I live in the bay area...work in "silicon valley" as an IT specialist. Palo Alto to be exact. I dont have a degree, only took my A+, Net+ and Sec+ in that order and all in 10 days.
A+ is cake walk. If you just know even the most basics of computers you should pass that easy.
Net+ can be tricky trying to grasp the concept of subnetting, but everything else is pretty straight forward.
Sec+ I had a hard time with, maybe from studying my *** off for the other two tests and then jumping ship to Sec+ which was more subnetting and more alll different types of viruses..a lot to learn in a short amount of time. ..I barely passed...I think passing was 850 and I got like 857
There are a lot of jobs here...but it is competitive, even guys that have been in the industry for years are going back for certs to keep up with the times. I'm in the middle of an engagement and planning a wedding but honestly i got my mind focused on CCNA and other Cisco certs.
These guys aren't lying to you though...a lot of money can be made as a security specialist...