pointy_ears
Tue Apr 08 11:54:27 CDT 2008
On Apr 8, 9:30 am, pointy_e...@hotmail.com wrote:
> On Mar 26, 2:31 am, Dude <D...@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:
>
>
>
> > My employer requires A+ and Network+ before you can get hired. For most
> > MCSE's though, the MCSE seems to carry more weight though. Here are the
> > pro's and con's of A+ and Network+, in my opinion.
>
> > Pros: A+ and Network+ show more experience. You might have a better chance
> > at a job overs someone who is a 'paper' MCSE. Network+ will help you prepare
> > for other exams like the CCNA and 70-291 exams. A+ and Network+ NEVER expire
> > or reach 'end of life cycle'. CompTIA exams are non vendor specific, so if
> > Microsoft goes belly up your credentials will still be valid. CompTIA A+ and
> > Network+ together count as an elective for the MCSA/MCSE certifications.
>
> > Cons: Not as well known as MCSE. Some people have never heard of CompTIA.
> > A+ and Network+ aren't as well recognized outside of the US. The exams cost
> > almost double the price of Microsoft exams. To take both A+ and the Network+
> > exams will cost almost $700, ouch! The high price tag is why most MCSE's
> > skip these exams.
>
> > I've also taken Security+, which is a good exam and not that hard. I've
> > seen test questions similar to Security+ on some Microsoft exams like 70-622
> > and 70-649. This exam will help prepare you for other exams. Security+ is
> > also an elective for the MCSA/MCSE certifications. Security+ is non vendor
> > specific. If you take A+ and Network+, I also recommend that you take
> > Security+. Maybe your employeer will reimburse you for the exam fees?
> > Security is a big issue these days.
>
> > I've also taken CompTIA i-Net+, which doesn't seem to help much unless you
> > are a Webmaster. Some of the exam questions were similar to Security+ and
> > some Microsoft exams. It did help me study for other exams, but I don't
> > think it was really worth the exam fee. A+/Network+ and Security+ will do
> > more to help you get a job than i-Net+.
>
> > Ok, there is my $0.02 about CompTIA. I hope this helps.
>
> > "Win.Tin....@gmail.com" wrote:
> > > Does it help to have A+ certificate (not just knowing he material) of
> > > rht epurpose of job hunting in networking for someone whose career
> > > goal is in Networking?
>
> > > If not necessary, I'd rather not spend money on A+certification. I am
> > > taking the second class of A+ at a local college.
>
> If it helps any in your decision-making process, you can take a look
> at information about average salaries for people with different
> certifications. I saw one recently at
http://careersaver.com/SalaryByCertification.asp
> that compared 2006 to 2007, so that you can see the trends. The same
> site (it's a cert prep company, in case you were wondering) also has
> tools to show you what exams are required for each certification, so
> that you can figure out what's involved in each one. Those are at
http://careersaver.com/CertificationTracks.asp
> Of course, just remember what was said earlier in the thread: the
> certifications get them to look your way. Make sure that you develop
> the real-world skills to hold their attention.
Actually, after making my previous post, I noticed that the site I was
mentioning also has an article about 2008's "hottest" certifications
--
http://careersaver.com/TopCerts.asp
Sorry for my absent-mindedness in not noticing it before, but it looks
like it could also be useful in helping you decide what you want to do
with your career. Good luck.