The New Guy

[MarshallC]

Hello All,

I am Marshall and I'm a Help Desk Support Technician. I would love to move over to Network Administration however. I am looking for an opportunity to learn all that I can and look forward to reading everyone's thoughts.

 

[Matt77]

Hello, and welcome! Nice to see another Californian!
Are you going to take the N+ exam?

 

[MarshallC]

Yes, eventually. My plan is to finish my A+ and then move to PDI + and then my N+. But I am not certain the exact path for Network Admin.

 

[Matt77]

Well, I don't think you'd jump to admin, probably network technician first.

 

[MarshallC]

And that would be fine. My biggest concern is that I do not want to take any certs that would not contribute to my career goal.

 

[Matt77]

I would take N+ and then take PDI+ as a suppliment. Then, get your MCSA.

 

[MarshallC]

What about Security + and Server +? Are those needed certs for a Network Technician?

 

[Matt77]

Last time I checked, you're going to need 3 CompTIA+ accreditations to qualify for a Microsoft Accreditation. So it's your pick- take more than needed, or less. Remember, you need to get Continuing Education credits (CE's) every 3 years per certification

 

[MarshallC]

I've heard about CE's but never really understood them. What are they and how do I obtain them?

 

[Matt77]

Continuing Education

This should help. My mom does them for medicine, they're basically a certain number of assignments you have to complete. Could be different though.