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To all who may care,

I am looking into getting a cert or two to start out with my career. I was doing some reading over the certs and where they can get me and I would like the general consensus of spiceheads. I am looking at the CCENT vs. Network+. I am looking at getting into Networking and going from there. Just wondering thought. I would then go on to get my CCNA if i did go through with the CCENT. I just want to make sure what I would learn in one would be better than the other or how much is covered in one may be covered in the other one.For example the CCENT covers the Network+ and then adds more to it. Advice is greatly appreciated.

9 Spice ups
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CCENT is worth more than Network+ from an employer’s perspective. I also believe you take more away from CCENT. That said, it is also a bit harder to pass. If you are really new to networking, it may be worthwhile to get your Network+ first, then go for CCENT.

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Go to the CCNA, skip both, CCENT and Net+. Done.

1 Spice up
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I’d disagree. CCENT is less than the Net+.

CCNA > Net+ > CCENT

@netris

1 Spice up
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Well, everyone’s mileage may vary, of course, but having both certifications myself (well, CCNP, but it started as CCENT), the way I look at it is: a CCENT is basically half of a CCNA - an well-respected, industry-standard certification. Network+ is well… basically A+ for networking and almost worthless.

@alexw

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I’m going to take a bit of a different approach, which certs adequately reflect the knowledge and experience that you have and could perform on the job?

Certs help you get to the interview, but they also set an expectation of what you know. If I interview someone with certs listed I ask questions covered by the certs, if they bomb those questions I don’t hire them. Their resume implied they knew and they didn’t. If someone doesn’t have certs and doesn’t know the answer that is not a deal breaker.

3 Spice ups
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Net+ is actually quite a bit harder than A+

For the OP, as mentioned, I’d skip both and start studying for the CCNA. Problem solved.

1 Spice up
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I think the CCNA is good fundamental networking knowledge in general, even if you do not plan to specialize in Networking. Another vote for CCNA (source: I have Net+ LOL!)

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Hello,

I would go for the CCENT, you can go thru the Net+ material to get the foundation of networking. But in my opinion CCENT is more valuable and then you can get the CCNA. If you plan on taking them separate (ICND1 and ICND2). Which is far more valuable than Net+.

Good luck.