Tag Archives: certification

One more certification down

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Yes, I’m still alive. It’s been a busy several weeks. As I stated in my last post, on the 8th of this month I passed my CompTIA Linux+, a certification which pretty much kicked my butt.

Today I passed the CompTIA Network+ certification. Less than two weeks of studying, but I did it. I’ll have to give a lot of credit to the author of the Sybex Network+ book, it was far better than the Linux+ study guide. Of course, this was a lot of refresher, I had almost taken the Linux+ test years ago, along with the Microsoft Networking Essentials test. Then I realized I didn’t want to be a network engineer.

Wait, what? I hear ya, why take the Network+ certification if I don’t want to do networking. That’s simple. The “Introduction to Networking” class at school is a 5 credit hour class, and at $450 per credit hour that comes out to a big chuck of money. Why pay over $2K when I can get credit for the class by only spending $250? Well, technically with the price of the study book it’s more like $300. Pretty easy decision there.

So, what’s next? I’m looking at the CompTIA Security+ certification. Sure, I don’t want to do networking, but it would look nice on a resume. If I earn it before the end of the year, it too will be a lifetime certification like my A+ that I earned back in 2000 and the Network+ which I earned today.

After that, I would really like to focus on a few certifications that really apply to my area of work. I may pursue the Oracle MySQL, Oracle 10g Database and Zend PHP certifications. Though I’m not in any rush to get those. I just needed my Linux+ and Network+ before the classes started up.

A big thanks to my loving wife, who I have neglected quite a bit in the past several weeks while I locked myself in the bedroom to study. If she hadn’t allowed me to isolate myself, I would probably still be studying for the first Linux test. Love you babe!

Two New Certifications

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On Wednesday, I successfully passed the second CompTIA Linux+ test and earned both the Linux+ and LPIC-1 certifications. I wish I could say it was a breeze, but it really wasn’t. In fact, I failed the first test one time.

Failed? Yes, practically every certification test I have ever taken has been multiple choice, and that was exactly how I studied for this test. Heck, the practice questions on the CompTIA website are multiple choice and all of the questions in the Sybex study guide were as well. Why would I expect anything different?

Yes, there were multiple choice questions. However, I’d say around half of the questions were fill in the blank. The test asked for directory names, commands, options, and flags and even networking ports. It’s a lot to remember, and to be honest it was kind of stupid some of the things that they expected you to remember for the tests.

Sure, there are a ton of commands that a Linux administrator should know off the top of his head. But remembering the operations and flags is silly. That’s the reason for man pages and info. It’ll tell you everything you need to know and even give example usage in most situations.

Another thing I found silly with the test is that there wasn’t anything dealing with Apache. Most Linux servers are setup to as a web server, yet it wasn’t part of the test. MySQL was, which I could understand except for one thing… the test did not involve setting up or configuring a MySQL server, rather it contain basic SQL statements.

Granted, it has been several years since I have done anything serious with Linux. The Linux+ tests are designed to test the knowledge of those that already have experience administrating Linux systems. However, I am proof that with a bit of dedication, or at least determination, you can pass the test simply by “book study.”

The Sybex Linux+ study guide isn’t bad. However, the author does mention several times throughout the book that the test covers one command but he covers something different instead. Additionally, there are some things that he doesn’t cover until the “test 2 study section” that actually appears on the first test.

Why get the certifications? It was all about money to me. No, I won’t be making more money at work (wouldn’t that be nice, though). The certification costs $336 by itself, and the Sybex study guide runs about $50 on Amazon. So I ended up paying around $550 to get the certifications. At Fountainhead there is a introduction to Linux class, which costs more than $1,500 in tuition + books. The certification gives me credit for that class, and saves me about $1,000. Really, it was an easy choice. And gives me about a month without a class. In fact, if I can earn my Network+ certification, I will have received credit for and entire semester worth of classes. :)

Back To School

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Well, I am officially a student once again. It came down to the very last last minute. After spending several this morning filling out paperwork, I’m all signed up to begin class on Monday. Yes, this coming Monday.

The program at Fountainhead College of Technology (formerly Tennessee Institute of Electronics) is 4 semesters, or 16 months. By August 18, 2011 I’ll have an Associate of Occupational Science in Computer Programming. 16 months after that (somewhere near the end August 2012), I’ll have a Bachelor of Applied Science in Computer Technology: Application Development.

They’ve given me credit for my CompTIA A+ certification and some credits that transferred from my time at ITT. I really wish they had given me “work experience” credits considering the first 2 semesters cover everything I do for a living (PHP, HTML, Javascript, SQL, CSS, etc.). Heck, my job title is “Application Systems Engineer, Level 3″. Oh well, those classes will at least be an easy “A”, which should help me pad my GPA.

I did find it odd that the programming degree, in an online program nonetheless, does the CompTIA A+ stuff – 7 credit hours. Thankfully, I don’t have to take it thanks to my 1999 certification. I’m reminded of a quote that I think applies to the program, “beware of programmers that carry screwdrivers.”

So now I’m further in debt with student loans and will be shelling out several hundred bucks a month to cover the rest of the cost. I really hope that piece of paper at the end is worth all the trouble. Guess I need to hold off on canceling that 2nd job just a bit longer. *grumble*

Apple Certified Associate (x2)

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On Sunday night, I passed my 2nd Apple Certified Associate certification test. This one was for iWork 09. A few weeks ago, I passed the test for iLife 09.

While these certs aren’t a big deal, they did allow me to learn more about the Apple software, and I gained much bigger appreciation for iWork, which I had not used until I began studying for the test. iLife is a good suite as well, but I don’t see myself really using anything more than iPhoto and iMovie. Continue reading →

Apple Certified Support Professional 10.5

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If you’ve spent any time reading through my blog or profiles at Twitter or Facebook, you’ll know that I’ve become quite fond of my Mac and OS X. On September 27, 2008 one day before OS X 10.6 “Snow Leopard” was released, and less than one year from when I first started using a Mac I obtained a Apple Certification. That’s right, I am now an Apple Certified Support Professional (ACSP) 10.5. I’m also looking at becoming an Apple Certified Associate for both iLife ’09 and iWork ’09, as well as following up my ACSP 10.5 with the 10.6 which should be available in a few months.

Where to after that? I’m planning on obtaining the CompTIA Linux+ and Network+, and at least one of the Microsoft SQL Server certifications. Obtaining all three of those will help save me about $6,000 if I go back to school, which is something I am looking into for next year. I am already a Microsoft Certified Professional for Windows 2000 Pro as well as a A+ Certified Technician. I would also like to continue my Apple certifications with the Apple Certified Coordinator, Apple Certified Technical Specialist, and Apple Certified Systems Administrator.

What does this mean for me? No, I don’t get any kind of discounts at the Apple Store (I wish!!). It just shows that I know a bit about OS X. It’ll help me should I apply for a job with Apple or at a company that uses Apple products. I learned quite a bit while studying, and will hopefully be able to help support someone. :) Who knows, maybe one day you’ll see OverclockersClub.com open a Apple related website.