Cert Path 3

[apex1x]

I'm looking to head towards the networking/admin sector and am wondering what path to take for the certs. I have a couple years experience with help desk and administering small to medium LANs.

One path that I am looking at is:

A+
Network+
CCNA
CCNP

What sort of recommendations and experience do you have with these, the career opportunities and the logical path to get there?

 

[ITboywonder]

I wouldn't waste my time with the comptia certs, but it also depends on what your job requires from you, and what you want to do in the future career wise. I would go with studying networking concepts and protocols. Then set up a home lab and get experince playing around with that. Then focus on maybe going after some certs.

Thats just my opinion though. What ever works for you.

-Nate

 

[networkgod99]

My opinion is simple .. what do you want to DO? don't look at where the money is, look at where the passion is. For me it has been networking since I played with my first Link 1 from Timeplex what seems like a million years ago .... It is a mistake to get certifications because you think they will make you more marketable .. the best network people are the ones who love to design networks and make them work and any network manager worth his salt can tell the difference. In my first interview out of school the guy interviewing me said this "draw me a frame on the white board" so i did ... then he said "now draw me a redundant network how you see it ... what did I do? simple, I used the example from a text book .. that is not passion, that is regurgatation of information ... I got the job, (because they were desperate I think but my passion grew, and now it is all encompassing ... you need to find what will encompass you my friend ...

CCIE, MCSE, CISSP, M.O.U.S.E

 

[apex1x]

Wow, reading that post made me think of Eye of the Tiger... albeit I was a little confused with your example, lol.
I suppose my main question was the worth of going with the CompTIA certs before Cisco and if there were any more, ie. Server+ or any less for a smooth transition and and area of good demand.
What sort of path worked for you?

 

[CiscoGuy33]

apex1x,
I have taught in a Cisco Network Academy for more then 6 years and the students that do best are those that have come in with an A+ background because for the most part - those are the ones who love the hands on part of this.

Networkgod99 is correct - make sure you are doing what you want to do!!! I love networking, but it is not for everyone !!! And those that come in my class because they want to make the big bucks $$$$$ DO NOT last long!!!

Certs will not get you the job ....... but they might get you the interview !!! And yes if you have experience - that is the best of all, but sometimes we can help our resume with education and certs when we lack experience.

Cert Mag. said the best is a combination of experience, education and certification. This is echoed by the IT and MIS people that come through my class everyday!!

HR does not know a router from a floppy but if IT says they want 20 people to interview and HR has 200 apps they might pull all the A+, CCNAs etc. That is how it is done here where I work.

I think the path/goals you set of A+, Network +, CCNA and CCNP are good for what you want to do.

I have been to the last 5 Cisco Networkers and they keep hyping that entry level now is a "Network Tech" with A+ and CCNA certification, at least that is what Cisco says that IT and MIS depts are telling them what they are looking for now.

More then anything is to learn what you are doing well with lots of hands on work and study!!

Good luck!!

E.A. Broda
CCNA, CCDA, CCAI, Network +