IT Technician Certifications

[Caleb]

As some may know, I'm going to school for computers...natural thing for me. I know I'm going to get my A+ and Network+ certifications, but what other would you recommend for the network admin field? CCNA? MCSE?

 

[indyjohn]

Cisco Nexus cert. Nexus is the hot ticket in VM right now.

 

[HICKMAN]

Sounds like you are looking in to Sysadmin type stuff.

After A+ and Net+, working towards the Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) and then Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP). These have basically replaced the MCSE/MCP certs. Security related certs are good, look at Security+ and CISSP.

Another popular cert is the VMWare Datacenter Virtualization.

Best bet for those looking at IT jobs is to keep an eye on what they are looking for one sites like dice.com and careerbuilder.com

 

[Caleb]

Microsoft certificates over cisco certificates?

 

[Magneto]

I at one time was a CCNA. Never got me anywhere. Still doing the same jobs I was before I had it.

 

[TRL]

VM Ware and hands on experience. Volunteer or intern to get hands on experience...

 

[kjf40]

Microsoft certificates over cisco certificates?

I would do both...but i would probably do the Cisco first...MHO

 

[DialTone301]

Get a job and get experience. The certs look good on a resume but are worthless as far as I am concerned. I have worked with people that have all the certs and are not capable of actually doing anything on a live network. I always hire based on experience and not what cert they have. Too many people are good at taking tests (or have been coached on the answers).

 

[PistolBob]

All the CompTIA certs are nice, but all they show is that you have demonstrated a basic knowledge of elementary IT subjects. I would not waste a whole lot of time on them if you have other goals in mind. Virtualization, and Storage Administration are probably the two fastest growing segments in IT right now. There are 20 bazillion Cisco CCNA's and MCSE's out there looking for work and doing temp jobs. Start off with getting your VMware Certified Professional cert and build on that. I don't think there is a single good Virtualization guy in town making much less than 80K. Experience with EMC Unified Storage, Netapp, and HP storage systems is in demand now as well.

 

[PistolBob]

Get a job and get experience. The certs look good on a resume but are worthless as far as I am concerned. I have worked with people that have all the certs and are not capable of actually doing anything on a live network. I always hire based on experience and not what cert they have. Too many people are good at taking tests (or have been coached on the answers).

There is no substitute for experience. Amen to that.

 

[HICKMAN]

Microsoft certificates over cisco certificates?

depends on what you want to do. MS/Linux/VMware certs if you want to focus on server type stuff. Cisco if you want to work on Switches/Routers.

Unless you are working for a really small shop, you will probably be on a team focused on a certain area, like Telecom or server stuff or the desktop group.

 

[HICKMAN]

Start off with getting your VMware Certified Professional cert and build on that.

Don't you have to attend their actual class to be able to take their cert tests? I'm usually a self-study guy, but want to focus on this one down the road.

 

[Caleb]

Get a job and get experience. The certs look good on a resume but are worthless as far as I am concerned. I have worked with people that have all the certs and are not capable of actually doing anything on a live network. I always hire based on experience and not what cert they have. Too many people are good at taking tests (or have been coached on the answers).

How would one get a job in the field to gain experience if everybody requires experience?

 

[Caleb]

depends on what you want to do. MS/Linux/VMware certs if you want to focus on server type stuff. Cisco if you want to work on Switches/Routers.

Unless you are working for a really small shop, you will probably be on a team focused on a certain area, like Telecom or server stuff or the desktop group.

I love working with switches and routers, setting up and maintaining networks, and configuring severs. All very interesting...

I want to head in the direction that will give me a good salary while doing the above mentioned things I'm interested in.

 

[HICKMAN]

Get a job and get experience. The certs look good on a resume but are worthless as far as I am concerned. I have worked with people that have all the certs and are not capable of actually doing anything on a live network. I always hire based on experience and not what cert they have. Too many people are good at taking tests (or have been coached on the answers).

That's good for you and your situation.... but when happens if your company lets you go? You will find yourself, competing with those with 20+ years experience, plus a 4 year degree, plus all the certs.

I know this from personal experience just last year...


But that doesn't help this guy who is new, looking to get in to the IT field.

 

[HICKMAN]

I love working with switches and routers, setting up and maintaining networks, and configuring severs. All very interesting...

I want to head in the direction that will give me a good salary while doing the above mentioned things I'm interested in.

Ever consider joining the Army or Reserve/Guard and becoming a Warrant Officer in the Signal Corps?

 

[Caleb]

Ever consider joining the Army or Reserve/Guard and becoming a Warrant Officer in the Signal Corps?

My eyesight and hearing is too bad for the military

 

[Hop]

Cisco over Microsoft if you want to be a back room server type guy. If you like working with the public go the other way around.

There is a new 3 part Cisco field technician type cert that I've been looking at. I've been doing the IT thing for 10+ years now and the only cert (I already have a degree in a related technical field) if for IBM Domino / Lotus Notes. It's not very common or popular but has kept me in a job.

 

[HICKMAN]

gotcha. I still recommend getting every cert you can

 

[PistolBob]

Don't you have to attend their actual class to be able to take their cert tests? I'm usually a self-study guy, but want to focus on this one down the road.

Yes. You have to attend their 5 day long, management and admin class. It's about $3000 too.

My employer paid for me to go and I got my VCP a couple years ago. vSphere 5 is out now...so if you are a VCP 4 you have a certain amount of time to take the VCP 5 exam, OR you'll have to take that effing class again. I just took the VCP 5 exam in November so I am good and did not have to take the class again.

It's a difficult test, and if they find out you bought a Test King cheat for it, they will immediately revoke your cert and make you wait 90 days to take it again.

I think most VCP test takers have been doing VM admin and management for close to a year before they try the test.