nav[aria-label="Primary Navigation"] { padding: 0; & ul { list-style: none; width: 100%; display: flex; flex-direction: row; justify-content: start; align-items: start; gap: 30px; padding: 0; & li { margin: 0; } & ul li { list-style: none; } } }

Cert Survey!

Muhammed H

Question for you guys.....

1) What was the most difficult cert exam(s) you passed so far?

2) Among those certifications you have done, which one added most value to your career, or which one gave you most ROI?

For me, the answer of both questions is CCNA. Currently studying for RHCSA, and I have found that one more difficult than CCNA.

Find more posts tagged with

SAVE $250 on Your Boot Camp — Use Code "EXAM26"

Exclusively for TechExams members for Infosec Boot Camps starting before April 30, 2026

View Boot Camps

Comments

jvrlopez

1) cissp

2) cissp

scaredoftests

CompTia Security +(though some of the Novell exams were pretty tough)
not sure about the other question.

aspiringsoul

1. CCNA
2. CCNA

My answer will likely change after I take the CISSP exam...

MrAgent

1. OSCP
2. OSCP

I'm going to be taking the CISSP this summer, so I imagine that will change my answer.

dave330i

1. Based on pass/fail VCAP5-DCD was the hardest.

2. ROI would be a tie between VCP5 & VCAP5-DCD.

markulous

Most difficult probably Linux+. Failed LX0-101 the first time, and got the minimum score on LX0-102. It wasn't insanely difficult or anything, but challenging nonetheless.

Probably the CCNA, but so far there hasn't been one cert that's proven to accelerate my career, but kind of all of them as a whole. I work in a Microsoft environment and just trying to get more experience so I haven't really tested the waters too much yet.

bpenn

1. CISSP
2. A+

I say this because I have the Associate level of the CISSP and it hasnt done anything for me yet. The A+ helped me solidify my first job but the CISSP will be a better ROI in the long run.

eansdad

1. 70-680

2. CCNA

By far the hardest exam I've ever taken was the dreaded 680. Failed 2x and passed with an even 700. Trying to figure out the M$ answer after working in the environment for almost 2 years sucked.

CCNA had the best return so far simple because it still has the wow factor. Didn't make it to an engineer yet but I'm the go to network person at my new job now.

Robertf969

MrAgent wrote: »

1. OSCP
2. OSCP

I'm going to be taking the CISSP this summer, so I imagine that will change my answer.

Doubtful, the CISSP is hard because its long, not because the questions are overly difficult.

That being said,

1) CISSP (just because i'm not loaded up on certs and I finished the CompTIA's in like 20 minutes)

pevangel

1) jncis-sec
2) ccnp

swattz101

1) SANs GSEC
I studied for the CISSP which was also quite tough, but barely missed passing, so it doesn't count.

Currently studying Linux+ which is also tough, and will be doing CCNA as part of my degree program in the not so distant future.

2) GSEC/Sec+
GSEC was a good cert to have, but I made the mistake of letting it expire. Sec+ wasn't really that hard, but it is what keeps me 8570 compliant (DoD) and what puts food on the table, so pretty good ROI at the moment.

ImThe0ne

Muhammed H wrote: »

Question for you guys.....

1) What was the most difficult cert exam(s) you passed so far?

2) Among those certifications you have done, which one added most value to your career, or which one gave you most ROI?

For me, the answer of both questions is CCNA. Currently studying for RHCSA, and I have found that one more difficult than CCNA.

Thats interesting, I always thought that Microsoft's exams were worse than Cisco's! I am getting ready to start my MCSA 2012, so it is refreshing to see that CCNA was harder to you than Microsoft's was. Cisco's test do suck indeed, but I think your approach is what constitutes how well you will do. If you apply real world knowledge, you will get many questions wrong. Cisco wants Cisco answers.

I would say currently:
1. CCNA
2. None have really provided ROI currently, as I don't even touch network equipment other than plugging my servers in, so I would say I am quite proud of my CCNA and CCDA.

DeezyFF

1. CCNA - Security as the pass score is much higher, and its the only exam I have ever failed.
2. Probably CCNA had the biggest ROI for job employment. But to that fact after I got certified I started taking over responsibilities at my old job on the Cisco equipment and soon I had 2 years of experience which was a big help when moving on to the next job.

Hondabuff

CCNP was the Hardest because of the 3 exams and 1 full year of study. It had the best ROI since it got me a promotion to a Engineer.

kohr-ah

CCNP Route was my hardest exam yet (though to above MS tests are definitely worse.)

CCNP/CCDP combo gave me the most value. CCNP I was getting contacted about work at good pay but as soon as that CCDP was tacked on there the results that were hitting me changed greatly.

JasonX

1) CISSP

2) CCNP

This might change in due time as I am being contacted occasionally for security positions though I am not actively pursuing any job opportunities currently.

jamthat

1. CCNA

2. CCNA - Value (knowledge-wise), SSCP - ROI, oddly enough

Answers will probably change soon, as I have GCED, CISSP, and CCNA: Security all on the radar

itsgonnahappen

1.) cissp

2.) a+

Cyberscum

Cissp

olaHalo

Hardest - 70-640 (failed 3 times; also only cert Ive ever failed)
ROI- CCNA

I only have entry level certs though