So – what are the “required” certifications a IT Pro Should possess?

Now if this isn’t going to stir the proverbial pot! This is not a slight to all of you programmers or DBA types – this and several other blogs will cover the classes and certifications that I feel an IT Pro should possess (leaving all conversation of real-world experience out of this –I’ll cover that topic in other blogs). But, what you have is a person new to the IT field and you want to give them some advice on what classes and certifications they should take first? Class – any guesses? Yes – you in the black t-shirt with the Mt Dew in your hand – what do you recommend?” “Uh – how about A+ and Net+?” “Great suggestions! – and thus it begins” I agree with Mr. Mt Dew. If someone is new, I mean brand new, to the IT field – then they should take the A+ and Network+ classes and certification tests. These classes will help prepare them for further advancement. You can’t realistically expect a career-changer or a just-graduated-from-High Schooler to really have a firm understanding of how computers and networks function. There is simply too much background knowledge to assimilate – as we in the field all too readily know. Having taught numerous A+ and network+ classes over the years with new people on them – I can attest that you really must do a fantastic job in order for the information to be conveyed in easy to digest chunks and give it time to assimilate. Pointing out what the different components of a computer and how they work is straight forward – now toss in a side dish of IRQs and a helping of wiring and you have completed the smorgasbord of IT knowledge for the newbie. Once our erstwhile IT Pros pass their A+ tests, it is off to Network+. What a great way of learning how networks function from the ground up – the different networking equipment, protocols etc – until they meet subnetting. If there is one subject that causes more heartache for our newest members it is subnetting. Either they understand and can configure a class-C subnet or they don’t – there is rarely anything in-between with subnetting. Now that our newest members have successfully passed A+ and Network+ – it is off to a job someplace where they can use their new skill sets and develop new ones. Hopefully they are given a chance to grow and learn new things and want to move into other areas of the IT Field – such as becoming a Network Administrator, Enterprise Administrator or a Security guru – given time. So – I believe that the first step should be with the A+ and Network+ as it gives the grounding required, without overwhelming the student.