Is the CompTIA Network+ Certification worthwhile?

Question

I have a bachelor's degree in Computer Science, and have a couple years work experience doing mostly QA (and a little development) on a networking related software product. Currently, I am not working and I was wondering if acquiring a Network+ certification would be worthwhile.

The Network+ certification seems to cover rather general material about networking basics, so I'm afraid it may be a waste of my time and money. Since it's not testing a specific product knowledge (Oracle/Cisco/etc) it seems not to be the kind of certification you usually see listed in job advertisements. So is it worthwhile?

• When you review resumes of QA engineers or entry-level developer positions do you place any value on a Network+ certification?
• Do you have a Network+ certification, and if so have you ever found it to be helpful in finding a job?
• Is there a more appropriate networking related certification for someone in my position? (Perhaps the Cisco Certified Network Associate?)
• Assuming a Network+ certification alone isn't so worthwhile, then would a Network+ paired with a Security+, Server+, or Linux+ certification be worthwhile, or still not so hot?

I'll appreciate all feedback and opinions, no matter what they are. Thanks!

Answer 1

I think every certification is worth while. It shows the employer that you are trying to learn more and you like what you are doing.

It shouldn't matter what certification type you get either a CompTIA or a CISCO but they are specific to regions (e.g In Canada CompTIA is more popular while in USA and Europe "like" CISCO better).

Answer 2

I'me from Portugal and yes, around Europe, Cisco and Microsoft are the best appreciated certifications you "should" have.

Although I've "heard" that Certified Ethical Hacker curriculum from CBTNuggets is the way to go if you're interested in security related certifications.

Networking, since I already been enroled, I strongly recomend Cisco, although it's a bit specific to a brand, from my experience, when you go "pro" you choose Cisco for most of the the network roles.

Sun certifications also seem pretty cool, but once again there more platform centric....

Answer 3

I have no formal "college" degree - but I did go to school for a few years (several years ago). Recently I have decided that IT is the way to go for me and I found a TECHNICAL SCHOOL (Not a bootcamp) that offers courses that you can essentially take at your own pace which also includes one on one instruction as well as hands on labs. So far I have recieved my A+ Certification and just last week I received my Network+ Certification. Just in this last week, I have spoken with a recruiter and with these two certifications alone - I recieved several job offers ranging from $14 - $20/hr based on practical (not work) experience and these two certifications.

Instead of taking one of the several opportunities, I have decided that I am going to continue with furthering my technical education and start with the CCNA Certification. If you don't have much networking experience, I would definitely recommend the same route I took - A+, Net+ and then Cisco - as they all lead into the next one. CompTIA's A+ and Net+ aren't as highly sought after as say a Cisco or Microsoft Certification, but it'll NEVER hurt - especially if you're working or looking to work in the IT field.

Also, over these past several months I have done some of my own personal "social" networking to get the opinions and advice from people currently in the industry. After speaking with about 15 different people ranging from techs to administrators and hiring managers, in the IT world it's really becomming more about certifications and what you know rather than most other industries who prefer a college degree. While a college degree will NEVER hurt your chances, it's the technical or industry certifications that more and more employers are looking for. The certifications wont necessairly guarantee you a job as most interviews consist of technical questions and scenarios, but if you really do learn the material that's taught/learned in the certification courses - then you'll be quite a bit ahead of someone with experience but no certifications. That's pretty much what I've discovered over these past 9 months or so.

My advice would be to do your due dilligence online. There are quite a few sites out there that offer some "practice" questions of which are on the vendor exams. Obviously the questions are not identical - they're somewhat similar. If you know the material on the practice questions, then buy a voucher (NEVER PAY FULL PRICE AT A TESTING CENTER) online and try to take the exam. If you're struggling with the practice questions - there are some self study programs out there as well as books, but I would really recommend finding a technical school and going from there.

Best of luck to you my friend!

Answer 4

Great article, it calm some of my fears on if I was taking the right course on what certifications to persue. I'm a greenthumb and very new to the IT field. Your article gave me some encouragement and guidance. Thanks, Ken

Answer 5

Cisco certification is valued as a world-wide standard to evaluate the employees’ technology capacity. Professionals with Cisco certifications have greater earning potential than their counter-parts, especially in the recent down-sized and more competitive job market.

Answer 6

I've been through college myself so the opportunity was there to fiddle with IT software and hardware, so if you are thinking of taking up a career IT, it's worthwhile, definitely!

I'm looking at CompTIA A+ together with Network+ at the moment trying to figure out if it is worthwhile doing these two first or take a different course of action. But I think a CCNA certification course is much more favourable in the IT industry

I hope your query is diligently met pal!