Network+ CEU's...worth it?

I'm considering taking the Network+ but honestly I'm not really thrilled with the maintenance cost. I'm fine with keeping up with current technology, but it seems pricey...the exam itself is $250+ now, and the annual fee is $49. The fees associated with earning CEU's are high, too. College courses, training courses, etc are expensive, and there's not much opportunity in my area for conferences, workshops, etc.

I also have to maintain a healthcare-related certificate, and they'll give you credit for self-study (journals, articles, etc.) Would be nice if this worked the same way!

Anyone have any inexpensive ways of earning CEU's that I've overlooked? Given the overall cost of getting this and maintaining it I just don't know if it's worth it.

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aftereffector

You could always upgrade your certification to a Security+, which will refresh the Network+. Of course you can't do this indefinitely but it helps in the short term!

Paulieb81

mjdbb1 wrote: »

I'm considering taking the Network+ but honestly I'm not really thrilled with the maintenance cost. I'm fine with keeping up with current technology, but it seems pricey...the exam itself is $250+ now, and the annual fee is $49. The fees associated with earning CEU's are high, too. College courses, training courses, etc are expensive, and there's not much opportunity in my area for conferences, workshops, etc.

I also have to maintain a healthcare-related certificate, and they'll give you credit for self-study (journals, articles, etc.) Would be nice if this worked the same way!

Anyone have any inexpensive ways of earning CEU's that I've overlooked? Given the overall cost of getting this and maintaining it I just don't know if it's worth it.

I agree, I'm a bit disappointed with CompTIA for the way they handle the CE for the certs. They turned it into a money pit for themselves. I understand and agree to re-certify every few years when a new test versions comes out to show continued competency but to pay a yearly fee in between just to keep the cert, that's just greedy BS CompTIA.

DoubleNNs

If you get your Sec+, it updates the Net+.

If you also get the MCSA or CCNA, it'll update your Net+.

There's a ton of ways to update your Net+, including getting higher certifications. Essentially, you're simply rewarded for not stopping there.