Signs pointing me to Network+

lazyart

Last year when I finished A+ I thought I would head straight into Network+ for my next cert. I have the Sybex text, started reading it and it didnt make much sense so I put it down.

A couple months later I started a contract position that I have stayed at since (Thanks JACEV1!) and it was my first real experience in a live networked environment. Seeing what goes on as well as troubleshooting and talking to the WAN Admin is something I have found pretty interesting. I had set up my own peer-to-peer some time ago but this is quite a bit different.

So for kicks I took the quiz here online the other day and scored 65%. I tried a friend's Transcender and scored 683/900, where passing is 700. I went in cold on these and know nothing really about the OSI model. I'm thinking 2 weeks of reading the textbook and I should have this exam in the bag and another step closer to MCSA.

Then I look on getcertify4less.com and the early expiry voucher is there for $139 which expires 12/2004. I was planning on 70-290 next, but something is telling me to hit N+ first...

jacev1

Go for it!

I took mine after studying for a few months on and off & I found it very easy. I think if you study hard for about 2 weeks, you should pass. BTW, use the Transcenders, they're the best for Net+!

PS- I have a Sybex CBT for Net+ that you can borrow if you want it.

Ricka182

I would go for Net+ now, before they change the objectives in 2005. I've heard the newer objectives are much more difficult, and are to take the "easy" tag away from Net+. I used Mike Myers AIO guide, and read through the Sybex book a bit. I also used the Transcender, and was scoring around 850 before I sat the exam.

mobri09

Definitely go for it because its fun!

TeKniques

I agree about taking the Net+. I have learned a lot from studying the past 2 weeks and I feel as if I'm almost ready to take this test. Plus, it's nice to have the elective for the MCSA.

lazyart

jacev1 wrote:

Go for it!

I took mine after studying for a few months on and off & I found it very easy. I think if you study hard for about 2 weeks, you should pass. BTW, use the Transcenders, they're the best for Net+!

PS- I have a Sybex CBT for Net+ that you can borrow if you want it.

Is that the one that comes with the book? Mine is still sealed...

jacev1

lazyart wrote:

jacev1 wrote:

Go for it!

I took mine after studying for a few months on and off & I found it very easy. I think if you study hard for about 2 weeks, you should pass. BTW, use the Transcenders, they're the best for Net+!

PS- I have a Sybex CBT for Net+ that you can borrow if you want it.

Is that the one that comes with the book? Mine is still sealed...

No, it's not the one that comes with the book. I have one that I purchased last year online. I don't remember where but Barnes & Noble sells it also, check it out here:
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/bookSearch/isbnInquiry.asp?sourceid=00401251087939372176&ISBN=0782150187&bfdate=09-22-2004+21:41:25.[/url]

amystri

Learning in a work environment like you did is a lot different then just reading and taking the tests with NO real experience at all. I say study for a week or so and you will be just fine...

Drakonblayde

It's my personal opinion that the CCNA supersedes the Net+, so if you're planning on going for it, then I honestly wouldn't bother unless you just want to waste 150+ bucks on resume filler. If you do not plan to pursue the CCNA, then definetly go for it

garv221

I would do it now before the objectives are changed, its an elective toward MCSA w/ your A+, its easy and it cannot HURT you..

mwgood

Drakonblayde wrote:

It's my personal opinion that the CCNA supersedes the Net+, so if you're planning on going for it, then I honestly wouldn't bother unless you just want to waste 150+ bucks on resume filler. If you do not plan to pursue the CCNA, then definetly go for it

You may have not noticed that "lazyart" already has the A+ and MCP (70-270) and indicates work towards MCSA. An A+ & Network+ combination counts as 1 elective exam towards towards the MCSA, whereas the CCNA is a different track altogether and wouldn't count towards the MCSA.

So, if lazyart is aiming for an MCSA, then Network+ (combined with A+) is definitely a good way to go.

TeKniques

Drakonblayde wrote:

It's my personal opinion that the CCNA supersedes the Net+, so if you're planning on going for it, then I honestly wouldn't bother unless you just want to waste 150+ bucks on resume filler. If you do not plan to pursue the CCNA, then definetly go for it

Ummm wouldn't obtaining the Network+ prepare you better for the CCNA?

And like Mwgood said, the elective towards the MCSA track would be worth the $150 imo.

lazyart

Net+ fits into my current path quite nicely. CCNA, while I have glanced at it, wouldnt show up on my resume before MCSE does, if at all.

Anyhow, I just bought the voucher. I'm thinking 10/7 will be my day.

lazyart

So, what happened today...

As the guy was setting up the machine I started scribbling down my notes. OSI layers and which devices are on the lower three. Class A, B and C address ranges and subnets. Finally, all the ports I could think of.. 21, 23, 25, 53, 69, 80, 110, 123, 443. There were a couple I couldnt recall, but that's ok. Turns out there weren't any I needed that I hadn't written down.

I ended up using most of that info. I marked 14 Q's for review. I figured of the 58 I didn't have trouble with I should get at least 80% right, and 50% of what I marked.

I submit my answers (skipped the survey... wanted to see my score) and then the pause. 3 seconds or 3 minutes.. wasn't sure which is was before the results came back.

820/900.

Time to update the resume. As usual-- great site, awesome technotes. Another pass for Johan.

garv221

Congrats! Glad to hear it, I'm also studying up on my 70-290.

TeKniques

Awesome job. I have my test Friday the 15th

Good luck on pursuing your MCSA.

Webmaster

Congratulations Art!!

WilByte

Congratulations! ( I like the 3 second pause story-I could feel the tension)

janmike

Congrats, lazyart! Great score!