IT People of ISH, should I go for an A+ Cert?

[sammichoffate]

I want to start out at a help desk/support tech and eventually work my way up, i'm currently learning how to use microsoft office and a couple of programming languages. My knowledge isn't the best, although I have built my own computer for gaming purposes. I've read that Microsoft certs would probably be better, but idk.

[G-train]

What would you like to work your way up into?

[gigantes]

generic help desk is more about good customer service, knowing the OS / common issues, and being able to google from time to time. unless things have changed a whole bunch since my day, it's not a certification that's going to hold you back from job, but more like whether those jobs have been outsourced to india or whatnot.

as a type of customer service, help desk jobs tend to turn over a lot. i would guess most places just give you a basic knowledge test these days. an A+ cert would be overkill for a help desk job from what i understand, altho it does still seem to have a good rep. it also needs to be renewed every three years, now.

[sammichoffate]

What would you like to work your way up into?Not exactly sure yet in terms of specialization, just want to get my feet wet while gaining experience and learning as much as possible.

[sammichoffate]

generic help desk is more about good customer service, knowing the OS / common issues, and being able to google from time to time. unless things have changed a whole bunch since my day, it's not a certification that's going to hold you back from job, but more like whether those jobs have been outsourced to india or whatnot.

as a type of customer service, help desk jobs tend to turn over a lot. i would guess most places just give you a basic knowledge test these days. an A+ cert would be overkill for a help desk job from what i understand, altho it does still seem to have a good rep. it also needs to be renewed every three years, now.A lot of help desks these days prefer to have it because they don't want to waste time training(bottom line). It's only good for an entry level job, useless afterwards. I'm just concerned if I should be going after other certs instead like Microsoft or Linux and not wasting time with Comptia ones.

[UK2K]

A lot of help desks these days prefer to have it because they don't want to waste time training(bottom line). It's only good for an entry level job, useless afterwards. I'm just concerned if I should be going after other certs instead like Microsoft or Linux and not wasting time with Comptia ones.
We hire our help desk people through a temp agency.

[FatComputerNerd]

It's a very good entry-level cert. to have if you are just starting out.

It was some years back but I started out with A+, then NET+ before moving on w/ various MCP certifications (before microsoft changed the names of all their certs).

I think it all depends on how much knowledge you've already got. Take an online A+ practice test for free. If you already have the knowledge (and can demonstrate it to a potential employer), don't bother paying for the cert'. They're really just to get your foot in the door if you've got no prior experience, especially the entry level certs.

[redhonda76]

IMO, A+ is pretty useless if you have some knowledge and experience. If you don't have that, then you'll need A+ just to get yourself in the door for a entry level position.

[sammichoffate]

IMO, A+ is pretty useless if you have some knowledge and experience. If you don't have that, then you'll need A+ just to get yourself in the door for a entry level position.Ty

[sammichoffate]

It's a very good entry-level cert. to have if you are just starting out.

It was some years back but I started out with A+, then NET+ before moving on w/ various MCP certifications (before microsoft changed the names of all their certs).

I think it all depends on how much knowledge you've already got. Take an online A+ practice test for free. If you already have the knowledge (and can demonstrate it to a potential employer), don't bother paying for the cert'. They're really just to get your foot in the door if you've got no prior experience, especially the entry level certs.The only experience I have is two years of sales and a 3 month research internship I did in DC. Didn't really do anything tech related

[ItsMillerTime]

IMO, A+ is pretty useless if you have some knowledge and experience. If you don't have that, then you'll need A+ just to get yourself in the door for a entry level position.

^ Pretty much. I've been a Desktop Technician for ~4 years now and still don't have my A+ cert (got my foot in the door by starting at the Helpdesk). If I do decide to switch jobs/companies, I'm banking on my experience and referrals instead of certs. This being said, it wouldn't hurt to get the A+ if you're planning to make a career out of it.