I doubt those tests will change a whole lot, so taking the new ones shouldn't be to big of a deal, you can always take the new exams. I'm not a fan of certifications at all, but have you looked into the Microsoft ones? The Microsoft software is very advanced, in many cases it's even the only option. Since so many large infrastructures work with Microsoft, knowing the email systems, or Active Directory systems, is a good place to find work. That said, I have a problem with certifications sometimes, because for one you are working with one vendor usually, and they won't push good standards - you may learn the configurations, specific protocols, but not ideas, and fundamentals. Also sometimes certifications seem pretty narrow, but I suppose if you were working with backups, it couldn't hurt to have some sort of backup/SAN certification : ). That's just been my personal experience with them, I've dug my grave, and now I have to live with it, but it sure is boring : ).
As far as price, certifications are much cheaper than college courses. Although a degree in computer science or information systems is the way to go for IT. At least I think you learn a lot more in computer science courses than studying for some Microsoft certification. Although the school I went to is now integrating more of the certification courses, where before there were things like C programming classes, computer sciences type classes which I thought were great. I think they are making a big mistake.For the Cisco certifications, CCNA is the entry level one. It goes CCNA>CCNP>CCIE. I always though the Cisco stuff was a little more fun, since you end up learning the protocols in detail and some algorithms, but you could learn things just as interesting on a regular PC. The last certification is a day lab, where you work with a communication system that's been messed up, and you basically put it back together. There's also Linux Redhat certifications that are similar where the third level includes a day lab you have to pass. It's certainly one track to take, and if you get the CCIE or the Redhat stuff I"m sure you'd have no problem doing just about all the things Cisco and Redhat are working with. I just think they're kinda lame, because it's like: learn x,y and z, and give me answers to some useless detail, when it's really other things that matter. Lame or not though they will get you cash money. Anyways the Microsoft certifications have pretty good value as far as work, so I wouldn't just brush them off. Don't forget programming, because it helps in everything, and it's about half the battle or more : ). Personally I find the programming very interesting, but it's an awful lot to learn
college isnt just a forgotten thing to me either i can take some of my certs in and get credit for them and i plan on doing college after this, but as far as the IT industry goes everyone ive ever talked to has always said certifications are the most important thing FIRST
i probably have a 1% chance of ever winning in duel against you
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November 25, 2024, 03:14:12 PM