certifications questions (a+, net+, i-net+ etc)

[Pyro]

Hya, well I'm still in highschool, but I though this summer would be a good time to get a coupla certs. I've been reading around and this is what I decided to get (no classes, just books and then exam with examcram practice tests)

First get A+, then Net+ then i-Net+ then a CCNA. I guess that'll take me most of the summer (2 weeks per cert) and then I was planning to gradually work on my MCSE during the school year.

I was wondering how much all this might cost me (like I said, i dont plan on taking any classes) and is it a good plan? Should I take something else like a linux cert?

 

[Soybomb]

The "+" tests are meant to show basic competency in my opinion. I wouldn't spend the money on them personally as I don't think most employers will view them as much, but to each his own. Linux certs are fairly non standard and expensive as well, the most cost effective *nix one I've seen would be the sun solaris test.

 

[Russ]

You should get every available certification. Without them, you will never get a decent job and will spend your life asking, "Would you like fries with that?"

Russ, NCNE

 

[toph99]

i am working on my CCNA through school(i'll get it in 2 years) and as soon as i pick up a book for A+ stuff(i need to read up on laser printers) and i find a place where i can take the test(i have no idea where to look ) i'll be set what do the Net+ and i-Net+ certs constitute?

 

Save your money and go to a good college.

 

[Deicide]

Save your money and go to a good college.

Bleh, thats what parents are for. Certs will help out, go for it.

 

[SleepyGuy]

2 years for CCNA? Hmm... you could easily pick up a book or 2 and get a router sim of some sort and easily pass the test. I know of some people who have gone through the Cisco Training Academy ($10,000 Canadian) and fail their exams miserably! As for CompTIA certs... I have my A+, Net, and I-Net+... good thing about I-Net+ is that you get to be a CIW (certified internet webmaster) Associate for free. CompTIA is for entry level stuff... i do Network support for a financial back and the CompTIA certs did help land the job. Yes they are expensive but if you can get a raise outta them why not take them? My tips are to get Net+ before going for CCNA. Net+ will cover the basics while CCNA is very tough. I'm learning through CBT's for CCNA at the moment and will write the test at the end of March. Wish me luck! Peace out.

 

[KameLeon]

<< Bleh, thats what parents are for >>


I wish my parents were...

 

[Gorgonzola]

SleepyGuy, name a GOOD routersim. the only one i can find is called RouterSim (very original title, eh?) and it is terrible. it has been made in toolbook which should be a crime. it is slow laggy, and generally very dodgy.

can you suggest a good one?

 

[toph99]

sleepyguy:
i'm taking it through school, so i get a credit for it in the process thats why it's taking 2 years

 

[bolomite]

CCNA in two weeks? I don't think so. If it were that simple a test, everyone and his mother would be a CCNA.

Those of you out there who think that you can cram your way to certification, fine, but if you don't have any real-world experience to go along with your certs, you're in for a big reality check when you fall flat on your face. Certs aren't very significant alone, but are much more valuable when paired with work experience.

 

[Pyro]

Well, i guess its my fault I didn't clear up a few things.
First I don't plan on going to college, if my marks are good enough (90%and above) I'm going to UfT (university of toronto) engineering, if not comp science. I wanted these certifications so they might help me get a part time job or to put on my university application. Secondly, while my experience is limited, its not totally lacking. I've had 6 months as a net admin though coop, learned a good deal of stuff and got to play around with all sorts of hardware (including NAS ). Also I've done tons of stuff to my own computer...

I am confident a book and exam will do, since right now when i take a sample test I get 68%, you need 75% to pass. Considering I've never used a computer before pentiums, I'd say a book will do.


So how long would the CCNA take? a month? two?
how about the MCSE? I heard about a year, 2 months per exam, is that right?

Thanks again.

 

[SleepyGuy]

Yeah routersim is alittle bit crappy but it'll help you through stuff. Techmindworks.com is pretty good as well, lets you tap into fake routers and stuff. Here are some sites that'll help you through your studies, www.examnotes.com and brainbuzz.com. Also when a computer show heads into town, go to it... they have alot of good deals on books. Trust me when i say get into WAN (wide area networks) if you can! Lan is good place to start off but the money is in WAN! That's why i'm taking my Cisco stuff. MCSE lost it's glory around 2 years ago and HR aren't giving it as much credit as before. Not sure about the 2000 core though. As for your CCNA studies, i say take your time. I'm only half way through semester 2 CBT (been all review so far) and it's pretty good. My bro passed his CCNA 2.0 with a score of 900, and if he can pass it i'm sure anyone can if they are well prepared. wholly sh!t is this post long... anyway i got sleep... got work tomorrow. if you need an help with certs don't hesitate to pm me. peace out.

 

[SleepyGuy]

Hey Pyro, i just noticed your going to be to UofT! What a coincidence! I'm live in Toronto, Ontario as well! What crappy whether eh? I've got tons of Cert stuff i don't use anymore... you are welcome to use them if you want. just pm me. peace out... gotta sleep!!!