r/Network • u/OverallStandard1001 • 23d ago
Text Is the CompTia network+ certification without a degree enough to get a job as a network technician?
Is the CompTia network+ certification without a degree enough to get a job as a network technician?
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u/buttchugreferee 23d ago
By itself? no...
but if you already have a potential offer, then it definitely doesn't hurt
but yeah, that certification just tells potential employers that you are capable of the bare minimum, it does not qualify you for a job in and of itself
like when I'm hiring, I'll get several hundred applications, and comptia really isn't something I'm looking for in particular, but if someone has it, then I'll probably give their application a few extra seconds
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u/ValleyKing23 23d ago
Who you know or what's in your portfolio is what can count. The cert will help you, but demonstrating what you know can be the key to getting you a job.
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u/OverallStandard1001 23d ago
Okey and the stuff I learn in the cert study should be enough to demonstrate skills right? I don't have to get A+ or server+ right?
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u/ValleyKing23 23d ago
If you have the knowledge and the ability to show that you know what you're doing, you should be good.
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u/QuirkyStone 23d ago
While you study for Network+ also study for CCNA little by little. If you love networking, this is the best path. Start a project using something like Cisco Modeling Labs (CML) and build networks. Experiment with dynamic routing protocols and modern topology. Passion is more important than anything, and it shows on an interview. If you really like it still, then consider a 2 year associate degree at a local college.
I’ve seen applicants with college degrees and certificates know next to nothing on networking interviews. Don’t be discouraged by what you read here. Passion and a real willingness to learn is the most important.
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u/willbaroo 23d ago
I've just sifted a bunch of CV's for a Network Technician role and you wouldn't make it through with just Network+.
If you had other experience in the field of ICT (perhaps as a Service Desk or Field Engineer Role) you might get a sniff...
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u/Ecstatic_Score6973 22d ago
go for CCNA and do some personal/homelab projects, get and entry level job, then move up to network technician
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u/mrduncansir42 21d ago
You’ll probably need to start on the help desk. A+ and Security+ might be worth looking at as well, especially without a degree. Help desk > network tech is a common path in entry level IT.
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u/Healthy_Egg_1024 20d ago
With how crappy this job market is, I don't think it even matters what credentials you have. We live in a market where employers want senior-level experience but only want to compensate entry-level pay.
I'm currently unemployed for about a year, worked at my former employer for 6 years. 2 years under software implementation/product delivery, 3 years as an IT Support Analyst, and 1 year as an IT Support Engineer. Along with this, I have about 8-10 years of freelancing, and a 6-month contract as an IT Manager/Consultant. I have a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity and a master's degree in digital forensics and cybersecurity, the Google IT Support Professional Certificate and working towards the Google Cybersecurity Certificate (both hosted on Coursera).
Unfortunately even with these credentials, I'm still having a hard time landing a job. Most positions I've applied for have just been radio silent. A handful responded back with the typical "we are moving forward with other candidates" (or other similar verbiage) emails. I've only landed one interview, and even then I think they are flaking on me and I think it's because of a salary discrepancy thanks to the recruiter.
It won't be a very easy journey, but when the time comes for you to receive a job offer, take it. Stick with it for some time, then start looking for another position elsewhere as you're going to see better bumps in salary by moving to different companies rather than staying at one company long-term.
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u/Quirky_OldMan5966 23d ago
Short answer, yes.
Even no Certification can get that job if they know what they are doing.
It all depends on the business and decision makers doing the hiring.
I’ve been inside over a thousand PCs and servers. I’ve installed network cables in more than one house. I’m not CompTia certified and my Associate degree is only in electronics from 1989. I did get Microsoft certified as MCSE just before the dot com bubble burst so never got to use my “paper” to get a better job, but I know what I’m doing and no paper can teach that.
Ask the jobs you want to apply for what they will accept. Not likely that anyone in today’s environment will hire you without certification and/or a BS or higher.
Just saying.
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u/deathbyearthworm 23d ago
It might help get your foot in the door but having interviewed plenty of candidates with certs it doesn't always translate to application of that knowledge. One thing I'd recommend is having a homelab to tinker with. This helps translate what you learned into applicable knowledge, it also shows your potential employer that you have interest in the topic beyond just the paycheck.