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A+ pointless if you have no experience?

Tags:
  • College
  • Certification
Last response: in Work & Education
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August 26, 2013 2:54:25 PM

So here's my situation in a nutshell. I'm a recent IT college graduate. I'm in the unenviable position of having little work experience. I'm just now learning that experience tends to trump degrees and certifications. Should I even bother with A+ certification right now? I'm thinking that no certificate will make up for my lack of experience. The big reason that I hesitate is because the exam costs over $300 and I'm unemployed.

I have spent a good amount of time studying for the 701/702 exams. However, the deadline is coming up and I honestly don't know if I'm ready to take the exams. Failing the exams would be a costly mistake. The original plan was to have an employer cover the cost of taking it but that obviously didn't work out. I'll really appreciate any advice on this matter. Thanks.

More about : pointless experience

August 29, 2013 1:10:32 PM

I'm studying for the a+ but unlikely to pay for the exam.. Why pay for an exam that I can get or free on the internet?. Personally, I'm looking to do some free stuff to get on my resume before someone hires me
September 2, 2013 12:40:36 PM

Naer brings up an excellent point, offering free work to build your experience will certainly help your job outlook. I know that doesn't help the checking account, but experience goes the same, paid or not.

On the topic of certifications, I see them as a necessary evil. In my humble opinion I don't think they prove anything other than someone can study for and pass a test. Unfortunately, many employers are looking for some sort of certification because at some point they were told that certifications prove one's knowledge and potential.

Getting your A+ certification could make you more marketable. As you've probably seen, many job announcements list certifications required to apply. Many help desk and support type jobs require the individual to hold the A+ certification. The reason for this is the company offering the service advertises their technicians as being certified.

I was in a similar situation where my employer required I pass the Security+ exam or lose my job. Lucky for me, they paid for the exam, but I don't feel any more knowledgeable or confident in my position having passed the test. You would think a bachelor's degree would be good enough to get into the IT industry, but competition is tough and the more credentials you have the better.

Best of luck!
September 3, 2013 2:02:27 PM

TCTechie said:
Naer brings up an excellent point, offering free work to build your experience will certainly help your job outlook. I know that doesn't help the checking account, but experience goes the same, paid or not.

On the topic of certifications, I see them as a necessary evil. In my humble opinion I don't think they prove anything other than someone can study for and pass a test. Unfortunately, many employers are looking for some sort of certification because at some point they were told that certifications prove one's knowledge and potential.

Getting your A+ certification could make you more marketable. As you've probably seen, many job announcements list certifications required to apply. Many help desk and support type jobs require the individual to hold the A+ certification. The reason for this is the company offering the service advertises their technicians as being certified.

I was in a similar situation where my employer required I pass the Security+ exam or lose my job. Lucky for me, they paid for the exam, but I don't feel any more knowledgeable or confident in my position having passed the test. You would think a bachelor's degree would be good enough to get into the IT industry, but competition is tough and the more credentials you have the better.

Best of luck!


Thanks for the reply!

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