See also

• See "Training cost estimates" spreadsheet on ChemIT's file share, for ChemIT staff:
  • R:\Chem IT\Admin, articles, and training\Training resources and educ. ideas
• Learning Linux

First things first

Which certification should you focus on?

• http://certification.comptia.org/getCertified/which_certification.aspx
• See especially section "Professional: For established IT workers".

Price of exams (vouchers for certifications and associated bundles):

• http://www.comptiastore.com/Articles.asp?ID=265&category=vouchers

List of approved training resources:

• http://www.comptiastore.com/Articles.asp?ID=265&category=learning
• recognize that your prior experience may be sufficient for much of what is tested, as might non-approved but otherwise relevant training resources.

Considerations and draft plan

Do we need to take the CompTIA A+ certification? To do so, you must pass two exams:

• CompTIA A+ 220-801 covers the fundamentals of computer technology, installation and configuration of PCs, laptops and related hardware, and basic networking.
• CompTIA A+ 220-802 covers the skills required to install and configure PC operating systems, as well as configuring common features (e.g. network connectivity and email) for mobile operating systems Android and Apple iOS.

Is what we already know sufficient? Or, shall we all study as if to take the certification, and then maybe even get a score from a sample test. Then "confirm" all this by taking a more challenging certification. Is that prudently cost-effective?

Draft plan

Oliver thinks we all would benefit from having certified on:

• CompTIA A+
  • Likely via "fake" method above. Then "proven" by taking any of the below certifications?

• CompTIA Network+: Managing, maintaining, troubleshooting, operating and configuring basic network infrastructure

• CompTIA Security+: System security, network infrastructure, cryptography, assessments and audits

Other certifications to consider investing in, informed by how the above investments work out:

• CompTIA Linux+ Powered by LPI: Linux installation, system architecture, GNU and UNIX commands, and user interfaces and desktops

  • All of us?

• CompTIA Server+: Building, maintaining and troubleshooting server hardware and software

• CompTIA Project+: Project management process, including initiation, planning, execution and support

  • A stepping-stone to PMP certification for some of us?