Certifications???

[jepatbentley]

I'll be graduating in December and with the job market the way it is, I've been told that I should get certified. The problem is that no one can really tell me what the different certifications are for, what I need to do to get them, and how much the cost. I'd appreciate any advice.

P.S. If it wasn't obvious, I'm a computer guy.

 

[rh71]

You're not being specific enough. What kind of computer guy?
Hardware? Networking? Web/Databases? Art/Design?

Let us know and we may point you to the respective certs' websites for all that info.

Nowadays, if you're not going for a graduate degree or certification to improve your skills, you're just one in a... few million. Keep in mind though, most of them are useless... but they do at least put you above most others with the same qualifications otherwise.

 

[WannaFly]

I hope your graduating high school.
Becuase, if your graduating college (from a computer program) and they didnt suggest taking certs...well....i'd question the validity of the program.

I'm not saying certs are REQUIRED, but....
"In order to get certs, you have to have experiance. In order to have experiance(a job), you have to have certs."
Certs are helpful if you have no professional experiance.

 

[Kevin]

I believe if you're going for Networking, you're going to need atleast a CCNA, MCSE and Novell.

Atleast thats what my class was told...

 

[n0cmonkey]

Originally posted by: Kevin
I believe if you're going for Networking, you're going to need atleast a CCNA, MCSE and Novell.

Atleast thats what my class was told...

I'd disagree with that. Well, it really depends on what you want to do in networking. That list has totally ignored Unix and Unix-like systems.

 

[WarmAndSCSI]

Originally posted by: Kevin
I believe if you're going for Networking, you're going to need atleast a CCNA, MCSE and Novell.

Atleast thats what my class was told...

Please don't get Novell. If you end up in a job where they use Novell NetWare, replace it right away. I'm getting my MCSE and CCNA this summer, though... the CCNA test costs about $125, but I only pay $55 because I took a voucher exam through Cisco's academy program at my high school and I save 50%.

 

[WarmAndSCSI]

Originally posted by: n0cmonkey

Originally posted by: Kevin
I believe if you're going for Networking, you're going to need atleast a CCNA, MCSE and Novell.

Atleast thats what my class was told...

I'd disagree with that. Well, it really depends on what you want to do in networking. That list has totally ignored Unix and Unix-like systems.

You don't really need UNIX certification to get a job as a netadmin... now if you're going to be a sysadmin or dbadmin, you definitely need a UNIX certification.

edit: bad wording

 

[n0cmonkey]

Originally posted by: WarmAndSCSI

Originally posted by: Kevin
I believe if you're going for Networking, you're going to need atleast a CCNA, MCSE and Novell.

Atleast thats what my class was told...

Please don't get Novell. If you end up in a job where they use Novell NetWare, replace it right away. I'm getting my MCSE and CCNA this summer, though... the CCNA test costs about $125, but I only pay $55 because I took a voucher exam through Cisco's academy program at my high school and I save 50%.

What's wrong with Novell? I've heard pretty much nothing but good about it.

 

[WarmAndSCSI]

Originally posted by: n0cmonkey

Originally posted by: WarmAndSCSI

Originally posted by: Kevin
I believe if you're going for Networking, you're going to need atleast a CCNA, MCSE and Novell.

Atleast thats what my class was told...

Please don't get Novell. If you end up in a job where they use Novell NetWare, replace it right away. I'm getting my MCSE and CCNA this summer, though... the CCNA test costs about $125, but I only pay $55 because I took a voucher exam through Cisco's academy program at my high school and I save 50%.

What's wrong with Novell? I've heard pretty much nothing but good about it.

1.) several Novell applications still use IPX/SPX which wreaks havoc on your TCP/IP network.
2.) Novell requires you ADD a login interface to clients. And the Windows 9x login is very flakey.
3.) And it's quickly becoming obsolete and I'm very surprised Novell hasn't gone bankrupt yet. There's no reason to use it when you have the option of Windows Server available - it does everything Novell does, but better, and natively works with the Windows clients.

 

[n0cmonkey]

Originally posted by: WarmAndSCSI

Originally posted by: n0cmonkey

Originally posted by: Kevin
I believe if you're going for Networking, you're going to need atleast a CCNA, MCSE and Novell.

Atleast thats what my class was told...

I'd disagree with that. Well, it really depends on what you want to do in networking. That list has totally ignored Unix and Unix-like systems.

Not really in networking... now if you're going to be a sysadmin or dbadmin, you definitely need a UNIX certification.

Ok, then drop MCSE and Novell.

Networking standards and where they started (or what they are developed on):
tcp/ip BSD
sendmail Unix
apache FreeBSD
bind Unix
ircd Unix

OpenBSD was one of the first operating systems to come out with IPSEC and IPv6 capable ip stacks.
FreeBSD held the world record in most data served from a uniprocessor machine in one 24 hour period for quite a while.

Unfortunately for some people, Unix and Unix-like systems has held a key role in the development and integration of the Internet and its related technologies.

 

[Kevin]

Originally posted by: WarmAndSCSI

Originally posted by: Kevin
I believe if you're going for Networking, you're going to need atleast a CCNA, MCSE and Novell.

Atleast thats what my class was told...

Please don't get Novell. If you end up in a job where they use Novell NetWare, replace it right away. I'm getting my MCSE and CCNA this summer, though... the CCNA test costs about $125, but I only pay $55 because I took a voucher exam through Cisco's academy program at my high school and I save 50%.

I thought the CCNA was $150?

We have 2 weeks to finsh Semester 4, and we all failed the Semester 3 final yesterday...

 

[WarmAndSCSI]

Originally posted by: n0cmonkey

Originally posted by: WarmAndSCSI

Originally posted by: n0cmonkey

Originally posted by: Kevin
I believe if you're going for Networking, you're going to need atleast a CCNA, MCSE and Novell.

Atleast thats what my class was told...

I'd disagree with that. Well, it really depends on what you want to do in networking. That list has totally ignored Unix and Unix-like systems.

Not really in networking... now if you're going to be a sysadmin or dbadmin, you definitely need a UNIX certification.

Ok, then drop MCSE and Novell.

Networking standards and where they started (or what they are developed on):
tcp/ip BSD
sendmail Unix
apache FreeBSD
bind Unix
ircd Unix

OpenBSD was one of the first operating systems to come out with IPSEC and IPv6 capable ip stacks.
FreeBSD held the world record in most data served from a uniprocessor machine in one 24 hour period for quite a while.

Unfortunately for some people, Unix and Unix-like systems has held a key role in the development and integration of the Internet and its related technologies.

Yes, but it most "netadmin" positions, you're going to be caring for Windows and Novell (UNIX, really - I know) servers and the network's operations. It's not necessary that you learn how to run a UNIX network as that's typically the job of a sysadmin is it not? (don't flame me, this is just my understanding of things - feel free to correct me).

 

[n0cmonkey]

Originally posted by: WarmAndSCSI

Originally posted by: n0cmonkey

Originally posted by: WarmAndSCSI

Originally posted by: Kevin
I believe if you're going for Networking, you're going to need atleast a CCNA, MCSE and Novell.

Atleast thats what my class was told...

Please don't get Novell. If you end up in a job where they use Novell NetWare, replace it right away. I'm getting my MCSE and CCNA this summer, though... the CCNA test costs about $125, but I only pay $55 because I took a voucher exam through Cisco's academy program at my high school and I save 50%.

What's wrong with Novell? I've heard pretty much nothing but good about it.

I am not necessarily disagreeing with any of your points, I would just like to respond to them. 🙂

1.) several Novell applications still use IPX/SPX which wreaks havoc on your TCP/IP network.

That's a big one. I really have nothing to say about it.

2.) Novell requires you ADD a login interface to clients. And the Windows 9x login is very flakey.

Win9x is flakey. It shouldn't ever be used anymore. If Microsoft used open technologies, or opened up some of their technologies, or used open technologies without breaking compatibility (see: kerberos) this would not be necessary.

3.) And it's quickly becoming obsolete and I'm very surprised Novell hasn't gone bankrupt yet. There's no reason to use it when you have the option of Windows Server available - it does everything Novell does, but better, and natively works with the Windows clients.

I've heard more knowledgable people defend Novell's software better than I ever could. The LDAP implimentation from Microsoft for Active directory is broken. The kerberos used by Microsoft in their authentication scheme is broken. Its a damn shame.

 

[WarmAndSCSI]

Originally posted by: Kevin

Originally posted by: WarmAndSCSI

Originally posted by: Kevin
I believe if you're going for Networking, you're going to need atleast a CCNA, MCSE and Novell.

Atleast thats what my class was told...

Please don't get Novell. If you end up in a job where they use Novell NetWare, replace it right away. I'm getting my MCSE and CCNA this summer, though... the CCNA test costs about $125, but I only pay $55 because I took a voucher exam through Cisco's academy program at my high school and I save 50%.

I thought the CCNA was $150?

We have 2 weeks to finsh Semester 4, and we all failed the Semester 3 final yesterday...

No, it's $125. If you're failing the EASY semester finals, there's no way you're going to pass the CCNA. You've gots to do some major studying.

 

[n0cmonkey]

Originally posted by: WarmAndSCSI

Originally posted by: n0cmonkey

Originally posted by: WarmAndSCSI

Originally posted by: n0cmonkey

Originally posted by: Kevin
I believe if you're going for Networking, you're going to need atleast a CCNA, MCSE and Novell.

Atleast thats what my class was told...

I'd disagree with that. Well, it really depends on what you want to do in networking. That list has totally ignored Unix and Unix-like systems.

Not really in networking... now if you're going to be a sysadmin or dbadmin, you definitely need a UNIX certification.

Ok, then drop MCSE and Novell.

Networking standards and where they started (or what they are developed on):
tcp/ip BSD
sendmail Unix
apache FreeBSD
bind Unix
ircd Unix

OpenBSD was one of the first operating systems to come out with IPSEC and IPv6 capable ip stacks.
FreeBSD held the world record in most data served from a uniprocessor machine in one 24 hour period for quite a while.

Unfortunately for some people, Unix and Unix-like systems has held a key role in the development and integration of the Internet and its related technologies.

Yes, but it most "netadmin" positions, you're going to be caring for Windows and Novell (UNIX, really - I know) servers and the network's operations. It's not necessary that you learn how to run a UNIX network as that's typically the job of a sysadmin is it not? (don't flame me, this is just my understanding of things - feel free to correct me).

I have never met someone that worked on one side without dabbling in the other. I think I'm technically a Unix admin at this job, but I have to deal with the network stuff on a daily basis. Basic Unix understanding never hurts, just as the basic understanding I have of Microsoft's products has come in handy on many occassions.

 

[WarmAndSCSI]

Originally posted by: n0cmonkey

Originally posted by: WarmAndSCSI

Originally posted by: n0cmonkey

Originally posted by: WarmAndSCSI

Originally posted by: Kevin
I believe if you're going for Networking, you're going to need atleast a CCNA, MCSE and Novell.

Atleast thats what my class was told...

Please don't get Novell. If you end up in a job where they use Novell NetWare, replace it right away. I'm getting my MCSE and CCNA this summer, though... the CCNA test costs about $125, but I only pay $55 because I took a voucher exam through Cisco's academy program at my high school and I save 50%.

What's wrong with Novell? I've heard pretty much nothing but good about it.

I am not necessarily disagreeing with any of your points, I would just like to respond to them. 🙂

1.) several Novell applications still use IPX/SPX which wreaks havoc on your TCP/IP network.

That's a big one. I really have nothing to say about it.

2.) Novell requires you ADD a login interface to clients. And the Windows 9x login is very flakey.

Win9x is flakey. It shouldn't ever be used anymore. If Microsoft used open technologies, or opened up some of their technologies, or used open technologies without breaking compatibility (see: kerberos) this would not be necessary.

3.) And it's quickly becoming obsolete and I'm very surprised Novell hasn't gone bankrupt yet. There's no reason to use it when you have the option of Windows Server available - it does everything Novell does, but better, and natively works with the Windows clients.

I've heard more knowledgable people defend Novell's software better than I ever could. The LDAP implimentation from Microsoft for Active directory is broken. The kerberos used by Microsoft in their authentication scheme is broken. Its a damn shame.

I know LDAP and Kerberos are not to standard in WinServer, but I have several intense applications that make use of LDAP and they run fine a great deal of the time.

Plus, I prefer Active Directory over NDS... Maybe just because I'm used to AD.

 

[Kevin]

Originally posted by: WarmAndSCSI

Originally posted by: Kevin

Originally posted by: WarmAndSCSI

Originally posted by: Kevin
I believe if you're going for Networking, you're going to need atleast a CCNA, MCSE and Novell.

Atleast thats what my class was told...

Please don't get Novell. If you end up in a job where they use Novell NetWare, replace it right away. I'm getting my MCSE and CCNA this summer, though... the CCNA test costs about $125, but I only pay $55 because I took a voucher exam through Cisco's academy program at my high school and I save 50%.

I thought the CCNA was $150?

We have 2 weeks to finsh Semester 4, and we all failed the Semester 3 final yesterday...

No, it's $125. If you're failing the EASY semester finals, there's no way you're going to pass the CCNA. You've gots to do some major studying.

Well, I got a 63. Highest grade was 74. Our class is only 45 minutes long, so we don't get to do a lot of the labs we should be doing. The teacher wanted a double period but the school wouldn't give us one...

 

[DT4K]

I've been a software developer since I got my CS degree 2 years ago. I don't have any certs and I'm making 51k now. So it certainly isn't required if you have a 4 yr degree.

However, I would still strongly recommend it. I just ordered some books and I'm about to start studying for my MCAD (MS Certified Application Developer). There are numerous debates about the value of certifications. Having a certification really doesn't mean you are any more qualified or more knowledgeable than someone without it. Some of the certs can be passed mainly through memorization without any real practical knowledge of the subject.

But the bottom line is that having certifications on your resume will help you. They may not get you a job, but they will at least help you get interviews. And getting interviews is not an easy thing to do in the current economy. And if there are two similar applicants, having the cert could end up being the deciding factor.

 

[WarmAndSCSI]

Originally posted by: n0cmonkey


I have never met someone that worked on one side without dabbling in the other. I think I'm technically a Unix admin at this job, but I have to deal with the network stuff on a daily basis. Basic Unix understanding never hurts, just as the basic understanding I have of Microsoft's products has come in handy on many occassions.

I know, but I don't think a Unix certification for a net admin position is NECESSARY to get the job. Now, you definitely need to know how to at least use Linux and NetWare, which will basically make using Unix a snap.

 

[n0cmonkey]

Originally posted by: WarmAndSCSI

Originally posted by: n0cmonkey


I have never met someone that worked on one side without dabbling in the other. I think I'm technically a Unix admin at this job, but I have to deal with the network stuff on a daily basis. Basic Unix understanding never hurts, just as the basic understanding I have of Microsoft's products has come in handy on many occassions.

I know, but I don't think a Unix certification for a net admin position is NECESSARY to get the job. Now, you definitely need to know how to at least use Linux and NetWare, which will basically make using Unix a snap.

I can agree with that. Although I would rather see people learning Unix or Unix-like systems rather than Windows. Then again, that cuts into my job market a bit... 😛

 

[WarmAndSCSI]

Originally posted by: Kevin

Originally posted by: WarmAndSCSI

Originally posted by: Kevin

Originally posted by: WarmAndSCSI

Originally posted by: Kevin
I believe if you're going for Networking, you're going to need atleast a CCNA, MCSE and Novell.

Atleast thats what my class was told...

Please don't get Novell. If you end up in a job where they use Novell NetWare, replace it right away. I'm getting my MCSE and CCNA this summer, though... the CCNA test costs about $125, but I only pay $55 because I took a voucher exam through Cisco's academy program at my high school and I save 50%.

I thought the CCNA was $150?

We have 2 weeks to finsh Semester 4, and we all failed the Semester 3 final yesterday...

No, it's $125. If you're failing the EASY semester finals, there's no way you're going to pass the CCNA. You've gots to do some major studying.

Well, I got a 63. Highest grade was 74. Our class is only 45 minutes long, so we don't get to do a lot of the labs we should be doing. The teacher wanted a double period but the school wouldn't give us one...

Man, these are the kinds of discussions we need in ATOT - good, professional discussions. Anyways.

I think everybody in our class passed (down to the dumbass jock)... we have a 40 minute class (we always leave early for lunch). We hardly ever do the labs, too.

Lemme go see how I did on that semester final.... (cringe).... 89% 🙁 must have been a tough one

 

[WarmAndSCSI]

Originally posted by: n0cmonkey

Originally posted by: WarmAndSCSI

Originally posted by: n0cmonkey


I have never met someone that worked on one side without dabbling in the other. I think I'm technically a Unix admin at this job, but I have to deal with the network stuff on a daily basis. Basic Unix understanding never hurts, just as the basic understanding I have of Microsoft's products has come in handy on many occassions.

I know, but I don't think a Unix certification for a net admin position is NECESSARY to get the job. Now, you definitely need to know how to at least use Linux and NetWare, which will basically make using Unix a snap.

I can agree with that. Although I would rather see people learning Unix or Unix-like systems rather than Windows. Then again, that cuts into my job market a bit... 😛

Yes, but you must admit when a Windows domain is run by somebody who knows how to implement it and how to maintain it, it runs rather smoothly - must problems are just user error as usual. 😉

 

[Kevin]

Originally posted by: WarmAndSCSI

Originally posted by: Kevin

Originally posted by: WarmAndSCSI

Originally posted by: Kevin

Originally posted by: WarmAndSCSI

Originally posted by: Kevin
I believe if you're going for Networking, you're going to need atleast a CCNA, MCSE and Novell.

Atleast thats what my class was told...

Please don't get Novell. If you end up in a job where they use Novell NetWare, replace it right away. I'm getting my MCSE and CCNA this summer, though... the CCNA test costs about $125, but I only pay $55 because I took a voucher exam through Cisco's academy program at my high school and I save 50%.

I thought the CCNA was $150?

We have 2 weeks to finsh Semester 4, and we all failed the Semester 3 final yesterday...

No, it's $125. If you're failing the EASY semester finals, there's no way you're going to pass the CCNA. You've gots to do some major studying.

Well, I got a 63. Highest grade was 74. Our class is only 45 minutes long, so we don't get to do a lot of the labs we should be doing. The teacher wanted a double period but the school wouldn't give us one...

Man, these are the kinds of discussions we need in ATOT - good, professional discussions. Anyways.

I think everybody in our class passed (down to the dumbass jock)... we have a 40 minute class (we always leave early for lunch). We hardly ever do the labs, too.

Lemme go see how I did on that semester final.... (cringe).... 89% 🙁 must have been a tough one

I'll put it this way. We are up to Semester 4 and our teacher finished learnign Semester 4 on his own a few weeks ago. He's basically learning with us, this is the first time the class was offered at our school. It took us almost a school year to finish Semester 1. There are a lot of people in the class that shouldn't be there, but oh well. Its senior year and none of us really care that much...

 

[WarmAndSCSI]

Originally posted by: Kevin

Originally posted by: WarmAndSCSI

Originally posted by: Kevin

Originally posted by: WarmAndSCSI

Originally posted by: Kevin

Originally posted by: WarmAndSCSI

Originally posted by: Kevin
I believe if you're going for Networking, you're going to need atleast a CCNA, MCSE and Novell.

Atleast thats what my class was told...

Please don't get Novell. If you end up in a job where they use Novell NetWare, replace it right away. I'm getting my MCSE and CCNA this summer, though... the CCNA test costs about $125, but I only pay $55 because I took a voucher exam through Cisco's academy program at my high school and I save 50%.

I thought the CCNA was $150?

We have 2 weeks to finsh Semester 4, and we all failed the Semester 3 final yesterday...

No, it's $125. If you're failing the EASY semester finals, there's no way you're going to pass the CCNA. You've gots to do some major studying.

Well, I got a 63. Highest grade was 74. Our class is only 45 minutes long, so we don't get to do a lot of the labs we should be doing. The teacher wanted a double period but the school wouldn't give us one...

Man, these are the kinds of discussions we need in ATOT - good, professional discussions. Anyways.

I think everybody in our class passed (down to the dumbass jock)... we have a 40 minute class (we always leave early for lunch). We hardly ever do the labs, too.

Lemme go see how I did on that semester final.... (cringe).... 89% 🙁 must have been a tough one

I'll put it this way. We are up to Semester 4 and our teacher finished learnign Semester 4 on his own a few weeks ago. He's basically learning with us, this is the first time the class was offered at our school. It took us almost a school year to finish Semester 1. There are a lot of people in the class that shouldn't be there, but oh well. Its senior year and none of us really care that much...

Our teacher never taught us. He just sat back at his 21" monitor and worked (he's a teacher/sys/netadmin).

 

[Kevin]

Originally posted by: WarmAndSCSI

Originally posted by: Kevin

Originally posted by: WarmAndSCSI

Originally posted by: Kevin

Originally posted by: WarmAndSCSI

Originally posted by: Kevin

Originally posted by: WarmAndSCSI

Originally posted by: Kevin
I believe if you're going for Networking, you're going to need atleast a CCNA, MCSE and Novell.

Atleast thats what my class was told...

Please don't get Novell. If you end up in a job where they use Novell NetWare, replace it right away. I'm getting my MCSE and CCNA this summer, though... the CCNA test costs about $125, but I only pay $55 because I took a voucher exam through Cisco's academy program at my high school and I save 50%.

I thought the CCNA was $150?

We have 2 weeks to finsh Semester 4, and we all failed the Semester 3 final yesterday...

No, it's $125. If you're failing the EASY semester finals, there's no way you're going to pass the CCNA. You've gots to do some major studying.

Well, I got a 63. Highest grade was 74. Our class is only 45 minutes long, so we don't get to do a lot of the labs we should be doing. The teacher wanted a double period but the school wouldn't give us one...

Man, these are the kinds of discussions we need in ATOT - good, professional discussions. Anyways.

I think everybody in our class passed (down to the dumbass jock)... we have a 40 minute class (we always leave early for lunch). We hardly ever do the labs, too.

Lemme go see how I did on that semester final.... (cringe).... 89% 🙁 must have been a tough one

I'll put it this way. We are up to Semester 4 and our teacher finished learnign Semester 4 on his own a few weeks ago. He's basically learning with us, this is the first time the class was offered at our school. It took us almost a school year to finish Semester 1. There are a lot of people in the class that shouldn't be there, but oh well. Its senior year and none of us really care that much...

Our teacher never taught us. He just sat back at his 21" monitor and worked (he's a teacher/sys/netadmin).

You guys have more self control than us. Our period starts out at Miniclip.com where we decide which game to play. Then we hold tournaments...