IT Certification Advice

Hi all,
I'm interested in getting into the IT field & would like some advice on getting certified. I'd like to know what are some good certifications to get in hopes of getting employed (possibly in networking). What types of certifications do employers look for? Is it hard to get employement without any working experience? With all the info that's on the web, it's a bit overwhelming as to decide on which certification program's the best.....thus, I'd appreciate any advice you can provide.
Thanks,
Patre

 

It's a bit chicken and egg. You need some experience to get the best out of training, but it can be more difficult to get a job without the certification that comes with training.

I'd recommend that you start with a basic certification, and then develop your certification as your experience improves. The two really need to develop in step. Fortunately, employers are seeing through people who simple go on a boot-camp MCSE with no experience and then end up being as useful as a chocolate teapot.

Therefore, something like Cisco's CCNA, or Microsoft MCP. Both Cisco and Microsoft training programs are well respected. These two courses are first steps towards more advanced certification. Which one you take depends on what you want to do, or which you are more interested in: networks or servers. Cisco courses are all about networks and don't touch servers very much, Microsoft courses are all about servers and don't touch networks very much.

Personally, I like the CompTIA Network+ training program. It isn't tied to a particular vendor so gives a more rounded training experience. It also better straddles the line between networks and servers by covering both. However, it is not quite as well known as either the Cisco or Microsoft course programmes - probably because it doesn't have a big vendor behind it pushing it. Therefore, in out and out "is this certification going to help me get a job" comparison, a Cisco or Microsoft certification is going to be more helpful. IMHO, starting with Network+ (or A+ for that matter) is probably more productive in giving you the skills you need to be good at the job, but that has little to do with gaining employment (the old cynic in me is coming out ).

Any of these courses is going to be a bonus to you and make it more likely you'll get your foot in the door into IT. They ain't going bring you riches, but may well help you get onto a program where you can develop skills and learn more. Most decent IT people I met started with fairly mundane IT jobs - support desk being the classic. What makes them good is that they learnt from that experience, developed skills and took training opportunities as they arose.

 

Hi Reggie,
I appreciate you taking the time on advising me on this, I sincerely appreciate it.
I was looking at the A+ cert., but wanted to see what prospective employers generally look at and I'll certainly look into those programs you've suggested. I've been in the healthcare industry (medical coder) for about 13 yrs and was looking at getting into the IT side of it. Although I don't have any actual work experience, I do have some experience in building PC's as I've built a few digital audio worstations (DAW's) specifically designed for recording, mixing, & producing high quality audio/music. (I also have an associates degree in recording engineering).
Currently I'm quite content with my job (need to pay the bills ), but I do enjoy working with computers a lot more and would like to do this on a part time basis (unless a really good opportunity arrives ). If you have any other suggestions or recommendations, I'd greatly appreciate it.
Thanks again for your valuable time,
Patre

 

This thread was originally posting in the Network forum, and therefore I replied from a networking perspective.

A+ is another program by CompTIA, but with a more general computing perspective than Network+. A+ includes stuff like how to build a PC, which Network+ doesn't include.

If you want a more general computing course rather than one aimed at networking, then A+ is probably a better option to Network+. Also CCNA would probably not be what you are looking for as this is also very network orientated.

Personally, I think A+ is a good place to start (as I indicated previously, I like the CompTIA courses). However, as less people have heard of the CompTIA programs, a Microsoft certification is probably of more use when you apply for jobs - IMHO.

Either A+ or a Microsoft MCP would be a good place to start.

I'd also add that most courses are only as good as the instructor giving them. What you don't want is someone who just reads out of the book (there are plenty that do just that). If you have friends who are in IT, it would be worth asking them if they have used local trainers and how they rate them.

Also have you considered talking to the IT manager for your current employer. They might be able to give you good advice - both on careers in the area and quality of training organisations. Even better, they may have some opportunities open. If you have a minimum of experience, it is often much easier to move into IT via an internal transfer.

 

Hi Reggie,
Taking your advice, I'm thinking of getting a CompTIA Network + Certification and would like some help on this....
What are your views on an "Online University" which is offered for $30 month with unlimited access(please see link): http://www.computer-training-software.com/netplus.htm

Although thier advertising promotes the positives of this, I'd like to know if there are a lot of negatives to these types of trainig as this would be my 1st time trying this method. (I'm fairly self-motivated and can study on my own, but would never refuse the benefit from having an instructor as someone to refer to). I suppose a real downside to this type of training is the lack of "hands on" experience.
Appreciate your insight,
Patre

 

In my opinion the downside is not getting the insight from someone who has actually done what is being taught.

One thing you learn about computers as you work on them :- there is the way they are meant to work, and then there's the way they actually work. You need a real person to highlight the hidden things that the designer of the software (or the training program for that matter) over-looked.

A good instructor, a couple of good books and google searches for anything the other two don't cover is best.