494 replies to this topic

[dougpw]

I need to get certified .... we had a new manager start about 3 months ago and when he found out about half our tech support team were not certified he couldnt believe it ..........  I have been with the company 8 yrs now 5yrs as a field tech and 3 now as tech support but have never got certified ........ Oh well , I had better hit the books

[douggw]

Like many on here, I have been working in the IT field for some time (14 years) and have only had an "official" certification for MSCE, and one for Checkpoint - both about 9 years ago.  I thought surely with all my on the job experience and knowledge that something like A+ certification isn't that necessary for me.

Now, I find myself job hunting and guess what? Some of the jobs I am wanting to apply for, that I am overqualified for, won't even look at me without the A+ certification.

They don't care if I have 14 years of practical on the job experience. They want to see that current certification first, and THEN they will look at my 14 years of experience.

[ageofclark]

I wish the industry placed more emphasis on knowledge over certifications. I would rather walk into an interview ready to fix something, than to have to list off a bunch of certs.

[tegchess]

I worked in the IT field for 15 years. Was away from IT for 5 years and now returning. Even with my 15 years of IT background I need to get A+ and network+ for the new position. Based on my background the company is giving me time to get these certifications. It's study time.

Tony

[Avega]

I am just starting out and I am about to take the A+ test in a matter of weeks but is it really necessary in today's world?

[Avega]

Any tips on what I should study more of? D you have any good study guides?

[johnniez]

I have been employed for 1 company(office equip service) for 24 years.Just found out my salary will not increase until I get this certification,  and yes, you do need this cert, our company will not hire anyone without A+ and NET+

[mwblack1966]

The more I study the more nervous I am about taking the A+.  So Much info don't know where to focus. Any ideas for good study guides and cheat sheets.

[rhutchinsdriven]

That is great i am also studying for this test a lot of people blow this test off but i think every little bit helps an i figure employers like to see those who have taken iniative. I would like to be a network admonistrator one day.

[rhutchinsdriven]

After the upgrade are performed

[rhutchinsdriven]

Ive talked to techs engineers they all tell me certs and school are very important certs ive watched guys work for years dont keep up with certs and get layed off dont get mad just realize you choose this feild youd better get used to taking tests

[fergiemac]

I am prepping for A+ by using Mike Meyer's book and Messer's website. Is classroom training better?

[jamie.129]

OK THIS IS MY 1ST POST OH YEA !

[jamie.129]

Love this site!!

[billw9]

 derelict, on 18 October 2007 - 05:42 PM, said:

Heck, yeah an A+ Cert is worthwhile!

I currently work for a government agency [MN] and, while it is true you can get a helpdesk position with minimal experience, you are also going to get minimal pay [I believe it tops out at just under $20.00] The IT positions [and IT apprentices] start out at around $23.00 an hour and go up to $34.00--and all they require is A+ cert [although they would like MCDST/MCSA/MCSE or any of the other Microsoft certs] but they aren't required.

So don't you go thinking that you are wasting your time, efforts, and $ in obtaining a certificate.

I've also found that if you are looking for easy experience, after you obtain your cert, especially with the holidays coming, places like Geek Squad hire Seasonal employees.

Just a tip for those having a tough time breaking into the field for lack of experience

Is your wage scale on the higher end of this industry?  I got laid off from my last job and the A+ techs were doing piecework....when you figured the driving time, etc they averaged 10/hr

[porkbutt]

For those of you who are still "just looking" this my second post but i found this site 8 months ago and thought it was a scam. I did nothing except waste alot of money and more importantly time. Now I know better a big YES you need A+ certification to find employment and to get more money. Many thanks to you guys and gals out there who have returned to ProProfs to testify and represent.

[mhagin]

gamon, strange but true, isn't it?

I got my A+ in 1996 and was asked that also.

Time to get bookin, haha!

[blackheart4246]

 stroupe12, on 15 October 2007 - 05:51 AM, said:

I am new to this forum and site and was just wondering about how long it took some of you to get certified?

New as well some experience able to get some things newbe on the rest

[blackheart4246]

 blackheart4246, on 06 June 2012 - 05:50 AM, said:

New as well some experience able to get some things newbe on the rest

hope to be able to draw on the vast knowledge of the group

[cjtheriault]

It is nice to see so many encouraging experiences on here.  I am new to this part of the IT world (studying Health Information Mangement), at first I didn't understand why I would need to know how to take a unit apart, but my understanding of the workings of the system will now make a valuable asset when working with the IT department on what our needs are and how to best meet them.