2010 Certification Plans

dynamik

unsupported wrote: »

OWSP, sorry. That is the WiFu class.

Yea, that's what I was referring to. Look at their syllabus in the link I posted earlier. OSCP is awesome, but WiFu/OWSP is outdated.

Paule123

unsupported wrote: »

5 months is decent for preparing for the CISSP. More time would be required if you actually want to have a life while you study.

Problem for the last 2 years has been finding time to study alongside work...

Its much easier now I know I'm leaving and work gets the bare minimum whilst I spaend every spare moment studying. I do need to allow longer for the CISSP you're right though, CCENT is optional rather than essential to be honest.

gugnheim

For me, it's finishing my MBA and preparing to apply for a PhD , but certification wise re-upping my Comptias, adding Sec+ for a class, and really working on my forensics work. Ence, CCE, etc.
Possibly some articles.

veritas_libertas

gugnheim wrote: »

For me, it's finishing my MBA and preparing to apply for a PhD , but certification wise re-upping my Comptias, adding Sec+ for a class, and really working on my forensics work. Ence, CCE, etc.
Possibly some articles.

What would your PhD be in?

wheez

rhermans wrote: »

I'll be focussing to finish my graduation project for my BS in ICT for the remainder of 2009, so hope to graduate late 2009 or early 2010. When that's done I'm going for the MCITP:EA. I've got two exams left for that one.

After that, I don't know really.. At the moment I think I should probably take a break and pat myself on the back.. Don't know how I long I could keep doing nothing though, cause in some way I find getting certs etc. is pretty addictive.

I'm thinking of maybe doing a MS or MBA track. On the other hand I'm really interested in project management, so I'd might look at that. Virtualization (VCP or Microsoft) is also possible, so to be honest really have to think this through!

Just a quick update here. I graduated with a BS in IT mid February, passed my 70-643 a few weeks ago and have scheduled the 70-647 which should complete the MCITP:EA next Wednesday.

Unfortunately I'm still wondering where to go next. I'm aiming for a management level or project leader job, so lately I've been thinking it might be wise to get my Prince2 cert. An MS in Business processes and IT (or similar) is another option, but that would at least be a three year track.

Any other suggestions?

mikedisd2

This thread is turning into a sticky. It's at the top of the list everytime I tune in.

Bl8ckr0uter

knwminus wrote: »

Oh how things change. My new plan is Linux+, Security+, CCNA:Voice and Wireless, Route, maybe ITIL or CCDA (probably both if I have the time/money) and starting Switch. I hope to have the CCNP done early 2011 and I want to start the SP and complete SSCP next year so I also want to build a firm foundation in Security.

This is the last time I swear.

2010:
MS:MCP, MCTS, MCSA MCSA:S
Comptia: Sec+ L+
Cisco: SNRS (CCSP), possibly CCNA:V

networker050184

knwminus wrote: »

This is the last time I swear.

2010:
MS:MCP, MCTS, MCSA MCSA:S
Comptia: Sec+ L+
Cisco: SNRS (CCSP), possibly CCNA:V

Lol, thats why I give the advice to not try to plan out your ten year cert plan. You never know what you will be doing for work in a few months, much less that far in the future. Go with what you are working with at the time. When you get certified on the stuff you are gaining experience with it will give you a much better return on investment then just grabbing some random certs just because they are on your "cert plan."

Good luck!

ConstantlyLearning

networker050184 wrote: »

Lol, thats why I give the advice to not try to plan out your ten year cert plan. You never know what you will be doing for work in a few months, much less that far in the future. Go with what you are working with at the time. When you get certified on the stuff you are gaining experience with it will give you a much better return on investment then just grabbing some random certs just because they are on your "cert plan."

Good luck!

Yeah I'm starting to find this more true.

6 months ago I planned on getting the CCNP.

Now, this is how I'm viewing things: I've been in my current job about 6 months. They don't really do any routing but they have switches and firewalls which I've started to do some work with and they are starting to get pretty security conscious. So my short term plans are to study for relevent exams.

BCMSN
IINS
SNAF
SNAA
SNRS

So, five exams, four of them being professional level. Will I have any certs after these? Only the CCNA level security cert. Will these exams make me more beneficial to my company and create a situation where I could be the cisco/network goto guy? Hell yes!

dynamik

ConstantlyLearning wrote: »

So, five exams, four of them being professional level. Will I have any certs after these? Only the CCNA level security cert. Will these exams make me more beneficial to my company and create a situation where I could be the cisco/network goto guy? Hell yes!

But you are going to carry that momentum into finishing up the rest of the tracks, right? RIGHT!?

What I end up doing during the year is usually ridiculously different than my plan at the on-set. Maybe in 2011 I'll look back at 2009 and 2010 and see how far off-base I was...

earweed

It's kind of late to be posting this, but here goes.

For WGU
Sec+,CIW(Javascript), MCTS 70-640,MCTS 70-642,MCTS 70-643
Try to squeeze out 70-647 by January

For Myself
LINUX+

veritas_libertas

veritas_libertas wrote: »

Hi Y'all,

I am very thankful for finding TechExams.net this year. I enjoy talking to everyone as well as hopefully contributing something back to the community

So far this year I have graduated with my A.A.S. in Computer Networking technology, and passed the Network+ certification. Next week I hope also pass the Security+ certification. [Update: Passed]

My plans for 2010 (Isn't their SciFi movie named that?) is to gain the following certifications:

1. CCENT
2. CCNA
3. CCDA or CCNA:Security (Not sure which)

I will also be starting on a Bachelor degree in Information technology in the Fall. I am hoping to knock off three certifications before my classes start since college will begin taking over most of my study time.

Well, things have really changed for me now! I am now working on my Bachelor degree from WGU in Network Design and Management. So I will be doing some certifications. Hopefully I can knock off many of classes this year.

• A+
• CIW Associate

Bl8ckr0uter

ConstantlyLearning wrote: »

Yeah I'm starting to find this more true.

6 months ago I planned on getting the CCNP.

Now, this is how I'm viewing things: I've been in my current job about 6 months. They don't really do any routing but they have switches and firewalls which I've started to do some work with and they are starting to get pretty security conscious. So my short term plans are to study for relevent exams.

BCMSN
IINS
SNAF
SNAA
SNRS

So, five exams, four of them being professional level. Will I have any certs after these? Only the CCNA level security cert. Will these exams make me more beneficial to my company and create a situation where I could be the cisco/network goto guy? Hell yes!

you will have the ASA specialist.

ConstantlyLearning

knwminus wrote: »

you will have the ASA specialist.

So I would!

Cisco ASA Specialist - Career Certifications & Paths - Cisco Systems

Score.

Bl8ckr0uter

ConstantlyLearning wrote: »

So I would!

Cisco ASA Specialist - Career Certifications & Paths - Cisco Systems

Score.

The CCSP track is packed with specialist certs. You can get the ASA specialist and IPS specialist by going through the paths.

WebWideJosh

unsupported wrote: »

5 months is decent for preparing for the CISSP. More time would be required if you actually want to have a life while you study.

How does the CEH exam compare to the CISSP?

azjag

WebWideJosh wrote: »

How does the CEH exam compare to the CISSP?

"The thing I liked most about the CEH is that it is very hands-on; you actually use the tools just like a hacker would. While the CISSP is the Gold Standard of security certifications, it is more conceptual than tactical. I am in no ways suggesting that the CEH is better and more worthwhile than the CISSP, though I will say that it is an excellent supplement. CISSP gives you the framework and CEH shows you how the attacks are actually done."

Text copied from here: The Ethical Hacker Network - Review: CEH Via Self Study

Probably the simplest explanation of the two certifications that I have found.

varelg

Plain and simple plan: Novell CLP.

tpatt100

Due to work I had to reschedule my CISA exam for next December. I am setting up a 2008 Server AD network at work with a long deadline. Ended up using the Microsoft press books so I might take one of the tests

veritas_libertas

Well so far my plans have changed significantly. I am hoping to have my Bachelor degree by the end of next year if everything works out perfectly. I am trying to decide between sticking with the Network Design, or just quickly finishing off with the straight IT Bachelor degree from WGU.

So far this year I have finished CIW Foundations, A+, and several college classes. I am planning on finishing off the 70-680 and Project+ yet this year if everything goes right.

RobertKaucher

My plans have not changed but a lack of $$ is causing them to be significantly delayed. Also, I have come to the conclusion that the MCITP: BI Developer exam may just be too much for me at my current state of experience/knowledge. I'm still shooting to get the MCITP: DB Developer by the end of 2010, though.

TheShadow

Any of you that had Linux+ or LPI-1 in your plans should check my post in the Linux forum. It may alter or augment your plans.

earweed

TheShadow wrote: »

Any of you that had Linux+ or LPI-1 in your plans should check my post in the Linux forum. It may alter or augment your plans.

I saw that. I was originally going to try for the Linux+ this year but I'm having to put in a lot of time studying for the MCITP:EA track so as to finish my degree at WGU.

WebWideJosh

azjag wrote: »

"The thing I liked most about the CEH is that it is very hands-on; you actually use the tools just like a hacker would. While the CISSP is the Gold Standard of security certifications, it is more conceptual than tactical. I am in no ways suggesting that the CEH is better and more worthwhile than the CISSP, though I will say that it is an excellent supplement. CISSP gives you the framework and CEH shows you how the attacks are actually done."

Text copied from here: The Ethical Hacker Network - Review: CEH Via Self Study

Probably the simplest explanation of the two certifications that I have found.

It seems better so far... I'm about half-way through the book and haven't found anything I don't understand, yet its much "cooler". I learned far more with the CISSP but still didn't do anything practical.

You say you use the tools just like a hacker would? Everything I've read shows it as a multiple-choice test. Is there program output or such you need to verify? I can't see how else this test would be using the actual tools.

I agree absolutely about the CISSP being conceptual.

azjag

WebWideJosh wrote: »

It seems better so far... I'm about half-way through the book and haven't found anything I don't understand, yet its much "cooler". I learned far more with the CISSP but still didn't do anything practical.

You say you use the tools just like a hacker would? Everything I've read shows it as a multiple-choice test. Is there program output or such you need to verify? I can't see how else this test would be using the actual tools.

I agree absolutely about the CISSP being conceptual.

You may want to touch base with dynamik on this. I know he has the CEH cert and is waiting for results from ISC2 like me. He may be able to answer your questions. I don't know anybody else on TE that has both certs off hand.

Also, the link below my post is where I got the comparison. I have not taken the CEH or CISSP exams, yet. CEH is a degree requirement though.

dynamik

I may not have both certs for a very long time (September will be my next attempt, if necessary); I am not at all optimistic about my results. 8 days of study was probably insufficient for the CISSP. Thanks for bringing that up; there was a reason I didn't make light of my attempt

You did see that people that took their exams a week before us got their results last Friday, right? *gulp*

Edit: Passed this morning.

You learn a lot with the CISSP, but at the same time, you don't learn how to do anything. It's just a tease of skills and knowledge from the ten domains.

Honestly, the CEH itself isn't much better. You can pass that exam without running a single tool (and you can probably fail it knowing the tools inside and out - it's ridiculously broad). You really get out what you put in. It's really an introduction to ethical hacking/penetration testing, and it shouldn't be made to be more than it is.

If you want to get serious with those skills, check out the eLearn Security course or Offensive Security's PWB 3.0/OSCP. The GPEN is another well-respected penetration testing certification (and there is still less than 1000 in the world).

JDMurray

dynamik wrote: »

You really get out what you put in.

This is an excellent observation that all certification candidates should heed.

The object of studying for a certification is to create an opportunity for yourself to learn the material and not just pass an exam. People can be so focused on memorizing to pass an exam they don't realize that they need to learn the material to be more knowledgeable and skilled professional. Passing will happen if you have learned the material. Simply cramming and passing to get the paper does you far less good than making a complete and thorough study of the certification material.

astorrs

JDMurray wrote: »

This is an excellent observation that all certification candidates should heed.

The object of studying for a certification is to create an opportunity for yourself to learn the material and not just pass an exam. People can be so focused on memorizing to pass an exam they don't realize that they need to learn the material to be more knowledgeable and skilled professional. Passing will happen if you have learned the material. Simply cramming and passing to get the paper does you far less good than making a complete and thorough study of the certification material.

Well said

SQLDeveloper

I'm planning to take SQL Server 2008 certifications both on developer (including BI) and administration tracks.
You know SQL2008 R2 has been released so sql2008 exams might require upgrading with this release.

getitngo

I have an AS in Network Administration so my future plans are to complete for 2010

Network+
MCITP:SA
CCNA
Security+

Then transfer my AS from to DeVry to WGU and start on my B.S. in Network design & Management.

I've started late in the game but since I work do contract work from home, I have atleast 8hrs a day to study.