QUESTION: Certifications... which one(s) to get???

[KillerMowse]

Hello.
I was just wondering, what certs would enable a person venturing into the computer field to get a "stepping-stone" job while they go to school and pursue their degree? You know, just a job to get them started. The few that came to my mind were CCNA, A+, MSCE... anyways, any input would be appreciated.

Thx's.

 

[jaynonymous]

The CompTIA certifications (A+, Network+, Server+, Linux+, etc) are a good starting place for someone who is just getting their foot in the door in IT. They prove that you at least understand the basics of computers and/or networking. If you don't have any work experience in IT, I would recommend starting with the A+. I don't know of many employers who will hire someone who has no experience to manage a network, even if that person has an MCSE or a CCNA. But, you can get your foot in the door with the lower level certifications and work you way up as you get the higher level certifications, such as the MCSE, CCNA, CNA, etc.

 

[Daniel]

I think the first question is what do you actually want to do?

Do you want to work with routers?
Do you want to work with Microsoft stuff?
Do you just want to repair pcs?
Do you want to do web design?

Don't just start studying for something and dropping money until you are sure what you want to do or it would be a waste.

 

[Polgara]

I like the idea of starting with the one-test certifications.

I got the MCP first (in Win2k Server). I then went after the CCA (Citrix) because I thought the product was neat. I am currently employed as a Citrix Admin. Next I will get the CCNA.

Sarah B., MCP, CCA, CCNA <== in a couple of months, with only three tests.


I want to complete the MCSA next. (three more test).

 

[rh71]

<< I think the first question is what do you actually want to do?

Do you want to work with routers?
Do you want to work with Microsoft stuff?
Do you just want to repair pcs?
Do you want to do web design?

Don't just start studying for something and dropping money until you are sure what you want to do or it would be a waste. >>



I agree... I dropped $2k in classes for MCSE (NT4) then got a job as a web developer/designer. Screw that M$ OS/network $#!T. j/k.

 

[Nitemare]

Linux+ is this new?

 

[jaynonymous]

<Linux+ is this new? >

Linux+ was released by CompTIA last year. In contrast to the Red Hat Certified Engineer certification which deals specifically with the Red Hat version of Linux, Linux+ is a vendor-neutral certification exam that deals more with the basic commands and filesystems and such of Linux, based on the stuff I have seen for it. It may be a good certification to get to prove to an employer that you understand the basics of Linux.

I think CompTIA certifications are pretty good for displaying that you know the basics of a topic; however, no certification exam or certification track can prove that you are an "expert" on a topic. But, certification can sometimes get you in doors that otherwise would not be open to you. I know that I would not have been offered my current job if I was not certified.