# What are good certifications for a future comptuer geek?
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-good-certifications-for-a-future-comptuer-geek/403426
**Category:** In My Humble Opinion
**Created:** [May 9, 2007, 6:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-good-certifications-for-a-future-comptuer-geek/403426 "2007-05-09T18:06:15Z")
**Posts on this page:** 6
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@Surbey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Surbey)
#### Post date: [May 9, 2007, 6:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-good-certifications-for-a-future-comptuer-geek/403426/1 "2007-05-09T18:06:15Z")
I’m looking into getting some certifications under my belt. I’ve heard its great for a resume and can give you a lot of knowledge about a topic. So, what would you suggest I get? I know of a few but not too many. Where can I get more information?
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### Author:  [@Words\_on\_the\_Interweb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Words_on_the_Interweb)
#### Post date: [May 9, 2007, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-good-certifications-for-a-future-comptuer-geek/403426/2 "2007-05-09T18:29:30Z")
A+ certification is a good place to start for basic tech knowledge, MCSE and/or Network+ if you’re interested in networking/system admin. [Information Technology (IT) Certifications & Training | CompTIA](http://certification.comptia.org/default.aspx) has info regarding various certifications, some of which can be applied to Microsoft certifications. See [http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/certifications.mspx](http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/certifications.mspx) for info re: MCSE and other Microsoft certifications. Experience is arguably more valuable than certifications, but lacking the former, the latter can help you get your foot in the door.
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### Author:  [@NurseCarmen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NurseCarmen)
#### Post date: [May 9, 2007, 6:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-good-certifications-for-a-future-comptuer-geek/403426/3 "2007-05-09T18:52:01Z")
I started with an A+. Most of the people I work with did too.
But really, from there, it’s a question of what you prefer doing. Many people don’t realize how fractured and specialized the IT field is.
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### Author:  [@Surbey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Surbey)
#### Post date: [May 9, 2007, 6:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-good-certifications-for-a-future-comptuer-geek/403426/4 "2007-05-09T18:57:30Z")
well, I’m going into a network degree so I guess those two that have been listed are a great place to start.
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### Author:  [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)
#### Post date: [May 9, 2007, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-good-certifications-for-a-future-comptuer-geek/403426/5 "2007-05-09T19:53:12Z")
I’ve never looked at certifications when interviewing people for positions. Experience is much more important. If you don’t have experience, then I suppose it could make a difference but I’ve never been in the position of hiring people with absolutely no experience.
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### Author:  [@Captain\_C](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Captain_C)
#### Post date: [May 10, 2007, 6:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-good-certifications-for-a-future-comptuer-geek/403426/6 "2007-05-10T06:46:57Z")
[QUOTE=Telemark]
I’ve never looked at certifications when interviewing people for positions. Experience is much more important. If you don’t have experience, then I suppose it could make a difference but I’ve never been in the position of hiring people with absolutely no experience.
[/QUOTE]
Can’t get the low-level experience without the certifications first. Trust me, I know. I’ve applied to many IT jobs, even low level ones that could be done by a monkey with a screwdriver, and they won’t even look at me because I don’t have any certifications.