[Total Newbie] Most Useful Certification Path FAST

I am a long time IT hobbyist looking to turn my experience tinkering into a career. I have minimal programming experience in several languages ranging from Python, to C/C++, to Java, but have mastered none of them. I have considerable Linux experience with just about every distro imagineable, though, and do frequently build and repair computers and home and small business networks. I know none of this makes me a likely prospect for being hired, but I'd like to enhance one or more aspects through training and certification. I am great at self-study, and willing to put in the effort. I do not, however, have the time or the funds for a CS bachelor's. I have been considering either a Linux admin or security path, but I'm not sure which is more reasonable to attain or profitable. So, I guess I'm mostly asking, where do I go from here? What certs will be the most bang for my buck, and what branches of IT are the most open to entry level employees? I'm new to the professional side of the IT world so any input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

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Comments

dave330i

If you have programming experience, why not stick with programming?

Try doing a bit of research on your own before asking such a general question. Being self sufficient is an important life skill which is also valuable in an IT career.

ZombieNo7

I have done some. I know that Cisco and Red Hat certs are valuable and that generally there is a progression from A+ to Net+ and beyond. I've done some looking at job listings and software engineers are in ultra high demand in my area, but most listings state a BS in CS as a requirement. I'm more looking to dispel myths and get a read on the current climate than anything else. So to that end, I have looked into programming, but I have a fairly weak skill set as of now. Many positions seem to want a CS graduate. Is this something the case, or can skill(if developed) be enough?

mishy

ZombieNo7 wrote: »

I've done some looking at job listings and software engineers are in ultra high demand in my area, but most listings state a BS in CS as a requirement.

Most jobs I have done have always stated that they need someone with at least a degree but I have always been offered a job, I think experience does count because you need a way of getting an interview first before you can even show them that you will be able to do the job or that you have enough interest and determination to succeed on the job.

As for the correct certification path to choose that mainly depends on your interest, like me, I would love to do software development because it pays more money with more job offers and I think you are respected more, but then on the other hand I love interacting with people and socializing plus definitely I love computers so a helpdesk position suits my character a lot more so thats why I might carry on pursuing the IT Support side of things and my rewards will not be in just money but more self ego when you hear people say he knows a lot and can fix a problem within seconds of you explaining it to him

. Every once in a while you get a problem that when you solve you feel like phoning all your friends to tell them what you have just done but it is always better to save it for an interview to show your determination and way of thinking

.

Development/software engineering work most times means working in isolation, deep thinking, long nights staying up trying to meet deadlines (sometimes unpaid overtime) with people not knowing how much work you have put in e.g its just a small job, can you please add a button at the bottom of the screen that does etc etc .

ZombieNo7

I think I would prefer to work solo. The solitary puzzle solving thing is part of what appeals to me about working with computers. So that would mean more of a programming or security type of route, right? If so, what would the most valuable certs be?

Mrock4

Well, they say nothing worth having ever came easy. They should also say that generally it doesn't come fast either.

That being said, what aspect of computers are you most interested in? There is truly money almost everywhere you look in this industry- if you're good. The funny thing is, if you say there's money in VOIP, and hate it, you won't make much, because you'll have a hard time staying motivated to study VOIP in order to advance. Of course this is just an example, but you get the idea.

So do you enjoy troubleshooting software issues? Setting the network portion up? Wireless? Do you want to learn virtualization? I'd pick which one excites you the most, and then start looking at available certifications within that area. Just my $.02.

jibbajabba

The only valuable certification is in an area you enjoy. You cannot get a cert just because people think it is valuable or more acceptable in the industrie. Most certifications aren't an imediate key to a high-paid job.

ZombieNo7

Well, that being said, I'd probably say I'd go for RHCE, a programming cert or two, C|EH, or any combination of those. I am most interested in the Linux OS as well as programming and security. I know the programming and say penetration testing go hand in hand, but Linux certs couldn't hurt. Would going headlong at either RHCE or C|EH be possible(or advisable) instead of following the progression from A+ to Net+, etc?

DoubleNNs

I'd say start w/ A+ and Linux+ combined. Getting the Linux+ grants you LPIC-1 at the same time. After that you could start applying for entry-level Help-Desk/Desktop Support Jobs.

Aftewards, Net+/Sec+ and Red Hat might be valuable. Depending on how exactly you want to specialize. Or even skipping Net+ and going straight for CCENT/CCNA might be better if you actually enjoy networking.

By then you'll have a better understanding of what part of IT you further want to explore and could reassess your game plan.

Edit: Since you're more interested in security for the moment, I'd actually suggest A+, Linux+, Security+ in that order. After taking the Security+ you'll have a better understanding on whether or not Security is for you as well as which part of Security you'd like to go into.
However, be warned that the Security+ does include a lot of material you would have already learned on the N+. Because of this, a lot of the Security+ book skip or only lightly tread on the N+ materials, thinking you already know them.

yoshiiaki

Most useful certification path? The one you enjoy the most
Look everything up about IT. And this is where you can really be asking questions but only you can answer. Do you want to be a generalist that works on a bit of everything for a small time company or do you want to specialize in a specific field? Microsoft, linux, osx? work on the end users, work on the servers, work on the network? Design, maintenance, security? Questions could go all day long and certainly that's just a few that popped up. Certainly don't pigeon-hole yourself by answering all those questions and avoid all else, you will be much better off if you know overlapping skills. I would say ask yourself all the questions you can imagine, look up possible job roles in those fields, find what appeals the most to you, and try for those. It's easy to say I know a little about "this" so that's what i want to do, but really examine all your options. You say you want to go linux or sec right now, but have you considered R&S or voip for example? Start off open-minded, learn open-minded, live open-minded. I like to study as if i was going to take the cert exam even if i know i won't be taking it. Most certs cover things you wouldn't think of so that extra information is always a good thing.

Fast? As OSCP would say "Try Harder"

Saying for example it would take you 40 hours to study for some cert, you could cram all that in a week or you could stretch it over a year. Either way you took 40 hours, it's just how determined are you? Which is why you should pick a field you love and can spend lots of time studying so that you choose to study more, which means learning more, which means getting better. A higher paying job in a field i wouldn't like vs a lesser paying job in a field I do enjoy? I would take the latter any day.

To get you started I'd suggest getting the CompTIA A+, if for nothing else, to prove to yourself you can really start down this track. It should also help open a few help desk roles and get the ball rolling.

ZombieNo7

So I think I'm going to go with A+ then move on to C|EH and RHCSA. I'm well aware that there's a ton of studying involved, but I'm okay with that. I'll put in the time. Does this sound like a reasonable cover all bases type of approach?

ptilsen

Reading your background, I say A+, Linux certs, work towards a Linux admin job, be in a position to get a CS degree (even if that just means taking out loans without being terrified at the prospect of having to pay them).

Keep your programming up. If you have the mind to program even decently, working on computer hardware is a waste of it.

N2IT

CCNA networking
Programming associates degree in development or CS
System Admin Windows server certs or Redhat (some NIX)
Desktop/Deskside support A+

DoubleNNs

ptilsen wrote: »

Keep your programming up. If you have the mind to program even decently, working on computer hardware is a waste of it.

I'm curious on that statement. Why would you say that?

ptilsen

I think fewer people can program well, and it's a skill that can be more widely applied. Unless you dislike programming, I don't see a reason to mess around with PCs for a living. If you do, computer hardware is just a way to start a career, and you'll hopefully move onto bigger and better things quickly.

N2IT

PT

Funny story

Had a gentleman come to work for my team who had a BS in CS and had 8 years of VB knowledge, designing phone vectors for Avaya. (I'm trying to act like I know what I am talking about here)

Either way, he was really into fitness I mean really into it and couldn't stand sitting on his arse all day developing. He does break fix for servers and desktops/laptops and loves it. I find it so hard to understand but we are all wired differently.

kurosaki00

ptilsen wrote: »

Keep your programming up. If you have the mind to program even decently, working on computer hardware is a waste of it.

completely the opposite.
There is such a demand on Sys-Network professional that can understand code.
One of the first things I got from my supervisor(also Development Lead) when I got hired as a Net-Sys Admin was that it was awesome that I could understand what he was doing. Other sys admins just deploy updated just for the sake of deploying but I could understand it.
Sure I'm not a good programmer but It lets me see logs, php ****, code, config files in other ways and it helps the troubleshooting a lot. (Major in C.S.)

When it cames to getting somewhere fast though
Id recommend program front end as most of it its really easy compared to C++ or Python
and get yourself a front end designed gig
or polish well one language and find a job that revolves mostly around that

ptilsen

kurosaki00 wrote: »

completely the opposite.
There is such a demand on Sys-Network professional that can understand code.

Right, I agree. What does that have to do with PC hardware? There aren't many high-level admin jobs out there that need A+ and C++. There are plenty that require an understanding of hardware, of course, but it shouldn't be a focus. I would generally expect a good programmer to be able to get basic hardware work done, even if they have to learn on the fly. I would never expect a computer tech to pick up even basic scripting on the fly.

I'm not saying don't work in IT infrastructure. I'm just saying that basic PC hardware is not something to make a focus. Someone who can code well can get into software development or sysadmin jobs. DevOps is a great hybrid.

dmoore44

If you like programming, bone up on your Python skills and start to learn some flavor of SQL. Big Data pays a lot, and if you want to be in an emerging sector of IT, Big Data is where it's at.

If you're not in to that, then I would agree with kurosaki00 and ptilsen - bolster your programming knowledge and go down an OS certification path (MS or Red Hat). Being able to understand code and write your own admin scripts is a huge help when doing sysadmin.

ZombieNo7

You guys are giving me a lot to think about. Agree that programming is valuable, and I find it fun. Unfortunately I don't have the time or money to spend on a CS degree, and loans are not an option. From what I've read security, penetration testing in particular, is a merger of programming with some of the standard IT hardware management types of things. Am I correct in that assumption? If so, it would seem that security would be a good fit.

paul78

What type of programming do you do? If you have good skills or a specialized skill, having a degree is not an impediment. Do you have a portfolio of programs that you are reference in job interviews or on your resume? I never got a degree but it never slowed me down. With or without a degree, you still need to be motivated to learn to be sucessful.

ptilsen

N2IT wrote: »

Either way, he was really into fitness I mean really into it and couldn't stand sitting on his arse all day developing. He does break fix for servers and desktops/laptops and loves it. I find it so hard to understand but we are all wired differently.

That is funny. Software development seems like an odd choice for someone who can't stand sitting around. That's also a strange career switch, but hey, if he's that active I can't blame him.

ZombieNo7

I haven't gone into programming at all that much length, but I have dabbled enough to know the basics. I prefer C/C++ to the other languages that I've tried. I'm not sure that gives any kind of indication as to what type of programming to look into, but I do find the idea of low level stuff interesting.

paul78

Ok. C/C++ does lend itself to lower-level development. I started with Asm/C myself. You mentioned an interest in Linux so there is definitely a development career path with Linux, bsd, Unix. For example, OS system utilities, embedded systems, networking software. If you aren't already practicing on skill improvements, absolutely start.

Also, there are some great free college courses that are available via CBT. Check out coursera.org and are a few others that I cannot recall but I am sure others can chime in.

filkenjitsu

[h=1]CompTIA Linux+ Powered by LPI[/h]

linux.sflb.ashx

CompTIA Linux+ Powered by LPI is a high-stakes, vendor-neutral certification that validates the fundamental knowledge and skills required of junior Linux administrators.

Two exams are necessary to be certified: LX0-101 and LX0-102. LX0-101 covers system architecture; Linux Installation and package management; GNU and Unix commands; devices, Linux filesystems, and filesystem hierarchy standard. LX0-102 covers shells, scripting and data management; user interfaces and desktops; administrative tasks; essential system services; networking fundamentals; security.
A new benefit for CompTIA Linux+ Powered by LPI candidates is that they may choose, at the time they take the exams, to have their exam record forwarded to the Linux Professional Institute. Certification in CompTIA Linux+ Powered by LPI, attained by passing CompTIA exams LX0-101 and LX0-102, enables candidates to become certified in LPIC-1 as well, enabling further participation in the LPI program if the candidate chooses. Please note that CompTIA maintains candidate-confidential records for all exam takers, for their own access and use for employment or educational purposes. Any choice to forward an exam record to LPI is made only by the candidate.
Candidate job roles include junior Linux administrator, junior network administrator, systems administrator, Linux database administrator and web administrator. Companies such as Dell, HP, IBM, Lenovo and Xerox recommend or require CompTIA Linux+.

Test Details

Required exams
Two, LX0-101 and LX0-102

Number of questions
60 for each exam

Length of test
90 minutes each

Passing score
500
(on a scale of 200-800)

Languages
English, German, Portuguese, Simplified Chinese (Taiwan), Spanish

Recommended experience
CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+ and at least 12 months of Linux administration experience

filkenjitsu

rtifications
Professional Certifications

The Linux Professional Institute Certification (LPIC) program is designed to certify the competency of IT professionals using the Linux operating system and its associated tools. It is designed to be distribution neutral, following the Linux Standard Base and other relevant standards and conventions.
The LPIC program is designed in multiple levels. Determining which tasks were suitable to each level was done using a "Job Task Analysis" (JTA) survey. As with all of the LPIC exam development processes, the JTA was developed and executed using recognized psychometric processes, to ensure its relevance and high quality.

LPIC-1

Junior Level Linux Certification

The first IT certification program to be professionally accredited by National Commission For Certifying Agencies.
To pass Level 1 you should be able to:

Work at the Linux command line
Perform easy maintenance tasks: help out users, add users to a larger system, backup & restore, shutdown & reboot
Install and configure a workstation (including X) and connect it to a LAN, or a stand-alone PC via modem to the Internet.

GET LPIC-1 CERTIFIED

LPIC-2

Advanced Level Linux Certification

You must have an active LPIC-1 certification to receive LPIC-2 certification, but the LPIC-1 and LPIC-2 exams may be taken in any order.
To pass Level 2 you should be able to:

Administer a small to medium-sized site
Plan, implement, maintain, keep consistent, secure, and troubleshoot a small mixed (MS, Linux) network
Supervise assistants
Advise management on automation and purchases

GET LPIC-2 CERTIFIED

LPIC-3

Senior Level Linux Certification

The LPIC-3 Certification program represents the culmination of LPI's Certification Program.
LPIC-3 is designed for the "enterprise-level" Linux professional. The program has been developed with the input of hundreds of Linux professionals from around the globe and with input from some of the world's leading technology companies. It also represents the highest level of professional, distribution-neutral Linux certification within the industry.
GET LPIC-3 CERTIFIED

filkenjitsu

[h=4]Novell Certified Linux Engineer 11 Learning Paths[/h]

Novell CLE Learning Path
(click to enlarge)

[h=1]CLA 11 LPI Learning Path[/h]
Learning path for those seeking the CLA 11 LPI Certification.
Note: Each course and test description below is a link to additional information.
[h=3]Learning Path[/h]

Get the PDF

[h=1]Certified Linux Desktop Administrator Learning Path[/h]
Learning path for those seeking the Certified Linux Desktop Administrator Certification.
Note: Each course and test description below is a link to additional information.
[h=3]Learning Path[/h]

Get the PDF

filkenjitsu

[h=4]CLA Training[/h]Novell, Linux Professional Institute and CompTIA have teamed up to offer you the chance to earn three Linux certifications. The Novell Certified Linux Administrator, the Linux Professional Institute LPIC-1 and CompTIA Linux Powered by LPI.
Read the CompTIA press release and the Linux Professional Institute press release to learn more about their certifications.
Select one of the tabs below to learn more about the CLA certification program.
Dual LPI & CLA Certification
Learning Paths
Study Options
Test Objectives
Test Registration

[h=4]Promotion to Dual LPI & CLA Certification[/h]On February 9th, 2010 Novell and the Linux Professional Institute announced an international partnership to standardize their entry-level Linux certification programs on LPIC-1. Under the terms of the agreement, all qualified LPIC-1 holders will have the opportunity to apply for Novell CLA certification without additional exams or fees.

Get more information on the dual certification program

filkenjitsu

[h=1]Novell Certified Linux Professional 11[/h][h=2]Learning Path[/h]
The Novell Certified Linux Professional 11 (Novell CLP 11) is for people interested in being Linux administrators.

Get the PDF

Note: Each dialog box in the learning path below is a link to course or test descriptions
[h=3]Learning Path[/h]

filkenjitsu

Training>

[h=1]Certifications[/h][h=2]Performance-based testing of real-world skills[/h]Red Hat’s performance-based certifications are among the most highly regarded in the industry. Certifications include our entry-level Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) credential, senior-level Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE®) certification, architect-level certifications like the prestigious Red Hat Certified Architect (RHCA), multiple JBoss® developer certifications, and more.

[h=2]Red Hat Certified System Administrator — RHCSA[/h]Ready to administer Red Hat Enterprise Linux environments.

[h=2]JBoss Certified Application Administrator — JBCAA[/h]Demonstrate your mastery of JBoss Enterprise Application Platform.

[h=2]Red Hat Certified Engineer — RHCE[/h]Be a senior system administrator of Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems.

[h=2]JBoss Certified Developer in Persistence ― JBCD-Persistence[/h]The knowledge and skills needed to use the Java Persistence API (JPA) with JBoss Hibernate® to create, modify, and maintain persistent objects in business applications.

[h=2]Certificates of Expertise[/h]Incremental credentials for RHCEs that prove specialized skills and knowledge.

[h=2]JBoss Certified Developer in Seam – JBCD-Seam[/h]Performance-based exam that tests a user’s ability to create web applications using the JBoss Seam framework.

[h=2]Red Hat Certified Virtualization Administrator — RHCVA[/h]Deploy and manage virtual hosts in production with Red Hat Enterprise Virtualization.

[h=2]JBoss Certified Developer in ESB — JBCD – ESB[/h]Use JBoss ESB to enable communications between enterprise applications.

[h=2]Red Hat Certified Security Specialist — RHCSS[/h]An RHCE who has demonstrated deeper capabilities in networking services security, directory services, authentication, and SELinux policy management.

[h=2]Recertification policies[/h]Keep your certifications current.

[h=2]Red Hat Certified Datacenter Specialist — RHCDS[/h]An RHCE with the skills to to handle a mission-critical datacenter.

[h=2]Certificate Verification[/h]Get an immediate verification of a person's Red Hat certificate by entering the certificate number.

[h=2]Red Hat Certified Architect — RHCA[/h]The skills and knowledge of RHCDS plus advanced networking services security, system monitoring, and performance tuning.

[h=2]Red Hat Certified Professionals success stories[/h]See what Red Hat Certifications can do.

[h=2]Certification Central[/h]Manage your Red Hat certifications in one location.

[h=2]Certification FAQs[/h]Frequently asked questions about Red Hat certifications.

[h=2]Submit a success story[/h]Share your Red Hat certification success story.

[h=2]Individual Exam Sessions[/h]Schedule a Red Hat exam for a time that works best for you.

filkenjitsu

Ok,

The first thing you should do is get your CompTIA Linux+. By doing this you will also get the LPIC-1 Certification and the Novel Certified Linux Administrator 11 certification.

That is THREE certifications for passing the Linux+ !!!!!

Your Resume below:

Certifications:

Comptia Linux+
Linux Professional Institute, LPIC-1
Novell Certified Linux Administrator 11

You can't beat that for completing one certification!!!