CompTIA: Are any of their certs remotely useful?

[SunnyD]

As the subject says. I'm particularly interested in Security+, but A+ might be good too.

I only ask because it looks like they're offered for free to me.

 

[DougK62]

I see a lot of jobs that are "A+ required; Network+ preferred"

 

[randal]

no.

 

[tami]

as a student of almost every comptia certification, i must say that if you work at A+, you'll obtain more knowledge than if you have had computer skills since you were 7 years old (like i did). i learned a lot more useful stuff, and i often have my fiance calling me to troubleshoot a problem that he thinks he can figure out (he spends hours at it), and i solve the issue in a matter of minutes.

network+ also is useful, and if you want to go to the next step, cisco CCNA is a good way to go.

security+ imo is a bunch of bull... it's a useful course, don't get me wrong, but the money you need to pay to get certified is just a little too much. it's basic knowledge (e.g. make sure you change your passwords and have them alphanumeric). there's also some focus on microsoft security and policies and even certificates, but it's stuff you can learn on your own.

as for A+ and net+, it's useful knowledge for sure. even security+ is useful. but there's a lot of stuff that you'll never need beyond the test (unless you just happen to be unlucky and find yourself in a very rare situation)

 

[rh71]

no, not really. If 2 of you have comparable resumes and one has it while the other doesn't, it may help in that case. Don't rely on it too heavily - I have 2 of them... it's experience that always matters most. Spend your time doing internships instead.

 

[Ausm]

Negative


Ausm

 

[JDMnAR1]

Are the certs themselves valuable? Not really - with the major exception being if they are explicitly required for a job you are interested in. They aren't typically a "make or break" type cert, but I do run across the occasional job listing stating that they are requirements.

Is the knowledge you are tested on in gaining those certs valuable? Potentially, depending on the job.

 

[iamwiz82]

I have never heard of an IT professional requiring a CompTIA cert. The only time I hear that is when HR is doing the hiring, because they would have no idea what they were doing, otherwise.

 

[SunnyD]

I noticed that CompTIA Network+ can be used as an elective for MCSE... Hmm...