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Hello all,

I was thinking to get some certifications but I am not sure which one to start off with except for A+, what do you recommend me taking? Also, do you recommend Online classes? I really like to be in a class but I can’t seem to find local “facilities” that offer that in the Boston Area.

PS: I currently hold an Associate’s Degree in Information Technology, but I would love to get a lot better at Networking and System Administration.

I am also thinking to go back to school in the fall.

Please feel free to ask me questions.

Your response is appreciated!!

4 Spice ups
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Network+, Project+ I feel are valuable but it all depend on your career path and where you want to be in 10 years.

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Either CompTIA Network+ or Security+ are good starters.

If you’re looking to get into networking acquiring the Network+ and then starting to work on your CCENT/CCNA would be ideal.

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How long have you been working ? What’s you experience / background.

If you have been int IT for more than a year or two A+ is a waste.

What do you do on a day to day base? I’d maybe look int getting a cert for that?

Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years? Aim for certs that might help you get there.

I’d say Sec+, CCNA, MCSA, Linux+ that’s a roundhousekick for a little security, some networking, some sys admin and linux

But which cert is ‘best’, again depends on you.

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Hey alstech,

CCENT/CCNA for Routing/Switching would be a great start if interested in the Cisco certs. The knowledge with this cert is applicable to most of the other Cisco certs available if you want to branch out.

More info:

Good luck! :slight_smile:

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Hi Neally,

I have been in IT for about 3 years including my internship (6 months), and I was thinking the same about CompTIA A+, I don’t want to waste my time, I’d rather take more advanced classes/certs like Security+. I see myself as a senior Sys Admin or an IT manager in the next 5-10 years. Thanks a lot!

@alexw

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Hi all,

Thanks for your responses, I truly appreciate it!

Do you recommend “Online” Or “Live” classes? I really want to be in class but I can’t find a local place, do you know of any good facility in the Boston area?

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What’s your budget. If you have it live. If you are short online ¯_(ツ)_/¯

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As for classes - it really depends on what works for you. Like everyone else the CCNA, Security+ are both good ones to get started. It also depends on where your interests lie. Linux+ or MCSE are also avenues to head down.

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CCNA. I use Udemy.com for a lot of my certification training. You can find some really great content at a really good price. Cybrary.it is also quite good.

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I’ll leave it up to you to know your learning style, but we have some excellent training for the Network+ and CCNA, which are probably going to be your first certs.

You can consider A+ or Sec+, too, but Net+ and CCNA are solid beginnings.

Our trainer Jeremy Cioara is almost done with the latest CCNA training.

Keith Barker can help you through Net+.

Something to consider when looking for online training. Can you practice what you’re learning?

We provide specific training on how to get a home lab set up, virtual labs, and unlimited practice exams. And we just launched in-video quizzes, which are really helpful.

Let me know if you have any other questions. Good luck!

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Neally, thanks for the link!

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Hey Aydel,

I wanted to quickly throw this resource on your radar from @CompTIA - our IT certification roadmap can help you determine which certs will ultimately get you on the path where you are seeking to go Information Technology (IT) Certifications & Training | CompTIA

Also, if you were interested in taking classes with CompTIA, here is a little more information about the exams and testing Information Technology (IT) Certifications & Training | CompTIA

And furthermore, if you decided to take this path here are some locations in the Boston area where you can take your exams Pearson VUE - ALERT!

Happy to answer any other questions you had or provide you with some more resources!