CompTIA vs. Microsoft 5

[xantixfunctionalx]

I'm new on here, but by the looks of it, everyone is very informative.

I'm preparing to take my A+ exams soon, and I just started thinking about the other exams I'd like to take afterwards, but now I'm curious. Which exams are more appreciated in the work field, the CompTIA or Microsoft's own exams (MCP, MCSA, etc.)?

 

[xantixfunctionalx]

I guess I should clerify where I'm going with all this. I'd like to eventually become CISSP certified to do system security, but it's all very confusing, and my mindset is to start with the simple bits (i.e. A+ or MCP) and work from there. If there's a way to do it starting right off in the security field, that would be great, but money and time are of utmost importance. Also, what other sort of certifications are available for security? I know there's CISSP (and other ISC2 sanctioned certifications), Security+, and CEH. Any particular one better than another as far as job security and pay? And back to my original question, then, to get where I want to go, am I better off starting with A+ or MCP?

 

[CiscoGuy33]

xantixfunctionalx,

You also have Cisco's world of networking and security with CCSP and then a CCIE in security.

I went to lots of security sessions at a Cisco Networkers convention several years ago in New Orleans.

I talked with several of the security CCIEs (CCIE is a Cisco Certified Internetworking Expert and even though it is a Cisco certification it is considered one of the hardest and most respected in the industry) the security CCIEs all had the same thing to say - before you try to defend a computer or a network - make sure you are an expert in what you do. The point being how can you defend a system if you truly do not understand how it works.

They felt for network security a person should be at least a CCNA or CCNP then move on to CCSP and then CCIE.

If you are doing CompTIA then you would want at very least A+ and Net + before you did Security +.

As far as which is best - look at the jobs posted in your local paper and online - see what they are looking for.

Or, if you have a place that you want to work - like the IT department of a current job - go ask them what THEY are looking for. If they are a Microsoft shop - they will want MCP, MCSA and MCSE etc. if they are built around Cisco - they will want the Cisco certs and many will want combos of several.

Cert Mag. had a good article about getting a job and they said that it takes 3 things - 1) Certs 2)Education 3) experience - the more you have in all three areas - normally the better you will do!

Good luck and get started with A+ and Net + and then go from there!

Hope this helps!


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

 

[tfg13]

CiscoGuy, isn't the CCNA sa requirement to take the CCSP?

http://www.cisco.com/web/learning/le3/le2/le37/le54/learning_certification_type_home.html

As far as other certifications, there is CWSP (Wireless security), and those listed here:

http://certification.about.com/od/securitycerts/a/seccertessentls.htm

 

[CCns23]

CSSP and CISSP are two very different certs.....

I "think" the original poster is asking about the CISSP. The CISSP is a pretty darn hard exam from what I understand. Minimum of 4 years in the IT Security field is required. Here's some info

http://www.cissps.com/Exam/exam.asp

Either one is gonna be very difficult and will take a lot of hard work to accomplish. Good luck!!

A+, Net +, Security +, onto the CCNA

 

[tfg13]

CCns23, I believe CiscoGuy33 was including the CCSP as another alternative certification on the road to CISSP.

xantixfunctionalx, as far as what you are looking at doing getting the CISSP. As CCns23 (also provides an excellent link, which should be read over) points out, you need 4 years experience in the security field. Now, these 4 years can be "fudged" in a sense, as anytime you are securing a Windows/Linux/Web server/router, you are essentially conducting best security practices, therefore are working in the security field. One of the questions that should be asked about your desire for the CISSP would be "why this certification?" If it's for money, then you might be barking up the wrong tree. The money is there, but the effort/money it takes to maintain the certification, is abundant. If it's for the prestige, then once again, the effort/money to maintain the certification is abundant, and most of the time it is a thankless job (the security world).

As far as which certification to obtain first will really depend on your current job. Are you working as a system administrator, a network administrator, or not employed in the computer field now?

 

[CCns23]

Great points tfg13. And ya, I realize CiscoGuy33 was just giving another alternative. Very informative posts from both of you (as usual).



A+, Net +, Security +, onto the CCNA

 

[xantixfunctionalx]

Thanks guys. I really appreciate all the info. I'm going to start with A+ and Network+ for now, and I'm definitely going to look into some Cisco courses and certs. Thanks again for all the information.