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Hello All,

I am currently going to school for networking and looking to bolster my resume by adding some certifications. Just wondering what the spiceworks community thinks are the best certifications for a future network admin to get. Network+? Security+? Microsoft certifications?

Thanks

14 Spice ups
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I would start with Network+ then do Security+ then from there you could look into Cisco certs and Microsoft Certs. Good luck

6 Spice ups
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It very much comes down to what you want to do. I’ve put together a list (not comprehensive) of industry certifications here: http://community.spiceworks.com/how_to/show/5873-how-to-get-certified .

4 Spice ups
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It definitely depends on what you want to do. Look into the certs that apply to your field and gun for em!

Edit: Certifications are awesome early on, particularly before you have a nice work resume built up. Once you have several positions under your belt, they don’t seem to be as much of an issue.

2 Spice ups
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Blasted IE. Force closed as I hit submit. Here’s the short version:

Net+, Sec+ = Yes.

A+ = Might as well, since you are looking for general-purpose certs to fill your resume.

CCENT = If you don’t mind the price, this one can be viewed as entry-level enough without dedicating yourself to one career path.

2 Spice ups
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That is similar to the path I took. First Network+, then A+, then on to Microsoft…MSCA, MCSA Security and Security+, MCSE, MCDBA, somewhere in the there Server+. The thing with the Microsoft certs is once you get a big one, like the old MCSE, everything else is only 2 tests away.

Now working on CCNA and will probably go down the Cisco path for awhile.

1 Spice up
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I agree with this…except for the Cisco stuff…

Cisco is great to get and worth a lot but is a PITA to study for and not as valuable, IMO, as it used to be. Still good but I would say that Network+, Security+, Server+ and a mid-to-upper end MS course would be best. YMMV

Thanks,

A.J.

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I think you can learn more things with Security, but would be a good complement if you study the two things

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Thanks for all the good advice guys, ordered my Network+ book today.

1 Spice up
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If you’re going to start with network+, I personally would do the CCENT next, as it’s an advanced version of Network+ (Network++). This way, the stuff you learned from Network+ will still be fresh.

If you hadn’t already bought the book, I would have suggested just getting a CCENT book first, as passing that will pretty much guarantee that you can walk right back into the testing center after passing the CCENT and then pass the Network+ exam.