Certifications...where should I start?

T

TheCAD

Gawd
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Oct 12, 2007
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I will have a 4-year degree in the near future.
Completely ignoring what the degree is in, I would like to work in networking.

I already have A+, which is far as I know is completely useless.
What certifications should I be worried about getting and which ones should I get first?
 
Net+, MCP, MCSA, CCNA, MSCE

Might want to consider getting Sonic Wall certified as well.
 
Keiichi said:
N+
CCNA
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How hard is it to get CCNA? My high school had a Cisco Academy and I was in that, but I didn't finish even close to all the curriculum and I don't think the teacher even had her CCNA yet.

I knew almost nothing before studying for the A+ and feel like I could have just studied for a week and passed. Obviously I haven't taken Network+, but it seems fairly easy as well.

How does CCNA compare?
 
Net+ and CCNA are different. In Net+ you learn about networking, file sharing and all that good stuff. But with CCNA you learn about the security level of your network. Configuring the firewall, DMZ's and ports; all that fancy jazz.

It's more in depth than that, but AFAIK CCNA is definitely touger than Net+.
 
Keiichi said:
Just out of curiosity why would you recommend Sonicwall certification?
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You never know what type of hardware that you will be working with (pre-installed networks, 3rd party companies, recently acquired companies, etc. Just basically saying it wouldn't be a bad idea.)
 
I like:

techexams.net

That's where I go for all my cert stuff... As for what to go for kinda depends on what route you plan on going down. Microsoft, Cisco, Security? etc... I'd take the Net+ if for nothing else you can use the A+ and Net+ to knock out an elective for the MCSA.
 
@ TheCAD:

Instead of the CCNA, you could also begin at the CCENT then move up to CCNA. More info here > http://www.cisco.com/web/learning/le3/le2/le45/learning_certification_level_home.html.


Cmustang87 said:
Net+ and CCNA are different. In Net+ you learn about networking, file sharing and all that good stuff. But with CCNA you learn about the security level of your network. Configuring the firewall, DMZ's and ports; all that fancy jazz.

It's more in depth than that, but AFAIK CCNA is definitely touger than Net+.
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The only real security topic that I can recall on the CCNA (I passed the obsolete 640-801 last year) would be ACLs. Security concepts such as firewalls and other specific network security topics are mainly discussed on the CCSP level and in the new CCNA: Security. I checked the objectives and the new Cisco Press CCNA book and there doesn't appear to be that much of difference between the 640-801 and 640-802 in terms of topics and amount emphasis on each. I do see a little bit of security stuff added, but not enough to say the exam is strongly weighted in the direction of those concepts. I could be wrong though. CCNA is more of IPs, router, and routing concepts exam with some switching, IMO.

The CCNA, IMO, is more difficult due to the amount of information and concepts that you need to learn. There is just alot of stuff to soak up. The CCNA focuses on the same stuff as the Net+, but goes further into high-level concepts of networking (but, below that of the CCNP) then the Net+ and goes deeper into how devices such as routers and switches work--with a Cisco slant of course. Again, I haven't taken the 640-802 so I can only comment about what I have seen from the objectives.
 
TheCreator said:
... take the Net+ if for nothing else you can use the A+ and Net+ to knock out an elective for the MCSA.
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Don't waste your time or money getting an MCSE or MCSA.

If you want to do the Microsoft track, you might as well cert up in the latest OS; go the Server 2008 route and get your MCITP.
 
Nybbles said:
Don't waste your time or money getting an MCSE or MCSA.

If you want to do the Microsoft track, you might as well cert up in the latest OS; go the Server 2008 route and get your MCITP.
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Meh, I can't really agree with this statement... most employers are still very much looking for MCSEs and MCSAs, the new track hasn't really caught on.

Not to mention once you have your MCSE or MCSA it is only a test or 2 to upgrade to the new version.

Also, I can't say that Vista or 2008 server are widely used in the industry as of yet.
 
TheCreator said:
Meh, I can't really agree with this statement... most employers are still very much looking for MCSEs and MCSAs, the new track hasn't really caught on.

....

Also, I can't say that Vista or 2008 server are widely used in the industry as of yet.
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True, Server 2008 and Vista are not widely deployed at this point. However, that doesn't mean that many places are not looking to deploy them. For example, my company drags its feet on all kinds of new technologies, yet even we are testing and planning both Vista and Server 2008. During this testing and planning period, companies require people familiar with the new operating system and a certification is one way to prove this familiarity.

Additionally, do you really believe that a company would not hire you because you had your MCITP:EA instead of an MCSE? In fact, all else being equal, I'd say the MCITP candidate has the edge since 95% of the skills are the same, yet they've shown a desire to keep up with current technologies when many others are willing to get by and stick with what they know. Considering how this industry is constantly evolving, this is the wrong line of work to let your skill-set become stagnant.

TheCreator said:
Not to mention once you have your MCSE or MCSA it is only a test or 2 to upgrade to the new version.
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As far as the upgrade comment, it's not just "only a test or 2 to upgrade to the new version." A 2003 MCSA requires 2 tests for the MCITP:SA and 4 tests for the MCITP:EA; an MCSE requires 2 tests for the MCITP:SA and 3 tests for the MCITP:EA. Considering there are only 5 tests required for the MCITP:EA, a 3 or 4 test upgrade path is significant. (Source: Microsoft Learning)

Perhaps we're derailing this thread a little bit as the O.P. hasn't clarified what types of industry certification they are interested in. However, I'd simply recommend that if you're going to put the time in to study and pay for the tests, you might as well learn the latest and greatest.
 
It never hurts to know a little about everything even if it's not in your career path. I'm not saying you should deviate or go through those before your chosen career path; however once you've achieved say a CCNA you could always go get some MS stuff as well. You're only making yourself more marketable and that much better of a troubleshooter and asset to the job you're going after. Knowing more than just your niche area never hurt anyone.
 
anyone know of any schools in southern california los angeles or san bernardino county areas to take the classes and take the test for network+? (community colleges are useless BTW)

TIA
CB
 
Here is an idea. Instead of just throwing certs at the guy find out what he wants to do in life. People with certs from all over don't usually make it far in my interview process. Those with certs that back up their specialties and focus do.
 
cyberbone said:
thanks, but they only list where to take the test, no where to get the instruction or preparation to take the test.
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My high school had classes for A+/Network+. The teacher had software installed on the computers and told us to use it to study. Yeh we did other stuff and learned some stuff, but as far as preparing for the test...You just get that software and memorize the answer to every question that could be on the test.
 
TheCAD said:
My high school had classes for A+/Network+. The teacher had software installed on the computers and told us to use it to study. Yeh we did other stuff and learned some stuff, but as far as preparing for the test...You just get that software and memorize the answer to every question that could be on the test.
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That's what Bootcamps are to be hoenst.
 
Keiichi said:
That's what Bootcamps are to be hoenst.
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Find a better training center. I have only done one Bootcamp and that was the CCNP bootcamp about 7 years ago. Great class. Worked on 3 racks of gear most of the time. One of the best classes I have ever taken.
 
My point was that just learning the answers to the questions will enable you to pass A+/Network+. No point in spending money on a class, when all you need is software that cost $X.

I have no idea what the CCNA and other test are like, but obviously it is more involved.
 
TheCAD said:
My point was that just learning the answers to the questions will enable you to pass A+/Network+. No point in spending money on a class, when all you need is software that cost $X.

I have no idea what the CCNA and other test are like, but obviously it is more involved.
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There are places online that sell the real questions and answers for almost any exam. It's possible to memorize your way in to any cert, which is why I made the statement earlier about using them to backup your experience and ambitions.
 
Cmustang87 said:
Absolutely.
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Absolutely not. What are you talking about? LOL They might mention that networks are subnetted, but the N+ does not require you to subnet.

Network + is all sales level material, CCNA even is mostly Sales level material and basic commands and basic routing/switching/secuirty. Very basic. You don't get to anything that hard or interesting until CCNP.

FYI I do have the N+ and CCNA so I can tell you first hand.

-Mike
 
NetJunkie said:
There are places online that sell the real questions and answers for almost any exam. It's possible to memorize your way in to any cert, which is why I made the statement earlier about using them to backup your experience and ambitions.
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I agree with you mostly, but will have to disagree that all certs are like this. You can't memorize your CCIE, there is too much hands on even at the NP level. Just my .02.
 
NetJunkie said:
Find a better training center. I have only done one Bootcamp and that was the CCNP bootcamp about 7 years ago. Great class. Worked on 3 racks of gear most of the time. One of the best classes I have ever taken.
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It doesn't matter how they do it, you're still just memorizing things at that point. Try taking the exam a month or so after finishing that bootcamp and see if you'll do as well.
 
WBILLC said:
I agree with you mostly, but will have to disagree that all certs are like this. You can't memorize your CCIE, there is too much hands on even at the NP level. Just my .02.
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Sure, I'll give you the CCIE or the RHCE (which I have done) considering the lab exams. I won't give you the CCNP as I've seen those exam guides after taking my re-cert exams. Go take the exam once. Dig through and memorize the questions you saw plus some others. Go back and you'll probably pass. I've had to re-take exams and you see the same questions on 2/3 of it. Memorize those for the second time and that gives you 66%, guess a few more right and you'll pass. For something like the CCNP it'll just take you a while since it's so many exams. Luckily, the more advanced the exam the easier it is to see if a person really knows the material or not. You expect them to have a much better grasp of the material than someone that only passed the Net+.
 
Keiichi said:
It doesn't matter how they do it, you're still just memorizing things at that point. Try taking the exam a month or so after finishing that bootcamp and see if you'll do as well.
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OK. I took my CCNP right after my bootcamp and then renewed 3 years later and then did it again last October. Why? Because I took the bootcamp, learned, and put that knowledge in to practice. If you go take any class and don't put it to use within the next 3 months you've wasted your money. I go to training to learn how to do something of value, not to collect certifications.

Everyone I was there with wasn't there to get a cert. We were there to learn what we needed to know for our positions. We went through real world problems and learned methods for resolving them. Did I use everything I learned there? No....but I'd say 80% of what we covered I found very useful.
 
WBILLC said:
Absolutely not. What are you talking about? LOL They might mention that networks are subnetted, but the N+ does not require you to subnet.

Network + is all sales level material, CCNA even is mostly Sales level material and basic commands and basic routing/switching/secuirty. Very basic. You don't get to anything that hard or interesting until CCNP.

FYI I do have the N+ and CCNA so I can tell you first hand.

-Mike
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Sales level? As in salesman can configure a router and switch? Wow. Hard salesman.
 
WBILLC said:
Network + is all sales level material, CCNA even is mostly Sales level material and basic commands and basic routing/switching/secuirty.
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Umm, you do realize that the CCNA is an entry-level certification forcing candidates to prove a solid understanding of the basic fundamentals of networking, right? It's not intended to prove a deep understanding of complex topics. I think by calling it "sales level material", you're grossly mis-representing the certification. It is a respectable entry-level networking certification.

Geez... if you think the CCNA is "sales level", I'd hate to think what you'd say about the Microsoft certification tests. :rolleyes:
 
Nybbles said:
Umm, you do realize that the CCNA is an entry-level certification forcing candidates to prove a solid understanding of the basic fundamentals of networking, right? It's not intended to prove a deep understanding of complex topics. I think by calling it "sales level material", you're grossly mis-representing the certification. It is a respectable entry-level networking certification.

Geez... if you think the CCNA is "sales level", I'd hate to think what you'd say about the Microsoft certification tests. :rolleyes:
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Well I said the Network+ is sales level, as in sales engineer... CCNA is MOSTLY sales engineer... with basic configuring. A cert is a cert... I've run into SEVERAL CCNA's that can't get out of ROMMON, can't configure anything... I've seen people without a CCNA that can make a CCIE blush. In general though I would hire a CCNA as a sales engineer or like you said an entry level tech who can be explained/taught by someone more senior simple processes.

I only have 1 MCP... and it was pretty easy... so I would probably say the same about Microsoft... :)
 
WBILLC said:
In general though I would hire a CCNA as a sales engineer or like you said an entry level tech who can be explained/taught by someone more senior simple processes.
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Which is where the CCNA belongs until he can prove otherwise. The CCNP & CCIE are the more professional certifications. The CCNA is aimed at the junior sys admin.

But, as you said. A cert is a cert. A piece of paper. Unless you can show the experience to back that up, or show me (like how to properly USE a router...) that you know what you are doing, then it's worthless. It gets you an interview. Once you have the job, sometimes it can get you a raise, otherwise it's just a personal thing.

For me, my certifications are a personal goal. Sure, they help in the workplace. Only because I can transfer those skills to my job. And I have the experience and knowledge to back them up. I run Cisco equipment at home, not only for a home lab to practice on, but for a practical reason. It works, and it works well.

But, a sales certification? Even the Net+ isn't a sales certification. It's a junior level certification. But, far from sales. I've yet to see a salesman know much. They don't know the specs of CAT5, or anything about subnetting, or what NAT means... Maybe in sales at a network equipment manufacturer or consulting firm...

As for where to start. The CompTIA certs are a GREAT place to start. Unless you have >2 years PC experience. Then, you should go for the more advanced certs. Something you have experience in. CCNA if you know Cisco, MCSA/MCITP for Microsoft, etc. CompTIA are entry level certs only. Even the Security+ and Server+ are entry level certifications. A bit more difficult than the A+, yes. But, still a lot easier than any CISSP or MCSE exam. Just make sure you don't go for the CCNA if you've never touched a Cisco router before. Couple your experience with certifications.
 
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