Where to start if you are already in the IT field but no certs?

Which cert would probably be the best to start with if you have already been working in the IT field for 3 years (Tech support with some project management) and have some basic understanding?

I was looking to get A+ then to CCENT
Or maybe Network+ then to CCENT

Not sure where to start from, I currently have a 4 year Business degree but work in IT

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Comments

Iristheangel

If you have past a fundamental understanding of concepts and are already in IT, I would recommend just skipping the CompTIA's and going right into the CCENT.

srabiee

I agree, vendor-neutral certs like CompTIA are only going to be of limited use, if at all. Stick with vendor-specific certs. (Cisco, Microsoft, VMware, etc)

TheFORCE

skpal wrote: »

Which cert would probably be the best to start with if you have already been working in the IT field for 3 years (Tech support with some project management) and have some basic understanding?

I was looking to get A+ then to CCENT
Or maybe Network+ then to CCENT

Not sure where to start from, I currently have a 4 year Business degree but work in IT

Tech support doing what exactly? What are your interests in IT and what strengths do you have in terms of after 3 years you must be better at certain things that others. Where do you see yourself 3 years from now? All those are questions you have to answer in order to make a better decision.

kohr-ah

I agree with everyone else. If your interest is networking skip the comptias and go right for the CCENT.

If you have an interest in systems administration I would say do the CCENT still but maybe not so the CCNA and start your MCSA (I think the CCENT fundamentals will help a lot)

skpal

TheFORCE wrote: »

Tech support doing what exactly? What are your interests in IT and what strengths do you have in terms of after 3 years you must be better at certain things that others. Where do you see yourself 3 years from now? All those are questions you have to answer in order to make a better decision.

Troubleshooting interfaces for EMR/EHR. I'm in healthcare IT currently. I didn't know much about networking/IT at all when I started ..I know more than before. I'm looking to be kind of like jack of all trades for now and just learn more about the IT field and get more experience. I'm somewhat interested in doing network administration / configuring networks ..something along those lines.

I was also looking into pursing a Master's degree in IT administration. I think it might be a good idea since I have a business degree which is in marketing and management. But I'm not sure if the masters is worth the cost.

doobu

skpal wrote: »

Troubleshooting interfaces for EMR/EHR. I'm in healthcare IT currently. I didn't know much about networking/IT at all when I started ..I know more than before. I'm looking to be kind of like jack of all trades for now and just learn more about the IT field and get more experience. I'm somewhat interested in doing network administration / configuring networks ..something along those lines.

I was also looking into pursing a Master's degree in IT administration. I think it might be a good idea since I have a business degree which is in marketing and management. But I'm not sure if the masters is worth the cost.

I'm in the exact same boat. Decent knowledge/grasp of IT fundamentals. Training on EMR and EHR, HIPAA compliance, working the security aspects out for my organization, desktop support for all 100 users, work with our vendor on installs, IP configurations, etc.

And here I am with a degree in accounting. I don't think you need a master's degree when practical work experience should come first. I think the master's would really work on your management skills. You're looking to focus, so you need to. I had to.

Hence, I'm preparing to take my CISA exam in June. I've found that so many clinics, small being the biggest culprit, have so many security issues, perform no risk analyses, have no compliance officers (if they do, in name only), etc. You work in healthcare. You know how resistant they are to change and making things secure.

If you can, don't be a jack of all trades. It's so time consuming and you spin your wheels so much on people who demand so much more. I see it almost on daily basis here, my friend's company, and other areas.

I can you see working a security route/networking path.

PC509

Sounds like you're beyond the A+/Net+ scope of things. They would be way to easy for you. Challenge yourself and go with the CCENT/CCNA.

Most CompTIA are entry level certs. You're past that already. Challenge yourself, but make sure they compliment your experience. Don't go for a CCNP when you have 3 months Cisco experience (or sim only). But, CCNA with some networking experience isn't bad. They go hand in hand. Just make sure that your experience and knowledge go along with the certs. So, they can look at your resume and it can show that you have experience with the cert product, and the cert is validating the experience. They aren't replacements for experience, they are compliments to them.

Jon_Cisco

As far as I can tell the real value for CompTia certs is getting your foot in the door. You have already done that. Since you have about 3 years experience and already have a degree (any degree) you can focus on the direction you want to go. Many people skip certs completely but don't expect that recommendation on a certification form. However ask around your shop and see what other people have. For many techs it's nothing.

I would consider something from microsoft or cisco to get started. You just need a direction you want to pursue.

N2IT

There is no one size fits all for anyone.

You might want to consider getting a subscription to CBT Nuggets, Linda.com or something similar. Review some training offered through the free or trial membership and make a decision based off of that. At least you develop some skills with the familiarity of the technology.

GForce75

All the certs are useful. Start where you feel like you can progress. CompTIA certs do build a stronger foundation. Overstudying for SEC+ really helped me for CISSP down the road, so it helps. It just really depends on your timeline, resources, and etc. CBT Nuggets as mentioned above is great (Keith is awesome). Even the small certs will boost your level of confidence.

aspiringsoul

Review this CompTIA study material for the knowledge...but don't take the exams unless the costs are covered by your employer.

Professor Messer, CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, Linux, Microsoft Certification Training

I say go straight for the CCENT or MCSA Server 2012 exams depending on your interests Networking/Servers