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Certification

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gsplsingr

MIS
Nov 21, 2003
9
US
I am getting ready to take my CCNA and I am working as the in house LAN administrator and will be relying on a consultant for the things that I can't handle. My question is what now? What are some of the more valuable certificates to get and books to read? Should I work on Network+ first or at all or should I dive in to Linux. And if I am going to go into Linux is it helpful to get an A+?
 
An A+ is a "nice" cert, but not needed. The CCNA is ok, but this is a gateway for the CCNP, which is a great cert for WAN, network engineering work. I would focus on a Net+, or more specific the MCSE, which is not a tough course. Either way you go is good, just depends on which direction you are moving in?
 
Hmmm...

The MCSE is not a tough course?

Wow!

I guess with all of the "material" that abounds it may not sound that tough...

However, if one has to learn it the old-fashioned way, it may be quite a bit, especially for those who are new to the scene.

Bash the MCSE if you will, alot of guys do...

I even know of a training center that specializes in Cisco/Security Training, telling their students and prospective students that an MCSE is only good for a position on the help desk...

I guess that depends on perspective:

I've used mine (since just being an MCP) to always become either a Field Engineer or "THE" Systems Administrator.

I currently administer a 50,000 user network.

As far as Cisco Certs are concerned, be very careful to read the want-ads carefully and also not the experience requirements as well as the technical skills and experience required.

Also note that the CCIE and the CCIE-wannabe from the school ARE Former Help-Desk Jockies...

Note also: How many CCIE's are current or former MCSE's.

Hmmm...

If the light hasn't come on yet, don't worry after you spend all of your hard-earned cash, you may see a glimmer...

You see there are only so many networks to design, implement, monitor and troubleshoot.

The fact is Cisco Equipment works...

Love it!

However, for those hoping to break into the field, where are they going to get this experience?

Hmmm...

Humbling thought!

You see the fact is that 1 CCNA can take care of quite a few networks...

A CCNP can meet 90% +++ of the networks out there and then you have the CCIE...

Partners like their discounts but there are only X number of really large netorks in the U.S. -> I think something like 10,000 or less.

Hmmm...

Seems like Cisco once was trying to match a the number of CCIE's to 10,000...

A coincidence?

Perhaps?

Meanwhile MCP's with A+ and CCNA are a winning skillset, preferably with the MCSE.

Most every corner needs at least one.

Think about it...
 
CCNP is certainly nice for a cert but the thing that I find absolutely ridiculous is you have to take the whole thing over again in 2-3 years . Just way too much work to try and keep up with this . I take the time to read cisco books and CCO but I'm not going to take a test every 3 years to keep the certification .
 
I think that you are not understanding what I am saying!
The MCSE is not a tough course to accomplish that is why so many are pursuing that cert track, and that is why the market is saturated with so many PAPER MCSE, unlike the Cisco cert you MUST have experience to work on a cisco and not just the paper. The MCSE give you the hands on that you need and that is why that cert is easier to attain. Nothing wrong with the MCSE, just a cert that is easier to attain. It is still a good thing to have. Although, if you have an MCSE it will not get you any further than someone who just has hands on knowledge and no cert!

Makse sense
 
You do not take the whole CCNP test battery every 3 years. There is a recertification exam.

You do have to take the CCNA every 3 years, but a CCxP-level exam can be taken instead.
 
Hi Friend,

I'm CCNA 640-607 1000/1000 two month ago, the best way

is :

Use Boson simulator

Testking cram on
todd lammle subnetting method

god luck

MGHARI EL Khatir
 
Ditto on the Boson products. I love them.

Here's my 2 coppers from what I've seen in the IT world.

For someone starting out, I've found that a CCNA/MCSE combo works great. The person is able to assist in troubleshooting the 'entire' network and not just his portion of it. That equates to marketability and value of that person.

Also, by knowing the network and the systems that use it, you open up a lot more career opportunities than just focusing on one or the other.

On my team, two of guys are Cisco and MSCE cert'd along with me. They're good, and can work through any situation. That also gave me ammo to recommend them for promotions and raises. I try to do everything I can to keep them. The others are good too, but also more replaceable. Not trying to sound like anyone's expendable (we all are), but the IT world is competitive. You have to make yourself stand out from the crowd.

Personally, I hate working on servers and stuff. But I stay current, because it helps keep the paychecks high. I would much rather just focus on keeping my Cisco certs going instead of taking time to do Microsoft stuff. But the market demands it.
 
i think it's great that you have to re-cert every few years... with things in IT changing ever so rapidly, it forces people to stay on top of the changes... unlike the A+ that is still good 20 years from now when the PC is barely going to resembly today's PC.. just MHO
 
Configuring Routers to connect and actually supporting a Microsoft network over those routers, much less a hybrid network......

There are paper MCSEs, but coupled with experience You can't beat it.
Knock what you have, not what others have or have not done,

BTW, I have seen CCNP fakes as well.......

Syty
MCP, MCSA, MCSE, CCNA, CCDA, Sec+ ---- 12 years exp.

Good Luck in all that you do. Just do yourself a favor and get the experience. My certs are less than two years old because experience carried me past most certified individuals.

You will realize in time the value of having more than just one manufacturer in your credentials. I had to have them to take the next level. An undergrad with this will lead you to Senior Engineering or Program Managment if you follow through........

I train the "router people" everday on Microsoft because these CCNPs realize the necessity to truly understand Microsoft to support it effectively. Especially the ones that want to leave the Enterprise network for "one-stop shop" solutions. Those that are paper MCSE, get spotted very early. Worry about yourself, know what you know, If you dont' know and you certify in it, where's the benefit? You.....no......your client, certainly not...

You have to build trust, Paper anything, simply can't do that.

Lastly, When you take a re-cert exam, it's only one exam, not the 10 or so it took to get it in the first place.

Good Luck to all those who truly want to learn and realize this is not a "get rich quick industry."

We'll spot you if you are..........
 
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