Stumbling Blocks

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Hi everyone. It's me again!

I feel absolutely determined to achieve some sort of IT certification.

As some of you may know I have worked in IT support for 8 years and have no certification. I want to become more employable and increase my earning potential so I think this is my ONLY chance.

I have ecountered a couple of stumbling blocks though so any advice you can give on the following would be greatly appreciated.

First and foremost, my computer has broken down and initial attempts to fix it have been unsuccessful. I think I should perhaps buy a new one but unfortunately I have a serious cashflow crisis! Can anyone suggest the most economical way to buy a basic PC with the ability to access the internet and perform basic functions?

Secondly, I am still dithering about which certification to do. There are undoubtedly fundamental gaps in my IT knowledge and after doing practice tests forCompTIA A+ online I had resolved to do that. That was fine until I spoke to one of my colleagues who said that he would consider someone of my experience to be able to do an MCP and he suggested we could do it together as he is keen to obtain IT quals too so can anybody help me to finally make my mind up so I can actually DO SOMETHING. Thank you.

 

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Whats the problem with the machine. Cheapest way would be to post the problem and see if we can fix it.

Cheers

Mat

 

Agreed, it may be a case of replacing a single part, which is alot cheaper then replacing the whole PC. What seems to be the problem?

 

A+ definately, since you have been in IT support go for the MCDST, or mcp 70-270.

I would also consider the N+ to fill any gaps in your networking knowledge.

 

OOh yes tell us the problem everyone is up for a challenge

 

I've started a new thread on this..."Stumbling Blocks 2: PC problems"

 

If there are gaps in your knowledge, skipping over foundation-level stuff will only cause you to not fully understand more advanced topics. This is the way I look at the A+ exam:

If you already know most of the material on the A+, but have just a few knowledge holes to fill, it will not take you long to study for it, you'll quickly have a new certification, and can move on to the next.

If you are missing a LOT of knowledge that the A+ requires, then there's obviously a valid reason for studying it! Doing so will make you a better tech. In the future, when higher-level certifications assume you already know the A+ material, you WILL already know the material - you won't be struggling because you skipped a basic concept you should have learned in the past.

With your years of experience, I would guess that you should be able to blaze through the A+, Network+, MCDST, and a Windows client exam pretty quickly. The amount of time that will take you will depend only on your current level of knowledge and the amount of time you have to devote to studying.

Best of luck!