Questions Where to start

RelevantWing

Trying to figure out where to start on obtaining certifications.

For a little backround The first computer I built was a 386. Ive been working with hardware regularly since then. I took 3 years of computer programming courses in high school at a tech school that consisted of Visual Basic, C++, AS400 RPG, and Cobol.

I worked for a year as a computer technician from 04-05. From 05 - 07 I completed an AS of Network Engineering. and luckly right out of school I was hired by a consulting firm in which I spent 2 and a half years as a network administrator for a non profit. Ive worked on Windows, Linux, Netware and Mac OS-X systems and Servers as a network admin. After that I took a 9 month contract as an IT Specialist.

My question is where is the best place to start on certifications. I plan to finish taking classes for a BA of Info systems by 2012. In my AS studies courses where included for the A+ Network + Security + Linux+, Novell CNA, CCNA, MCSA, MCSE. So basically ive taken all the training but Ive never taken a certification test for them yet. The only cert test ive taken was the Novell CLP test which I was a hair from passing. In out of work for a bit currently and I feel I could help my prospects by adding certs to my resume now. My problem is im not sure which direction to go.

Would it be worth it for me to obtain an A+ Certification now or would I be best taking microsoft cert tests?

Plantwiz

RelevantWing wrote: »

...
Would it be worth it for me to obtain an A+ Certification now or would I be best taking microsoft cert tests?

What do you enjoy?


Hardware tends to be more entry-level, though one can specialize in this and do very well.

MS paths tend to lead onward and upward into higher level Admin/tier type support options.

What do you enjoy? That's the path you should pursue. Not everyone needs an A+ and I know SEVERAL folks who are able to justify their skills and never bothered to take the A+ certifcation path. Just be good or great at what you decide.

RelevantWing

Thanks, I enjoy working with servers. Ive been kind of leaning the microsoft route, but have debated taking the A+ and Network plus because I think they would be easy to pass and to me that would help motivate me to do more.

earweed

With your work experience you could probably jump right into the MS route. If you feel the need to get the CompTIA certs then you could get them easily since you already have training and experience in those areas. Plus if you get them before the end of the year they would still be lifetime certs.

rlf7691

I am pursuing a BA in Computer Info Technology from a Local University and have completed a course in Computer Servicing 1 and 2, which is required in order to enter the University's program. I also need to take the CompTia A+ certification tests to be admitted. The Text book that we studied from in the course I just completed was "Maintaining and Repairing PCs, Concepts and Practice, 5th ed." I have set a goal to take my A+ tests by the end of June and was wondering if anyone has suggestions as to how I can best prepare for the tests? I have heard that the text book I have is not a good resource for preparing for the tests. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

earweed

I used Mike Meyers book. You can find it, I believe at most bookstores or do a search on Amazon. A lot of people on here have used CBT Nuggets or Trainsignal CBT (Chalk Board Training).
Make sure you get the correct edition of the book which covers the 220-701 and 702, the old version is 601,602. Get the seventh edition.
His book was the only book I used. I've heard good things about the Testout/Labsim video/practice test helping also. Make sure if you go to get the labsim go through customer support to try to get a student discount. Mine that I purchased for the MCTS: 83-640 was $89 and for the Comptia tests it's well worth it.
A lot of students at WGU, where I go, have used ONLY the Labsim resource for their Security+ and scored in the high 800's (max score 900)