Where can I get a job with an A+ and Network+ certification?

Better to get A+ certification with CCNA?

• I am going to try to Cisco Certified Network Associate certification before I graduate from college with a Bachelor's in Information Technology. I have no networking job experience. My question is for job hunting is it better to get Comptia's A+ certification a couple of months before getting the CCNA, or should I save my money from the A+ exam and just focus on CCNA and school? I know it makes sense to have both but does having the A+ with the CCNA make much of a difference than just CCNA, since I don't have a lot of money right now the cost of the A+ exam could make a dent in my budget. Thank you in advance to all who give advise.

• Answer:

  First off - Congrats on your almost degree. You will be glad you got the Bachelors degree! Good job! The A+ has one big plus and that is the 2 tests that make up that cert package will ease you gently into the world of taking certification tests. Network+ might be another idea. If you want to do work in hardware and basic troubleshooting then the A+ is appropriate. If you want to design and configure networks and work with networking hardware then the Cisco certs are appropriate. If you want to do system administration and Security that is OS specific then you want Server+ Linux, Microsoft or other operating system certs. If you want to work specifically in Security areas Security+, CISSP and CEH are appropriate. All that being said, there is no downside to having certs outside your realm other than time and cost. They will never hurt with an employer. Certs underline the facts that your degree already implies and that is you will finish what you start and that you are teachable. These are two very desireable employee qualities. Best wishes!