What certification should I get?

Hey guys, I have been in helpdesk for 2 years now, and my employer is going to pay for a training class of my choosing for me. I have the A+ already. However, I am not sure if I want to take a class just for Network+ or Security+, as I feel like I can learn just as well by studying myself. I still am not sure what direction I want to go for IT. I always enjoyed databases and security though. Please let me know if you guys have any suggestions.

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networker050184

What will help you the most in your job? What knowledge and skills are you missing that can help you move up the ladder?

tmtex

Definitely get some type of network cert, Net + , CCNA...etc. No matter where you go within IT you will need to know Networking.

doctorlexus

PWK class w/ OSCP certification!

Schisme

I would suggest Net+. It's a lot more value considering the number of directions you can take it. Security managers will want that network knowledge just as much, if not more than, a Sec+ cert. If you're unsure at all, Net+ is the easy choice in my opinion. Security+ will not be helpful in most other fields. Good luck!

ITSpectre

I would say to go for your Net+ or Sec+. Like people have said before, you have to learn how something works before you can secure it. So if you want to go the security route the track I have seen is

1. Sec+
2. CEH/GSEC
3. CCNA/CCNA Sec
4. RHCSA or Linux+
5. CISSP/CASP/CAP etc...

It really depends on the route you want to take. For example I want to become a penntester so my track is

- RHCSA
- eJpt
- CCNA
- OSCP
- CISSP

There are many things you can do within security. Ethical hacker, Pennetration tester, Offensive security, Network Security etc....

Verities

NewITGuy1 wrote: »

Hey guys, I have been in helpdesk for 2 years now, and my employer is going to pay for a training class of my choosing for me. I have the A+ already. However, I am not sure if I want to take a class just for Network+ or Security+, as I feel like I can learn just as well by studying myself. I still am not sure what direction I want to go for IT. I always enjoyed databases and security though. Please let me know if you guys have any suggestions.

If you're interested in learning databases you should look up the different flavors and what they do. There has always been a huge demand for DBAs so whichever type you should to specialize in, you'll be on a path to a lot of opportunities. As far as security, you can look at the Security + material for free online and become familiar with general security theories. If you want hands on security, you can look at the DISA STIGs. They detail a very well structured approach to securing systems and even have STIGs for databases. Not sure how familiar you are with SQL but Linux Academy has a good course on it.