I am looking into taking my A+ and N+ exams and trying to get into the IT field, but it seems like a very overcrowded field with a tough waitlist to get accepted for jobs. Has anybody taken the A+ exam? How'd you do, and were the questions similar to what you will find in an exam textbook?
I have done a fair amount of hiring and the only Certs that I see having a significant Market value are the Cisco ones. The RHCE can have some market value but experience usually trumps it. What area do you want to work in?
Not sure yet, I am currently in college for my BS in Computer Science but I am interested in going away from programming more and into something like Network Administration, Server Administration or DB Administration. I was thinking of getting some entry-level CompTIA certs and then some of the MS certs, but you think Cisco are better? I've heard they are a lot harder
If you're thinking of going into networking, the Cisco exams are the way to go. They are tougher, but there's no substitute--except maybe a few years of industry experience. I took the A+ exam about seven years ago, and I didn't find it that helpful. The exam questions were a lot like the practice questions I was using to study. I don't remember how I did, but I did pass and thought it was pretty easy to get through. In the end, I think the Comptia exams benefit the company giving the tests more than the individuals taking them.
I have to agree. My impression is that the A+ and N+ exams are designed for people transitioning into the field from something unrelated to give them a grounding in basic PC/Server and/or Network administration. If you want to get on the in the IT world then it's Cisco for networking (or Juniper if you want another network route) and MS exams for the corporate world. I'm a Windows person, so can't comment on what is available down the Linux route. However, above all else - experience, experience, experience. If you are an exam monkey with lots of qualifications but no real-world experience you'll be no better off and less likely to get a job than someone with a few years of network experience under their belt in real-world situations. Apart from the exams, I'd look at trying to get some real-world experience. Maybe you could volunteer to work for a company, ISP, or host - even for a half-day weekend if need be - just to get your "hands dirty" and a reference on your CV. Also, the experience will let you know where your preferences lie - maybe networking is where you prefer to be, or maybe maintaining and managing PCs or servers is what you love doing. When you find out what IT niche you enjoy or prefer the most, that might help you decide what professional qualifications will help you succeed.
This is definitely on my list of things to do, I just don't have time for another PT job right now as I'm currently attending school and doing freelance web design on the side. However once the time feels right I plan on applying for either some internships or part-time positions working with company network infrastructures or server administration, and then going for some certs afterwards and *hopefully* landing a decent job in a couple years with a good company. Not too worried about it right now as I'm only 19, but I like planning ahead with this stuff
You've got your whole life ahead of you. Some companies, ISPs and hosts do internships during the summer time. I know as a student you need to earn bucks to help you through the following semester, but that might be the time to get some experience. Start contacting ISPs and hosts that are near you. If there aren't contact some of the larger companies that are likely to have an IT department. These types of organizations will give you a good idea of larger networks and server environments. Don't forget companies that carry out network installations or maintain networks. With them you'll get a good feel for what sort of things go wrong and how things are designed and set-up in the first place. The IT field is an exciting place to work, just make sure you find out what you really like doing, or what fascinates you, and go for it.
I got in to system administration a couple of years ago by buying a small unmanaged VPS and getting the software installed/configured. Having never done it before, I was surprised how much I learned. Give that a go if you can. Also, since you're still in a university, see if your schools IT department is hiring any student workers. Better yet, try to sell yourself to them, even if they're not hiring. You could learn a good amount about networking by working with your school.
I would love to grab an A+ Cert and start entry-level somewhere, jr. IT/Sys Admin/DB Admin or something. Then have the company pay for me to grab my N+ and possibly some other useful certs (Security+, maybe Linux+, then Microsoft track or Cisco track...)
Cisco and Microsoft certs will definitely get you places. I have a MCSA and a CCNA (soon to be CCNP) and yes the Cisco test are harder than the Microsoft. I think the A+ doesn't pack a punch like it use to. Security is very big and will get bigger That's were I want to go next.
I just pass the A+ I get a job in Germany. The "actualtests" have all question that you need to know. 85% see on exam
I couldn't say it better myself - experience. I've been through three companies and we never really care much for the certs on people's resume. Certs may get you noticed and picked for first interview or whatnot... you actually would get grilled on things that's not on certs. You are young. You got decent time to burn. If you don't mind working for little or free, try to get all the related experiences you can get. Someone else mentioned about managing a VPS company... it's a good route if you can handle it. Good luck!