Greetings,

This isn't directly a Linux question, but more IT, however, I doubt I'll get a good answer anywhere else.

Right now, becoming Linux+ Certified simply isn't an option for me, I currently have a college diploma in Software Eng(long story short, it wasn't worth it). Many employers are looking for a Computer Science degree, with the additional math/science courses it will take a long time for me to get one.

I really want to get into Linux System Administration.

My questions is:

1. How hard will it be without certification?

If I start off with an entry level desk/IT job and continue learning Linux in my spare time, when a Linux position opens up, would I have a chance as opposed to someone who is certified?

2. Could I get an entry level IT position without any certification/degree?

I'm good with computers and excelled in Software Eng. I did 2 years of networking in college, although I never completed the program. Would I still be able to get an entry level IT position and work my way up to administrator. I understand it will take time, but I'm willing to do it.

Exactly as hard as it will be WITH a certification.
..and there is ABSOLUTELY no way we can tell you that, since it depends on MANY factors. Your work ethic, job performance, attitude, skills you've demonstrated, and your company's attitude towards such moves ALL factor into things.
Absolutely, and people do it all the time.
Then there is no reason NOT to go for it. You are ONLY limited by yourself...and if you think a degree, certification, or any other piece of paper is going to really, truly matter...you are WRONG. It may get you an interview, but you have to PASS that interview, and then do the actual WORK if you're hired. I've know MANY well-educated morons in my life, and many other incredibly smart folks who have NO degrees at all. If you work hard, show your willingness to learn (and that you CAN learn), take initiative, and do GOOD work, you'll easily move up.

If you have 20 'certifications', and a dozen college degrees, and you're a lazy, rude jackass at work, you'll be bounced out VERY quickly.

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Yes, what TBOne said.

A certificate is really just a thrid party willing to say "We think this person knows his stuff (and he paid us to say that)".

But I can go to a bar and find someone willing to give me a similar recommendation for lower cost.

In the end it doesn't matter what others say that you know - all that matters is what you actually know, and that will win the race every time!

As said, a certificate might get you an interview - but only your performance in that interview will get you the job. And frankly, if a certificate is a requirement to get an interview, you probably don't want that job anyway - you will never be respected, or paid for your skills, only for your certificate.

Get the interview AND the job on your own merits and you will be of much higher value to your new employer and much more respected than the no-nothng guy with a wall covered in framed paper - I speak from experience on both sides of the interview desk.

Nexus, upon reading your original post, I'd say that you know nothing, at this point, about "The Fine Art of Selling."

You are selling yourself short . . . and, probably, needlessly so. I seriously suggest that you go buy a copy of "The Little Red Book On Selling" and read it, cover to cover.

Why? Because, every time you go to a job-interview, you are 'selling!' Specifically, you're selling your professional services and experience ... which are valuable, even though the potential-buyer doesn't know that yet, be-cause you have not yet sold him-or-her on that point.

Tom Watson, Sr., the founder of IBM Corporation, put it to his salesmen in this way:
Do you see my point? You already have "marketable qualifications," in the form of the college diploma that you have already completed. (Congratulations! ... ... Yes, I sincerely mean that!) But, you still have to sell that. If the potential buyer raises the sales-objection that "but you don't have blah-blah-blah degree," then "you, the consummate and well-prepared salesman," merely must have an appropriate response. Since you, of course, have thoroughly familiarized yourself in-advance with this prospect's business situation, you should be able to counter with a brief but informative explanation of why your present experience and credentials are, in fact, entirely suitable, and why you do, in fact, remain an entirely-qualified candidate for the position.

Selling.

Business depends on it. So does the entirety of your career, no matter how exactly it falls. Learn how.

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