A+ certification: Is it worthwhile?

[Margam]

I just started a class in A+ and Networking. I have heard a lot of mixed reviews about these certifications in regards to changing careers. Any opinions? I am not very encouraged!

[scribble]

It will help you get a job as a tech support type person at any large company - they like that kind of thing.

[Rat]

Assuming you already know a bit about computers, it's not difficult. I passed easily after the course, and I think I would still have passed without having taken it. It's just remembering the order of things when booting and that sort of thing that's tricky.

If your company is paying for it (mine did), then it's worth it, to prove that you're a good investment. Then you can go on to MCSE or whatever it is these days.

If you're paying out of your own pocket, it may not be

Employers generally care more for experience than qualifications, and this goes doubly for IT jobs. We would employ somebody based on either experience or demonstrated ability rather than qualifications, but, for some jobs, I guess the paperwork gets you to the interview stage.

Cheers,
Rat.

[shanek]

I walked through the door and passed it. It should be easy for anyone with enough hardware and OS experience. It's good for padding the ol' resume, but other than that I don't see any real use for it.

[deanerk]

I got my A+ and started working on my Network+ when I started looking for a new job. It worked to get me in. That was 2 years ago and I still haven't completed my Network+. So, basically it looks good on a resume, but on the job, experience is much more valuable in my experience. In the 2 years I've been here I've moved up nicely without completing any more certifications.

Also remember that if you expect the company you work for to pay for it you might have to commit to sticking with the company for a while. I paid for my own book for A+ and passed quite easily without taking a course.

IMHO, certifications can be a good indicator of your progress in IT if you're involved and working with what you're studying every day. I knew one guy who worked on the fringes of IT and had nearly completed his MCSE. He saw my setup at home and was amazed by my KVM switch because he had never seen one before. Yeah, his certifications are useless. He can talk the talk from his books, but when you sit him in front of a machine he needs help.

[Riddick]

Originally posted by ratcomp1974
Assuming you already know a bit about computers, it's not difficult. I passed easily after the course, and I think I would still have passed without having taken it. It's just remembering the order of things when booting and that sort of thing that's tricky.

If your company is paying for it (mine did), then it's worth it, to prove that you're a good investment. Then you can go on to MCSE or whatever it is these days.

If you're paying out of your own pocket, it may not be

Employers generally care more for experience than qualifications, and this goes doubly for IT jobs. We would employ somebody based on either experience or demonstrated ability rather than qualifications, but, for some jobs, I guess the paperwork gets you to the interview stage.

Cheers,
Rat.
it was very uncool of you to say that. the part about only company paid is justifiable. even though it may have some merit.

you can carry your A+ with you, no matter what company you work for. it is good to have especially in lieu of experience.

[Rat]

Originally posted by Riddick

it was very uncool of you to say that. the part about only company paid is justifiable. even though it may have some merit.
I disagree (obviously). The fact that I happily took a course that I knew I could pass, and which would teach me little of day-to-day use, shows commitment. For the fact that my company were willing to pay for it makes me feel I owe them something.

On the other hand, I'd be unlikely to take the course in the belief that it, and it alone was likely to lead to a job.

The exam is not too expensive, I guess. And therefore worthwhile as something to put on a CV. The course can be ludicrously expensive, for what it is, and is hard to justify. I say this on the basis that anyone looking for a job in IT will likely have an interest in IT, and should therefore know most of the stuff taught.

All of this, of course, ignores the fact that A+ is very much geared to helpdesk situations supporting Windoze on PCs. It's not much use for much else. Even the hardware part sometimes assumes that you're building a PC to boot Windoze.

Cheers,
Rat.

[scribble]

http://slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=04/02/20/2133246&mode=nested

Timely.

[Kopji]

(someone who has helped hire several IT people)

Not to disillusion anyone but my cat can get an A+ cert, it just does not mean all that much by itself.

A company that sends employees it already has for the cert is probably wasting their money.

A nice place to have the cert is if you are out of a job for a while and have a gap. Gaps are bad.
Mention during the interview you worked as a consultant and took the cert to keep the edge. "We like to hear that kind of thing".

[deanerk]

Not to disillusion anyone but my cat can get an A+ cert, it just does not mean all that much by itself.

Your cat is smarter than mine...

You're right, it doesn't mean all that much by itself if you plan to really get into IT. It can be a good introduction and starting point, though, for someone who has little or no IT experience. If you can't pass it on the first try after knowing what to expect on the exam, you're probably not going to work out in the IT world.