Decisions

liven

I know this is really up to me, but I could use some advice.

Ok just got my CCNA, and now trying to decide what to do next. I work as a security admin and have been doing security for about 2 years. I have almost 8 total years of professional experience in everything from administration, to coding and now security.

SO, with that said I am torn between CCSP, CCNP or CEH. I definately want to do the CISSP, but I think I am going to wait to get a few more years of security on my resume first.

My current work projects are heavily centered around ASA5520 with IPS... which makes me think I would be wise to continue down the security CCSP road. But seems like CCNP is more marketable.

Now the CCNA was a really hard test. Mostly because I never mess with Frame relays (well not for about 6 years now, have not touched one since I quit working for an ISP years ago). It took me about 3 months of pretty intense studying to get through the CCNA.

I guess what I am looking for is given my situation what would everyone suggest as the next logical step? What would most likely make me most valuable? I like all areas of technology, I have not purposely jumped around from area to area. Doors just open and I get offers to try something new. However at this point in time, all the different things I have done are really starting to compliment each other (especially working in security)...

Does that even make any sense?

If anyone has a thought or two or some advice please let me know. I take this very serously. Well I am sure you guys understand, like my self your probably some what addicted to learning new things and accomplishing your goals.

THanks!

dtlokee

If you are thinking of going on to professional level Cisco certs I would start with the BSCI. It's a requirement for the CCNP, but is also very helpful moving into CCSP. It's not a requirement of the CCSP but I find when a student dosen't have a more in depth understanding of routing, they typically struggle more with some of the CCSP topics. Also you may realize CCNP is or is not for you and move onto CCSP.

I think th choice comes down to what you like to do. I couldn't move into an area I don't find interesting, and I think I would have a hard time staying in a career I couldn't tolerate just because it pays better (this is subjective because once you get your CCIE, yes I said CCIE, the pay scales are basically the same.)

Your ultimate goal should be CCIE in some track if you plan to go stay in the Cisco side.

dynamik

I'd continue on the Cisco route while it's still fresh and you're in study mode.

mikej412

liven wrote:

I work as a security admin and have been doing security for about 2 years.

There's a bunch of people that would love to be able to say that!

liven wrote:

My current work projects are heavily centered around ASA5520 with IPS... which makes me think I would be wise to continue down the security CCSP road. But seems like CCNP is more marketable.

The CCNP is more marketable since most employers don't want someone to learn security on the job on their live network. Without experience, the CCSP by itself isn't that useful for finding a job.

I'd usually say to get the Firewall Specialist Cert and try getting in somewhere doing basic Firewall configs. Then move into the CCSP and Security from there. But since you're already there (doing security), you may want to keep doing it!

But I'll also say -- "how can you secure the network if you don't know how to build it?"

The Doyle books are on the CCIE Security reading list, so now might be a good time to start on your "first read." That could fill some of the "routing gaps" in your knowledge as you "lead with Cisco Security" -- possibly through the CCIE. Then loop back for the CCNP.

Or try to knock out the CCNP next year while racking up more Security experience, then hit the CCSP (and beyond) hard!

While you're trying to figure out which way to go in the Cisco world, you may just want to knock out the CEH.

Remember that any Cisco exam is good for 3 years to use for certification. With the CCSP you also collect a lot of Cisco Specialist Certificates/Certifications -- but those are only good for 2 years before you have to re-certify (redo the exams or pass a CCIE Written/Lab). And the 2 year Cisco Specialist re-cert time is the same as the CCIE re-cert time.

liven

Right on guys,

I really appriciate all the ideas support...

I know that by know means I am a routing expert. But I feel like I have a decent amount of "general" network knowledge...

Prior to working in security for the last 2 years, I worked at an ISP for about 5 years. I learned A LOT about networking in general during that time frame. And a lot about firewalls, and to be honest a lot about security...

Anyway, I just feel like it might be wise to try to knock out some of the CCSP stuff now since I am using the gear (HEAVILY) at the moment...

who knows.

I will have to think on it for a while longer.

THANKS GUYS!!!!