1

I’m currently A+, ill be network+ in two weeks (if i pass)

I wanted to go for MCSE or MCP but i heard those are being phased out…what is the next logical step?

I’d love to go CCNA but our infrastructure doesn’t have any Cisco equipment to justify to the cost to my employer.

Any advice suggestions?

@Cisco

12 Spice ups
2

I would probably work on MCSA

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/certification/cert-windows-server-mcsa.aspx

3

MCSE is not retiring, the MCITP certs are. MCSA is built in to getting the MCSE.

4

CCNA is pretty much the Network+ just with the Cisco CLI added to it

MCITP is the MCSE replacement

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/certification/cert-exchange-server.aspx

1 Spice up
5

I too am in the same boat (have A+ and Net+)

Security+ will be my next move. Then work towards server certs and Linux+.

My advice is to go for what will benefit your position at your current employer and see if they are willing to help with the cost of training or the exam (or both).

6

I believe MCSA/E (whatever it’s called now) will be next up for me.

Security+ is probably a good move. I hear it’s pretty hard though.

Linux+ I think will be helpful, too. We hardly use it at all at work, but I’d like to have that experience for resumes and such.

7

If you are wanting to stay with entry level certs for now you could always work on Security+. Still in the CompTIA mindset so shouldn’t be too difficult to obtain for you. Going the MS route would probably also be good, been seeing that as a required on a bunch of local job postings. That would be the MCTS or MCITP lines which also can be updated to the MCSA and new MCSE lines. It kind of depends on your work structure what is going to be the most helpful. Just like not doing CCNA since you have no Cisco no point in getting MCSE which is cloud/Server 2012 based if your company doesn’t use it.

8

I only say this because of my interests but a virtualization cert would benefit almost anyone… (I do not have one, but when motivated, that is what I want to dig in to).

I still have a bad taste in my mouth over any MS cert… (got all mine in 2000). Frankly, if I could go back I’d not waste the time or cash. There’s just not enough of a difference from version to version or enough of a pay-hike to justify (at least what I spent) and then re-do it every 3 or 4 years. Toss in the fact that 80% of the people in my classes (new to computers) outright cheated using TroyTek exams… buy them online for ~$35 and they are exact questions and answers from the exams… totally devalued it for me.

1 Spice up
9

I will be getting my net and the Microsoft 2008 certs next. Then I will take the test to get my server 2012 certs.

10

I did the A and then the Security … somehow I managed to skip the Network but I’m working on that now. After that I plan on getting possibly Server because it mostly focuses on the hardware of the servers. I think that would help because while I mostly use SBS2008 the hardware works for anything especially if we end up tossing Linux on a machine at some point.

I was actually thinking about getting Certified Ethical Hacker next so I could tighten up my companies network security. From what I know from Security I would think it would be a step in the right direction. After that I plan on all the MS Server Certs, Win7 certs, networking IP addressing and the slew of Microsoft certs.

Essentially do whatever helps you or what you want to learn. I have a large desire to learn Linux even though I don’t think I would ever use it. I’m not sure why - it’s one of those super weird things where I have the huge itch to learn everything.

11

I wouldn’t rule out the CCNA. In fact, I’d seriously consider it for several reasons.

Even though you don’t have Cisco equipment at your current workplace, getting this certification is going to make you more valuable both to your current employer but also to other potential employers. I would posit that your workplace is the exception and not the rule when it comes to not having Cisco equipment installed. The Cisco certifications are respected because people realize they are hard to earn. Since they are performance-based tests, you need to know the material well in order to complete the test in the allotted time. If you can’t subnet in your head (quickly) you won’t finish. I’m not familiar with the Network+ testing method but I believe that if you passed the CCNA you would have no problem with the Network+.

You’re increasing your value and creating leverage for increased compensation while making yourself more attractive to alternative employers and creating more options for yourself.

One thing I like about Cisco’s certification program in particular is that there is a clear progression through increasing expertise levels but also an expanding menu of choices in terms of specialization areas once you’re past the initial (CCNA) level. You can focus on routing and switching, voice, wireless, security. Or you can combine several of these as you see fit. Caveat this if you aren’t that interested in getting deep into networking- in that case I’d do the CCNA and then diversify into other areas mentioned: Security, Linux, etc.

The certifications are going to do two useful things for you:

  1. Differentiate you when you are looking for your NEXT position. That day will come and I expect you’ll be grateful you made the effort.

  2. You might discover an interest in something that you hadn’t realized and it will take your career in a new and exciting direction.

Good luck on whichever challenge you decide to take up next.

Cheers,

Mark

2 Spice ups
12

I went next to Security+ and then started on the MCSA. Microsoft will allow the use of A+, Net+, and Security+ as part of obtaining the MCSA. I ended using MCTS: Windows 7 and Server 2003 (Server 2008 wasn’t available for me at the time) as my Microsoft required certs to get the MCSA combined with CompTIA certs. This late in the game though, Server 2008 r2 minimum cert instead of Server 2003. I eventually got my CCNA and have hardly used that knowledge since. I feel the CCNA is more geared towards just showing you know how to use their OS on their routers. Not all routers are like that, and a lot now are web-based interfaces that are easier to use, albeit slightly less complex and robust.

I agree with Mark (above), though. Get something you know you would use in the future or would like to use – you could find something new, or at least different, and have that take you forward. Find something that excites / interests you but still has grounds for proving knowledge.

13

well my job wont pay for it and i currently do not have the money for the test or training for ccna. I have to justify what i’m doing with my work, they’d never spring for that

14

Do you have any Juniper equipment?

15

We have a few Juniper switches .

16

Might wanna go Juniper cert route. As an official Juniper Networks Authorized Education Partner, we provide exclusive Juniper certification Boot Camps and skills camps featuring the latest equipment and relevant scenarios. Whether you’re looking for Juniper certification, including JNCIA-Junos, JNCIS-ENT, and JNCIS-SEC, planning to work on a future deployment, or simply expanding your skills, our Juniper Network Certified Instructors (JNCIs) have the real-world networking experience to guide you to your professional goals.

17

nope no junipers /ciscos.

we are running a dell environment, servers, workstations, switches etc.

18

I don’t think you can go wrong with Security+

19

I would recommend either Security+ or the MTA…

i’m on the same path but havent had much chance to do much learning recently…

20

I did my A+ a few years back, and just completed my Network + last month. I’m now in the process of preparing for Server + because it relates closely to my current job. My plan is to continue with Security + and Virtualization which will hopefully make me more marketable if the need arises. Good Luck!