Getting your A+ Certification (and others)

[Webshark2000]

I'm pretty computer savvy. I worked for a computer company for a year or so doing on-site tech work, but I've never gotten any certifications. I was wondering what I would need to do and how much it would cost to get my A+ certification, and any other certifications you would suggest to get a job working on personal computers.

I don't really want to go around setting up huge networks and servers in offices, but I wouldn't mind doing some work for a local computer shop, or some freelance work and be able to say "I'm certified".

Thanks for you help.

[Steve R Jones]

I think certs have lost much of their glamour in the last few years...

Employers want Experience....Mom and Pop home users don't care cause they don't know the difference...

[SuperSparks]

I wouldn't bother with A+, you won't benefit much from that one. MCSE is a much more useful qualification:

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcse/default.mspx

[Shinma]

Information about CompTIA certifications, including A+ can be found at:

• CompTIA

[SirKenin]

Funny, as the owner of a small computer business I can tell you I don't give a damn about any certifications. They are completely, utterly meaningless. Anybody can push a pencil and write a test, but that is zero indication of their abilities or aptitude.

Just a few weeks ago I bid for a contract with a large company. I was up against several other bidders that had certifications, and I don't. Guess who won? I did. And I asked top dollar. The reason? I have 18 years experience in the field and a proven track record.

Certs mean squat and are a complete waste of money. If you have certs, but your competitor has experience, I promise you I'll be taking him long before I take you.

[Webshark2000]

So what would you suggest if I just wanted to do a little freelance work to earn some extra money? If, God forbid, something happened where data was lost or a piece of equipment died on my watch how should I cover myself?

What do you think the best way to advertise would be; classifieds?

Thanks,
Web

[SirKenin]

The best advertisement is word of mouth. Certifications won't cover you. If you screw up, or something dies and it's not even your fault, it's still your fault, certs or no. That's the way clients think. lol.

The next best thing is to pay top dollar for the leading listing under your category of the yellow pages. This option is expensive, but if you plan carefully you will do quite well. I usually find a well worded paid listing on the local buy and sell magazine works rather well too, but the last few weeks have been disappointing.

Tell your friends, and do good work for them. Don't sell your services cheap. There seems to be a notion going around that the more a tech charges, the better he is. It seems to work for some reason. Leave the $20/hour crap to the wannabes and little kiddies that are working out of their bedroom to save up for their next computer part or Xbox.

Another good way to get the ball rolling is to go work for a computer store for a year or two. They pay really poor money, but it's really good experience and it will get your show on the road.

[Webshark2000]

Well, I worked for a computer repair company for a couple of years already and I'd like to avoid doing that again. I just need some part-time freelance work to supplement my income.

Thanks,
Web

[PC Solutions]

I have been on my own for eight years now. That is the longest that I have ever done anything.

Is is scary sometimes? Yes, absolutely!
But I would not trade it for anything in the world!

Will you work a 40 hour week? No, try more like 80.
Will you make mistakes along the way? Of course. That is part of the job!
Everyone makes mistakes!

Customers will call you at all hours with the dumbest things.
Like they might be installing some software perhaps.
They might call you at three in the morning saying this software is asking me to enter my name. What do I do now?

The computer wants me to press any key to continue and I cannot find the "any" key.

I cannot tell you how many calls I have gotten when the computer wants to adjust the clock for dalylight savings time. What do I do?

Believe me, they will!

The best thing to do if you want is to just do it.
Always be fair, honest and ethical

[Webshark2000]

Thanks for that advice. While we're on the subject, what do you do when software wants you to enter your name?