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A+, MCSE & CCNA are entry-level certs

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by jbuchberger

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I think people expect too much of someone sporting a MCSE or a CCNA, without the job experience to back it up. These are entry-level certifications and nothing more, and I wish more people would realize this, instead of coming down on the newcomer to the industry who has studied hard and passed the required tests yet hasn't gotten the years of hands-on experience needed to be considered a guru yet.

My A+ got me a job at a Compaq Repair Center and I learned a lot more on the job in 18 months than I did studying for the two tests, though I had years of computer experience prior to this. It was the A+ that was required in order to maintain their authorization so I wouldn't have had a chance without it.

While working there I was encouraged to study on my own and on the job and pass the 6 MCSE tests and I learned a heck of a lot that I wouldn't have otherwise, even though I know I couldn't jump in and manage a large network yet. The tests are hard but that's all they are; tests, and if you study hard and try things on your own as much as possible they aren't that bad.

Once I had finished the MCSE tests and got my certificate framed and proudly hanging on the wall I studied for four months for the CCNA test. Having never touched a router I was able to pass it, and I will say I learned a lot more about IP and basic networking in general than was required for the MS tests, but still, it was just one test for me, a goal to strive for and achieve.

Job experience still counts for more than any of these certifications. They make nice line items on the resume, but be prepared to face the music in an interview. Hands on experience has no substitute.

Joe Buchberger
CCNA, MCSE, MCP+I, A+

4 replies

by coretek

I agree with your comments, there is no real substitute for experience but certification also shows potential employers that you not only have the ability to learn but you also have the enthusiasm.

by studmuffin

Ok, that's fine and dandy, but how does a rookie break into the IT field? Everyone who started in the IT field was a newbie at some point in their career. Yes, job experience counts more than certs, but these people who are entering the field have to start out
somewhere, or the IT field will face even a larger shortage,as those nearing the end of their career cycle will eventually retire. That means these people must be replaced, and if everyone moves up, there are vacancies at the lower levels which must be filled. That's why it's important to get the people who are entering the field some sort of entry level position, before they work their way up the career ladder.

by jbuchberger

No experience so no jobs, the closed loop, it seems. The one for sure thing I can recommend in getting experience is start building your own home lab.

If you are serious about computers then spend a few bucks regularly on your own home network and fool with it. Make it and break it and fix it will get you some much needed expertise (to a point), enough to give you the confidence to win the real job. Then you are in, keep learning.

by nicknielsen

I got my start by working as an agency temp. Eventually, a client was impressed by my work and offered to hire me on as a permanent employee. I finished out my 90 days probation and converted to permanent status.

I have since changed employers,but still do the occasional weekend or holiday thing for the agency that originally gave me the break.

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