Industry Hardware Technician courses & certification

[Borrels]

I mate of mine is looking to get into hardware and networks as technician or the like. He doesn't have the time or money for a tertiary degree but is fairly competent and interested in PC hardware. He is thus thinking of doing a decent industry course/certification - something over a couple of months but which is useful job-wise and can help him get a foot in the door.

I've heard the Cisco certifications are good, but don't have any detail. Any suggestions on course/certifications and where to do these? And approx. cost/duration?

 

[dD3]

Try Comptia.

Also good certifications.

You get a self study guide. and then write the exams (cheapest approach)

 

[Conradl]

A+ is the most basic certification, and should be done first. After that, he can either do N+ or CCNA as an entry level network cert - N+ is easier, but CCNA is WAY more valuable.

 

[Nookie]

As mentioned A+ and N+ are basic starting points. CCNA after that would be a good choice. MCITP would be good if you are interested in going in a Microsoft direction.