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For a broader perspective, see also:
"Credentialing in Higher Education", March 2, 2015, by Matthew Pittinsky, and how certifications such as those from CompTIA enhances (and sometimes even competes with) higher ed's credentialing services:
- http://www.educause.edu/ero/article/credentialing-higher-education-current-challenges-and-innovative-trends
- Credentials, such as certification, can serve as measures, currency, and signals.
"Making Credentials Matter", Mar 31, 2015), also by Matthew Pittinsky, making that case that proof of training and associated professional credentials matter:
- https://www.edsurge.com/n/2015-03-31-making-credentials-matter
- (...)But today, there is a growing pool of workers that demonstrate—and employers that demand—proof of training and competency across disciplines that didn’t even exist ten years ago.
Fields like user interface design and the rapid emergence of new areas in computer and data science are creating new challenges for hiring managers and CEOs. This focuses the question on not just where you went, but on what you know and how well. However, this credential explosion is not just limited to high tech. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that one in four Americans has some form of certification or license distinct from an academic credential.
Credentials matter in a knowledge economy.(...)
- (...)But today, there is a growing pool of workers that demonstrate—and employers that demand—proof of training and competency across disciplines that didn’t even exist ten years ago.
First things first
Which certification should you focus on?
- http://certification.comptia.org/getCertified/which_certification.aspx
- See especially section, "Professional: For established IT workers".
Price of exams (vouchers for certifications and associated bundles):
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- http://www.comptiastore.com/Articles.asp?ID=265&category=learning
- Our prior experience may be sufficient for much of what is tested, at least for this particular exam. Thus, we may not need much training to meet the certification objectives.
- Non-approved, but otherwise relevant training resources, can obviously also be used. Cornell is already paying for some of these, such as SkillSoft, Lynda.com, and Safari Bookshelf. Others include YouTube and the like.
For the big picture, CompTIA roadmap and list within the so-called CompTIA "Professional Series":
- http://certification.comptia.org/ExploreCareers/careerpaths/career_roadmap.aspx
- http://certification.comptia.org/getCertified/certifications.aspx
Considerations and draft plan
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Training: CompTIA CertMaster is available for the exams, and initially use to estimate training costs:
- CompTIA A+ 220-801
- CompTIA A+ 220-802
- CompTIA Network+ N10-005
- CompTIA Network+ N10-006
- CompTIA Security+ SY0-401
Alternatively, one can spend a lot more money in training funds and work-time by simply using CU's preferred IT training partner out of Syracuse, New Horizon's. For example, $2,495 list, plus travel and 5 days of in-class training time:
- http://www.nhsyracuse.com/training-and-certifications/course-outline/#!/product/60 (CompTIA Network+ training)
- http://www.nhsyracuse.com/training-and-certifications/comptia#!/product/810 (CompTIA Linux+ training)
- When might this make sense for us?
Draft plan
If using CompTIA, Oliver thinks we all would benefit from having been certified on:
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CompTIA Linux+ Powered by LPI: Linux installation, system architecture, GNU and UNIX commands, and user interfaces and desktops
All of us?
CompTIA Server+: Building, maintaining and troubleshooting server hardware and software
CompTIA Project+: Project management process, including initiation, planning, execution and support
- A stepping-stone to PMP certification for some of us?
Other keywords
Credentials, credentialing