Profile of a Network+ Certified Professional

A discussion with a Network+ certified individual about the importance of this CompTIA certification provided insight into one individual’s experience that should prove similar to many working towards certification.

 

Abdel Boujoual is an IT professional who holds several certifications including CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+ and Microsoft MCSA. Abdel provide input to questions about network certification. 

 

Abdel has over 10 years of IT experience. His expertise includes LANs/WANs, Windows 95/98/NT/2K/XP/2003, technical infrastructure, and also applications programming and web development. He has held IT positions as a consultant, instructor, network administrator, and manager. In addition to his IT skills, Abdel highlights his “high energy work ethic and commitment to customer service”. 

 

Abdel noted that his certification study approach included attending a ‘boot camp’ with a major training provider but that this involved a significant cost investing in his education. He explained, “It was a little expensive but offered good quality of education.” His preparation for certification also included test exam materials and Abdel added “a lot of reading and lots of hands on experience.”

 

Abdel provided these other insights and viewpoints:

1.      How did/do you study for certification?
Through the use of self-study and school training. 

2.      Do you have a lab setup for your own training?
Yes, a lab is helpful to prepare for certification.

3.      What value do you place on exam practice material?
Such materials are extremely helpful in preparing for certification.

4.      Do you have any other perspectives on IT certification?
To continue to work on other certifications, I am currently preparing for the MCSE.

5.      What are your thoughts on Linux in general and also Linux certification?
I believe that this is a great certification and demand is increasing for Linux professionals. 

6.      Are certifications still valued greatly by employers?
In my experience, yes certifications are still important to current and potential employers.