An array of CompTIA certs?

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Hello all.

I'm just polling you for your ideas on the following idea. If I were to attempt to get the Security+, Server+, Linux+ and i-Net+ to add to my currently held A+ and N+, would it actually make any difference on a CV? I mean, I get the feeling that I would probably learn a massive amount of information by doing all of the above, but no way would I be able to get a few years of relevant experience in them. Also, I quite like the potential grounding I'll get in those areas, giving me options further down the line.

Thoughts?

 

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Thoughts? OK - here are mine....

First - some places wouldn't pay much attention. A+ is reasonably well-known, but many of the others are not!

Having said that - I found the Server+ requirements to be interesting and useful to study.

And I believe that i-Net+ has been withdrawn.

Harry.

 

Well that sucks. Probably more so for you, since you've already got that cert. I notice that the Server+ and Security+ are at a higher skill level. Would it not be the case then, that when applying for a higher level job, they *would* know what these certs were?

 

Certs are created by the vendors and associations, theres no requirement for employers to recognise them, they may care, they may not...

The Security+ is worth looking at to complement your A+ and N+, I'd probably stop there personally and then switch to another cert track or an academic qualification.

Why the Psych degree ? Seems like a strange combination with CCNA and Sec+ ?

 

Firstly, the Psychology degree is with the OU, and I'm doing it because it holds strong interest for me. I have a lot of spare time, so I can afford to study down two tracks. Also, if it gets too much, I can stop after this module and start again 6 or 12 months. It's all good. I like to have options. So the degree isn't really a combination at all, it's nothing to do with the CCNA or Security+.

Wagnerk, what I hope to gain from the certs is a good base knowledge, and an attractiveness to employers. I mean, I would've thought that having an 'array' of entry level certs would be quite a good quality, but I have noticed that the Security+ and Server+ are aimed at a higher level of technician than I am currently. Would that matter?

 

Well its entirely upto you but if your goal is to gain employment then the two tracks means it will take longer to gain a qualification in either track.

You could for example do your CCNA with the OU and pool your course points and aim for an Open degree. Otherwise I'd aim for a HND or foundation degree in Computer Science or similar. These can be undertaken in two years part time and set you up for a career in IT. There are valid careers for people with Psychology and Computing but they are pretty specialised, maybe Business Analyst, User Interface/Experience Design, HCI, Battlefield Simulation etc.

An Open university degree can take as long as six years, this is a very long time to be training for a career so I'd do whatever you can to bring it down if its career related.

I'm not sure of your situation but in general I'd look at turning some of the spare time into a job providing experience, training and references, its much more benefical than doing it all at home alone.

The Security+ is more advanced but if you have some relevant experience its quite achievable.

 

I'm in a bit of a strange role at the moment. I work with a small computer repair shop, so I see a lot of Windows problems, viruses, hardware failure etc. I work on both business and domestic machines. I provide support remotely both on the phone and by email and remote desktop control software. I also respond to calls for user support onsite, either business or home. So, take from that what you will.

 

And it wouldn't matter that I didn't really meet the criteria for a couple of them? I mean, I feel confident that I'm able to get the certs if I work for them, it's just whether or not they really do need that experience before hand. Thoughts?

 

Personally, I think the CompTIA certs are the best idea since sliced bread, learning one set of tools surely narrows our skillset, learning the fundamentals of all systems has to be a better idea.

Anyway, ignore my personal vendetta against MS certs, you can make your own experience by some old 486's and a router and a switch and make a mini network and muck around with the hardware that way, having read some example questions I don't think you'd be too stuck if you didn't have the exact experience.

 

I agree with mr.wagnerk. HNC/HND sounds a good idea. Seems strange that you study your OU degree yet study for I.T. as well. Which career do you actually want?

TBH from my browsing I don't think its really worth going past the A+ / N+ and Security+ unless your perhaps specializing. Would it not be worth learning the MS stuff for your MCSA as N+/A+ are electives so you have that out of the way. Don't want to get past the choice of using them for an elective.

The CompTIA certs from what I have seen are generally seen as so low level is it really worth doing anything more than needed? Gotta work your way up to the MS stuff! Perhaps get a cheapo solution get up and play around with server 2003?

My plan is N+/A+ then go for the MCSA and to the upgrade exam.