Several questions regarding tech career future

[sammy sung]

I'll try to keep this as brief as possible. I'm 25 years old and have about four years experience with computer hardware, virus removal and some moderate registry skills. I've owned and operated my own hometown PC Repair business for about seven months now and have been relatively successful. I've had little competition aside from places like bestbuy and staples.

I'm now looking into making my credentials seem more official, as well as hopefully expand upon my knowledge overall. First route of course would be getting an A+ Certification. I've read that vouchers cost between $160-190 and that this particular Cert mainly tests your knowledge of hardware. It sounds like the perfect first cert to grab, if not the most commonly acquired? Are there things any of you reading here could tell me about what I'd need to know to be relatively prepared for an exam? How would you compare getting an A+ cert as opposed to going to school to get an associates in Networking? Conversely, how would you compare getting a Network+ cert as opposed to a degree in networking?

Ultimately I'm looking to expand my knowledge, as I've said. But I'd really like to add to my list of credentials as well. Just in case in a year or two I decide my personal business can no longer sustain me, and I need to build a resume for even a low level tech position. How would you weigh certs vs an associates? The associates will obviously cost me more money and time overall than the certs. Do the benefits balance the negatives?

Also, when preparing for certs, would you suggest taking classes? Or would you say that buying accredited books like CompTIA A+ by Jane Holcombe and reading them front to back several times and applying the knowledge learned would be just as well? Which certifications would you suggest to someone looking to remain successful in their own home repair business?

If you read this, thank you. Also advance thanks to those that reply with opinions and experiences!

 

[ronintexas]

The A+ cert is the most common accreditation available - here is a good guide: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/listing/2671248946894?r=1&kpid=2671248946894&cm_mmc=GooglePLA-_-Book_45Up-_-Q000000633-_-2671248946894

As for further training - your best bet would be to choose a discipline within the computer tech field. There are quite a few career paths within IT. If you are thinking your business will do well in your area - maybe some business management classes would be good so you can grow your business.

 

[utgotye]

Let it be known that networking and security are the prime movers in the IT fields nowadays, at least around here. Even basic knowledge can be enough to get your foot in the door somewhere. A degree vs a certification will most likely depend on exactly what type of field you are going into. For myself, with associates in systems, networking and security, it made it easy since I know a little bit about everything and all that is required is learning the specifics that an individual company uses. I have yet to worry too much about certifications as none were required to get my current position. However, should I wish to move up, certifications may become more important and this way, since it may or may not be a prerequisite for said position, I can have the company cover some or all of the cost of taking the certification exam through reimbursement.

The A+ is not particularly difficult to acquire. I'd wager that the vast majority of people who have worked with computer hardware, built their own systems or systems for others and such, could walk in, sit down and pass it based on experience alone. The Security+ is more difficult but not that much more so. Many people wouldn't need to study or would only have to study a couple things that aren't as familiar with. Many Microsoft certifications are much the same way. Most Windows power users could function as tier2 support at Microsoft at minimum.

If networking is your thing, the CCNA can really open some doors for you. Though I took classes for my networking associates modeled on the CCNA curriculum, I wasn't in a position to take the exam around graduation, nor would I have been comfortable doing given the difficulty of the minutia of the subject matter.

 

[utgotye]

The biggest thing to remember, and this doesn't just apply to IT but to life in general, don't confuse credentials with competence. They are not the same thing. Experience trumps everything.

 

[Rayven2]

Everyone had some good points, yes A+ is pretty much the stepping stone. You could probably pass this with ease considering you've run a repair business, I'd go for it just because it will be better to have something on your resume.

When it comes to studying, it really depends on you. Some people can be self taught and others need a classroom environment. As for A+ and networking, they don't really go hand in hand. You have people in networking who have never built a computer nor will. Of course having both skills is great but if you want to focus on networking, obviously you'll do the networking course/certs.

As to your question, for which is better. Some employers prefer you having a CCNA over a degree at times, remember tho. A lot of people will try to have both. As for Security+, it's not something you'd touch on until you have solid networking knowledge and qualifications.

 

[RockyMark]

Agree with utgotye. Experience is the one of the success keys in the IT industry. I'll add soft skills with this. Soft Skills help maintain interpersonal relationships at work. Soft skills are helpful in keeping up associations with customers and business partners. As per my experience, most of the IT companies looking for employees with good soft skills. You can find more about soft skills below.
http://ben-karter.tumblr.com/post/121734952610/importance-of-soft-skills-in-the-it-industry

 

[grdbeavmn]

Many Microsoft certifications are much the same way. Most Windows power users could function as tier2 support at Microsoft at minimum.