Hey there! Today, we’re going to dive into the world of IT (Information Technology) certifications. You might have heard about certifications like A+, Network+, or Security+. But do you need to keep renewing them? Let’s unravel this mystery together.
Do Certifications Expire?
Someone asked a very interesting question: do Google IT certifications expire like how the CompTIA Security+ does? The simple answer is no, they don’t. But there’s more to it than just expiration dates when it comes to certifications.
Why I Don’t Worry About Expiration Dates
First off, I think it’s not very important if entry-level certifications expire. Here’s why:
- If you have a certification, like A+, you should aim to progress in your career where this certification becomes a stepping stone, not a constant requirement.
- Renewing these certifications costs money and time that might not be worth it if you’ve moved beyond entry-level positions.
- It’s not like you suddenly forget everything once the certification expires. The knowledge and skills are still there!
Should You Ever Renew Certifications?
There are certain situations where renewing might be necessary or beneficial. Here are a few:
- Working in Defense: Certain jobs, especially in defense, might legally require you to hold specific certifications.
- Company Requirements: Some companies get benefits if a number of their employees hold current certifications. In these cases, they might ask you to renew.
- High-Value Certifications: For very prestigious or high-level certifications, keeping them active could be worth it. They’re hard to get and you wouldn’t want to lose their benefits!
My Take on Certifications
Here’s what I believe:
- It’s okay to list expired certifications on your resume, as long as it doesn’t lead to misrepresentation or wastes anyone’s time.
- Having a certification doesn’t automatically get you a job. It’s part of a bigger picture that includes your resume, interview skills, and other qualifications.
- Renewing every entry-level certification might not be necessary. Focus on gaining experience and advancing your career instead!
Learning More About IT
If you’re interested in diving deeper into IT and maybe getting your first IT job, there are great courses out there. I teach one that covers everything you need to know to get started in help desk or entry-level IT positions.
https://joshmadakor.tech/exams
Final Thoughts
Certifications can open doors, but they’re just one part of your career journey. Learn continuously, gain experience, and don’t stress too much about expiration dates. Remember, the goal is to grow in your career and keep moving forward!
Thanks for reading, and I can’t wait to see where your IT journey takes you. See you in the next post!
By the way, don’t forget to check out my Hands-On IT and Cybersecurity Course to help you bridge the gap between just being skilled and actually landing a job!