Certifications?!?!?

[Black99transam]

Are certifications worth it? I have alittle over 5 years experince in the IT world and I got most of that from the military i am now out in the civilian sector and I'm currently working as PC/network tech. I am getting allot of good experince here and will eventually be moving on, my question is should I get my MCSA and or MCSE relitivly soon? Are they worth the tiem or is my cirrent expernince equal to these? How should I go about getting my cert? Technical college, self study though books and CDS or one of those online streaming viedo things? Thanks in advance!

 

[NathanBWF]

IMO Experience > certs.

I graduated out of college with my A+, N+, MCP, and MCSE. The problem is, no one cares unless you have some experience to back those certs up. I now have my certs and 3 years of experience, and I'm still having trouble getting interviews. Your 5 years of experience should be enough to get you a good IT job, but some employers like you to have various certs just to know that you have some knowledge/experience in what they are looking for. If you still do want to get some certs (especially the MS ones), buy the resource kits, or some other books ans study that way. I wouldn't waste money on a course or school or anything. Their are lots of practice exams on the net that will help you too.

I guess the bottom line is, it definitely won't hurt to have some certs on your resume, but I don't think that you necessarily need them in your case. Just my 2 cents.

 

[daveybrat]

Agree with Nathan. I've been working as a pc tech now for 7 years and i don't have any of my certifications. It's been all self-taught. And i've worked my way up to tech manager. We still have kids coming in for interviews that have A+ and other certs but no experience and we just brush those resumes aside. Experience far outways certs IMO.

 

[Black99transam]

Thanks! anybody else have more input? What resorcies would you recommend to beef up my knowledge and resume in general? Specifically in networking.

 

[vwtankgirl]

I have been building and repairing since 98 and got my A+ in 2001, I am now flipping burgers for a living, but I got a promotion to management. I keep putting out apps and nobody wants what I have to offer. CompUSA didn't think I had enough experience, but they require A+ within 30days of hire. Lots of places in my area want at least an MCSE for PC tech jobs.
Hope this info helps.

 

[networkman]

I've been working as a computer tech for going on 15 years now. :Q Oh great made myself feel old again.

So far, I've got the A+ and am working on the Network+. I've been at the same place now for going on 10 years, and while neither is required for my job, in lieu of a Bachelor's degree, any extra cert I can get will always help justify my continued employment. From talking with others, I'd still say that getting a couple certs in addition to experience is a wise course. The other thing I think is wise, is to develope a very broad base of knowledge of the IT field; while specializing in certain areas is a good thing, broader knowledge and experience keeps you in good stead for both the ever-changing field, and for a prospective employer who isn't sure exactly which direction to move. Being able to draw from a wealth of knowledge from the folks on staff can help keep consultant costs down and out-sourcing out of a manager's mind.

 

[JRez]

Black,

It really depends on the employer. There's no substitute for experience. As many have said already, if the certifications are there without the experience, the resumes are usually tossed to the side. They can be a great way to prove that you have the appropriate knowledge, but they haven't guaranteed a job since the sector was flooded with people with all the certifications and no actual hands-on experience performing the tasks that they were tested on.

You've got the time in - it's just a matter of finding the right opening. A few employers will actually provide pay increases for obtaining/passing the certifications. Those employers seem to be fewer and more far between (at least in the Pittsburgh area) than they once were.