What next?

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I've just done the A+.

Obviously, the first step is get a job. And that will probably define my options. But that said, I'm a bit clueless as to good-after-the-A+ certifications. I don't want to stop when I get a job.

A natural progression seems to be N+... Networking sounds good.
Although the Linux+ sounds right up my street, as an old Mandrake kid! (Now Mandriva)
And Security+ sounds exciting (do you know how nerdy I feel saying that!) but I think that's a way off yet, in experience terms. (It recommends a few years.)
But then these are all CompTIA. CompTIA is what I know, what I'm familiar with. But what else is out there?

What about the MCDST? Is it a good progression from the A+? Or is it just if you want to go into a call centre? Having that would also allow me to put MCP on the CV though, right?
Obviously MCSE is a way off yet.

Is there anything else worth considering at this stage?
Basically, I have some hardware experience, some very basic industry IT experience, an A+, and a raw, burning ambition... kinda.

 

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Its usually best to get an MCP under your belt, so going for the MCDST would be a good idea BUT going for the N+ before the MCDST would be even better because it'll set you up for a decent understanding of any networking in MCDST.

Then after that you could go for the ones you mentioned but getting some experience (job) would be more preferable.

 

Its good going for certifications to prove your understanding of a subject but dont forget that experience is worth alot more. This is especially true if you haven't been working in the industry very long. Even if it is a call center role in an IT company, you'll pick up alot of knowledge.

Good luck!

 

the mcdst is a lot tougher than the a+ in terms of questioning,try a few sample questions and see if you get any correct,i'm currently doing the mcdst ,the a+ seems easy compared to the mcdst.

May'be i'm just better with hardware than software.A lot of the stuff in mcdst is just windows xp software.

I'm only doing this because i feel i have to,the a+ qualification by itself looks quite weak in my view,so i'd rather thave the 2 qualifications,one from microsoft and one from comp tia.

And i won't be using mcdst for any call centre job,those jobs would drive me up the wall,so it's not just a call centre qualification.

 

Actually, I'd say that the MCDST is just as applicable - if not much more so - for someone working in an actual desktop support environment as for those who work in a call center. Both Network+ AND the MCDST are worthwhile at your stage.

 

Cheers for the advice, people.
I'm gonna start working for the MCDST just as soon as I've banged off a lot of job applications.
Rewrote my CV from scratch. Hope it works!