Hello ITProTV community, I just signed up after using my trial period. I really like the way the material is presented by the instructors like Ronnie and Daniel. In my current situation I can't physically attend college because of my work schedule. I am a full time firefighter and work 24 hrs shift with 48 hrs off. I always had a passion for computers and IT since I was 16 years old. I graduated with an Associate Degree in Computers and Microprocessors back in 1999. I started building my own PC's back then once I got into PC gaming. So pretty much my experience has been building PC's and some troubleshooting.
While I love what I do as a firefighter I still have the passion for computers. I want to continue learning and educating myself more in the IT field and hopefully one day get a job as well. Now from 1999 to present day technology had changed, so I need to educate and prepare myself. I have a growing interest in Cybersecurity field. I had talked to friends that work in the IT/Cybersecurity field and based on my situation they recommended me to start by taking my basic certifications. They all told me to sign up for ITProTv. I could also do an online degree in Cybersecurity but it will take me a long time.
Well enough with the intro, my questions about the CompTIA A+ and future certifications are:
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Does studying the video material on ITProTV enough for me to prepare for the exam and pass it? Most of the reviews and actual feedback from friends are that you guys get me ready for it as long as I complete the material. I do see these certifications get expensive and the fees are for a one time exam so i want to make sure I can pass it the first time.
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Any particular study strategy? Like do all the videos in the certification curriculum and then do all VLabs, etc.
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In your opinion, Do you agree with my friend's recommendation to get back in the field and start learning? Do certifications first and start getting experience.
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Do you think I should pursue a degree as well and do it at the same time i'm studying for my certifications?
My plan would be to get A+, Security and Network+ first. I would look for a part-time job to gain experience or even do an internship. Unfortunately I found out that my college degree is old and I can't get an credits towards a new degree. I will have to start from the beginning again which is fine as I mentioned before technology had changed. Sorry for the long post I just wanted to present the whole picture so I can get the best response from you guys. Thanks in advance. Jay.