A+ certification

**Gumby** · 04-29-10, 12:22 PM

A+ is a good start, but it is not the end of the road. Choosing a career in IT is to choose a career of test taking if you want to advance your career. Experience counts more than certs, but do not discount their value. An employer may look at a cert as an indication of you at least having a decent knowledge of a technology, even if you do not have a lot of experience with that particular technology. I worked as a geek-squad type guy for quite a while before I got my A+. My boss wanted me to do it for a raise. A+ can be a "foot in the door" type of thing. After that, the rest is up to you. Good Luck!

**Keiron** · 04-29-10, 12:35 PM

Also note that you might want to decide what is best for you soon. After this year the A+, Network+, and Security+ certifications will become valid for only 3 years at a time. If you get any of those before December 31, 2010, then they will be valid for life.

I'm hoping to get mine this year just so I don't have to worry about them.

**Muqtar SGT_Clintok** · 05-01-10, 07:05 AM

Most responses are crafted towards the environment that the writer works in. As you can see, they vary/

What day to day responsibilities do you have?

Where do you think you want to go with your career in the next 3 years and next 10 years?

**HeavyG** · 05-01-10, 04:23 PM

Certs are great for entry level positions with little experience, but expect little pay compared to those that have work experience, project experience, or even leadership/management experience.

The IT industry can pay, but don't expect to make the big bucks being a grunt. Technical knowledge is nothing if you don't have people/communication skills. The stereotypical IT guys that have condescending and bad attitudes are the way they are for a reason... they get paid shitty and feel like they are irreplaceable. The honest truth is that they are a dime a dozen, with or without certifications. What is difficult to replace is people skills and communication skills that come with experience.

Getting the certs is a good way to get your foot in the door somewhere, but don't stop there.

**Phyrelight** · 05-01-10, 04:31 PM

Originally Posted by HeavyG

Certs are great for entry level positions with little experience, but expect little pay compared to those that have work experience, project experience, or even leadership/management experience.

The IT industry can pay, but don't expect to make the big bucks being a grunt. Technical knowledge is nothing if you don't have people/communication skills. The stereotypical IT guys that have condescending and bad attitudes are the way they are for a reason... they get paid shitty and feel like they are irreplaceable. The honest truth is that they are a dime a dozen, with or without certifications. What is difficult to replace is people skills and communication skills that come with experience.

Getting the certs is a good way to get your foot in the door somewhere, but don't stop there.

amen

**Too Much Damage** · 05-02-10, 12:10 AM

Originally Posted by HeavyG

Certs are great for entry level positions with little experience, but expect little pay compared to those that have work experience, project experience, or even leadership/management experience.

The IT industry can pay, but don't expect to make the big bucks being a grunt. Technical knowledge is nothing if you don't have people/communication skills. The stereotypical IT guys that have condescending and bad attitudes are the way they are for a reason... they get paid shitty and feel like they are irreplaceable. The honest truth is that they are a dime a dozen, with or without certifications. What is difficult to replace is people skills and communication skills that come with experience.

Getting the certs is a good way to get your foot in the door somewhere, but don't stop there.

Great advice HeavyG.
Ill take it to heart.