What do I need? 1

[tnpctech]

I was curious what certification(s) I will need to be able to work on pc's on the side per se. Something that will not void someones warranty. Say the customer wants some credentials to assure them they can trust you for the work. Thanks guys.

 

[SimonDavies]

A+, it's all PC based rather than network, it's not vendor specific and so will be a best bet for you.

SimonD.

The real world is not about exam scores, it's about ability.

 

[tnpctech]

Thanks, I am 1/2 way there so far!

 

[tfg13]

I'd almost agree. Yes, A+ is a good stepping stone, but you stated "Something that will not void someones warranty". Unfortunately, A+ is not that cert. Some of the manufacturers require a technician to have their own vendor certification. These might be some helpful links:

http://www.hp.com/certification/credential/index.html?credcode=c101

http://dcse.dell.com/DCSECertExam.asp

http://training.apple.com/certification/acmt

As you can see, there are a bunch of vendor specific certifications you need to have to "not void the warranty". Now, on a lighter note, I have to disagree with most of the warranties that are on systems. What I mean is that if/when a hard drive goes bad, it is 10 times easier to get a new hard drive, then to take the machine to an "authorized" dealer and have them replace the bad drive. Especially when most of those "authorized" dealers will take a couple days to get the machine done.

Not to mention the price tag of getting an upgrade of some sort (most "authorized" dealers will charge for upgrades). Over $100 an hour just seems too expensive to me.

 

[CiscoGuy33]

tfg13,

GREAT point about the company certs - I know a guy that was A+ and Dell certified and that got him hired full-time at a company that had Dells everywhere!

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

 

[tfg13]

Thanks CiscoGuy! All we can do is try to make sure we don't steer anybody wrong....

 

[kmcferrin]

The vendor specific certs can be handy. The benefit to them is that you become an authorized warranty agent for the company. This means that if you are HP certified and you are working on an HP system, you can call the depot directly for replacement parts instead of having to call tech support and go through their troubleshooting process to get a replacement part. That saves a lot of time and frustration. Even at the system engineer level many companies like having someone on staff who can self-service the warranty issues instead of having to get in the support queue.

________________________________________
CompTIA A+, Network+, Server+, Security+
MCSE:Security 2003
MCTS:Active Directory
MCTS:Network Infrastructure
MCTS:Applications Infrastructure

 

[tnpctech]

Thanks again for the information. I guess I will have to look in to some vendor specific certs. I did become A+ certified on May 14th. Having only a law enforcement BG, the test was a tad difficult for me. I am presently working on Network+ and Security+. I have some good labs and study every day. I am hoping to pass those by August, and work toward my MCSE and MCSA. Eventually, I would like to go back to college, boost my A.S. to a bachelor in cyber security, and maybe get a job with weekends off!

 

[tfg13]

Congrats on passing the A+. That should be a feather in your cap for continuing to go after the job that you want.

You say you have a law enforcement background. Have you thought about which direction of computers you want to get into? I see you are looking for the other 2 "big" CompTIA certs. Any particular reason?

The reason I am asking those questions, is that with a law enforcement background, you have an opportunity to look into computer forensics within the capacity of a law enforcement agency. However, if computer forensics is not something you are interested in, by all means, don't go that route. I don't want to give you any bad advice, so just wanted to see where you want to take your computer career.

 

[tnpctech]

I want to have a good foundation to start with on the computer path. I have opened a pc repair business on the side to offset some of the software and exam costs. My plans are this: Network+, Security+, MCSA, MCSE, then go back to finish my bachelor's degree in "Cyber Security". I am shooting for entry level security data analyst (comparable to what I am making in salary now), then build on that. I want the experience and certs as a good BG. I am looking at a 10-20 year growth path to retirement. Realistically speaking, I made $200 less than my captain, and 2-3G shy of my chief, whom has been in law enforcement since 1979. I can not make the same amount of money now-20 years from now!!

____________________
CompTIA A+

 

[tfg13]

Cyber Security is a huge field. Actually choosing a discipline is a very good idea on your part, and you should get some kudos for that. Don't sell other certs short either. Some of the best certs out there for security related interests are SANS, but bear in mind that they are costly. You can't really pass the tests without some sort of instruction from SANS, or decades of experience.

I would also recommend CISSP, but if you are not currently working in some sort of security related field now, it is very difficult to get (requirement is 4 years in a security related field).

Good job on your A+, and keep working on your goals. Sounds like you have it all mapped out, and good luck.

 

[tnpctech]

I am a bit an*l when it comes to persistence. I am hoping that my BG in law enforcement, certs, and schooling will land me a good job. I do not expect anything extravagant, especially starting out, but I would like to make a decent living. I plan on applying to the private sectors. I would like to work on a top secret security clearance (with some co.) and maybe travel a bit. My college (future) counselor recommended Homeland Security. I prefer to work for a bank or something, maybe NYC. I am from the state, might as well move back. I looked up the CISSP, apparently, people that have had 15 years in IT Sec. have failed the exam! Speaking of costly, I spent $500 for A+, $1G for N+ & S+, and the MSCE looks to be around 2G.

____________________
CompTIA A+