I got my A+ certification, where to next?

**Jaketh** · February 20, 2011, 03:02 PM

I got my A+ certification last week and am taking my network+ certification exam early next month. What are other good certifications i should go for in the IT field, im thinking Security+ and some Microsofts cert. anyone here have some suggestions?

**Freddie** · February 20, 2011, 05:17 PM

Originally Posted by Jaketh

I got my A+ certification last week and am taking my network+ certification exam early next month. What are other good certifications i should go for in the IT field, im thinking Security+ and some Microsofts cert. anyone here have some suggestions?

So you want a job in IT? I suggest you talk to some employers, go to job fairs, ask employment agents etc about what your next move should I wouldn't rely on what ever advice you get from your careers agent at school.

**Top-Tier-Tech** · February 20, 2011, 05:19 PM

That's awesome, may I ask where you took your A+ Certification test? (I should get that done myself).

**Jaketh** · February 20, 2011, 06:14 PM

Originally Posted by ChaobSiroc

That's awesome, may I ask where you took your A+ Certification test? (I should get that done myself).

college Campus that was Comptia testing certified in Rochester

**Clibby** · February 20, 2011, 07:37 PM

Depends on where you want your career to go. Could be anything from another certification, or it could be a degree (some goals eventually lead to graduate education after a bachelors degree). You should figure out what your goal is before investing too much time in the wrong areas.

**Top-Tier-Tech** · February 20, 2011, 07:51 PM

Originally Posted by Clibby

You should figure out what your goal is before investing too much time in the wrong areas.

His goal is to make the most amount of money possible with the least amount of work.

**Jaketh** · February 20, 2011, 08:09 PM

Originally Posted by ChaobSiroc

His goal is to make the most amount of money possible with the least amount of work.

correct

**Clibby** · February 20, 2011, 08:44 PM

Originally Posted by ChaobSiroc

His goal is to make the most amount of money possible with the least amount of work.

Aren't we all in one way or another? I'm just asking the question because you may be wasting money if you invest your time poorly. Remember: time=money. As long as your happy, your fine. However, if you have a goal, then research how to get there so you don't waste any precious, precious cash on your way there!

**GasMask** · February 22, 2011, 03:39 PM

Well done.

**Nietzsche** · February 23, 2011, 08:26 PM

Originally Posted by Jaketh

I got my A+ certification last week and am taking my network+ certification exam early next month. What are other good certifications i should go for in the IT field, im thinking Security+ and some Microsofts cert. anyone here have some suggestions?

Which direction do you want to go?

Desktop support?
Get your Linux System Administration, Microsoft Desktop Technician, and NET+. Pick up a book on UNIX/LINUX and learn your OS's.

System Administration?
Get your Active Directory, Active Directory Infrastructure, Linux System Engineer, and Windows Server certifications. Pick up a book on TCP/IP and learn how the stack works. Understanding C, or it's many variants is also a plus.

Server Administration?
Learn Apache, Windows Server 2008, .net framework, SQL, Ruby on Rails, or any of the other server oriented languages dependent on your interest or skill (database, web, virtualization, distribution)

Network Administration?
Start with NET+, then move to CCNA, JNCCIA, Brocade entry level certifications. Then move to the professional level of each certification track. Familiarize yourself with some of the monitoring software and/or SNMP. Decide what you want your specialty in security, wireless, design, implementation etc..

Network Security?
You'll need to get NET+, SEC+, CISSP, but more importantly I would move toward the certified ethical hacker, foundstone courses, and become intimately familiar with IDS's and network firewall appliances produced by the various vendors.