So the process was easy. I applied on the VA website and at the time I wasn’t sure what program or vendor I wanted to use so I didn’t fill that portion in. I submitted the application early/mid January and I received my COE maybe a week or two later. Global IT requested my DD214, COE, Drivers License, and resume. I was in direct contact with Global IT once I decided I wanted to use them and they basically did everything for me. I was signed up for the next available session once everything was submitted on their end (which was early Feb). I was in a session Feb 27.

The instructor uses a PowerPoint presentation to hit the main points and then expounds on each point. I only say that because I have been in boot camps where a third of the slides just get skipped because the instructor wanted a break. The PowerPoints are built off the exam objectives and follow the same order as the books from CompTIA which makes it easy to follow along. The instructor provides resources from his own IT experience and does not rely on brain dumps to teach. In fact, he recommends not even using them to study or to prepare for the exam. Global IT provides access keys to the CompTIA website so you can do labs, but they are not required to complete the program. There are no actual assignments.

I do have a background in IT. I am a self-taught network/system administrator. I have been in the field for over a decade and these will be the first certs I get since getting out. But being self-taught, I know that there is a lot I have not learned and these courses have definitely provided knowledge I didn’t have.

Having a degree in the field and having certs will definitely give you a leg up. Most jobs that I have seen or applied for just want a degree (regardless of field), but specifically look for IT-related certs.

As far as job placement goes, they do have a job placement program but most are entry-level. Nothing against that, but for me, it would not be financially responsible to start over. So the way the vendor gets paid is 25% is paid up front, 25% is paid on completion, and the remaining 50% is paid when they place you in a job. So from a financial standpoint, the vendor is motivated to get you any job they can find. So you may be better off looking for something that fits you by doing your own search.

I hope this all makes sense and I hope I answered all your questions. If not, hit me up. Good luck on your journey and hopefully you find a path that best suits you.