Adding to the CCVP

Crunchyhippo

In addition to obtaining a CCVP, what other non-Cisco certification would be advantageous to one's career? A server/Microsoft cert? A security cert of some kind? Linux? Does anyone have any ideas?

Getting a CCVP is a boatload of work, but if I have the time, I wouldn't mind getting something else. I don't want to appear to be too one-dimensional.

mikej412

The MCSE:Messaging would work great with the CCVP (and some Cisco Unity knowledge). And since you already have the Security+ you may as well bump up that future MCSE with the Security option also. Then plan on doing the upgrade exams to the latest & greatest....

Since Unified Communication Manager is an "appliance" and you don't really have access, or even need to know it's running Linux underneath, there is no real need to add Linux to the CCVP -- but the knowledge and skills could open some doors for you sometime in the future. If you don't have any Linux skills now, then something like the Linux+ may be a good start. If you eventually land a Linux gig somewhere, then look at the LPIC exams. If (and when) you turn into a Linux Fanatic, then maybe look at the RHCE (or whatever Linux Distro is ruling the world then and has a Lab Exam).

After that, any equipment that you have at work and could possibly someday get to touch would also be targets for future Certifications. If you ever have Checkpoint Firewalls -- look at the Checkpoint Certifications. If you ever have a Juniper Firewall -- look at the Juniper Certifications (and toss in the "easy" Juniper Router Certifications since you have the CCNA already).

If you want some other Certification that has some buzz -- look at the Wireless Certifications.

Crunchyhippo

I work with Juniper a lot at work. What would be a good intro cert for Juniper?

mikej412

Juniper still has their Fast Track Program and their "Juniper as a 2nd Language" online training course. You can check out the Juniper Certifications at Juniper Networks Technical Certification Program (JNTCP) - Juniper Networks

The JNCIA is their "associate level" and the JNCIS is their "professional level" cert -- but there are no prerequisites for either (so it works like the Cisco CCENT and CCNA). If you have no Juniper knowledge or experience to start with, then the JNCIA is a good place to start. If you're a macho hardcore networker (and don't need extra stuff on your resume), you can go straight for the JNCIS to impress your fellow geeks at works.

I've got the JNCIA-ER and JNCIS-ER on my 2009/2010 Certification Wish List.

Check out the Juniper Forum. There isn't much used Juniper equipment on eBay (so it isn't cheap) so search for the posts about Olive.

Flyingput

Cisco Contact Center certificate seems to be popular in the market. I happened to search for some Cisco IP voice jobs this Friday and surprisingly found quite some Contact Center openings in Chicago area.

I am hesitating to go for it though, because our company doesn't use it due to Cisco's ridiculously high price. Without a system on work, not sure if I can really learn it. Guess it's not practical to set up a lab either....

Netwurk

That's one of those 2 year certs that you need to retake to renew. Probably only worth doing if it is a true prerequisite for a job

Flyingput

That's a good point.
Hmm, IPTX (CUCME) used to be a specialist certificate in 2008. Now it's called CCNA Voice...