Stepping Into a Career in Network and System Administration

Are you planning to develop a career in Network and system administration? These are certainly quite sought after positions in today’s professional world. However, you should not take the plunge before doing some good research about the field, no matter how lucrative the offers may seem. Positions for network and system administration are highly sought after, and you should expect stiff competition. However, a solid educational background and good knowledge about technological advancements in the field should see you through. Here are some pointers on how you can prepare yourself from an early stage.

Step – 1: Get proper education

First off, get proper education in the field, along with good knowledge in the advancement of related technologies. Getting a four-year college degree will be a great way to start your preparation. It is even better if the degree is in one of the fields among computer science, information systems, or communications science. Augment your skills even further by getting some online certifications in the field you wish to specialize in.

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How To Start A Career In The Computer Field

By Chris Bryant

If you’re considering a career working in Information Technology – a fancy way of saying “working with computers” – congratulations! I can tell you from personal experience that it’s one of the best decisions you’ll ever make. I can also tell you from personal experience that it is never too late to begin!

I started my IT career 10 years ago, and it was a tough decision. I was 34 years old, and really knew next to nothing about computers. I decided to attend a technical school to get my career started, and it was the best decision I’ve ever made. Ten years later, I write ebooks and teach classes dealing with different facets of networking, I’ve earned the most difficult computer certification in the world, and I’ve never been happier. The same thing can happen for you.

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4 Reasons to Get CompTIA Certifications

If you are pursuing a career in the information technology field, chances are you will need to obtain some kind of IT certification in order to qualify for a job. There are many IT certification options out there, so sometimes it can be difficult to choose which one is best for you. The Computer Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) offers a wide variety of certification exams which are well regarded in the information technology sector as a reliable indicator of employee qualification. There are lots of compelling reasons to get a CompTIA certification. Here are just a few:

1. CompTIA A+ certification is the gold standard of IT certifications.

If you’re just starting out in IT, chances are you will need to obtain your A+ certification at some point. This certification covers the absolute basics of computer technology. By obtaining this credential, you prove to prospective employers that you have the necessary knowledge to install software and hardware, perform preventative maintenance, do basic computer networking, and have a clear understanding of computer security essentials. The CompTIA A+ certification is also a prerequisite for a whole host of other certifications offered by CompTIA and other credentialing organizations. If you don’t get your CompTIA A+, you won’t be able to move on to more advanced certifications and job openings with greater levels of responsibility.

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CompTIA Amends it’s Recertification Policy

Close on the heels of releasing detailed information on its  recertification policy for A+, Network+, and Security+, CompTIA has rescinded the original plans. The most controversial part of the new program was the requirement for’ individuals who though they already had a lifetime certification from CompTIA to recertify or lose it. Under the modified plan, individuals who already have these certifications will keep them, without any renewal requirements, as will anyone who earns CompTIA’s  A+, Network+, or Security+ by December 31, 2010. All certifications earned after that will come with the required 3 year renewal plan announced earlier. This change in strategy will no doubt elicit a sigh of relief from many IT pros. You can read about the original CompTIA recertification plan here.

CompTIA Announces Plan to Help IT Professionals Keep Skills Up-To-Date

Effective this month, CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+ Certifications are valid for three years from the date the candidate is certified. If you hold these Certifications, you may want to take a moment to read the press release from CompTIA regarding this. Here.

The new certification renewal policy is applicable to all individuals who hold CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+ or CompTIA Security+ certifications, regardless of the date they were certified. Other CompTIA certifications are not affected at this time.

Individuals certified previously in CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network + or CompTIA Security+ are directed to http://www.comptia.org/certifications/listed/renewal.aspx for detailed information on their certification renewal dates and the certification renewal program.