IT Certification FAQ

A: I would start with A+ and Network + which given your background sounds like it won't be that hard. The next step depends on what part of networking you want, MS certs for straight forward network admin or Cisco for the meat and potatoes of the networking world.

Daniel Lawrence

Network+ would be a good one to do next. Server+ focuses on servers and how to manage and install them and configure them. It is a good vendor neutral cert to have. Security+ is a hot cert, you are correct. With the amount of networks out there that are being hacked and problems with security, I feel that network security will be a job market growing. If you are looking towards advanced certs you can obtain CCNA with one test. That is the Cisco Certified Network Associate. The MCSA takes 3 tests and then you can combine your A+ and Network+ towards the 4th exam elective. The job market is tough no matter what you have though. There is no substitute for real world experience. I have the same degree you will be getting and it is still tough to get a job. I minored in Finance and used that to get an underwriter assistant job for an insurance company and then was able to make a lateral move into the IT department.

crazymiclo

I agree- go for the A+, then the Network+. Then, you can use those as one elective towards the MCSA. You'll then need to take 70-210 (W2K Prof), 70-215(W2K Server), and 70-218 (Managing W2K Network). You'll then have four certifications (A+, Network+, MCP and MCSA).

I'm in the same boat- I graduated 20 years ago with a B.A. in accounting. I went back to school to get a second Bachelor's in Information Technology (graduating this May), thinking I'd make more money. Boy, did things change fast. :)

Bobster123

source: alt.certification.a-plus
added: March 2003

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