Kenn,

In a more corporate setting, I would say that certs (no matter how grandiose or not) are always a plus. For doing freelance work, I really doubt anyone would ask. It's always nice in order to provide reassurance, but honestly, in the grand scheme of things, if you are working for yourself... they really don't weigh your actual abilities. And yes, CompTIA tests are vendor neutral. I do not know the content that is in the Network+ exam, but I could see about finding out, if you are truly interested.

As far as the attitude you received, again, a human issue. Lol. I do also see that lack of customer service with some individuals with my academic circle, but I would like to vouch for GateWay's Computer Programs and their people. We always are trying to help our students, answer their questions (even if it means we need to research an answer that we ourselves do not know), and deliver knowledge to those who seek it. I'm glad that you brought this up to discussion. Usually, I am just watching the DL messages and getting information - never contributing. It's good to have something to chip in on. :-P.

Anthony Radzykewycz

On Wed, May 27, 2015 at 4:47 PM, <parabellum7@yahoo.com> wrote:

Thanks James, Michael and Anthony, I like your perspectives. Anthony, I see your point about the instructor versus the institution. As always, the conversation here is as open as the technology we discuss. :)

<gripe>

I got some instructor-based attitude for asking questions in a CompTIA Network+ prep course. (a Gale Courses program offered through the Maricopa County Library). Apparently the deployment of multiple Wi-Fi AP's isn't on the test so my inquiry was deemed off-topic. So was wanting to know if anything open source is on the test. He sniped 'this isn't a Cisco test'.

Thank you captain obvious! How could anyone know what's on the test if they haven't taken it yet, hence the enrollment in a prep class? CompTIA states it's non-vendor specific, so asking if there's open source questions is hardly off topic. Would our heads explode if we briefly touched on a little extra?

I find it interesting that some instructors think providing good customer service does not apply to them. I won't take it personally as he's terse with everyone and a fine example of how not to communicate with others.

</gripe>

I've been working freelance for years in several technologies and never had a client ask me about certs. Fix things right, answer questions well, be fair and honest. They're happy and call you back.

For me it's all about learning. I usually do that ad-hoc with a few classes to fill in the gaps. I can vouch for David Iseminger's network classes through the county library. He's the kind of instructor you wish you always got.

--Kenn

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