Which of the 2 is more valuable? I can only take one of them right now but which of the two will be more valuable to my career?.... For example would an employer see one cert as more valuable than the other f he is looking for a Systems Admin for his company?..So far I got A+ and MCSA. I Manage a small network and I am knowledgeable in both network and security. Please give me tips.
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Network+ or Security+??
- Thread starter Newb2IT
- Start date
CiscoGuy33
Instructor
Newb2IT,
You said -
Realisticly both Net + and Security + are more "entry level" certs than something that someone looking for a System Admin would be looking for.
If the person is looking for a System Admin, first he will be looking for experience, 2nd, depending on the system/network he would be looking for higher level certs; if it is a Microsoft shop then the next level of MS cett over MCSA. If it more of a networking position than Cisco CCNA and CCNP would be more likely.
As for security, I spent a lot of time at a Cisco convention in learning sessions lead by Cisco Security CCIE's, they felt security is one area you do not take lightly! They felt to continue as a security specialist the person needed to know networking inside and out - only way to protect a network is to know it first. They felt the person should be at least a CCNA but felt CCNP would be better.
When asked about Security +, they said that nothing wrong with it but it is "entry level" and they would hope that a person with a Security + would be handling homes and/or a very small business. It is just a very simple cert, most said you could read 1 book and pass the exam, not what you are really looking for in a "security expert".
Hope this helps!
E.A. Broda
CCNA, CCDA, CCAI, Network +
CiscoGuy,
I second your feelings on this.
Newb2IT,
Once caveat that I want to throw in there though is that you can test out of some of the MCSA certification requirements by having Security + or A+ and Net + or Server +. This also applies to MCSE.
I had gotten my Network + years ago, then I got Security + a few years ago. Personally, I don't really think any of them helped me when it came to perspective employers. Neither test was difficult. Maybe I over-studied, but really, I knew I passed on both.
I agree with CiscoGuy in the fact you really do need to know networks to be successful in the "security" world. Some jobs I've come across have specifically asked me questions about subnetting. You may have to provide hands on with firewalls, IDS/IPS's, and other network devices. KNOW NETWORKING!
I second your feelings on this.
Newb2IT,
Once caveat that I want to throw in there though is that you can test out of some of the MCSA certification requirements by having Security + or A+ and Net + or Server +. This also applies to MCSE.
I had gotten my Network + years ago, then I got Security + a few years ago. Personally, I don't really think any of them helped me when it came to perspective employers. Neither test was difficult. Maybe I over-studied, but really, I knew I passed on both.
I agree with CiscoGuy in the fact you really do need to know networks to be successful in the "security" world. Some jobs I've come across have specifically asked me questions about subnetting. You may have to provide hands on with firewalls, IDS/IPS's, and other network devices. KNOW NETWORKING!
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