It Btec Diploma

[anzo]

Howdy,

Looking for some formal qualifications in IT. I'm very experienced in several ideas; hardware, networking, various OS, Small Business Server and I've dabbled in SQL.

I've been doing this for the past 4 years or so but I have nothing on paper...which is proving difficult in finding my next job. I've been looking around the internet and it appears that the MCSE would be ideal...however, I'm trying not to limit my skills to Microsoft.

However, its worth getting as it seems to be the entry level qualification for most 'higher' IT jobs (I don't want to be a paper monkey helping people turn their Caps Lock off on telephone support); so the hardware side of things appeals to me more; especially networking (cabling/wireless and setup on big scales).

Then I came across the BTEC First Diploma in IT; however, is this worth getting or going straight to the MCSE? Afterall, I don't want to pay out ££££ for a course that tells me what I already know and for a course which is worthless on my CV.

I read that Jon has completed this course on his CV and was just wandering if it was worth it? I also noticed they do a work placement; thing is I'm in full time work at the moment in the IT field. How long will I have to be there for?

[ogre]

do a btec national [its on parr with a levels] a btec first is only like gcses [i think]

[UrbanPoet]

If you want to self-learn then the CompTIA A+ and Network+ are good starting points. Even if you know everything, these are good foundations and CompTIA also do higher ones in more specialised fields.

The good thing about these is that they're vendor neutral, but once you get to doing higher certifications you will have to specialise; and that means being vendor specific. Whether you want to go the network hardware route and get your CCNA etc. or network admin and get your MCSA/E or your RHCE etc.

There are loads of certs about, but experience is king so if you have no industry experience, it's very likely you'll start at the bottom in a helpdesk/1st line support role.

With most certifications, expecially the entry-level ones, the best bet is to self-study and spend the money you've saved on some 'lab' equipment for some simulated real-world teaching!

[Muel]

It sounds to me like you're too good for the National Diploma, I'm doing it now and it's a piece of piss, my college do the next level up, which is called a foundation degree, I don't know the details all that well though.

Have you already got GCSEs or A Levels? If you've got 5 A-C at GCSE then you can go straight onto the National Diploma, which is a 2 year Level 3 course. If you already have some A levels or AS Levels, then you can go onto a Level 4 course, which I think includes foundation degrees, and could also possibly include HNDs.

[JonMack]

I did a BTEC ND in Graphic Design, sorry!

[anzo]

It sounds to me like you're too good for the National Diploma, I'm doing it now and it's a piece of piss, my college do the next level up, which is called a foundation degree, I don't know the details all that well though.

Have you already got GCSEs or A Levels? If you've got 5 A-C at GCSE then you can go straight onto the National Diploma, which is a 2 year Level 3 course. If you already have some A levels or AS Levels, then you can go onto a Level 4 course, which I think includes foundation degrees, and could also possibly include HNDs.

Yep, got those and equvilent A level in occupational health and safety....bangin'. Although I suppose it all counts

Becuase I'm British, male, single and working full time, I get nothing from the goverment. And so I'll have to pay for this out my own pocket...not something I mind doing (I never expected a free education) however I don't want to fork out all that money for something thats stupidly easy and won't benefit me in the slightest.

I looked into the CompTIA A+, which I've looked into before, and at around £499 for a home study, it all seems a little bit basic?

[UrbanPoet]

Yep, got those and equvilent A level in occupational health and safety....bangin'. Although I suppose it all counts

Becuase I'm British, male, single and working full time, I get nothing from the goverment. And so I'll have to pay for this out my own pocket...not something I mind doing (I never expected a free education) however I don't want to fork out all that money for something thats stupidly easy and won't benefit me in the slightest.

I looked into the CompTIA A+, which I've looked into before, and at around £499 for a home study, it all seems a little bit basic?

You can do the CompTIA for free except for the actual examination, there are books you can buy that give you everything you need to know so you can do it for the cost of the book + the exam. The A+ is basic from a professional point of view, but it's a good standing and leads you onto further study. The A+ is not a prerequisite for anything, but it prooves your basic understanding, rather than just saying: "Oh I know it all Mr Employer, I just didn't bother with the lower exams." And don't forget that it's likely you'll be going in at the bottom, with all the "basic" stuff.

However, the best thing you can do is get a job in the industry and study for certs part-time. The only problem is actually getting in... it's all well and good filling your time with numerous certifications in the hope of getting in to what you want to do straight away, but it isn't going to happen.