Do I need a college certificate?

L_D_G

Recently I was looking up online certificates at a local community college to see if anything jumped out at me. I liked the IT-Security Technician (ITSTO) certification that they offered. Then I found out about CompTIA courses. THEN I found out about FedVTE (lucky for me, I'm in the Guard). I had been planning on completing the college certificate to at least get that on my resume as well and then move into A+ and then Security and/or Network as well. If I take FedVTE courses that are relevant to the CompTIA's that I've mentioned, will that basically take the place of the college certification?

Should I take the college certification for resume purposes anyway?

I'm looking for what will help my resume while also making sure I'm ready for the CompTIA exams.

I already know my way around a computer and while I can't compete with IT professionals, I'm the resident nerd in my family.

For reference, here is a link to the certificate I'm looking at (http://mccneb.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2014-2015/Course-Catalog/Programs-of-Study/Information-Technology-and-E-Learning/Information-Technology/Information-Technology-Security-Technician-ITSTO). I have a BS in Business and already took Web Dev and C classes (though MMC will not accept those credits if I transfer, so I'd have to take them again).

Thanks for the help!

TechGromit

L_D_G wrote: »

I liked the IT-Security Technician (ITSTO) certification that they offered.

Honestly I think you get a lot more mileage from CompTIA certifications on your resume than a college certificate. I took a look at the curriculum the college is offering, it doesn't look bad, but no HR recruiter is going to bother to look up what your college curriculum was. And if they did they will not have a clue whether the school is any good to begin with. CompTIA are industry recognized certifications. I would apply your efforts to getting A+, Network+, Security+, Linux+ certifications.

markulous

Agreed with TechGromit. If you want to do it and it looks interesting then go ahead, but if you're doing it to be marketable I think you may be wasting your time. Recruiters won't have any idea what that cert is. I'd stick with the CompTIA trio then move onto Cisco, Microsoft, etc.

cyberguypr

I echo what has been said. Since you have a BS you can already tick that check box in an application. Mission accomplished. I say save your money for things that will bring more ROI.

L_D_G

Thanks everyone! Can I take the courses and exam for CompTIA through FedVTE? So far FedVTE appears to be more study guide than anything.

cyberguypr

No, exams are taken at testing centers. See https://certification.comptia.org/testing/schedule-exam

L_D_G

If I take the A+ course in FedVTE, is it still recommended that I get $40 study guide?

PJ_Sneakers

It really depends on your level when it comes to that stuff, but everything helps. If it's your first CompTIA certification, I'd get as much info as possible. I think on this site people generally recommend Mike Meyers' books for A+. I haven't gone through any FedVTE except for their forensics and CEH classes. Look over the CompTIA website where they list the exam objectives and see how comfortable you are with them. I have found that CompTIA pretty much sticks to the domains they list on their website for the exams. Pretty straightforward exams for the most part.

BTW, A+ is two exams, but there are discount voucher resellers that can help bring the cost down.

L_D_G

PJ_Sneakers wrote: »

BTW, A+ is two exams, but there are discount voucher resellers that can help bring the cost down.

I heard they are tax deductible?

TechGromit

It appears that FedVTE are video lectures, while videos make for a nice study aid, they should never replace good studying. So yes, I would get a good book to study as well. I had a lot of success with ExamCram books, but I'm sure other people will have other recommendations.

BlackBeret

Army Guard? https://usarmy.skillport.com/skillportfe/custom/login/usarmy/login.action

Also, for all of your book needs, once you're in skillport look for the books 24x7 link AND register with https://www.militaryonesourceeap.org/achievesolutions/en/militaryonesource/PDF.do?contentId=27777 to get access to Safari books online.

PJ_Sneakers

Oh yeah I forgot he was in the Guard. Totally use the free resources, unless you just have to have a hardcopy.

And I have no idea if you could write it off on your taxes, I'm not an accountant. Never tried it myself. But here's the IRS' take on educational expenses for work https://www.irs.gov/publications/p970/ch12.html#en_US_2015_publink1000178727

L_D_G

BlackBeret wrote: »

Army Guard?

Air. I don't think that site will even recognize my card! However, if this is a One Source thing, there should be a way for any branch to access it?

BlackBeret

The one source is all branches, you don't use your CAC, register like a normal site and use your .mil email. Probably the same with USAF Skillport,

For AF instead of Army - https://usafprod.skillport.com/skillportfe/custom/login/usaf/signon.action

L_D_G

PJ_Sneakers wrote: »

Oh yeah I forgot he was in the Guard. Totally use the free resources, unless you just have to have a hardcopy.

And I have no idea if you could write it off on your taxes, I'm not an accountant. Never tried it myself. But here's the IRS' take on educational expenses for work https://www.irs.gov/publications/p97...link1000178727

Well, judging by that link it is only tax deductible if my employer wants me to take it (or has approved of this kind of CE). Nevermind then...

BlackBeret wrote: »

The one source is all branches, you don't use your CAC, register like a normal site and use your .mil email. Probably the same with USAF Skillport,

For AF instead of Army - https://usafprod.skillport.com/skillportfe/custom/login/usaf/signon.action

But to do what I want to do on One Source, I need to register on a CAC only site. Maybe one of these days I'll get a reader for my house...

I just have certain nerves about studying free material and then paying to test on it.

L_D_G

Also seeing that 901 and 902 are out and FedVTE still has 801 and 802. Might put a hold on things...

omichael003

I'm looking to attend WGU January next year. I have AS accounting from a community college over 5 years ago. Ccna r&s and looking to take ccna security next month. My question is, will my credit transfer and should I take S+, P+ and Linux+ before applying or study for it before applying and do the exams after I'm a student.