Question Regarding Next Certification

[rhym1n]

I have my Cisco CCENT cert already, and just passed the A+ 801 today. I'm wondering what certification would be good to obtain after I pass the 802 to complete my A+ cert?

I am really wanting to get some of these basic, entry level type certs (CCENT, A+, etc.) before I further my networking career, which I will most likely study Cisco (CCNA and possibly CCNP). But for now, I could really benefit from having more knowledge about operating systems.

1) Would a Windows cert be best because it is the most widely used in businesses?

2) Also, what types of certs do people get when they are taking a similar route to mine?

 

[Rayven2]

Well you certainly off to a great start with your CCENT, I myself haven't even obtained that yet since I want to finish my diploma first. How long did you study for it and did you find it difficult?

Are you currently working in the field? I've known people who have been working as network admins for a couple years or so and they tend to struggle with the CCNA, so be prepared for that. You also have your Network+ and Security+ to work towards as well. I'd certainly go with a Microsoft cert as well weather it's something basic like a MTA or a MCSA and just work your way up, sorry if I'm not heavily knowledgeable in the area since I'm just starting out as well

 

[rhym1n]

Rayven, sorry for the late response. I started studying in early January 2014 for my CCENT and took the exam May 29th. I found the sims a little difficult, but the standard MC was pretty easy. I played with packet tracer a ton in my studying, which really helped in the troubleshooting of the sims.

I work as a tier 1 rep, but rarely get networking issues. This is my first IT job and I've only been there for 5 or 6 months, so I'm building experience which is what most companies look for.

Thank you for your input!

 

[Rayven2]

Not a problem, I don't have much time to visit the site frequently either. That's great, well your certainly off to a great start, I believe their is a second half of the CCENT which you can do to obtain your CCNA. I could be wrong however but perhaps a good thing to look into. The only other certification I can think of would be Linux+ if you plan on working with servers.

 

[admiral_akmir]

I might be in the minority, but honestly, if I were you I'd just stop at what you have now and try to get into the field. What I found was that when I got my CCENT, I wanted to use it. I had invested a lot of time, energy and money into that certification, and it made me picky. It took me a lot longer to find a job, and when I finally opened up to other possibilities, I got a job that had nothing to do with networking at all. They didn't even ask me about my CCENT during the interview.

The mistake I made was that I tried to plan a career around certifications, when it really should be the other way around in my opinion. A certification should compliment your career, not determine it. There are some benefits to doing it this way.

1) A lot of times companies will help you get certified if the position requires it. At my job they actually have an HP certification that is specific to our company. All of the hardware technicians get this cert, and I believe that the company does pay for it.

2) You are more likely to have access to training resources. I've heard of companies giving employees access to test labs and equipment at work to help them study. A CCNA setup can cost hundreds of dollars, enterprise level software is very expensive and sometimes unavailable or impractical to buy as a regular consumer. It would be very convenient, and save you a lot of money to use resources that you have at work if available.

3) You won't be as picky about jobs. If you have a cert, you'll want to use it. I'm not saying it's not possible, but I think it's better to be open and just find a job that has opportunity for growth, regardless of whether or not it is related to your cert. Then steer your career in the path you want to go, and pick up certs along the way to supplement your choices.

 

[Rayven2]

I might be in the minority, but honestly, if I were you I'd just stop at what you have now and try to get into the field. What I found was that when I got my CCENT, I wanted to use it. I had invested a lot of time, energy and money into that certification, and it made me picky. It took me a lot longer to find a job, and when I finally opened up to other possibilities, I got a job that had nothing to do with networking at all. They didn't even ask me about my CCENT during the interview.

The mistake I made was that I tried to plan a career around certifications, when it really should be the other way around in my opinion. A certification should compliment your career, not determine it. There are some benefits to doing it this way.

1) A lot of times companies will help you get certified if the position requires it. At my job they actually have an HP certification that is specific to our company. All of the hardware technicians get this cert, and I believe that the company does pay for it.

2) You are more likely to have access to training resources. I've heard of companies giving employees access to test labs and equipment at work to help them study. A CCNA setup can cost hundreds of dollars, enterprise level software is very expensive and sometimes unavailable or impractical to buy as a regular consumer. It would be very convenient, and save you a lot of money to use resources that you have at work if available.

3) You won't be as picky about jobs. If you have a cert, you'll want to use it. I'm not saying it's not possible, but I think it's better to be open and just find a job that has opportunity for growth, regardless of whether or not it is related to your cert. Then steer your career in the path you want to go, and pick up certs along the way to supplement your choices.

That's pretty solid advice for the both of us, however you need to be certified to even get your foot in the door now days. He'll be fine for a entry position with a CCNET that's for sure. I know I'll be finishing my diploma before looking for work otherwise I'll just work in a IT store. What's your current position? (Not intending to hijack to topic)

 

[rhym1n]

Thank you both for the replies, and sorry for not getting back to you sooner. Admiral, you bring up very good points about this, and I am actually delaying obtaining my CCNA because of the reasons you supplied. However, I am studying for the A+ on my own right now because it is covers a ton of different areas which would benefit anyone wanting to get into IT.

I'm not one of those people that spends on training, lab equipment, etc. I study on my own just from purchasing books. It does take a lot of time as you mentioned.

 

[Rayven2]

Thank you both for the replies, and sorry for not getting back to you sooner. Admiral, you bring up very good points about this, and I am actually delaying obtaining my CCNA because of the reasons you supplied. However, I am studying for the A+ on my own right now because it is covers a ton of different areas which would benefit anyone wanting to get into IT.

I'm not one of those people that spends on training, lab equipment, etc. I study on my own just from purchasing books. It does take a lot of time as you mentioned.

No worries, send a private message whenever you want if you want to discuses networking further.