4 answers
Christopher
Student
Columbia, South Carolina
3
Questions
Asked
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How long does it take for someone to learn all of the skills needed for your trade?
I know how long an associate's degree and bachelor's degree takes but what about any other certifications or prerequisites are there that i can obtain? How long do they take, any what do I need to do before hand to get them done?
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4 answers
Jane Ciampi
Licensed Optician
6
Answers
Oldsmar, Florida
Updated
Jane’s Answer
Of course it depends on the career you’re going into.
I am a Licensed Optician. To become an Optician in a licensed state, you must either get your associates degree in Optics or apprentice under a licensed optician for five years. You are now allowed to sit for your state boards. There are two written tests that you must pass and once you do, you take the state practical exam. These tests do have some difficulty and many people do not pass the first time. The testing procedure, if you pass every test the first time you take it, may take six months to 1 year. If you fail a part, you must wait three months before you can retake it.
I am a Licensed Optician. To become an Optician in a licensed state, you must either get your associates degree in Optics or apprentice under a licensed optician for five years. You are now allowed to sit for your state boards. There are two written tests that you must pass and once you do, you take the state practical exam. These tests do have some difficulty and many people do not pass the first time. The testing procedure, if you pass every test the first time you take it, may take six months to 1 year. If you fail a part, you must wait three months before you can retake it.
Thanks a bunch Jane! Also sorry, I should've specified further. I am looking to get into either one of two trades right now; Carpentry or Computer Hardware Engineer. At the moment I am in Job Corps Imperial Beach, CA. I did just start out, but i have my choices ahead of me. Again thank you for the feedback!
Christopher
James Richardson
Technical Consulting Engineer
1
Answer
North Richland Hills, Texas
Updated
James’s Answer
A good entry level certification for network support is a Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA). There are boot camps and college courses that focus on CCNA. Cisco Network Academy has some study options. Colleges have accelerated programs that teach the skills for the CCNA in two accelerated semesters with classwork and lab time. Getting hands on commercial gear is very helpful and following certification syllabus is key to passing certifications. Then once in a first job in the industry continue to study and use the skills used on the job to go in the direction of interest.
Brian Mazurowski
Project Manager/Change Manager/Cyber Security
8
Answers
Raleigh, North Carolina
Updated
Brian’s Answer
It really depends on what certification you are going for, some are much more difficult than others really. Some you can really grind and absorb it in a month and test (ITILv3) and some (PMP) are far more difficult and take a much more extended time to learn. A good rule of thumb is before committing your time to a certification is take sometime and research it prior and know what you're getting into and how much of your time you can reserve for studying the material, sample testing, ETC.
I would suggest narrowing down a list of top certifications for what you're trying to do, go through that list and figure out the level of effort necessary. Use that to determine which ones you want to take and when and what is realistic for the amount of time you can put toward it.
I would suggest narrowing down a list of top certifications for what you're trying to do, go through that list and figure out the level of effort necessary. Use that to determine which ones you want to take and when and what is realistic for the amount of time you can put toward it.
Ann Gianoglio Burk, MBA
Student/Customer Care Manager | Operations Handywoman | People Developer | Lvl 62 Elf Lore Master LOTRO
149
Answers
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Updated
Ann’s Answer
Hi Christopher - I in noticed your follow-up comment that you are interested in carpentry or computer hardware engineering. For carpentry you won't need a degree. You would likely go to trade school to learn technique and then go on to an apprenticeship with a skilled carpenter to gain experience. There are various types of apprenticeship and the length of time can vary. Usually is is based on hours.
To get into computer engineering you will be able to start out entry level with a Bachelor's degree, but more opportunity and growth will come with a Master's degree, which usually takes about 2 years. There are also a number of certificates that employers are looking for. The length will vary by certification but they can take from a couple of months to a year. Many will get into an entry level position and then work on certificates as they grow in their career. I have included an article you may find helpful.
Good luck!
https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/10759-hardware-certifications.html
To get into computer engineering you will be able to start out entry level with a Bachelor's degree, but more opportunity and growth will come with a Master's degree, which usually takes about 2 years. There are also a number of certificates that employers are looking for. The length will vary by certification but they can take from a couple of months to a year. Many will get into an entry level position and then work on certificates as they grow in their career. I have included an article you may find helpful.
Good luck!
Ann recommends the following next steps:
Ann its like you are reading my mind! I was thinking that apprenticeships were the better path, especially due to the fact that some of them pay for further education as well. Thank you for confirming my thought process. I can't wait to get started!
Christopher
Glad I could help! Apprenticeship is definitely the best path for carpentry, and there is a shortage of skilled carpenters!
Ann Gianoglio Burk, MBA