Is CCNA for me? (Feedback please) 3

[Mikel05]

Hello everyone,

I posted here once upon a time. I just finished passing Security +. (A+, Net+, Server+, Security+) My job is really pushing Certs, esp comptia & MSCE....but not paying for books or classes. they do cover the exam if you pass(sigh). I do field service work, MFD's, printers, copiers etc. Connectivity is a must, I actually like connecting the devices more than any other part of my job. Im not sure I want to be an MCSE. I've noticed that the Mcse's I run into deal w/active directories, password changes, and permissions. Im sure there's more to it, but it doe'snt seem right for me. I troubleshoot, I wonder why somethings work and others dont....and I make them work. I really enjoyed the idea of preventing attacks on a network, and I see that in the future, but for now I Want you experienced Cisco guys to level with me. Do you think CCNA is a good fit for me or should I look somewhere else.

 

[Niltinho]

Hi Mike,

If you enjoy networking and want to make a carrer out of it or wanna be network certified somehow cos it is necessary on your job my advice is go for it...CCNA also comes very handy when you are looking for a jod in that field, even though it is the 1st Cisco Cert it still and will always will be a respected cert. But be in mind that a CCNA certified without hands on experience is not considered "Cisco Engineer". If you go for it get yourself some routers and switches and enjoy it I did it.
Good luck with your carreer.
Niltinho

 

[CiscoGuy33]

Mikel05,

Exactly what Niltinho said !

CCNA is the base foundation for everything else in Cisco networking and since Cisco has a very large chunk of the network world ...... I think you know where that is going

Also many other networking companies play follow the leader - I have found that since I know Cisco - in many cases I can figure out another companies way of doing it.

You also said you like preventing attacks - in another post I said I talked with several Cisco Security CCIEs and they all said that to secure a network - you must understand it backwards and forwards!!!! CCNA is the first step of that understanding.

And again as Niltinho said - use real Cisco equipment - get it on Ebay or rent online access to other Cisco labs.
Check the posts - one member here has online lab access for FREE!!!

Good luck!!




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

 

[lgarner]

The CCNA is Cisco, but it's also a very good basis for understanding networking in general as it covers protocols (almost exclusively IP now), routing protocols (static, rip, igrp) as well as the Cisco-specific parts.

It does not cover firewalls, servers, printers, applications, and that side of things. MCSE, CNE, RHCE, etc. are good if you want to cover the system admin parts.

 

[Mikel05]

Thanks for your input. I love this site.

 

[DanInRaleigh]

mike,
..look at my signature below...
..here is your answer "you need all of them dude!"
...never never stop unless you plan on getting into management.
...IT is getting pretty competive, the younger generation is churning out little dude's that are network/computer saavey and will take less money for your position..

...here is what i did..
..1st got my mcsa (3 tests)(you will be burned out on MS by now)
...2nd get your ccna
...3rd go back and finsh your mcse
....4th etc; etc; etc;

...also look at the certifaction salary survey..

CCNP,CCSP,MCSE,Sec+,Net+,A+...

 

[Mikel05]

Thats interesting. I started thinking about that myself. Especially since I have A+,Net+,Server+,Security+. If I were to go that route. I believe A+ and Net+ can be used as an elective. Also with Security+ I can have MSCA/Security+. I guess whats steering me towards CCNA is working w/Routers, switches...ie hardware/troubleshooting. I dont want to be on a PC all day working with Permissions and passwords. Yes, I know theres more to it (MCSA) but I like troubleshooting. I believe CCNA will allow me that. Quick question do MCSA/MCSE need to be renewed every 3 years like Cisco certs? If they do I will most likely stay w/Cisco.

 

[DanInRaleigh]

Microsoft does not need to be renewed...only when there is a new server operating system will you want to upgrade....for example, i'm not sure MS NT MCSE's are/is recognized.
...i would definately go for both cisco and MS knowledge/certs.
...they go hand in hand...
....and yes...a+,sec+ etc; will do nicely for electives..
good luck!

CCNP,CCSP,MCSE,Sec+,Net+,A+...

 

[CiscoGuy33]

Mikel05,

YES - Microsoft certs have to be renewed but they are not on a 3 year schedule like Cisco.

It is more based on when a new product is out - like an MCSE who passed the 2000 server exam as part of the 7 exams he passed for MCSE would be told he has 18 months to pass the 2003 server exam, later he might get a notice that he has 18 months to pass the XP exam for the Windows Pro exam he passed and so on.

It works out about the same as Cisco - to stay Microsoft certified you will be retesting every 2-4 years.

This only makes sense - things in Cisco and Microsoft change and they want those certified to be on the cutting edge - CCIEs retest every 2 years!!

Hope this helps!



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

 

[DanInRaleigh]

...yea i guess your right ciscoguy.
...i guess that was the point i was trying to make..





CCNP,CCSP,MCSE,Sec+,Net+,A+...

 

[Mikel05]

Dan and CiscoGuy,

I guess this is directed to DAN. I noticed along w/Comptia certs you have MCSE and CCNP,CCSP. Which Cert furthered your career and, This is for both of you, what type of work do you do? Do you do any type of troubleshooting? I guess im asking these questions because I feel im about to make a career change, and I want to make sure its to something I like.

Thanks for your input (everyone)

 

[DanInRaleigh]

Mikel05,

...i betcha you could get furthor faster..more money. with a ccnp.
.......there seems to be more oppurtunity for cisco guys..
.......MS admin type of jobs seems more competive and are less likely to show there faces..
....also ccnp sets you up for ccie...then you can market yourself like crazy..
....at my current job, i do troubleshoot by not to the extent i want...
.....i probably should be atleast a 2nd level engineer but currently am not..
....if i get my ccie...i'm sure i will jump straight to 3rd level engineer or move on to another company...guarentee myself atleast 90K...but probably more...it does seem like the pay is decreasing for ccie...but i want stop...then cissp...or whatever...
.....but. pound for pound i think cisco will take you furthor faster...

CCNP,CCSP,MCSE,Sec+,Net+,A+...

 

[CiscoGuy33]

Mikel05,

For the past 9 years I have worked as a computer and network admin at a college maintaining about 700 computers, servers, printers, projectors etc. in the Computer Science department.

I work with a staff of about 10 people and we handle installation, troubleshooting, "ghosting" - all aspects for about 40 offices, labs and classrooms. This has also included the design, installtion and documentation of new cat5e infastructure in many rooms.

I also maintain about 60 Cisco routers and switches in the Cisco Network Academy.

I am also an adjunct instructor - teaching college level classes in Cisco Networking, LANs/networking, HTML and computer repair.

I would say that CCNA taught me the most in basic networking which is the foundation for all else - I even think Microsoft students (having taken MCSE classes) would be better servered by doing the CCNA first unless they have a strong networking background.

I agree with Dan that Cisco and CCNP will take you futher fastest!

I was told at a Cisco Networkers convention by a CCIE when I asked about CCNP - he said "A CCNP is a CCIE who just has not passed the test yet" . He did not feel that you learn anything more going from CCNP to CCIE - he said you just MASTER EVERYTHING you learned at CCNP level. Make sense!

One other thing if you want to move into management - get your BA or BS as you are picking up the certs. I am doing 2 classes a semester online and working towards a BS in Management Technology.

Hope this helps!


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

 

[Mikel05]

CiscoGuy,

Thanks! I agree w/you 100%

"I would say that CCNA taught me the most in basic networking which is the foundation for all else - I even think Microsoft students (having taken MCSE classes) would be better servered by doing the CCNA first unless they have a strong networking background."

I want to have the strongest networking background possible, and I do not believe MCSE would get me there. Now if you can help me word it so management may come to understand it. Truth be told they want me to have an MCSE....but are not paying for anything. CCNA holds no water w/them, but I feel CCNA will also make me more marketable and if/when I go to an interview I want to be able to show that my CCNA is not a paper cert.

Thanks Again

 

[wizzyg]

HEY AM NEW OIN THE FORUM, I WILL BE WRITING MY CCNA EXAMS THIS NOVEMBER, I HAVE READ VEY WELL FOR IT AND I THINK I AM READY, BUT I WOULD LOVE TO ASK YOUR ADVICE SINCE YOU PEOPLE ARE MORE ADVANCED,

WHAT ARE THE TOPICS YOU THINK THAT I SHOULD REALLY STUDY,

DURING THE EXAMINATIONS, HOW MANY SIMULATIONS ARE WE GOING TO DO ??

ALOS I HEARD THAT IF YOU WRITE CCNA, YOU WILL HAVE TO WRITE CCNP WITHIN A TWO YEAR INTERVAL, IS THAT TRUE

 

[CiscoGuy33]

wizzyg,

First - PLEASE stop the CAPS ! It is considered shouting!!!

Also you should start a new post when you have a different question.

As to your questions - on the CCNA you can expect from 2-3 sims - most who take the one exam option see 2 sims.

If you pass the CCNA there is no requirement to ever take the CCNP but the CCNA is only good for 3 years so to recertify you must retake the CCNA or pass at least 1 CCNP level or higher exam.

It is hard to say what you really should study because the CCNA is a very comprehensive exam testing many levels of your knowledge - you should take some practice tests that tell you what areas YOU are weak in!

Most find subnetting, VLSM, VLANs, STP, OSPF and ACLs to be the hardest areas of the exam.

I hope this helps!


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