Which exams to start with

I am just finishing my BS in Information Technology in December. I also am making a career change to the computer field. I would like to start working on certifications. The only cert I have studied for is A+. I think I would be ready for it perhaps in a couple months. Since going to college I just have not made time to study for A+. One other thing I was thinking about is a Help Desk Cert. Perhaps 70-271 and 70-272. I actually have a interview next week for a help desk call center position. Never studied anything for that test. Just did not know which would be good to do first. Any other suggestions on certs.

Thanks

Steve

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Comments

impelse

Forget about help desk, just go with for MCSE or MCITP, you already got good knowledge with your BS, just need some exp.

veritas_libertas

steve617 wrote: »

I am just finishing my BS in Information Technology in December. I also am making a career change to the computer field. I would like to start working on certifications. The only cert I have studied for is A+. I think I would be ready for it perhaps in a couple months. Since going to college I just have not made time to study for A+. One other thing I was thinking about is a Help Desk Cert. Perhaps 70-271 and 70-272. I actually have a interview next week for a help desk call center position. Never studied anything for that test. Just did not know which would be good to do first. Any other suggestions on certs.

Thanks

Steve

What do you want to do? There are quite a few different areas in the field of Information Technology. For instance: Network Administration, Systems Administration, Desktop Support, Database Administration, etc...

If you want to do certifications then I would encourage you to pursue what you want to do longterm.

[edit] Welcome to TE!

steve617

Jobs in my area are few and far apart in the computer field. My strength is simply repair and diagnose. I have built and repaired several PC's. Network Admin would be great just wish I had more experence with it. There is a couple good jobs I think I could had a shot at if I had experence. Next week like I had posted I have a interview for a tech 1 help desk via phone. That will get me in the business so I can get some experience then I'll move on. I defiently DONT want to do database or programming.

I guess I'm just looking at certs as paper than as a field. Just want to start getting experience to go with my BS. I also have a 1 yr certificate in personal computer/networking. For all its worth. Took 4 classes at a local community college. Thanks

blargoe

IMO, you should really be putting more energy into finding IT related work on a help desk or call center and get that experience tallied up. Go ahead and do the A+, but don't wait on that to get a contract gig and start working.

steve617

I'll start back studying A+ then I'll go from there. I'll check more for the A+ on their board. I've been reading Thompson A+ 2006 Q&A. Probably need to get another source. Thanks

MeanDrunkR2D2

steve617 wrote: »

I'll start back studying A+ then I'll go from there. I'll check more for the A+ on their board. I've been reading Thompson A+ 2006 Q&A. Probably need to get another source. Thanks

Keep in mind that the older A+ exams (601/2/3/4) are only available to take until 2/28/2010. There is a new test out for the A+ (701/702) which I just took and passed last week after studying for a couple weeks. Personally I would go and take the newer exam as it will be more up to date with the roles you'll be working in.

Good luck with your interview and hopefully it will lead to a long and enjoyable career move for you.