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I am currently an entry level IT Technician. However, I want to move into Networking. What certification is a good base after the A+ to move into networking?

@Cisco

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I would suggest Network+

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+1 for network+

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I would definetly go with the ICND1 Cisco Cert , which gets you CCENT certified , then you can move onto your CCNA after passing ICND2.

@Cisco

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A good start to get the basics locked down would be Network+. Once you have that, then I would look at getting vendor specific ones based on what is in demand in your region or what your current employer uses. Many companies will also cover the cost of getting the certs if you pass the exam, some will even pay for the course, but only if it benefits them as well.

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Since you are entry level, I would advise playing with the hardware a little first, just to get familiar with it. Get a cheap switch (any IT guy will have one to share) and some Ethernet cables and start hooking up your machines. Set up your ip addresses for these inside (intranet) machines to be 192.168.x.x, or 10.10.x.x. Think of that switch as one network, and all machines plugged into it also have to be on the same network, so start out using 192.168.1.x for all machines plugged in to that switch. Make sure you can ping from 192.168.1.100 (machine 1) to 192.168.1.101 (machine 2), and you are well on your way.

Good luck man! I can always use a good net admin.

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+1 for Network+

As you get more experience, you can always add vendor specific credentials. Cisco would be good choice as that will give you flexibility to move to different companies, if you so desire.

I would round out with Microsoft credentials. Start with Professional Certifications for desktops, then move to servers like Windows Server 2012.

I think that would give you well rounded knowledge base and open doors to better opportunities. At the very least, get you in the door for interview and consideration.

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Network+ and CCNA-Routing and Switching.

Purchase a used Cisco switch from your vendor of choice. I found two for about $150.00, a 2950T-24 and 3550-48; they’re sufficient to practice for the CCNA.

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Ask a friendly IT guy. I have a back room full of Cisco 2600 routers. I would give a promising young student one in a heartbeat.

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really?! that sounds great to me, only problem is i’m from the Bahamas. Is there away i can purchase it from you and then you send it?

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Why purchase equipment? Sign up for cisco class at your local college. You can get access to netcad and download cisco packet tracer, which will give you all of your relevant commands and configurations.

Plus the new CCNA R&S tests on v 15.

I do agree with Network + as a basis for getting your grasps on network fundamentals. Cisco, Dell SonicWALL, Juniper, to name a few big boys.

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thanks for the tip adamsneed! I will look into all of those

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I’m sorry buddy, that is a limited offer, always done face to face in my office. Come visit me in Texas.

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Network and CCNA for sure. If you can’t get your hands on some bona fide Cisco gear down in the Bahamas Google “GNS3” and see if that trips your trigger…