Studying for two certifications simultaneously?!?!

Binary Freak

So, this subject has long been on my mind!

I'm still progressing through the CCNA, and I was wondering whether studying for another certification alongside this would be, advantageous, or disadvantageous?

If advantageous, then what would you recommend I study for alongside the CCNA?

-Binary Freak

stylezunknown

I too would like to hear opinions on this also..

I thinks that's a legitimate idea if you take your time, keep focused, and consistency. The only thing that would probably slow me down is similar acronyms across two certifications that have different meanings.

JustFred

The idea is great only if you are studying for two certs opposite of each other. Trying to study for CCNA and CCNA security at the same time is a big fail. But you can do a CCNA and say VCP or an MS cert and get away with it. Just my opinion. Ideally you should always only focus on one site. It's the only way the stuff you learn can stick.

Waka Flocka Flame

Depends on you personally... I couldn't do it.

Waka Flocka Flame

Binary Freak wrote: »

So, this subject has long been on my mind!

I'm still progressing through the CCNA, and I was wondering whether studying for another certification alongside this would be, advantageous, or disadvantageous?

If advantageous, then what would you recommend I study for alongside the CCNA?

-Binary Freak

Wait a minute I've just had a brainwave... by any chance are you the same Binary Freak who is a member of the student room....????

Binary Freak

Waka Flocka Flame wrote: »

Wait a minute I've just had a brainwave... by any chance are you the same Binary Freak who is a member of the student room....????

That be me

Binary Freak

JustFred wrote: »

The idea is great only if you are studying for two certs opposite of each other. Trying to study for CCNA and CCNA security at the same time is a big fail. But you can do a CCNA and say VCP or an MS cert and get away with it. Just my opinion. Ideally you should always only focus on one site. It's the only way the stuff you learn can stick.

Thanks for the advice!

I was thinking about the MCSA Windows Server 2008/12, but many people have said that is rather difficult. So that might be a case of sacrificing one to get the other if I were to go for it.

-Binary Freak

srabiee

I wouldn't do it either unless there was something like 75% overlap between the two exams.

N2IT

I only read your first post, but only you can answer that. Personally for me I would focus on the CCNA. That way you can focus your 100% undivided attention to that material and actual learn it while getting the paper after the exam (if you pass which I am sure you will).

I have approached it the other way and I usually never get around to the exam or end up not remembering the material all that well. In fact I have several certifications obtained that way and I don't list them because at this point in time I just don't remember the material anymore, well not enough to have an insightful conversation about it.

TechGuru80

Here is something to keep in mind...the CCNA level exams for Cisco introduce A LOT of brand new information for most, and NP exams go into more detail for these same subjects. That makes the learning curve much more steep to try and attempt multiple at the same time. Not to mention if you are working full-time...that is a lot of time to dedicate to studying. Something like Security+ could be an ok cert to attack simultaneously because it is not too bad and gives you something for security...but otherwise if it were me I would stick to one, crush, and move on.

ramrunner800

I like to have two certs at a time on my radar. I can only study hard on one at a time, but when I burn out a bit on one kind of studying for a few weeks, I like to have something to go work on as a bit of a break.

DoubleNNs

I think it's better idea is to focus on studying on 1 cert, and casually learning another topic/technology on the side. That's what I've been doing lately. I've gotten thru many non-fiction books during this summer that way.

My only problem is that I've been relaxing a little too much lately, and accidentally making my secondary topics primary. (Feels so much more rewarding finishing a 300 page book from start to finish in a week than using the same time to painstakingly write notes, lab, and review 100 pages of an 800 page technical text. I need to fight that psychological battle.)