Hi all. Newbie here!

Hello everyone, i'm new to this forum and I would like some advice. Here is a little about me before we go ahead on this journey: I'm a 30 yr old cab driver, that have always wanted to work some where in the computer industry since I was about 20. I'm now married and have 2 kids, so low on funds, as I had always had a hard past and came from a very poor background, but I have decided to make the sacrifice where I can so I can do my dream job and be a better provider for my family. I currently have no experience in any IT field. My ultimate goal is to be an Information Security Specialist.

Now, I am currently home studying for A+ as I cannot afford classes, I'm using Exam Cram 6th Edition PDF, Crucial Exams mobile app and professor Messers 801 from Youtube. But I have just learned about the Comptia IT Fundalments, and now I'm not sure if I should do that first. Does Comptia give certificate for IT Fundamentals exam? Or should I skip that and go straight for A+?

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OctalDump

Welcome!

If you are already studying A+ and not finding it too hard, then you are safe to skip the IT Fundamentals. If you do feel like you need the Fundamentals, then I'd recommend doing the reading/video/course but skipping the exam to save money. Once you have an A+, no one is going to care about your Fundamentals certificate.

The good thing about the entry level certifications like A+, Net+ and even the next half step up with MCP, CCENT etc, is that there are lots of free and cheap resources. If you have the time and can put in the effort, you can progress quite a long way without spending too much money. And usually by the time you are ready for the more serious professional level things, either you can get your workplace to pay for the training, or you are earning enough to pay for it yourself.

It's going to be a ways to get to Info Sec Specialist, but with sustained effort it will happen faster than you realise.

techtia

Use this forum to your advantage, especially the first page of this thread in this section, read all of the threads many people have good suggestions.

You will pass CompTIA exams in no time, just put forth effort and make use of all the free resources. I would say 3-4 weeks is a good time frame.

This is it! Go for it never look back!

er days are ahead

E Double U

Welcome and good luck on your journey. You found your way here so clearly you are going in the right direction.

x3eemguy

Thanks for the input guys. I have decided to go straight to A+. I will be moving to Florida in 3 months and I'm hoping to get A+ before so I can get a fresh start there.

x3eemguy

Hey Techies, sorry to bump this 1 and a half year old thread, but I gotta let you know I just passed 902 moments ago with 791 score. About 2 months ago i passed 901 with 767. Now I'm A+ certified...super excited!

gespenstern

Congratz!

A+ is a pretty broad exam and it's quite a challenge to digest all the knowledge related! Keep it up as it's just the beginning!

NetworkNewb

Congrats x3eemguy! Keep it up, the sky's the limit if you continue to work hard and keep learning.

yuddhidhtir

Congrats! so what's next?

ThePawofRizzo

Congrats! Great news. A+ was my first certification ages and ages ago, and it was great to accomplish it. I'd never done anything like it in my life. It was the first of many, and the start of a great career. I hope your path is similar!

What's next?

x3eemguy

yuddhidhtir wrote: »

Congrats! so what's next?

ThePawofRizzo wrote: »

Congrats! Great news. A+ was my first certification ages and ages ago, and it was great to accomplish it. I'd never done anything like it in my life. It was the first of many, and the start of a great career. I hope your path is similar!

What's next?

I have no idea what specific area i would actually like to work in, I have always have a little voice in my head saying the words "Network Administration" and I know nothing of networking. Lately I have other ideas like database, programming, and "cyber security because of all the buzz". I have in mind to do MTA:Network Fundamentals next, what do you think?

yoba222

Congrats! A+ is the gateway drug.

alanclarc143

Thnaks to all of you.

x3eemguy

Question, which MTA certification should I go for first? Cause I'm not sure if I should know about servers before networking and so on.