| At the beginning of your entry level information | | | | many certs can actually harm your chances of a |
| technology stage? No doubt you are confused with | | | | entry level information technology job. |
| the so many certifications out there. I'll make things | | | | How easy is it to get certified? |
| very simple. If you are a total newbie go for the | | | | If you are going for your first cert and haven't |
| Comptia's A+ Cert - actually most professionals get | | | | worked in the industry before, it will be a voyage of |
| this regardless of experience. | | | | uncertainty. But it's an exciting one! Find yourself |
| As we are working with computers, A+ gives you an | | | | some study material, book your exam. Pass!!! All this |
| overall rounded knowledge on how to build them, fix | | | | will be unfamiliar but with your second cert you would |
| them and troubleshoot them. And it looks good on | | | | have aced the process. |
| your resume too. | | | | No cert is 'easy' but all are doable. Depending on your |
| But I don't know what my role will be!!! | | | | experience and time you have to study, devote 3-6 |
| Most of us don't. We love working with computers | | | | months to gaining certification. |
| yet are unsure what our role will eventually be. That's | | | | What's the best way to study? |
| ok. As you work in the industry things will become | | | | Most I.T professionals will advise entry level |
| clearer. Concentrate on getting your first cert. Enjoy | | | | information technology candidates to self study. This |
| the process. Feel the exhiliration of becoming | | | | means either buying books, either buying CBT |
| certified. Find yourself an entry level information | | | | (computer based training, or in other words cds with |
| technology job. Gain experience and things will sort | | | | videos on them) and studying by yourself at your |
| themselves out from there on. | | | | own pace at your own time. I.T schools are |
| Work yourself up the ladder | | | | expensive and a high percentage don't recommend |
| We all start at the bottom regardless of whether we | | | | them for that reason. |
| want all to start at the top!! Work yourself up the | | | | Use free info on the web to help with your studies |
| ladder with your certs and with your experience. | | | | If you don't use the web to supplement your |
| Start with A+ cert to learn about computers. Then | | | | primary study material then you are missing out big |
| study for your network+ exam. This will give you | | | | time. Buy a book or two or a CBT course and then |
| knowledge in networking. Next is the MCDST which is | | | | use the web for free info. Use for free videos that |
| a Microsoft cert specializing in customer support for | | | | show you how to do something and wikipedia. Just |
| the Microsoft products (which most businesses use | | | | by seeing something done or reading another persons |
| anyway). | | | | take on a particular subject will help reinforce and/or |
| Get your first Certs, then stop! | | | | learn something new from the material you have |
| Don't go cert crazy. After you pass the exam and | | | | bought. |
| your certification arrives in the mail, you feel | | | | Where do you book your exam? |
| exhilarated with the hard work you have put in and | | | | When you know you are reading, you book your |
| the hard work that paid off. But restrain yourself | | | | exam(s) through or |
| from going overboard. You only need those | | | | Good luck! |
| mentioned to get yourself an entry level job. Too | | | | |