Computer Certifications

[Nitz Walsh]

I've wanted to get CompTIA A+ and a few other certs after doing that one for some time now, I have books and learning materials for A+ and Network+ but they're all from 2001, and the exam objectives for both have changed since then. (I bought the books in 2001)

I'm just wondering if anyone knows what would be the best book(s) and materials to get for learning the current A+ exam objectives.

[Aerdan]

Don't bother with the A+. It's a bit of a joke certification, and all it really does is say you're allowed to touch computers inside.

[Nitz Walsh]

hehe, what one would you suggest starting with then?

[Aerdan]

I'd suggest starting with the CCNA, to be honest, or if you have the leet skills, the CCNP.

[adciv]

There are very few certifications that mean anything. Everyone in IT who I've talked to would rather higher based on experience than the MS or Cisco certifications. The only exceptions are a few very high level cisco certifications. Hmm... CCIE I think.

[edge]

I've always heard it the other way around -- they prefer more certs, as it better shows you actually know something. Maybe it depends on what sort of a job you're looking at though. I'd also recommend CCNA or CCNP if you can. Those guys make big money, and it's interesting stuff too.

[Nitz Walsh]

The Cisco website is rather annoying. Doesn't seem to present any useful information about their certifications

Edit:

nm, had to register...

Looks like it's all for people already employed in the field.

[edge]

I'm pretty sure that anyone is eligible for the certs...not positive on that, but pretty sure.

[Nitz Walsh]

I don't know. Looks to me like A+ would be a good place to start, even if planning on doing the Cisco ones.

[edge]

Nothing wrong with getting the A+ cert anyway. It's something to show for. Just keep going after that though, don't stop at A+

[Nitz Walsh]

I wasn't planning on it... In 2001 I was planning on going A+, Network+, i-Net+, Security+, MCSE and a couple of others, but my plan sort of crapped out for lack of money... now I have a better source of income, so I figure I should get back at it.

[Deacon]

Nitz Walsh, the question is what do you want to do with it, exactly, what are you doing now, and how long have you been doing it?

"HAY NITS U SHUD GET CCNA TOTELY!!!" isn't very helpful if it's inapplicable to his intended career, though CCNA would be generic enough and prestigious enough to be beneficial. I would also suggest contacting recruiters and IT Directors and whomever else you can find who may be making the hiring decisions for positions you'd like to obtain, and ask them what they look for first in a candidate and how much a certification means to them, etc.

Generally I've found that actual competence is more important in smaller to medium size businesses, while framed pieces of paper are more important in larger corporations where they don't have the time or motivation to decide whether you really know what you're talking about. Ever heard the term "paper MSCE"? It used to be more prevalent before they revamped their testing system, but it basically refers to people who were taught how to pass the test an then did so, perhaps after a number of retries; the ended up with the piece of paper but without any true practical knowledge or comprehension, and remained without the real world experience to balance out Microsoft's clinical analysis.

[Nitz Walsh]

I don't know why I'd get it... At one point I wanted to get the MCSE or MCSA, lately though I've been leaning towards programming. I think the A+ and other certs would just be a way to increase my income while going to school. MCSD or MCPD seem more linked with the programming aspect though.

EDIT:
And I'm not doing anything in computers now, but I've done contract work in database programming, networking and technician work.

[Deacon]

Neither A+ nor any other cert necessarily guarantees a higher income. All it does is provide you with the knowledge and credentials to perform the duties of potentially higher paying jobs. And if you're going down any kind of programming route, A+ is entirely useless.

[adciv]

[quote="edge";p="665748"]I've always heard it the other way around -- they prefer more certs, as it better shows you actually know something.[/quote]

I just had a talk about this with the guy I worked for two weeks ago (he has several MS certs). This mainly revolves around the Microsoft Certifications over the Cisco ones.

Whith regards to Microsoft:
All it means is you can pass a test in which the answeres never changed and are posted on the internet. It doesn't mean you can actually go out there and fix the problems that come up or set up a server. If given the choice between someone with an MS cert and someone with experience, go with experience.

Cisco:
The higher level ones are real world tests that change and you have to know what you are doing to pass them.