Computer Organisation and Architecture

"I first developed an interest in computing as a student at university. In the course of my degree I frequently encountered problems with my 386 computer and through troubleshooting developed an understanding of the basic organisation and functionality of a computer..."

2. Conceptual Modelling

"One of the main outcomes from my work experience in application packaging has been in understanding how the MSI file, a SQL database, works. I am familiar with the tables, rows and columns of the MSI data model and understand its relational structure. Following the [COMPANY] training course..."

3. Database Management

"Throughout my career I have worked with data and had experience of database management and administration. I have set up and maintained Oracle and SQL databases including at customer sites where I have configured them to work with specific software packages..."

4. Data Communications and Networks

"Throughout my IT career I have gained knowledge from working with networks and developed and adapted these skills to the new technology that has and continues to evolve. I am qualified as an MCP in NT Server and Exchange Server..."

5. Data Structures and Algorithms

"Throughout my career I have sorted, searched, indexed and updated data through working with databases and programs. I supported and coded [NAME] data files which gave me an understanding of data structures and indexing. I constructed and rebuilt data structures which helped optimise data..."

6. Discrete Mathematics

"I studied both Pure and Applied Mathematics as part of my A-Level Mathematics examinations. Throughout the two-year course I grasped the concepts and fundamentals of calculus, Venn diagrams, matrix algebra, equations and graphs. I also learnt the basics of how Boolean logic works through the study..."

7. Ethics / Social Implications / Professional Practice

"I pride myself on having sound ethical and moral standards and perform my duties in an honest and professional manner ensuring the company's reputation is enhanced in the process. I have represented the companies I have worked for on customer sites and been responsible for employees as part of my management role..."

8. Interpersonal Communications

"Over the course of my career I have developed strong interpersonal skills that allow me to successfully communicate with people of all levels and backgrounds within IT. I formed the basis of my verbal and written skills at [COMPANY 1] where I supported external users and colleagues on software and network issues..."

9. Program Design and Implementation

"My first foray into program design was in the coding work I did at [COMPANY 1] in 1999. Having been entirely support-orientated up to this point I was pleasantly surprised to find I was producing scripts that were of a good quality and, more importantly, fitted client requirements..."

10. Project Management and Quality Assurance

"I have led and participated in several wide-ranging projects experiencing the full project life cycle. The projects I worked on have taught me the benefits of good planning, having clear objectives and knowing how they are going to be achieved and what was going to be done to achieve them..."

11. Security

"I have always been aware of the importance of security in the workplace. Over the course of my IT career I have been responsible for security and access control on servers, user accounts, mailboxes, network resources and software systems. I learnt about network security as part of my networking course..."

12. Software Engineering and Methodologies

"My first encounters with the practices of software engineering came at [COMPANY 1] where I gained an understanding of the development, operation and maintenance of software. As a software house the entire focus and operation of the company was geared towards the design and implementation of..."

13. Systems Analysis and Design

"My time at [COMPANY 1] gave me my first insight into the process of analysing user requirements and designing a suitable system to meet these needs. As a software house our commitment was to fulfil user requirements and in a busy environment where projects were constantly in progress I learnt about..."

14. Systems Software

"Over the course of my career I have worked on several different platforms that have helped me understand the structure of operating systems. Some of the work I have done has required a detailed knowledge of the structure and operations of systems software..."

Brief Summary of Conclusions

"Over the course of my IT career I have gained knowledge of and expertise in a wide range of IT systems and environments. I have performed a variety of roles, from technical to management, that have enabled me to understand many different aspects of IT...."