What Cert to get Next??

While looking for jobs in the IT Field / Networking field I noticed anything regarding the Government jobs requires Security+, but man the exam cost is $284 dollars.. I'm not even sure this would help me in my job search efforts.. The other Cert I am considering getting is a MCSA Not sure If I want to go the Desktop route or the Server route. I'm thinking desktop because I have windows 7 professional at home.

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Comments

EV42TMAN

I suggest you go for MCSA server infrastructure because that is a lot more flexible when it comes to job listings. Unless you really want a government job then you'll have to do security+. but thats my 2 cents.

sratakhin

Think of certifications as an investment in yourself. I was broke when I started studying for certs so I had to sacrifice a lot to be able to afford them. It has all paid off

lawrence_of_arabia

I agree, whole-heartedly, with sratakhin. I only have three entry-level certs, but the investment has already paid off. Look for some vouchers on ebay. Sometimes when you are ready to take the exam, you can find a voucher about to expire for dirt cheap!

LarryDaMan

Yep, skip the pumpkin spice latte for a few weeks and invest in yourself.

Norbie

Get your security+. I don't think the DOD will look at you unless you have Security+ or one of their other approved security certs.

When I applied for an IT job to work at a nearby military base they were far more interested in my Security+ than my CCNA (I was much more proud of becoming a CCNA honestly and figured that would be more prestigious...it certainly wasn't to the lady I talked to...sigh)

OfWolfAndMan

Network+ used to be the baseline standard for a lot of DOD IT jobs, but they have upped that to Security+ (I would advise getting N+, but for you being on a budget, S+ is better). In addition to that, CCENT and CCNA are really the big two certs that government employers look for. As always though, work experience trumps certs. Honestly though, it's really case by case. In addition, you will most likely require some kind of security clearance for the job. As long as you aren't a drug dealer, haven't committed crimes, or don't have a bad financial history, you should be good to go on that.

BGraves

Agree with above, Sec+ is a must for any DOD job. (Do you really want a DOD job right now though...prob not...) lol
MCSA 2012 is a good start if thats the route you want to go, that's 3 tests @ 150 each. (Get the second shots if you do this, good till next May I think)
So it's not exactly cheaper than Sec+ lol. Also, you can build off the MCSA 2012 to do servers (2 more exams) or desktop (2 more exams!). So it's flexible.
BTW Some gov't jobs or contractors will pay for you to get the certs if they are desperate (much less likely with the current economy but still possible)