I’m looking to get the A+ and Networking certs only because I’ll probably be laid off soon and I want to make myself even more marketable. Right now I’m a software developer with 8 years of Java experience, and from my initial studying I think the certifications shouldn’t be too hard.
However, I may not have the time (or money) to make multiple attempts, so I was wondering if anyone had any good resources tailored to folks who are already technical to help me study.
I know some folks might say I don’t need them, but my resume needs more buzzwords to get picked up by recruiters and hiring managers, and I’m open to all kinds of work as long as it keeps a roof over my family’s head.
Neither one of those will help you as a developer. If anything, I would look at that combo and be skeptical. Project+ would be a better choice. A good GitHub profile would be even better. But I don’t think you will have much trouble as a Java developer. There are still a lot of jobs out there.
if you are a software dev then I would say go for the CCNA and DevOps certs.
After that go for an AWS or Azure AZ-900Wonderful thank you!
What kind of job are you looking for?
A+ is for help desk type folks. I wouldn’t really see that as relevant for a developer with 8 years of experience. I would assume you got it early in your career and still list it for whatever reason.
Really just any job, the A+ idea was a back up plan at best, and at worst just another buzzword to get my resume picked by automation
Maybe try for something more appropriate for your experience so far that demonstrates you branching out into higher skills. CKAD for example.
Like others I think it would make more sense to continue the path of software dev but as someone with more experience in IT and computer repair you usually want to work with a company.
(Prior to the below steps study THE HELL out of the books and the certification itself and be very confident that you could ace the test and fulfill any position that requires the certification, despite not formally having it)
I find it better to mention your knowledge directly in the resume itself instead of solely work experience and certifications (I got my first job like this, didn’t even have a high school diploma or ANY previous work experience, small business give better chances albeit slightly less pay). You can hopefully land at least a beginner job with crappy pay. Once you’re on the payroll you can display and demonstrate your knowledge and work ethic. Hopefully your managers may consider a raise, which often requires certification, which is often paid for by the company when considering that promotion. You may need to ask your employer directly for this route (after building trust and a professional relationship of course). If your employer does not appreciate your work, knowledge and ethics, and you continue to be underpaid for the value you provide, you want to begin looking for another place to work.
I was taught this by my teacher in a class named after and exclusively about the CompTIA certification. Oftentimes it’s companies that pay for an individuals testing+education which is why it is so damn expensive. These corporations have the kind of cash to throw around like that.
A certification I’m looking towards personally is the IPC soldering certification and there are 20 or so books and usually $200-300 a pop. No way in hell is “some guy” gonna pay all that himself because it almost always involves the company he works for.
My advice?
Keep an eye out for when they do beta tests of exams. You’ll get the cert for dirt cheap if you pass - we’re talking £50.
There are two catches. The first is that some of the materials won’t be covered in the existing books - the point of these is to update the contents. They do tell you the basic tech that will be covered though. If you have a solid understanding of them, you’ll be fine.
The second is that you will be waiting MONTHS to get your result. I believe they wait until the exam you tested goes hold before giving you the cert. Last time, I waited something stupid like 6 months.