[Michelle Celio]

Originally Posted by Cuog

for certs i've heard the opposite about shops looking more for certifications, but in any case it is still better to have them just so that you look like you know what you're doing.(in addition to actually knowing what your doing)

The one thing I don't like about certifications, is that they prove that you know about them, but it doesn't show that you know how to fix things. I know some people that have boughten and A+ book, sat down and read it passed the test, but has no hands on experience.I just don't think it's fair to the rest of us that do have the hands on experience.(no offence to anyone that's just my opinion on the that matter)

My school brings us on allot of job shadowing field trips. We've been to places such as Bellsouth and Orange County Convention Center. And at both locations, we asked what they thought about certifications. Bellsouth said that they would prefer if people had them, but they weren't mandatory. At OCCC on the other hand, all they wanted was a degree. So, I think it's pretty split on whether employers want certifications or not. Personally, I think they make your resume (and business card in some cases) look better, and I plan on having my own company, and I would hire someone with certifications over someone with out (then again that's just my personal opinion)


Here's a bit of advice, make sure you are 100% comfortable that you know everything you need to know before you take the test. Many people fail the test, and many people don't take it again. If you fail it, don't give up. Just study harder and do as many practice tests as you can. I failed my hardware test by about one question. I was pretty bumbed, but I just grabbed my A+ book and studied as hard as I could, and week later, went back up there and passed it. Just do as one of my instructors would say, "Remember the 5 P's.. Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance"