Certifications and graduating from WGU faster

Hi guys!

I've been looking at WGU's BS in Network Administration and it seems very appealing. I was thinking if it would make sense to knock off as many certifications as I can on my own and then apply vs starting WGU ASAP. I have an AAS from a technical school and find myself to be a poor student. Not that I'm dumb I was never able to strive in a classroom environment with assignments and deadlines, however I feel like I'm much better studying on my own at my own pace. What do you guys think? And if it's better for me to study for certifications first before applying to WGU which certifications should I concentrate on? I already have A+, NET+ and Security+, though these certs are over 5 years old and I would need to retake them.

Thanks so much!!
Steve

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Comments

MagnumOpus

The best part about WGU.... No homework! Your certs and AAS put you 1 step ahead of the game and if your disciplined enough, you can finish in a year or less. I say go for it!

-Currently enrolled in a 2nd semester with WGU

Legacy User

Technically wouldn't working on your class assignment at home constitute it as "homework"..just saying

srabiee

There's a few things to consider. WGU pays for your certification voucher, whereas you have to pay out of pocket if you take them before you're a student. CompTIA exams are expensive. On the flipside, WGU tuition breaks down to about $100 per week. The faster you can complete classes, the more money you save.

You're best bet from a financial standpoint is to study for the exams before you enroll, then take all of the exams after you become a student so WGU pays for the exam costs.

Otherwise, I think your best bet is to do the certs before you enroll IF you require weeks of study time per cert.

Good luck!

iBrokeIT

I'm not going to try to influence you one way or the other because I transferred in my MCITP:EA for large amount of credits but you should know if you can pass the preassessment they will give you a voucher to go take the Microsoft exam.

There are no requirements that you HAVE to use their materials and there are not assignments so you can use your own learning methods. The one requirement is that you pass the preassessment above their cut score before you are given the voucher.

MagnumOpus

iBrokeIT wrote: »

I'm not going to try to influence you one way or the other because I transferred in my MCITP:EA for large amount of credits but you should know if you can pass the preassessment they will give you a voucher to go take the Microsoft exam.

There are no requirements that you HAVE to use their materials and there are not assignments so you can use your own learning methods. The one requirement is that you pass the preassessment above their cut score before you are given the voucher.

Agree. I used Darril Gibson's Security + and knocked out the class in a matter of two weeks.

Cisc0kidd

My student mentor has not required me to take the reassessment for several certs.