Computer certificate programs

[Im_Me]

So...I'm currently a technical professional in a "low tech" industry and am nearing retirement. I'd like to start scaling back on hours now; but need to continue to earn at a good rate, so I can help the kid with college expenses. I'm considering changing careers.

Are there any computer certificate programs (2 year or less) that would get me bankable credentials toward a second career? Are part time/ work from home positions available? (doesn't have to be local).

 

[GURPS]

computer certificate ?

like what ?
DBA
MCSE
A+
Network +

 

[Lamini]

The typical path for entry level careers in the computer/IT industry start with CompTIA A+, then Network+. Depending on experience, you may be able to read the first 20 pages of A+ for Dummies to realize this was too easy, then pass the test. Many have also had this mentality and failed miserably. To work at any enterprise environment, you'll most likely need a Security+. If its DoD, I guarantee you that you will need the Sec+, and a very good chance that you'll also need a security clearance. Once you're over these entry level "stepping stones", you should have a good idea of what it is exactly that you want to do; network, security, desktop support, database support, web development, application development, etc. If you want to keep it easy and avoid the security clearance jobs, then you'll be competing with all those guys overseas that have been taking our jobs, or should i say the managers here that have been giving away jobs to inrease profits, for themselves.

 

[acommondisaster]

Yeah, good advice from Lamini - definitely Security + as a stepping stone. Anything after that depends on what specialty you have.
Most places will give you 6 months to get any other certs they need you to have.
Good luck with the work from home, unless you're going to consult.

 

[GURPS]

Are part time/ work from home positions available? (doesn't have to be local).

I am thinking to get a 'remote' access kind or IT JOB, you would have already been working for a company

the people that do these, are usually 'Server Administrators'

what you are looking at is starting out on a 'Help Desk' replacing broken mice and keyboards ...


maybe not

Tech support specialist
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[acommondisaster]

I want to kind of emphasize something that Lamini touched on, now that I've read your original post. Most of the certifications that people have listed can be self studied. Whatever you do, don't waste money paying for a week long "boot camp" or class for one of these certifications. You can read the book (Comp TIA books for most of them) and get enough out of it to pass the test and get the cert. You might want to look at ITIL as well for a foundation IT certification. Good luck.

 

[GURPS]

I want to kind of emphasize something that Lamini touched on, now that I've read your original post. Most of the certifications that people have listed can be self studied. Whatever you do, don't waste money paying for a week long "boot camp" or class for one of these certifications. You can read the book (Comp TIA books for most of them) and get enough out of it to pass the test and get the cert. You might want to look at ITIL as well for a foundation IT certification. Good luck.

I agree, but some of us are 'learn by doing' types ....

 

[Crewdawg141]

So...I'm currently a technical professional in a "low tech" industry and am nearing retirement. I'd like to start scaling back on hours now; but need to continue to earn at a good rate, so I can help the kid with college expenses. I'm considering changing careers.

Are there any computer certificate programs (2 year or less) that would get me bankable credentials toward a second career? Are part time/ work from home positions available? (doesn't have to be local).

To touch on what others said about CompTIA certifications previously look at this link - http://certification.comptia.org/ExploreCareers/careerpaths/career_roadmap.aspx It can provide some guidance for you possible future endeavors, but to work at or near Pax (really anywhere else that is DOD related) Security + is the starting point.

 

[MarieB]

So...I'm currently a technical professional in a "low tech" industry and am nearing retirement. I'd like to start scaling back on hours now; but need to continue to earn at a good rate, so I can help the kid with college expenses. I'm considering changing careers.

Are there any computer certificate programs (2 year or less) that would get me bankable credentials toward a second career? Are part time/ work from home positions available? (doesn't have to be local).

I would highly recommend two sites to start researching work at home opportunities

Workplacelikehome.com

And ratracerebellion.com

 

[HeavyChevy75]

Doing anything with servers within the DoD is going to require at least a Security + certification and an Operating systems (Server +, Unix, Linux, etc). That is for a Level II IAT certification that is being put into place by the Dod 8570 directive. This has to happen by 2015. The command I work for which is NOT NAVAIR started to enforce it just as I started. Last summer my job was getting that Security + done. I didn't have 6 months to get it..I had to do ASAP. I passed the test in August after studying for a month straight. I am working on my CISSP for the Level III certification now.

This is publically accessible information.

Link:

http://www.giac.org/certifications/dodd-8570
http://www.sans.org/dodd-8570
https://www.cool.navy.mil/ia_documents/ia_iat_flow.htm

 

[Crewdawg141]

Doing anything with servers within the DoD is going to require at least a Security + certification and an Operating systems (Server +, Unix, Linux, etc). That is for a Level II IAT certification that is being put into place by the Dod 8570 directive. This has to happen by 2015. The command I work for which is NOT NAVAIR started to enforce it just as I started. Last summer my job was getting that Security + done. I didn't have 6 months to get it..I had to do ASAP. I passed the test in August after studying for a month straight. I am working on my CISSP for the Level III certification now.

This is publically accessible information.

Link:

http://www.giac.org/certifications/dodd-8570
http://www.sans.org/dodd-8570
https://www.cool.navy.mil/ia_documents/ia_iat_flow.htm

Good Luck with the CISSP, just remember that it is a mile wide but only an inch deep.