Network+ as first certification

[natekirk]

Just wondering if anyone has any experience with just skipping the A+ exam all together. Most of my computer knowledge has been self taught and more recently on the job learning in a help desk/system support position. I have basic knowledge of SQL Server, scripting, etc...

I have looked through a couple of the A+ practice tests and usually do fine, except with the hardware related questions, some of those are tricky.

I am moving towards a network security path and am looking for some opinions on the necessity of the A+ cert. I will be taking a Network+ class in March.


Thanks for any feedback!

 

[CiscoGuy33]

natekirk,

You can take any of the CompTIA exams in just about any order based on what is good for you or what certs you want to have!!!

Taking nothing away from CompTIA exams - most are very basic and can be passed normally by reading 1 book on the subject, so they show a min amount of expertise in any given area.

You said - "I am moving towards a network security path and am looking for some opinions on the necessity of the A+ cert." you might want to read the prior posts here on Network Security - lots of good info and ideas. Key is that to do network security/protect a network - you need to understand networking in great detail FIRST , more than just passing a Network + exam I would look long and hard at Cisco CCNA as a good understanding of networking - yes it is Cisco but Cisco controls about 75% of the networking market.

As long as you understand the basics of how computers work, NO NEED TO BE A+!! A+ would only come in handy if you were trying to do computer repairs and wanted something on your business card to put you equal with all the other repair techs out there

Good luck!

E.A. Broda
CCNA, CCDA, CCAI, Network +

 

[j355]

A+ is totally entry level. If you are beyond entry level, then if for some reason an employer requires it you can just take an afternoon off and go take the tests. It is not that hard at all.

I would skip it if I were you. Unless a future employer explicitly demands that you need it.

____________
Microsoft Certified Professional (70-290, 70-270)
VMware Certified Professional
XenSource Certified Professional
Veritas Certified Specialist
AIS - HP ProLiant ML/DL Servers
AIS - HP BladeSystem
IBM Certified Specialist - AIX and Linux
Comptia A+, Network+, Security+, Server+, Linux+

 

[tfg13]

I know that I skipped the A+, but that was 7 years ago. I've moved on since then, and never really regret not having the A+.

 

[beaner2005]

im working on security and server +. security is pretty cool, its all the security functions of networking and the internet. the funny thing is, all the answers to all these question could be answered with like one question. how do u hook up a network. ensure all protocols are installed on the machines u want to network.


server plus is kind of complicated. i was reading the book and scsi is so confusing. i hate it.

 

[SteveLord]

Why not get over yourself and just get it?

Get a cheap early expiration voucher and knock it out.