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Views on CompTIA A / CCNA for a Comp-sci/Math graduate. Is it Worth it?

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Views on CompTIA A / CCNA for a Comp-sci/Math graduate. Is it Worth it?

henryhenryhenry
I am currently studying maths and computer science at a Russell group university and have been given recommendations by people in industry to look at CompTIA A and CCNA. I had a look at CompTIA A and although I don't have the knowledge in the course, it does not seem to have a huge amount of complex content (apologies for being ignorant if this isn't the case, I'm judging from the sample exam questions). Would this be overlooked by an employer considering my degree (assuming I achieve it!)? I would study it in my own time but the exam still costs a fair amount and it would take up time so if it adds nothing, I won't bother. Also what would your views be on CCNA, this on the other hand looks like a much harder qualification which is also out of scope of the modules I'm choosing to do at university. Thanks for any replies.

Member Comments

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    My opinion is

    robo_dev

    The CompTIA certs are fairly common and fairly lightweight...it might look good on the resume for an entry level person to have a whole bunch of CompTIA certs just so it does not look so barren. But don't expect employers to go after you just because of those certs.

    The CCNA is a very specific cert that is of value to employers who are Cisco shops, mostly, and for network-related jobs.

    Not to advise you to be dishonest, but in the past I have put (honestly) that I am 'currently pursuing XXX certification' (which I was).

    If the resume-search engine is looking for folks with that certification, your foot is in the door. If that cert is something the employer really does wants/need, then go full bore and get that cert, if not, don't.

    Personally I have about a half-dozen certs and also at least as many where I have bought the book but lost interest.

  • +
    0 Votes

    My opinion is

    robo_dev

    The CompTIA certs are fairly common and fairly lightweight...it might look good on the resume for an entry level person to have a whole bunch of CompTIA certs just so it does not look so barren. But don't expect employers to go after you just because of those certs.

    The CCNA is a very specific cert that is of value to employers who are Cisco shops, mostly, and for network-related jobs.

    Not to advise you to be dishonest, but in the past I have put (honestly) that I am 'currently pursuing XXX certification' (which I was).

    If the resume-search engine is looking for folks with that certification, your foot is in the door. If that cert is something the employer really does wants/need, then go full bore and get that cert, if not, don't.

    Personally I have about a half-dozen certs and also at least as many where I have bought the book but lost interest.