Network+ then CCENT or CCNA???

I'm taking the A+ 220-802 exam next week. Once I pass it and become A+ certified I want to start preparing for a networking certification but I am unsure about which one to pursue first.

For a while now I've had it planned to get Network+ certified after getting my A+ but lately have been giving some thought also to the Cisco certifications such as CCENT or CCNA. Not sure which one is best to pursue first or if I should even get both or just one or the other.

What are the differences between the two? Should I get both or is one or the other sufficient.

My future goals are to be either a System Admin or Network Admin. I am currently 32 yrs old and hope to be either of the above by the time I am 40 hopefully. Current IT Certification path I am looking at is:

A+, MTA 98-349 Windows OS, Network+, CCENT or CCNA (or both), MCSA Windows 7; 70-680, 70-685, Linux+, Server+, Security+. Currently hold an A.A. in Computer Information Systems. Would also like to eventually earn my B.S. in Information Technology-Networking.

The B.S. is a maybe but the certifications are definetly for sure. Goal would be to obtain one cert a year from the path listed. I say one a year to just give myself more than enough time for each. By the end of 2015 I would like to have at least the MTA and Network+. Then one each year after that.

Thoughts and inputs would be appreciated. Thanks.

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Comments

techfiend

I'd suggest start in the middle with studying ccent. If it's too complicated step back to net+. Career wise I don't see much benefit with net+. If you plan to get a bachelors and all these certs you might want to look into wgu.

If you keep up with studying and gain some experience you should be able to meet your admin goal in half the time. It's not uncommon to be a sys admin after 1-2y of experience. Heck, I was basically a junior after 2 months due to need and technical ability.

GreaterNinja

Network+ is like CCENT.
If you are 32 now and want to be a Network Admin / Engineer then go for your CCNA. Even if you fail, do not give up.
If you want to be a System Admin or System Engineer get Linux+ (minimum) or RHCSA or MCSA Server 2012.
Realistically this can be done in 3 months, but most people take a couple to several years. It all depends on your ambition and where you want to land for your destination. My girlfriend went from A+ to CCNA in 1+ year.
Again, even if you fail, keep trying until you pass.

NetworkNewb

I recommend get your CCENT then CCNA: Routing & Switching. Alot of overlap between Network+ and CCENT.

Here is the link to the Cisco paths.
Training & Certifications - Cisco Systems

markulous

If money and time are not an issue then N+ to CCENT to CCNA would be good. If those are factors (which they usually are) I'd probably go straight for the CCENT.

If you feel you want really basic network knowledge before tackling Cisco, then I'd go with the MTA instead of N+. It's way cheaper and focuses on Windows, which you'll likely be using anyway.

therebeeye

I didn't see too much difference between the Network+ and the CCENT exams. I skipped the Net+ and just focused on the CCENT. Plus, once you pass both CCENT exams, you're CCNA certified.

binarysoul

I personally don't see any benefit from Net+ if CCENT can provide same knowledge and give you a vendor certification. Not a fan of Net+

Magmadragoon

CCENT is also half the price of network+. So you can pay double to get a lower certificate versus getting a higher level certificate at a lower price.

f0rgiv3n

It's been awhile since I took the Net+ so take that into consideration.

I do think that getting the net+ is beneficial prior to the CCENT. Net+ would get you the vendor-neutral certification and a basic networking foundation.

That said, you could be fine taking the CCENT first as well. I'm just a fan of being well-rounded which I personally believe having that net+ adds. The foundation helps because if you go for CCENT you'll be basically taking a small jump to the second step in the staircase. It's totally doable and could get you there faster, just a little more difficult than using the first step up that staircase.

siggnation

I say dive right into CCENT. You'll learn more than you would from Network+ and you'll be well on your way towards a CCNA, which will provide you with a solid foundation of networking concepts.

GForce75

I would go for CCENT. You'll be amazed at how much Cisco well prep you for N+. I took N+ last week without studying and got an 823. Cisco has been a great eye opener. If you ever use packet tracer, it's a + for CISCO. I was shocked that N+ was not that involved with subnetting and etc, but you have to know very well for CCENT.

rcsoar4fun

Skip the Net+. If you want the material read through a book, but don't give Comptia any more money. There is very little value in the cert itself.

ssnyderu2

Unless you really just want it or know you will be working some place that requires it, then skip Network+. Get your CCENT (ICND1), then take ICND2 for your CCNA.

Go here for good, cheap CCNA training: http://www.techexams.net/forums/ccna-ccent/109388-chris-bryant-ccna-boot-camp-19-00-a.html

quickman007

The Network+ is much more general networking whereas the CCENT is mostly about configuring the devices. Network+ has more on the OSI model and cabling. I'd read the Network+ text but not get the cert.

zaaa

quickman007 wrote: »

I'd read the Network+ text but not get the cert.

100% agree if you have no networking experience. I figured the CCENT would be a total breeze for me considering I have some general networking experience but it went in a lot more depth than what I thought. It skips some general entry level stuff you should know (like making a network cable, for example).

I'd at least look at the N+ material and get a good understanding of the material, then go to CCENT. You don't have to spend the money on the N+ unless you really need it/want it, but some of the information in there is important to know if you plan on making a career out of networking. I'm not sure what all your education and experience entails, so maybe you would be OK with skipping N+. It never hurts to look at the N+ objectives and make sure you at least some understanding of some of the material.

I can't say much, I skipped N+ as well, but I have been a sys admin for a while.

doctore

Best course of study:

MTA Networking Fundamentials > N+ > CCNA

You don't have to get certification for each, but I find them to be a good evaluation of your understanding of the material. I was going to skip N+ testing, but there was a deal for $139, figured - why not?

Hell, people pay that much for practice tests...

And if you can't pass N+, then you can't pass CCNA. Plus, it's good to learn more about general networking, for example - wireless; after all, what kind of network admin are you going to be when you can't set up a bunch of WAPs and secure them properly???

I would also recommend some MTA 98-365. Get your feet wet with Windows Server - even if you don't take it any further, it's a must if you want to get your MCSA Windows 7. It will also help you with DHCP, DNS, security, etc. on the networking side. It's one thing to learn about DHCP/DNS, it's another when you have to install and configure it yourself

NetworkNewb

The CCENT book I just read went over cabling (at least which wires go where, didn't go into actually crimping them and making them...) and went over the OSI model as well. Alot of material on the CCENT is pretty basic networking stuff... Having recently done both, I would skip the N+ in a heartbeat. So much overlap. The CCENT just adds more depth in how a network is actually configured and setup.

Techie19

Wow, you guys are the best. Thank you all so much for providing so much feedback.

I can see a difference in opinion where some feel the Network+ is not a necessary cert where others feel is good to have or learn the material before going to the Cisco certs.

Will continue reading all the replies and again I appreciate it. I got a job interview coming this Friday with a company called Decision One. The position is for a Desktop Support Tech. Hoping I get it. Will post back the hopefully good news.

Love this site and the members who are always so helpful.