I want to be an IT professional, but where do I start?

I get asked this question almost every day and I can see why — it’s not as simple as it sounds. 

Become a computer guy — great, but how?  What to do?  Where to start?  There are so many different specialties and certifications that many people get discouraged just by looking at them.

But don’t worry, I’m here to help.

In my opinion the best place to start your career as an IT professional is by getting your CompTIA Network+ certification under your belt. This is a vendor-neutral certification that can later on be applied to Microsoft, Cisco, Linux, or other certifications.

What will I learn?

Network+ tests basic networking knowledge that can be applied to many other certifications. 

Studying for the Network+ exam will also help you confirm your decision on becoming an IT pro or you may realize that this field is not for you.  If you made a mistake and you no longer want to be part of the IT world, no harm done, right?  You put the training aside and you move on.  At least you have a better understating about computers and networking.

Once you obtain the Network+ certification, you will have a better understanding of all the different networking technologies and possibly an interest in a few of them. You may find that you really want to learn networking and that you want to work with network routers and switches. If that’s your choice, then your next step would be to move on to Cisco CCNA training. Or maybe you decide that you want to administer Microsoft servers; then you definitely need to start studying Microsoft Active Directory.

Whatever your choice is going to be, you will have a great foundation with the Network+ knowledge.

What’s new in Network+ 2009?

Currently there are two Network+ exam available:

• Network+ 2007 exam — which is available until July 31st, 2009 when it will be officially retired
• Network+ 2009 exam — available now and expected to remain through 2012

According to CompTIA, Network+ tests your ability to manage, maintain, troubleshoot, install, operate, and configure a basic network. You should also be able to describe networking technologies, know basic design principles and wiring standards, as well as be able to use proper network testing tools.

These are the basic skills of a networking professional that has always been in Network+ objectives.  Comparing with the previous versions, the 2009 Network+ certification places greater emphasis on security and wireless networking.

Security is the most important factor to all companies right now.  With all the viruses going on and hackers, protecting a company’s network from attacks and threats is the most important job for an administrator these days.

Wireless networking is also a very popular area.  More and more companies want their employees to be able to get on-line anywhere at any time.  That’s where wireless experts come in.  But, keep in mind that wireless networks need to be secure.  You don’t want just anyone logging into your network, so wireless security is going to be your task as well.

For more information and details on Network+ visit CompTIA’s website.

Exam Info

Jason Zandri recently posted an article that lists all of the specific exam information for Network+, as well as CompTIA’s A+ and Security+ certifications. For detailed exam info check out 2. CompTIA’s Network+ Certification which talks about the number of questions, minimum passing scores, resources, links etc.

One last thing …

I hope I was able to help you get started on becoming an IT pro.  This is exactly where I started — with Network+ and I firmly believe that it’s the best place for any aspiring IT pro to start.

Soon after I passed my Network+ exam I moved on to Microsoft certifications.  Please let me know if you have any questions regarding this or any other IT certification.  I will be more than happy to answer your questions.

And remember: it’s never too late to start your IT career.  This popular saying, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks” is not true.  Any dog trainer can tell you that  

So, go out there, grab a book or check out our Network+ training videos, pass the certification and let me know your score!

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