A+ certification? Useful? Useless? Bachelors + A+ = better?

[ChillPhatCat]

I just decided today to "train" for and become a computer technition, I've been doing this stuff for 7 years, so it's pretty much just a peice of paper away. I read up on A+ certification and on degree programs, but I would like to bypass the whole degree program if possible... so I am wondering if getting a BS in IT and then A+ certification is particularly advantageous or I should just sit down and take the A+ certification test after refining my computer terminology.

Thanks in advance
-CPC

[GT2000]

People all have their own opinions on this, and this is just a bit of mine, along with what I've seen happen and heard from others around here.. (I'm A+ cert. btw)

Some companies explicitly state that they are only looking for potential hiries (sp?) that have their A+, sometimes even if they don't currently hold a degree, some just say that an A+ cert. is recommended, etc.

From what I've heard from instructors and such at school is that the best way to go is to have a combination of both, have your degree (I finish up my A.A.S. this month), and be certified.

I'm going for the well-rounded package, my AAS in Computer Network Technology, I have my A+, F.O.I., and I should be getting my Net+ sometime soon as well. (Besides, my school does $15 vouchers for the exam).

[FlypSyde]

The days when a few letters like MCSE or A+ would get you hired are long gone my friend. Those letters will get your resume noticed but education and experience is what gets you a job nowadays.

[GT2000]

That isn't always the case, I know better than to put my future on a couple sets of letters after my name, however there are companies that will look at educations, and then use the certifications as the tie-breaker if interviews were equally well. Hence why I'm going for both.

And yeah, I know an AAS isn't top-notch or anything, I'm just "getting my feet wet" right now ;)

[FlypSyde]

It amounts to the same thing. More emphasis on education and experience. Acronyms are either what get you noticed or icing on the cake.

[mbentley]

i would go for the degree... the degree times time and dedication... the A+ isn't that hard to get... they are trying to make it harder to get an A+ but it's still too easy IMHO. hence, i am here at purdue.

[nealric]

A+ is nowhere near what a degree is.
I got my A+ in 3mos after just reading a book a couple times.
A degree... 4 years minimum

Im STILL trying to actually get a job with my A+ (works real good for freelance though :D)

[ChillPhatCat]

Dammit.

I'm gonna see what the A+ can do for me and then look into the degree, I guess my AS in engineering will be of little use. I'm gonna have to test out of so many classes LOL.

[m3pimpin]

What good book would u guys suggest on A+ to study for the test, and up my knowledge?

[Pyros]

I am in a similar circumstance and have done alot of research on weither on not you should get a degree on just certification in areas. No matter which way you go, you need to get the A+. And from the research I have done it seem that it depends on where your looking for a job and what job your looking for. I suggest you do a local job search is some specific fields(example:MCP,MCSE,MCSA, etc.) to see what the majority of companies are wanting.

This is a good place to read and compare about this subject. http://mcpmag.com/salarysurveys/article.asp?editorialsid=59[/URL]

[ninthebin]

I think its a case of how much the employer your going to values it...if he thinks an A+ is the be all and end all then it will be useful. If he recommends it but suggests other qualifications then perhaps you should look towards the degree.

[FunkyTechnician]

For most people I believe getting a degree is the most helpful and valuable thing to do as far as a career goes. There is always the exception, and everyone seems to know someone who is extremely successful without a degree but most of the qualifications I've seen in the past year explicitly state the requirement of a bachelor's degree or equal experience.

I'm a strong believer in getting a degree myself. Even if things don't work out for you in the IT field, a bachelor's in an unrelated field still stands for something, while an A+ certification in the same situation stands for much less.

[overclocker23]

I am gonna read some books and get my A+ certification. I really don't care if it is useful or not and besides I am only 15. This will increase my knowledge about hardware.

[overclocker23]

Just do whatever you want to do. The tests are not that expensive.

[JML]

A+ by itself is hardly anything to an employer. If the only cert you had was A+, you could get a $7 an hour job repairing computers. And this is what I was told from a guy who's been in the computer industry since the 80's

[nealric]

you could get a $7 an hour job repairing computers.

LOL- thats all i want and I still cant find one with my A+