are there any worthwhile certs for a hardware guy / reboot monkey?

[nageov3t]

I work at a noc/data center for a hosting company... my job mainly consists of putting together servers, getting them online, fixing them when they break, and taking care of various aspects of the facility (cable management, monitoring hvacs/pdu's, etc).

in terms of the software side of things, my job typically ends as soon as an OS boots up (my department does the install and deals with anything hardware related, but anything deeper than a basic network config to set IP's on a server gets passed up to specialized windows/unix guys).

I enjoy my job, for the most part, and I'm not looking to move in a different direction (joining one of the windows, unix, or networking teams and dealing with clients on the phone all day is just not for me... 2 years as a customer service phone rep was more than enough), but I've been thinking about looking into certifications to leverage out a higher salary.

anyone have any suggestions for what to look into? I'm currently 100% uncertified... I dual-majored in english lit / sociology in college and everything I know about computers comes from AT, google, and trial and error

 

[msi1337]

A+, MCDST, NET+, CCNA

 

[toekramp]

i have my A+, don't think i've ever used it though

 

[edro]

Originally posted by: msi1337
A+, MCDST, NET+, CCNA

Those are the easiest and in order too.

Having these "useless" certs is better than having nothing at all.

All IT guys look the same on paper. The only ways to stand out in IT is to have certs on your resume, or experience, both of which get you the interview.

 

[ForumMaster]

Originally posted by: msi1337
A+, MCDST, NET+, CCNA

pretty much. i belive (although don't quote me on this) that you'll have to do the new CCENT before you can do the CCNA assuming you want it. the CCENT is a new cisco cert which (from what i skimmed through the course matrial quickly) is really easy stuff.

it consists of setting up networks, trouble shooting them and fixing stuff like that. it might be useful.

 

[TruePaige]

Originally posted by: edro

Originally posted by: msi1337
A+, MCDST, NET+, CCNA

Those are the easiest and in order too.

Having these "useless" certs is better than having nothing at all.

All IT guys look the same on paper. The only ways to stand out in IT is to have certs on your resume, or experience, both of which get you the interview.

True.

MCDST is one I never heard of till right now though. 0.o

 

[pontifex]

but are certs going to get him a higher paying/better hardware job?


can I ask how much OP makes right now?

 

[freegeeks]

in my experience (and that's the job market in Europe so YMMV) the certs to go for are the Cisco certs. I managed to get into the interesting networking jobs without them but "do you have a Cisco cert is one of these things that is asked a lot" (even the intro CCNA). On my personal list are for sure the Cisco certs

good luck

 

[nageov3t]

semi-random bump, but anyone have any suggestions on where to start in terms of doing whatever I need to do to get certified or how the whole process works?

there are rumors going around the office that the powers that be at my company are going to start requiring A+ at a minimum for all technical, non-entry level positions, and will be introducing automatic pay bumps for people who go above and beyond the minimum, supposedly as a way of having an excuse to fire some people who've been with the company for awhile but probably couldn't pass the test and to make sure hiring standards are more stringent in the future (as opposed to bringing in anyone's random friend and hoping it works for the best).

 

[BigJ]

Originally posted by: loki8481
semi-random bump, but anyone have any suggestions on where to start in terms of doing whatever I need to do to get certified or how the whole process works?

there are rumors going around the office that the powers that be at my company are going to start requiring A+ at a minimum for all technical, non-entry level positions, and will be introducing automatic pay bumps for people who go above and beyond the minimum, supposedly as a way of having an excuse to fire some people who've been with the company for awhile but probably couldn't pass the test and to make sure hiring standards are more stringent in the future (as opposed to bringing in anyone's random friend and hoping it works for the best).

For the A+ stuff, check out here:
http://www.proprofs.com/forums/index.php?showforum=1

It's a really good place ranging from test information, study material, and even discounted vouchers.

I'd personally pick up Mike Meyers A+ Passport. Same thing for Net+.

For the CCNA, if you have a computer or two laying around, use that to interface with an old Cisco router and practice, practice, practice.

For the MCSE and related certs, have a lab setup in your house with some older computers.

 

[nageov3t]

Originally posted by: BigJ

Originally posted by: loki8481
semi-random bump, but anyone have any suggestions on where to start in terms of doing whatever I need to do to get certified or how the whole process works?

there are rumors going around the office that the powers that be at my company are going to start requiring A+ at a minimum for all technical, non-entry level positions, and will be introducing automatic pay bumps for people who go above and beyond the minimum, supposedly as a way of having an excuse to fire some people who've been with the company for awhile but probably couldn't pass the test and to make sure hiring standards are more stringent in the future (as opposed to bringing in anyone's random friend and hoping it works for the best).

For the A+ stuff, check out here:
http://www.proprofs.com/forums/index.php?showforum=1

It's a really good place ranging from test information, study material, and even discounted vouchers.

I'd personally pick up Mike Meyers A+ Passport. Same thing for Net+.

For the CCNA, if you have a computer or two laying around, use that to interface with an old Cisco router and practice, practice, practice.

For the MCSE and related certs, have a lab setup in your house with some older computers.

:thumbsup: thanks!

 

[jfall]

If you are interesting in networking I would look at the CCNA. Then eventually progress to CCNP/CCIE and maybe combine it with the RHCT or RHCE, Linux+ or LPIC or some Windows certs if you prefer it.

A+ is worthless, but not bad to have on a resume I suppose

 

[tranceport]

CCNA won't help you right now. Plus the test is about to change again. Wait until after November.

A+ is/was mostly hardware oriented. The next best I can think of would vendor specific certifications. You can usually take these for free. Dell, HP, IBM, all should have education lines.

Microsoft certs would have no benifit for you either as your job ends when the OS boots. Well remote installation services and cloning may help you depending on how many boxes you bring up a day/week.

Of course if you job is going to reward you for going above, educating, and certifying outside of your job requirements I'd do everything I could learn.


Someone said it best above... All IT resumes look the same unless you have extended experience or certifications.

Good Luck! Happy Testing!



edit:spelling and gammah

 

[Wapp]

Originally posted by: loki8481
semi-random bump, but anyone have any suggestions on where to start in terms of doing whatever I need to do to get certified or how the whole process works?

there are rumors going around the office that the powers that be at my company are going to start requiring A+ at a minimum for all technical, non-entry level positions, and will be introducing automatic pay bumps for people who go above and beyond the minimum, supposedly as a way of having an excuse to fire some people who've been with the company for awhile but probably couldn't pass the test and to make sure hiring standards are more stringent in the future (as opposed to bringing in anyone's random friend and hoping it works for the best).

For studying I suggest you look at CBT Nuggets. I've used those for Net+, Security+, and MCSA. There are ways to get them for freeB if you know where to lookT.

Also, if you are dealing with the hardware aspect of the server you should consider the Server+ and possibly some Dell or HP support certs. That way down the line you could be one of the guys that comes out and fixes my DL380 when the Smart Array dies.

 

[Sunner]

From the description of what you do, I can't help but think it's gonna be hard to get any kind of significant improvements to your salary.
Problem being, there are tons of people who can do the basic hardware setup and such(unless you're talking big iron and other "exotic" hardware).
Getting certs is certainly nice, but I'd say it's nice mostly because it'll offer you chances to get other jobs, network admin, security, sysadmin, whatever, they won't automatically improve your salary if you still do the same stuff.

Just based on my experience, and of course things might work differently in Sweden as well