A+ Certification

Is A+ certification necessary in the IT field? I currently have a Network+ and MCP-Windows XP certifications and I am starting on A+, but I'm wondering if its even necessary because I don't want to work on computers, I want to work on the network side hopefully one day becoming a system administator

I don't want someone to turn me down for a job just because I don't have an A+ certification somewhere down the line, I really want to start studying for my CCNA, but I need some advice.....what do u guys think?

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Cessation

2sweet29 wrote:

Is A+ certification necessary in the IT field? I currently have a Network+ and MCP-Windows XP certifications and I am starting on A+, but I'm wondering if its even necessary because I don't want to work on computers, I want to work on the network side hopefully one day becoming a system administator

I don't want someone to turn me down for a job just because I don't have an A+ certification somewhere down the line, I really want to start studying for my CCNA, but I need some advice.....what do u guys think?

A+ is NOT. Although it is nice to have the basics and understanding I can assure you that It is not needed.
I think the CCNA is a great choice. Infact I would like to go for that after my MCSE.
GL Pal,
Cess

Megadeth4168

These days I really can't see you not getting job if you do not have an A+ unless it is an entry level computer technician or help desk type of job.

I still think that having the cert is a good idea... After all it got my foot in the door and allowed me to advance where I am currently employed.

2sweet29

I already currently work as a help desk specialist, which I hate

I have an interview today with an IT recruiter trying to become a Network Engineer....so I was just wondering should I tell her I want to work on my A+ or CCNA to help the interview out....I really want to get out of this help desk gig been doing it for three years now!

Megadeth4168

2sweet29 wrote:

I already currently work as a help desk specialist, which I hate I have an interview today with an IT recruiter trying to become a Network Engineer....so I was just wondering should I tell her I want to work on my A+ or CCNA to help the interview out....I really want to get out of this help desk gig been doing it for three years now!

In that case I would probably start going for my CCNA. It is a more valuable certification and will probably open a few more doors for you.. I know a lot of people who have found that once they started going down the Cisco route they like it much better than the desktop/systems admin route.

bighornsheep

2sweet29 wrote:

I already currently work as a help desk specialist, which I hate I have an interview today with an IT recruiter trying to become a Network Engineer....so I was just wondering should I tell her I want to work on my A+ or CCNA to help the interview out....I really want to get out of this help desk gig been doing it for three years now!

Comparatively, A+ is more relevant for your CURRENT position as help desk. But CCNA will definitely help you more in the long run. If I were you, I would get both. A+ shouldnt be a 'difficult' one for you since you have experience, and some of the stuff on Network+ is also from A+, so it shouldnt be a hard one for you.

2sweet29

That's what I was thinking....seems like everyone has an A+ certification, so I wanted to try something different that would give me an edge over other IT professionals. How hard is the studying and can u suggest some study tips.

Starting a masters program in CIS this fall....so I will try to squeeze it in with the homework.

Danman32

If you were to pursue MCSA and have no plans to go for MCSE, you can get A+ and use the combination A+/Net+ as an MCSA elective.

mikey_b

I know it seems like everyone has A+ and you want to do something different to get an edge over the competition, but I still wouldn't pass it up. If you have MCP and Net+ and the other guy has the same with A+ as well, he's in a little bit better position. Not much though, but it's still something to consider. Honestly, it only took me a few days of study and I wrote both A+ exams in 27 minutes with a smoke break in between! For the ease of obtaining the cert, I wouldn't pass it up, especially if a deskside support job opens up that interests you - it's just good to have and gives a stronger foundation to build on with MCSA/CCNA certs and the like.

garv221

bighornsheep wrote:

2sweet29 wrote:

I already currently work as a help desk specialist, which I hate I have an interview today with an IT recruiter trying to become a Network Engineer....so I was just wondering should I tell her I want to work on my A+ or CCNA to help the interview out....I really want to get out of this help desk gig been doing it for three years now!

Comparatively, A+ is more relevant for your CURRENT position as help desk. But CCNA will definitely help you more in the long run. If I were you, I would get both. A+ shouldnt be a 'difficult' one for you since you have experience, and some of the stuff on Network+ is also from A+, so it shouldnt be a hard one for you.

I would do CCNA first. You shouldn't put your time into A+ just becasuse it is more relevant for your current position. I think the last thing you want to do is secure your position even more so in helpdesk by getting that cert. By obtaining CCNA you will be starting a path out of helpdesk and into ideally a network tech position. A+ is one of those certs that people get early when starting out in IT, when that person gets a little experience it almost seems a waste to go backwards and obtain it. One of those things where you have to jump on the boat before it leaves. good luck