On the right track?

Hi all, I am looking for some advice on my IT certification path. I am merging over from the security industry with decent networking knowledge and want to focus on networking/system administration. Most of the knowledge I have comes from IP CCTV systems and network based access control/security systems. I have purchased some A+ ,network+, CCENT/CCNA books to start. I have also enrolled in some certificate programs at the local community college that cover below.

Courses within this program help students prepare for the followingcertification exams: CompTIA A+, CompTIA Security+, CompTIANetwork+, EC-Council CEH Exam 312-50, Red Hat Certified Technician(RHCT), and Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist 70-620, 70-623,and 70-647 exams. Total 30 credit hrs
CPET 1050 . . . . . . .Assembling, Upgrading and Repairing
Personal Computers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CPET 2050 . . . . . . .Advanced Assembly and Repair of
Personal Computers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ITIS 1005. . . . . . . . .Computers and Information Processing. . . . . . . .
ITIS 1355. . . . . . . . .Security+ and Security Essentials . . . . . . . . . . . .
ITIS 2355 . . . . . . . .Security Investigation and Penetration Studies. . .
ITIS 2510. . . . . . . . .Help Desk Concepts and Management . . . . . . . .
ITON 1050. . . . . . . .Using Microsoft Windows 7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ITON 1205. . . . . . . .Network+ and Networking Essentials . . . . . . . .
.ITON 1746. . . . . . . .Red Hat Academy System Administration I . . . . .
ITON 1756. . . . . . . .Red Hat Academy System Administration II. . . . .
ITON 2050. . . . . . . .Windows 7 Configuration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ITON 2237. . . . . . . .Windows Server 2008 Applications Infrastructure
ITON 2051. . . . . . . .Windows 7 Enterprise Support

Certificate Total: 30

Like some others I took to long of a break to get education, now work and family make it tough. Am I on the right path to start? Any suggestions on some better classes or certification?
I appreciate any feedback.

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Comments

techdudehere

Some of those might be a little basic for you, but overall I am sure you will learn somethings. Is this leading to a certificate they offer? If it's just random, I think you could skip some of the easier ones but no harm in doing them I suppose. Once you get this done, I would look at a BS, definitely one advanced networking certificate, and one or more advanced security certificates. if you don't care about learning but just want business impact, you could go down a more focused path but if you know a little about everything and then focus on a specific domain the knowledge will help you sooner or later. I think they key is once you have the broad view, then narrow in and get into the more advanced stuff which gets you the bigger check.

Clevelandrs

This is toward one of their certificate programs. I chose this one because it covered multiple certifications. Should I even start with this or just apply to get a BS through WGU?

ChooseLife

What is your work experience?

techdudehere

I would go through with this. Putting things off is your worst enemy and it won't take that long to finish this program. It will also get you back into the swing of studying. You may even find an employer who will pay for your classes by the time you finish this. I assume you will work while taking these courses. If you have to pay for BS/MS out of pocket, then I'd look for a low cost option. I took out loans, not a lot compared to some people, but it really set me back. I won't move on a masters until I can get it paid for or find an ultra low cost option.

Clevelandrs

ChooseLife wrote: »

What is your work experience?

I have been in electronics for about 10 years now. The past 2-3 years have been POE IP camera installations and basic small business networks. I would like to get into larger network administration and design but just haven't had the experience. I am looking at building my own lab at home as well. I already have a rack and looking into the some different pieces of hardware.

Roguetadhg

Small business networks are experience.

ChooseLife

Clevelandrs wrote: »

I have been in electronics for about 10 years now. The past 2-3 years have been POE IP camera installations and basic small business networks. I would like to get into larger network administration and design but just haven't had the experience.

I see. In that case these certs and an IT certificate may be beneficial for you. Also, important point - as Roguetadhg said - you do have some experience, make sure you leverage that to break into full time sys/net administration.