Purposes and benefits

Ensure all ChemIT staff have baseline, shared technical knowledge. Both broadly and in specific areas we support (servers, Linux, IT security, etc.)
Promote expanded knowledge for all ChemIT staff in in specific areas we support (servers, Linux, IT security, etc.)
Promote a professional staff environment, which includes investing in staff professional development.
Discover and confirm cost-effective technical training resources and validation methods.

See also, "Benefits of IT Certification for employee and employer":

http://www.globalknowledge.com/training/generic.asp?pageid=3681

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 for just the CompTIA A+ certification, as an example:

http://www.comptiastore.com/Articles.asp?ID=265&category=learning
- Our prior experience may be sufficient for much of what is tested, at least for this particular exam. Thus, we may not need much training to meet the certification objectives.
- Non-approved, but otherwise relevant training resources, can obviously also be used. Cornell is already paying for some of these, such as SkillSoft, Lynda.com, and Safari Bookshelf. Others include YouTube and the like.

For the big picture, CompTIA roadmap and list within the so-called CompTIA "Professional Series":

http://certification.comptia.org/ExploreCareers/careerpaths/career_roadmap.aspx
http://certification.comptia.org/getCertified/certifications.aspx

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 this approach prudently cost-effective?

Most certificates we'd initially be taking are "good" for 3 years. Some are good for life (GFL). We can evaluate the value of formally renewing any certificate after we've actually gotten some, but I wanted to put the consideration down now.

http://certification.comptia.org/stayCertified/about-the-ce-program#cecerts

Training: CompTIA CertMaster is available for the exams, and initially use to estimate training costs:

CompTIA A+ 220-801
CompTIA A+ 220-802
CompTIA Network+ N10-005
CompTIA Network+ N10-006
CompTIA Security+ SY0-401

Draft plan

If using CompTIA, Oliver thinks we all would benefit from having been certified on:

CompTIA A+
- Perhaps do via "fake" method above. If so, then confirm knowledge by taking any of the more advanced 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?