Comp TIA+, Calling all techies!

[shane252]

Hello there folks.

Just going to see what kind of reaction I can get to an unfamiliar topic.

I would really like to overhaul my skillset and was interested in the CompTIA+ certification [essentials and practical modules], which at a glance seems to be the neutral vendors way of saying I am not MSCE but I do know how to fix your PC.

At a snip of the cost the CompTIA seems the way to go, but is it really worth it just to put a CompTIA logo onto my sales literature.

My skills have got me through thus far and I am fairly 'teched up' in terms of what I do (computer repair) but can it hurt for me to broaden my knowledge base, or is it just another way to line the pockets of our corporate cousins across the pond.

How much weight does the COMPTIA brand hold anyway?

Thanks all.

 

[Vaheed Akhtar]

Hello there folks.

Just going to see what kind of reaction I can get to an unfamiliar topic.

I would really like to overhaul my skillset and was interested in the CompTIA+ certification [essentials and practical modules], which at a glance seems to be the neutral vendors way of saying I am not MSCE but I do know how to fix your PC.

At a snip of the cost the CompTIA seems the way to go, but is it really worth it just to put a CompTIA logo onto my sales literature.

My skills have got me through thus far and I am fairly 'teched up' in terms of what I do (computer repair) but can it hurt for me to broaden my knowledge base, or is it just another way to line the pockets of our corporate cousins across the pond.

How much weight does the COMPTIA brand hold anyway?

Thanks all.

Hi,

Unfortunately, having a 'qualified' techy seems to be the norm now - because we are so reliant on technology now, people will take more comfort in giving their jobs to people with professional qualification. I'm a former Networking and server technician myself and did quite well without any of these gimiky qualifications. There's nothing better than on the job training and getting thrown in the deep end.

If you would like to push you business forward, then I would suggest a Microsoft qualification is a must nowadays. The CompTIA is mainly aimed for training none techy's into a career change - most of is will be useless to you. I don't think it takes me to tell you how much the MCSE certificate holds up in the world of IT now. It will give your clients an instant recognition - where as they might overlook the CompTIA certificate.

 

[stugster]

http://www.ukbusinessforums.co.uk/forums/showpost.php?p=1362809&postcount=31

 

[shane252]

Appreciate your point, however most of my customers don't really know what an operating system is let alone the windows corporate technical brand, so whilst not as in depth as the Microsoft courses, would a CompTIA suffice 'until' I upgrade to the MCSE classes.

My problem is outlay, I simply cannot afford the MCSE yet, and Im not sure it would really help me If I wanted to fix a Non-windows based PC.

At last glance the MCSE route was between £400-£1000 for the basic MCSE qualification, yet for a CompTIA you are looking at £200 + Vat for training and Qualification.

Ideally I want to demonstrate that I do actually have some skills (on paper), so that I can put them onto my CV / portfolio as I am about to go cap in hand to the bank for a *Career Development Loan* anyway.

** I have tried to get funding for MCSE based courses and failed due to their Corporate identity.

 

[coultog]

I wouldn't bother with either.

I know a great many freelance IT Consultants charging hundreds of pounds a day with zero qualifications. Temperament, attitude and logic are the key skills needed.

 

[filtuh.com]

I wouldn't bother. I did some MCPs back in the days of NT4, no use whatsoever. I've had some value out of PRINCE2 and ITIL practitioner quals though, but that's just me.