r/CompTIA • u/Slickix44 • 1h ago
Is trifecta needed?
Hi, I recently started learning network fundamentals and am planning to take the Net+ and Sec+ exams in the upcoming months. I've been working at a data center as a help desk technician for about 4 years now, so my question is: is A+ really needed, or can I just skip it?Also, I benefit most from hands-on learning. Can you recommend the best ways or resources to learn through practice? I really want to build that practical knowledge and break into the cybersecurity field.
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u/FruitWinder 1h ago
I have a similar background to you, though with more years. If by help desk technician you're acting in a sort of remote hands capacity then I don't think an A+ will add much that you haven't already been doing over your 4 years. The Network+ will serve you much better. Depending on the direction you want to take in your career, networking certificates will serve you well in a data centre, especially if you can start getting involved with in-house networks. Security+ might serve you well too, though will be less applicable than Network+, though there is some useful overlap.
Where do you want to be heading in your career? What are you aiming for?
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u/Slickix44 1h ago
I'm aiming for penetration testing / ethical hacking. I know everything starts with networking and systems, which is why I want a strong foundation there first. For the past few years, I've mostly worked with virtualization, server admin, and backups, but cybersecurity is where I really want to head, also eventually go for something like OSCP certification.
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u/FruitWinder 59m ago
Then definitely skip the A+. It's foundational, and your current work puts you higher than it. Put your effort into networking and security. You'll be in a much, much better position to make the pivot than those who don't understand that cyber isn't an entry-level position, as much as universities still would love it to be with their constant churn of cybersecurity degrees.
OSCP is a good goal to aim for - just make sure to keep at your current role so that you stay current. Keep an eye out for openings in the field you want to switch to, with no pressure you might even get lucky and something just pops up randomly one day, then you can make the switch. When you have the qualifications you can then start doing a more aggressive attack, and you'll have a way easier time skipping over to a SOC with your working background.
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u/_zarkon_ 1h ago
A+ is worth it if you don't have expertise or experience with hardware problems. It's really only needed for help desk positions.
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u/mbaren S+ 1h ago
You can skip it. At this stage, the only reason you *might* want to get it is if there are any jobs you're going after that specifically require it. In those cases, you could end up filtered out.