Is it ok to skip A+, Net+?

I know most people seem to go the A+, Net+ route to start out in the industry. I don't have any industry experience, but I have looked over the material for the A+, Net+ and feel pretty comfortable with it, but given the costs I would prefer to skip them and go strait to a MCTS like 70-640 or 70-642. Would either of those help land an entry level job like an A+, Net+ might, or do I just need to bite the bullet and pay for the A+, Net+?

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Comments

SephStorm

If you have any interest in security, go get Sec+ at the least. It is very popular, especially in the government. Even if you aren't working in a security position, it can assure employers you should be trustworthy enough to leave your workstation without locking it.

iDShaDoW

parttimetechie wrote: »

Im looking for something along the lines of a "help desk" certification...I looked online and there is one, but I can't find any indication it isn't just some bogus exam to get money from me.

I think probably the closest thing you'll find to a legit "help desk" certification beyond the A+/Net+ stuff is like an MCP that deals with basic Microsoft Windows configuration/troubleshooting.

Ahriakin wrote: »

Knowledge is never a waste, the value of the cert though is subjective - they are entry level certs and if that is your career level then they will be worth the time and effort. If you are coming from a more mature career point then they're not. No one can accurately say if they are worthwhile or worthless for anyone beyond themselves and where they happen to be right now.

Exactly, if you've already got 4-5+ years of experience, you can likely skip the A+/Net+ and go straight for something a bit more advanced like the CCNA.

If you think you're fresh out of high school or college with no experience with a CCNA and gonna jump right into a Jr. Network Engineer position it's not likely to happen unless you have connections.

N2IT

I got into IT buy talking with recruiters and eventually got my first entry level job. I am in agreement with the others, I would try to skip them if at all possible, but if you are having a hard time finding a gig, then get MSDST or the Windows 7 one. A+ wouldn't be to bad either. It tells the employers you at least know somethings about technology. However they are costly but some employers really have a thing for them.

I'd focus on one certification like Net+, A+, or Sec+ or the MSDST/MCTS and then start applying for jobs. Well, actually I would start applying asap, but focus on one cert if you are having a hard time. List that cert (pending) on your resume. And when you go to speak with the interviewer you can explain you are studying for it.

I will tell you one thing. If you plan on getting a government job in the states, you better get a security certification. Sec+ being the favorite since it's not all the difficult to obtain all things considered.

white96gt

iDShaDoW and Ahriakin make some good points. You may not need the A+ or Network+ cert, but the basic knowledge gained from studying these topics are needed. No matter what cert you get unless your lucky you will be starting at the bottom if you have no experience. It does not look good if you have multiple Cisco and Microsoft certs, but can't fix a simple hardware problem. I understand skipping the CompTIA certs because of the price, especially with the student discount from Microsoft. I would not skip the knowledge gained from studying the topics tested by A+ and Network+.

rob7278

I agree with a some of the previous responces- Do you feel you could/would benefit from learning the material from the A+ or Net+ certs? If yes then they are probably worth it, if no then skip em. Too often the focus on certifications is on the letters you get to add after your name and not on the knowledge gained. From a show and tell standpoint the CompTia certs aren't going to impress anyone too much. Also paying double the price to sit a test ($250) and not having the second chance voucher to bail you out if you fail is extremely stressful- I sat the Security+ exam and was crapping in my pants when I had to click "Finish Exam". Fortunatley I passed (barely) and didn't have to shell out another $250.