IT Certification FAQ

A: Yes. If you don't want to 'skip' anything, Net+ is exactly the next logical step
and wouldn't be a waste of time.

Don

Hi,
As I understand it Network Plus has advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages:
1. Vendor non-specific. Excellent overview of the field.
2. Requires only one test not (what is it) 6 or 8 tests with the MSCE.
3. In your case you are already used to Comptia testing methods. MS tests
( I am told) have a program that change the test as a result of you wrong
answers and may thus be considered harder.

Disadvantages:
1. Not meaty enoungh. Does not have the weight that MSCE does as it is only
one test.
2. Because it is NOT vendor specific it is not as valuable in a MS
enviroment. .

I think it has to do with your career goals. I am studing for the I-net +
now. I will most likely pursue the Network + Cert also. BUT that is because
I want a just to prove I have a general background in networking. My in
depth certification will most likely be in VB Net or CIW.

So it has to do with your goals. Also if you have not fixed yourself on a
particular subset of computers the Comptia certifications are a great way to
start. It may be useful to take the Network + certification and see if that
can get you something in the work field. You can always go for the full MSCE
or other Networking Vendor Cert latter. Studying for the Network + is less
costly and if you then find networking is not your favorite area of compters
it will still be benificial in that you will have a good background
certification in additition to the area you decide to specialize in.

One final note on MS. If you do take the MSCE instead of the Network + after
passing one exam, while you will not have the MSCE but you will get a MCP
certification. My fear is that they before I would finish the whole MSCE
package they will upgrade to a new OS. But then they usally have a test for
the prior MSCE to fast upgrade their certification. That problem is true of
most certifications anyway.

Brian

source: alt.certification.i-net-plus
added: March 2003

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