Coming back, will certifications help?

[HVHasher]

After I got laid off in 2002 I left IT for a while but having found the alternative path I tried wasn't what I was after I'm looking at coming back to IT.

My five years in the field were as a developer, but I'd prefer to come back as either a tech or a sys admin.

My question is would certifications help given that I've out of IT for almost three years and I want to come back in a different area than I was previously in? Also, if they will help which would be the better option?

I still have my current job and can take my time. I've picked up some A+ stuff and it looks like I could be ready in a short period of time. Right now I was thinking of a progression that looks something like this:

A+ -> Linux+ -> Network+ -> Server+ -> Security+ -> MCSA...I might rearrange the order somewhat, taking some of the MCSA stuff interspaced among the others (the reason it's at the end is to leverage TIA exams for the elective).

 

[schase]

I would say that Certs cannot hurt - only assist.

You will run into the people that feel they went through 4 years of college and your taking the *easy* way out. That type of arrogance.

But IMHO more and more department heads are realizing in the IT field - having the degree does not always equal a certain level of knowledge.

Your path is really up to what you feel will put you in a better position. That type of path would be pretty decent for a Network or Server Tech/Admin I would think.

"Ever stop to think, and forget to start again?"

Stuart
A+, Net+