Unemployed and bored, what tech certifications should I get?

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slackerinabox

Lifer
Mar 15, 2003
12,668
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I'm unemployed and completely bored. Video editing is my specialty, and I know I'll eventually find something other than spot work... I figure I should use this time to get some basic tech certifications (I'm Final Cut Pro certified, and may try for Apple Tech certification, but I actually prefer the wintel..err. winamdtel world).

What are some basic tech certs that don't have a course pre-req? I can afford some books and time studying would be better than time watching daytime tv, but I can't afford courses.

A+ certification is first on my list, any others to add?
 
JD50

JD50

Lifer
Sep 4, 2005
11,919
2,887
136
It really depends on what you're trying to achieve and what kind of experience you have. If you want a help desk job, by all means, get your A+ cert. If you've been in the IT field for more 6+ months then I'd skip A+, just my opinion though.
 
S

slackerinabox

Lifer
Mar 15, 2003
12,668
103
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Platypus said:
Why do you want these certifications?
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Mostly to use my time constructively, and a lot of the video jobs out there want a multitasker to work as informal help desk during downtime. Also, I have a lot of tech/nerd knowledge but no way of getting that across on a resume since I don't have any certifications.

I don't want to be a high level network support specialist, but whatever gives me a little edge couldn't hurt.

And did I mention that I have a lot of free time?
 
Last edited:
Platypus

Platypus

Lifer
Apr 26, 2001
31,046
321
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freedomsbeat212 said:
Mostly to use my time constructively, and a lot of the video jobs out there want a multitasker to work as help desk during downtime. Also, I have a lot of tech/nerd knowledge but no way of getting that across on a resume since I don't have any certifications.

I don't want to be a high level network support specialist, but whatever gives me a little edge couldn't hurt.

And did I mention that I have a lot of free time?
Click to expand...

If you have zero IT experience on your resume and low level tech certs only you're not going to find anything above a helpdesk position. It's still work, but I didn't know what your expectations were.
 
S

slackerinabox

Lifer
Mar 15, 2003
12,668
103
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Platypus said:
If you have zero IT experience on your resume and low level tech certs only you're not going to find anything above a helpdesk position. It's still work, but I didn't know what your expectations were.
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Well, I've been a webmanager (drupal, convio, etc.) but no shiny paper, my degree's in film and media studies. I know A+ is pretty basic but I suppose it's better than nothing. Recommend any other? My no-course pre req is out of necessity and not laziness, so I actually look forward to studying a topic I may not be completely in the know about.
 
EagleKeeper

EagleKeeper

Discussion Club Moderator<br>Elite Member
Staff member
Oct 30, 2000
42,589
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Many unemployment offices have funds authorized for training courses at local CC and/or training schools. You mainly have to demonstrate that such courses will make you more employable in your designated field.

Go down to the office that is cutting you spending $$ and ask.
 
Platypus

Platypus

Lifer
Apr 26, 2001
31,046
321
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freedomsbeat212 said:
Well, I've been a webmanager (drupal, convio, etc.) but no shiny paper, my degree's in film and media studies. I know A+ is pretty basic but I suppose it's better than nothing. Recommend any other? My no-course pre req is out of necessity and not laziness, so I actually look forward to studying a topic I may not be completely in the know about.
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You don't need a degree, I'm just talking about an actual IT job.
If you're looking for a lucrative side career, learn how to program and start writing apps for Android or iPhone.

If you're looking to learn something new, learn how to use Linux and then get your RHCT/RHCE. Again, few would hire you for a Linux role with those credentials alone but it will help you get into a helpdesk role if that's what you really want to do. From there, you can spring into anything that interests you... but prepare for a few years on the sidelines.
 
S

slackerinabox

Lifer
Mar 15, 2003
12,668
103
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Common Courtesy said:
Many unemployment offices have funds authorized for training courses at local CC and/or training schools. You mainly have to demonstrate that such courses will make you more employable in your designated field.

Go down to the office that is cutting you spending $$ and ask.
Click to expand...

Very good to know, I'll do just that!
 
SaDiZTiKStyLeZ

SaDiZTiKStyLeZ

Lifer
Apr 12, 2010
10,510
10
0
JD50 said:
It really depends on what you're trying to achieve and what kind of experience you have. If you want a help desk job, by all means, get your A+ cert. If you've been in the IT field for more 6+ months then I'd skip A+, just my opinion though.
Click to expand...
I began studying for my A+, but my classmate convinced me to skip it and go for the Net+, because at that point I should already know what would be required for A+ anyway. Getting better on my practice tests but not comfortable enough to take the real test quite yet.
 
T

TechBoyJK

Lifer
Oct 17, 2002
16,699
60
91
FreedomsBeat, I say for for the A+. It will be good practice, and once you get through it, charge through and get your Network+ and Security+. That is, if you have the money. The learning track, even if you know a lot of it, will be good for you, and the three certs together are going to carry a lot more weight than the individual ones.

Computer+Network+Security

It's not going to land you a job on its own, but it won't hurt. It will be a good learning process, fluffs up your resume, etc.

It also gets you in a position that if you want more certs, you have the comfort in knowing you just knocked out some of the basic low level certs, and you can now focus your attention on the more lucrative ones, all while already having some good basic ones already on yoru resume.
 
SaDiZTiKStyLeZ

SaDiZTiKStyLeZ

Lifer
Apr 12, 2010
10,510
10
0
Since I've had some experience working in schools, I've been watching any possible open tech positions, but any openings are very next to none. One of my classmates was telling me about an education cert I could get. While it's not a necessary requirement for a tech position it would be a plus. I can't remember what it was called though, hmm..
 
OILFIELDTRASH

OILFIELDTRASH

Lifer
May 13, 2009
12,333
612
126
You ever considered some blue collar work? Be better than sitting at home and you might fall into something that pays well.
 
M

montypythizzle

Diamond Member
Nov 12, 2006
3,698
0
71
OILFIELDTRASH said:
You ever considered some blue collar work? Be better than sitting at home and you might fall into something that pays well.
Click to expand...

^

Also, there is jobs that are pretty flexible as far as college times if you do begin to work at an unrelated job.

Working and getting money to go to college is certainly better than sitting around and hoping a government agency will give you money.
 
krylon

krylon

Diamond Member
Nov 17, 2001
3,927
4
81
montypythizzle said:
^

Also, there is jobs that are pretty flexible as far as college times if you do begin to work at an unrelated job.

Working and getting money to go to college is certainly better than sitting around and hoping a government agency will give you money.
Click to expand...

He's black
 
KeithTalent

KeithTalent

Elite Member | Administrator | No Lifer
Administrator
Nov 30, 2005
50,231
118
116
Certified Badass! That's the only one you need.

KT
 
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