Question for the extremely computer literate out there

[fencerm2]

I have been playing with computers a long time now.  I am considering, in order to branch out, taking some courses and getting certifications.  

So...COMPTIA A+ certification - do I want/need this to get into servicing systems and such?

Comments

[jenaiabird.livejournal.com]

Some companies have that listed as a requirement for hiring.

It doesn't hurt to have, its a relatively easy certification process (HW & SW) and it doesn't require renewals (that and Network+)

I'd offer to loan you my materials, but they are sorely outdated (I got certified in 2000 in order to be an A+ & Net+ trainer, and even then the materials were outdated).

if you have the opportunity. go for it. definitely doesn't hurt. And who knows, you might learn something ;)

[sskipstress.livejournal.com]

Do the jobs you'd like to get require or recommend it? If so, it's probably a good idea, especially if you don't have a professional reference who can vouch for your abilities in the things that cert covers.

[lissa510.livejournal.com]

I would second the above post. Do a job search (moster and careerbuilder would probably work fine) and see what the jobs you think you might like, and which seem plentifull, require. Also, remember there is a difference between "require" and "prefered"

[librarywench.livejournal.com]

Saw this, thought of you (http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/europe/08/31/hedgehog.reut/index.html?section=cnn_offbeat).

[weezeld.livejournal.com]

It depends on who is doing the hiring. If its coming through an HR dept, its an item on a checklist that might get you through the door. Its a start.. depending on how much you know already, you could pass it cold. My guess is that maybe you could just get one of the self help books and read it and prepare, rather than paying for a course somewhere.. though you will have to memorize things like IRQs and Hex addresses for Comm Ports...

[fencerm2.livejournal.com]

So I probably shouldn't blow nearly $2000 on a 5 day training course that doesn't even end with the certification test?

Mainly I want to take my ability to the next level, and open a door into doing professionally much of what I can already do.

Any and ALL suggestions on how to do this would be appreciated.