Help w/ IT Certifications

[ElzDMigz]

Hi all!

TL;DR: Is it worth Doing CompTIA certifications to get into the Cyber Security field (or IT field in general) and if not what else should I do?

I was recently studying at UNISA, and unfortunately for reasons beyond my control I was 'let go' from the university.
I didn't lack credits of any sort, I was just let go because of some spacing issue they had... I have no idea how that works, but such is life.

I'm currently 24 years old, and I've been to 2 universities, both of which I was unable to finish studying. One because of protests I was pulled out by my parents, and UNISA I explained above.

I was studying BSc computing, but now I'm kinda stuck so I've opted to take the CompTIA A+ exams soon.

I wanted to find out, as someone who wants to get into the IT field, particularly cyber security, what route should I take, and will I be able to get a job without a degree?

I plan on doing the following certifications:

CompTIA: A+ --> Network+ --> Security+ --> (maybe Linux+) --> CySA+ --> Pentest+

Will they be worth it, and will I be able to find work here, or overseas.

I'm honestly stressing balls, and need some advice from those in the field.

Any alternatives or advice would be appreciated!

Kind Regards
Rui

 

[Nerd101]

I personally think there is no certification that is a waste. However personally, I opted to rather self-study. I was not keen on paying 25k+ on a Comptia cert.
I purchased an online course off udemy for about R150, self studied Security+ for about 2 months and wrote at a test centre for about R3k.

In terms of work, as far as I know Cybersecurity is only growing so I think that is definitely a good field

 

[MeTsU]

I agree with Nerd101 on the self study thing - there's a major saving to be had, but one needs to ensure that they are capable of actually doing so. An important thing to try get is experience - sure the paperwork can help open potential doors, but it's not the end game.

 

[ElzDMigz]

I personally think there is no certification that is a waste. However personally, I opted to rather self-study. I was not keen on paying 25k+ on a Comptia cert.
I purchased an online course off udemy for about R150, self studied Security+ for about 2 months and wrote at a test centre for about R3k.

In terms of work, as far as I know Cybersecurity is only growing so I think that is definitely a good field

I'm doing just that! I got some Udemy vids for the courses as well as some textbooks I managed to scrounge up online.
I just paid about R2700 for the exam voucher and the re-take voucher (just in case) and I'm opting to do that.

I agree with Nerd101 on the self study thing - there's a major saving to be had, but one needs to ensure that they are capable of actually doing so. An important thing to try get is experience - sure the paperwork can help open potential doors, but it's not the end game.

I stopped working in 2017 for a small company and did software installation, support and testing. Primarily testing and test cases, but I stopped to pursue full time studies, and yea that didn't work out for me. I haven't worked since and am stressing I won't be able to find any work, but I guess I have to try!

Thanks for the replies guys... I'll pursue these certs and do the best I can!

 

[JollyJamma]

Hi all!

TL;DR: Is it worth Doing CompTIA certifications to get into the Cyber Security field (or IT field in general) and if not what else should I do?
Kind Regards
Rui

No.

I’d always get a degree over a series of diplomas.

If all you do is security, it’s fine to do a Diploma. If you want to go out into other regions of business, a BSC will be the best.

@R3aL1Ty can’t give you the purely Security IT side

 

[Nyt Ryda]

I was recently studying at UNISA, and unfortunately for reasons beyond my control I was 'let go' from the university.
I didn't lack credits of any sort, I was just let go because of some spacing issue they had... I have no idea how that works, but such is life.

I'm currently 24 years old, and I've been to 2 universities, both of which I was unable to finish studying. One because of protests I was pulled out by my parents, and UNISA I explained above.

I was studying BSc computing, but now I'm kinda stuck so I've opted to take the CompTIA A+ exams soon.

This doesn't sound right. I'm the same age, followed the same sort of path (left Wits to go to UNISA) and I'm doing the exact same degree.

They shouldn't just let you go unless you didn't meet the minimum credits (basically 4 completed modules over 2 consecutive semesters) and even then, you can appeal through the registrar and be let back in if you had a good reason for not meeting the minimum.

My bet is on an admin mistake of some sort. Appeal it and email people constantly. It might delay your studies a semester but you'd be better off if you can get back into the degree for 2021.

 

[sAnD.MaN]

I know someone who runs CompTIA accredited courses.

If you interested PM me I'll put you in touch

 

[dalion619]

TL;DR: Is it worth Doing CompTIA certifications to get into the Cyber Security field (or IT field in general) and if not what else should I do?

Security+ --> (maybe Linux+) --> CySA+ --> Pentest+

I never even heard of those certificates before this thread. I'm not sure what you mean by Cyber Security field?
I'd rather look into doing CISSP or OSCP.