When I finish A+ what should I do next?

logisticalstyles

I was pretty sure I was going to go for the net+, but lately I've been thinking about trying the Microsoft 70-270. I already have the book and the lab manual along with the CDs. I've taken the class already and I'm sure I could do well with it. Should I just stick with net+ or should I try the 70-270?

Tyrant1919

Both are a good choice. I did all my CompTIA exams first, then started on Microsoft.

mamono

Decide where you want to see your professional career progress toward, then decide what will benefit you most. Then go with that route, IMHO. If you feel that it wouldn't take a great deal amount of effort on your part and wouldn't deter you from your other studies, then do both. What you learn in CompTIA Network+ would benefit you in your studies for Microsoft 70-270 XP.

logisticalstyles

I'm not sure if I'm just getting cert crazy or am trying to make up for lost time. I'm one class away from having a Network specialist Associates Degree. I took so many computer classes without thinking about passing the certification exams. My only goals in these classes was to pass with an A or B. Now that I see the value of certifications, I'm thiking maybe I should crack those books back open, study, and spend the money to take the tests. I'm pretty sure I could pass the XP and the Vista tests if I studied a little.

As far as my career path goes, I'm not really sure what I want to do. Even though my degree will say Network Specialist, I wouldn't say Networks are my strong point. Right now I work at an accounting firm operating and maintaining Xerox network printers and one big production printer. Everything I've learned in the past few years has helped me to master my job, but I don't want to do this forever. I would like to move over to the IT department, but I won't try that until I have my degree in hand with at least my A+. I really want to have a resume that gives me options. I see so many people lose thier jobs and they have no options when it comes to job hunting because they've been doing the same thing for the past 5 years with no growth.

REID8968

I find that a lot of the comments you made, reflect a lot of similarities in my IT path and current job, which I've held for 16 years. It is also difficult for me to determine, one, well defined, career path. What I've decided to do, is learn all that I can learn. I think we often think that if we don't define a specific career speciality, that we aren't gaining value. In my opnion, it's quite to the contrary. Learn all that you can learn. Build from a broad base. A+ is a great base cert. Gain any and all knowledge, take your network experience, back in up with A+, and go from there. Perhaps after A+, you'll get a clearer picture. Remember, systems are just they. They are enterprise wide. You'll need to know hardware, software, voice, data, infrastructure, security, databases, OPs. So much to learn.

TravR1

Also consider it's projected growth, in this market we have right now that is important. Example, cyber crime doubles almost every year. The government is creating its own seperate branch to deal with it on the government level (at least they might be doing something right) and not to mention all the businesses that are probably starting to become concerned with their security... and laws holding businesses responsible if their networks get hacked and result in loss of personal info.

TravR1

Oh and my opinion would be to probably do Net+ first. 270 is a little more difficult and there are a few Net+ things in the 270 so it will make the 270 easier for you. Also its good test and study experience which you'll need for the 270