Are Certifications Worth it for IT professionals?! Is the CCNA 200-301 worth it?!

[Beorn_Bear]

How much more valuable are certifications over Diplomas in IT?! I have a Diploma in Business Computing and Certification in Technology Operations which include A+ Hardware, Networking+ and MTA Server Fundamentals?! I am contemplating on pursuring the CCNA 200-301 certification. However, are certifications in A+ Hardware, Networking+ and MTA Server Fundamentals beyond post-secondary diplomas really worth it?!

[Lurick]

Depends on the exact field you're targeting, where you want to start (entry level position, call center, etc), and even the job/company itself. Certs can help you get past the HR bots and maybe help you apply some of your schooling to a lesser extent but that's about it, they definitely aren't a guarantee to land a job BUT they can help. You can have all the certs in the world but if you can't talk to the topics in those certs and apply that outside of book knowledge to any extent aside "I know X does Y" then nobody will care. I would rather hire someone with no degree and a couple certs who can talk to what they've done than someone with a degree and tons of certs who can't apply critical thinking skills to basic questions outside of what a book or cert says.

[Oshino Shinobu]

They can be good for getting started in positions, and if you can get them via a school or work so you don't have to pay out of your own pocket, there's no reason not to go for them. 

 

However, I would say they're generally not valued too highly, unless they're the top level expert certifications. I know people that have their base CCNA, A+ and such but are completely clueless when it comes to practical application of skills those certs would suggest they have. I also know of the opposite, where someone has no certifications but in terms of practical and real world skills, they're very good. I see this opinion of certs commonly in the company I work for. Most higher level positions are internal hires and it's more based on proven ability in another role rather than your certifications.

[porina]

I used to hold N+ and that was basically an entry level certification. Not really worth much but my work at the time paid for it, so I thought why not do it.

 

I also took a CCNA course paid for by work. This was a 5 day intensive course, and it was nowhere near enough time. I never took the exam as it was obvious I wouldn't make it. Note at the time they still had CCENT as a stepping stone, but I understand they got rid of that now. The information on the course is significant, and it is regarded as the certification to go to if you want to prove yourself on networking. So obviously it has value if that is an area you intend to get into, but if your interests are in other areas, don't beat yourself up to get it.

[tkitch]

Starting out A+ / N+ aren't the worst to have, especially if you don't have a 'degree'

 

After you've worked for a couple years, your on the job experience is way more useful than those.

 

CCNA / CCNP stuff is different, and can get you specific jobs using those.

[Beorn_Bear]

I have been working in Level 1 Help Desk position. I am slowly moving towards Level 2 Technical support. I have 5 years experience. So far, my current and past employer were more interested that I have a Diploma in IT and an IT Operations Certication via a post-secondary institution over A+ Hardware or MTA Server certifications. I am looking forward towards the level 2 Technicial support which will mean more focus on networking and firewalls. I am leaning towards the CCNA certificate if it will helps climb the ladder. 

[The_russian]

33 minutes ago, Beorn_Bear said:

So far, my current and past employer were more interested that I have a Diploma in IT and an IT Operations Certication via a post-secondary institution over A+ Hardware or MTA Server certifications.

Every company is going to be different, so it would be best to clarify within your company if they prefer degrees over certificates in general, or if that is more specific for the intro certificates like the A+ or MTA. I got my A+ and MTA Network Fundamentals while still in high school, so it would not be surprising if they value degrees over the intro certs like those. Whether they value degrees over certs like CCNA/CCNP varies from company to company, so that should be clarified with the manager or hiring board for the position you want. 

[Beorn_Bear]

Are course completions from Udemy or Linda worth mentioning on a resume?!

 

In a few short weeks, I will be taking more night courses at a community college, including Active Directory and Security+ thereafter. After I complete these two courses, I will be looking at CCNA or Palo Alto courses online via Udemy and/or Lynda. 

[StDragon]

A large corporation is going to want a degree; if anything as an HR filter. Also, it help assess branding you as a cog in the overall machine that can be replaced on a whim.

 

Smaller businesses really want experience and certifications help provide a base knowledge the applicant has. But in the end, it's really about how YOU do in an interview (assuming you land one). I've interviewed a few people and was surprised how well they're credentialed on paper; but in person, stammered on answering basic IT 101 questions. I guess the world is full of posers after all.

[Beorn_Bear]

I have taken Network+ and just finishing MTA Windows Server. In two weeks, I will start Active Directory. After Active Directory and Security+, which courses would you recommend?! I want to work towards Network Administrator. Linux and/or Powershell might be an option. How important is a Github profile in obtaining an IT position?!

[bluehawk]

I think certs help to create standards across the industry so it's not just people saying they have the skills and experience but more proof they do. Plus they are cheaper to acquire than working on a diploma at a university. Right now I'm doing the Coursera stuff that Google just started and I wish they had something like that back when I was in HS then I would have gotten certifications rather than go to college. But work experience is also key, and demonstrating you applied those skills consistently. You just find the field you excel at more and focus on building up that skillset.