This isn't directly related to security, but it is an entry-point that could eventually lead in that direction I suppose. Plus, I value the opinions of the members here

I had a co-worker recently ask me about entering the IT world, and he was interested in taking some sort of A+ course at a local college. Someone had recommended this class to him if he wanted to get into IT. He asked me about it and I wasn't quite sure what to tell him. I don't know a whole lot about how the new (not so much anymore) versions of A+ are valued.

The old version was all about standard 'technician' type skills, and being able to replace hardware components and do some basic OS troubleshooting. These new paths seem to be a little more advanced, and would appear to be pretty decent entry-level certifications to obtain (either the 'IT Technician' role or the 'Remote Support Technician' role).

Does anyone have any advice on a path to take for just general entrance into IT? Probably some form of user support/helpdesk type role? How would you compare these new A+ options to something like the MCDST or the Helpdesk Institute?

Any thoughts/opinions/comments are appreciated

Thanks.

BillV

Thanks for the reply, VJ. I think, for this situation, the problem there would be how to get that first job with no current skill. I think I will see him again tonight, so I will definitely ask him what current experience he has, but I'm thinking that we're talking nothing beyond standard "end-user" type usage... Internet, email, office applications. Haha, though now that I think about it, I guess that's typically the stuff most users have problems with

A+ is a good place to start. You should take the "IT technician path. It is the recommended path.

That requirement isn't necessarily true. It is not required for where I work, but then we are doing mostly C&A work here. The cert just depends on where you are going to be working and what you are going to be doing. p0et is right though that it is often the starting point for many techies. Good luck.