That is the question...I've been in IT Support for 10 years now but never got around to actually getting certified for anything. About 3 months ago, i got motivated and started studying for my CCNA, which is taking longer than i thought for various reasons. Anyway, the time has come for me to look for a new job and every job i could do says they require A+ and or Network+ as a minimum. Now, i took the practice test for the A+ the other day and passed with 96% on the core and 92% on the OS (without studying). So now the dilemma..do i drop $300 (+/-) to get A+ Certified and then another $200 to get net+ certified (havent done the practice test yet, but i don't see it posing too much of a problem) or do i rely on my real world experience to land me the next job?..what do you think?...do employers REALLY demand certs or do they accept experience?!..

Any pointers, advice or suggestions greatly appreciated!

TIA..

I really don't see any negative to picking up your A+.  The $300 you'd have to spend (probably less than that) is totally worth it if the employers you'd like to work for won't even give you a moment's thought if you don't have A+.

I know that my employer will not consider employing anyone for a tech support role if they do not have A+ certification.  Since most of our accounts involve working with Dell machines, most everyone needs to be Dell certified within 4 months of the start date.  Dell now requires that techs be A+ certified before they can take the Dell exams.

Whether this policy always makes the most sense can be debated, but like so many other things in life, it's just the way it is.

I'm sure you'd be able to find someone willing to hire you without A+, but why limit yourself?

Good luck!
JP

Good point well made...and rumour now has it that my current employer would re-imburse me for the A+ and Net+ should i pass them.

Ok, so i just did the Net+ practice test and got 80% (is that a pass?!?). I think i've decided that i'll take the tests and invest the $$ in myself! Does anyone know of any sites who offer discounts or anything...i'm very very stingy! ;o)

www.getcertify4less.com

very reputable (out of Atlanta) two thumbs up on these guys.

A+,N+,S+,L+,I+,HTI+,e-Biz+,Security+,CETma,CFOT,CCNT,CCTT,ACSP,ISA CCST3

Thanks to glister, I used these guys on my last test and saved $~70. Usually very good stuff.....

little late getting in on the Q here, but I agree also, get the certs.  It can make the difference between someone saying they've got the real world experience and someone saying they've got the real world experience with Certs to back it up.

Getcertify is very good for Voucher's.  There are plenty of practice tests around for A+ and Net+ on the web (many links posted in this forum).  I "think" 80% should make you comfortable for Net+, Comptia.org says
The exam is graded on a scale of 100 - 900 and 554 is the minimum passing score.

"Ever stop to think, and forget to start again?"

Stuart
A+, Net+, Security+

I work for a large school district and we look for job experience, BS or AS in the field first but the certs dont hurt.

Look at it as an investment.

With a new job (possibly better-paying), how long would it take you to re-acquire the money you spent towards your certification(s)? Your current employer might even reimburse you for exam costs if you pass (mine did).

I just passed the Network+. I would get the Syngress or the Sybex Deluxe Edition study guide (I used both) and do some reading first to guarantee passing the exam the first time you take it, rather than have to pay $218.00 twice.

Judging from what you said earlier, you are probably ready for the A+ exam....

There are 10 kinds of people in the world.
Those who understand binary, and those who don't...

Corruptedlogic,

Was wondering if you mmay point me in the direction of these practice tests you tried as I would like to try them myself

Sure, i got them from quickcert.com but honestly, i wouldn't recommend the actual classes they sell (they seem dated and poor quality vids). The practice tests were ok, after all, i passed!

Good luck!

CCNA, CCDP, Net+, A+
Work Smarter, Not Harder....

Many thanks for the info and congrats on your passing of the exams also