For those working in the IT industry - qualifications

We got a bunch of external qualifications (A+, Network+ and MCSA) this year, and the A+ certification opportunity is coming up in a few weeks (that's Comptia A+).

Who is aware of it, and what value does it have in the industry?

Well aware of the cert but I can't really see it being any benifit to anyone ... unless you are a complete computer n00b. My brother knew nothing about PC's other than installing games and watching porn. I got him to do his A+ and then moved onto his MCP's and MCSA ... did him well from that point.

They're a stepping stone to get into the industry, generally into a helpdesk or support position. They won't hurt to have if you're trying to get into it, but they should be readily replaced by some of the bigger certs.

If it's free, then get into it.

Well they are mostly for confidence - but the A+ exams (x2) are $300 each, and the Network+ is $500!

Ironically, COMPTIA is non-profit, yet Microsoft charges $100 each for their exams!

What's your background and how much do you know already? If the A+ / Network+ is too easy you'd be better off spending your money on something more advanced.

Self taught - but A+ is easy, although I don't know a lot of it. I'm still doing it to keep my focus throughout the year.

This is the whole course that i'm doing:



http://www.electec.co.nz/computer-systems-network-admin.-xidc49280.html

that's alright, a lot of IT people especially outside of coding & programming are self-taught, me included.

a lot of what I've been taught in IT is superfluous bullshit that I will never use in any position I end up working it, so I've chosen some qualifications over others because they more directly relate to the career path I want to take at the moment. Maybe look at it that way.

i'll do the W2K8 server exams this year. tedious but necessary.

in the programming side of things, doing a certification course is actually a bad thing.

just look at this..
http://www.hanovsolutions.com/resume_comic.png

I used to do hiring in IT. I paid attention to how well written the CV was, how believable it was, and the content had some relevance - though less than you'd think. I'm not sure if I was shown cover letters, since I was on the technical side of things, my job was mostly to make sure they weren't full of shit.

Don't be full of shit. I'd have hired someone who knew they were smart but inexperienced over someone who knew the terms but couldn't go into detail about a subject.

Honest is good. Ambitious is good. Confidence is good, but stay away from cocky.