N+ or CCNA?

I've been working as on-site IT support for almost 3 years now. I really want to move up in the company, but most of all to get out of the department in which I currently reside. I feel as if I am not challenged enough, and feel the onset of boredom on a daily basis. I purchased Sybex's N10-004 Study guide 2 weeks ago and I am about to begin reading through it a second time. I haven't had a lot of experience with networking for I am considered tier 1 and 2 support. When we have a layer 1 or 2 issue, I can, for the most part, resolve it, but anything else I have been instructed to escalate.

I would like to move in to the networking field, but do not know whether N+ or CCNA is the way to go. Any suggestions or words of advice?

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Xargon61

It really depends on how much networking experience you have. The N+ has a lot of the material covered in the CCNA, so it doesn't hurt to get it.

Bl8ckr0uter

Monkerz wrote: »

I've been working as on-site IT support for almost 3 years now. I really want to move up in the company, but most of all to get out of the department in which I currently reside. I feel as if I am not challenged enough, and feel the onset of boredom on a daily basis. I purchased Sybex's N10-004 Study guide 2 weeks ago and I am about to begin reading through it a second time. I haven't had a lot of experience with networking for I am considered tier 1 and 2 support. When we have a layer 1 or 2 issue, I can, for the most part, resolve it, but anything else I have been instructed to escalate.

I would like to move in to the networking field, but do not know whether N+ or CCNA is the way to go. Any suggestions or words of advice?

Why not both?

Ccna is going to be better recognized and get your resume more hits but it is a vendor cert and if you have no cisco exp then it won't bode well for you when you interview for positions. Network+ is not going to be as big as a game changer as the CCNA but it is vendor neutral and the skills can easily be represent during an interview.

How much network exp do you have?

jamesleecoleman

Usually people get the Net+ and Sec+. I think those would help you out too. Anyways, the Network+ will discuss material that isn't in some of the CCNA books that I know of. Its best to have a foundation and build up on that foundation. There will be overlap from the CCNA material. Thats good because it will be reinforcement and the Network+ material is easier.

Monkerz

knwminus wrote: »

Why not both?

Ccna is going to be better recognized and get your resume more hits but it is a vendor cert and if you have no cisco exp then it won't bode well for you when you interview for positions. Network+ is not going to be as big as a game changer as the CCNA but it is vendor neutral and the skills can easily be represent during an interview.

How much network exp do you have?

I don't officially have any networking experience. What I know is what I have learned from watching our Network Architect when he comes to visit and make changes on our gear.

That is why I am so heavily leaning towards networking. We are an International Company, but all networking issues land on his plate, for he is our lone Network Guru. I feel like I have a good change to advance.

Bl8ckr0uter

Monkerz wrote: »

I don't officially have any networking experience. What I know is what I have learned from watching our Network Architect when he comes to visit and make changes on our gear.

That is why I am so heavily leaning towards networking. We are an International Company, but all networking issues land on his plate, for he is our lone Network Guru. I feel like I have a good change to advance.

If you can afford it do both, N+ CCENT/CCNA. IF you are tight on cash CCENT/CCNA would be fine. The CCENT/CCNA will build off of N+ material (and expand it). I suggest at least studying the N+ material, even if you don't have any intention of doing the test.

abefroman

Are you looking to stay at the same company?

If so you might want to talk to your manager or HR person.

Tell them you want to do some more challenging stuff, and that you want to get certified.

Sometimes the company will even pay for the certifications.

You can see whether they would need a Network+ or a CCNA.

The CCNA is more technical and obviously the better one to have. However it does expire in 3 years, where as the Network+ doesn't.

Also if you have the Network+ the CCNA should be a little easier, as there is some overlap.

HTH

Monkerz

abefroman wrote: »

Are you looking to stay at the same company?

If so you might want to talk to your manager or HR person.

Tell them you want to do some more challenging stuff, and that you want to get certified.

Sometimes the company will even pay for the certifications.

You can see whether they would need a Network+ or a CCNA.

The CCNA is more technical and obviously the better one to have. However it does expire in 3 years, where as the Network+ doesn't.

Also if you have the Network+ the CCNA should be a little easier, as there is some overlap.

HTH

I have done this already, the Company is paying for all Certifications up to $6,000. I will still have to pay for the materials, but they are paying for testing.

earweed

I say take the Net+ first as it'll be foundation for your studies for the CCNA. Take it before end of year so it'll be lifetime.

redline5th

If I were you I would start with the Network+. Especially since you don't have any "formal" experience.

It looks good on a resume, and helps you prepare for the CCNA a little bit. It also will help you get your foot in the door.

You might find the CCNA material a little daunting at first... so start with the Network+.

shaycorl

Network+ doesn't cover CCNA object & material so to pass CCNA you may have to take Network+ and Network security (Security+ too as it cover few study material). In cisco ccna covers some of ccnp stuff so if you are planning to go with cisco certs that's the most right path.

Good Luck.

jamesleecoleman

shaycorl wrote: »

Network+ doesn't cover CCNA object and study material so to pass CCNA you may have to take Network+ and Network security. But CCNA and CCNP in these while taking CCNP. CCNa cover a bit of CCNP study material.

Network+ does cover some CCNA material. The Network+ is a stepping stone for people that are new to networking. You don't have to take the Security+ but the information like in the Network+ does help for the CCNA material.

Bl8ckr0uter

shaycorl wrote: »

Network+ doesn't cover CCNA object and study material so to pass CCNA you may have to take Network+ and Network security. But CCNA and CCNP in these while taking CCNP. CCNa cover a bit of CCNP study material.

What?

I think I get what your saying. N+ and S+ <> CCNA though. I think the CCNA is like N+++ (3 times the material and the depth so really N+^9 lol).

Monkerz

knwminus wrote: »

What?

I think I get what your saying. N+ and S+ <> CCNA though. I think the CCNA is like N+++ (3 times the material and the depth so really N+^9 lol).

Lets vote this into law!

Explanation of Network+/CCNA Comparison equals Knwminus' Law. Knwminus' Law states that N+^9.

I feel smarter already.

veritas_libertas

Nice...

Seems you are going to fit in well with all us other crazies on TE.

Bl8ckr0uter

Monkerz wrote: »

Lets vote this into law!

Explanation of Network+/CCNA Comparison equals Knwminus' Law. Knwminus' Law states that N+^9.

I feel smarter already.

lol so much win!

Chris:/*

I strongly recommend getting Network+, then CCNA. Network+ does cover stuff that CCNA does not, especially physical media, carrier distances and basic troubleshooting. CCNA covers some of this stuff but not to the breadth of Network+.

All this being said CCNA is far more difficult, I have studied for the CCNA but I will not be taking it till next year.

The last reason for getting Network+ first is that if you get the CCNA first and then attempt Network+ you will have problems. You will over think questions if you do the CCNA then the Network+.

I hope this helps.

Monkerz

I started studying before beginning this thread, after a few of your responses I requested my employer purchase TrainSignal's N10-004 Video Course. I have been watching these videos for the last 3 days. They are wonderful!!! They really help me grasp the concept of IP Addressing, OSI Model and VLSM. With Sybex's text and practice tests, along with TrainSignal's Video course and Transender Practice exam....I think I should be able to pass this exam. What do you think?

earweed

Sounds like you have a good plan. If your employer is willing to help maybe they have some equipment there for you to lab on when you get around to studying for your CCNA.
From what I've read in the CCNA posts hands on labbing with the real hardware is the best way to do it. The Net+ is vendor neutral and more basic/theoretical.

Monkerz

earweed wrote: »

Sounds like you have a good plan. If your employer is willing to help maybe they have some equipment there for you to lab on when you get around to studying for your CCNA.
From what I've read in the CCNA posts hands on labbing with the real hardware is the best way to do it. The Net+ is vendor neutral and more basic/theoretical.

I was really surprised they are willing to pay for training material, for they are already paying for me to sit for the exam. With the economy the way it is right now, training budget is scarce...

I actually asked that exact question before starting Net+. I sent a request to our IT Director about a month ago, asking for permission to take home some spares to use as lab equipment when the time came. He will allow me a 7100 Series Router, A 4507 and 4503 core switches, two 2960's, a UPS, 6 Cisco SFPs, 2 10GB-LX4's and all crossover, serial, and optic patches required to get up and running.

I was completely shocked with his reply, but it came with the, "You break you buy"...gulp...

I cant wait to take my test and start on CCNA. Just want to go in with as much knowledge as I can.

chrisone

CCENT ----> CCNA

> then pick a technology, wi-fi, voice, security, routing /switching, design.

Then

CCNA/ccda in either wireless, voice , security, R&S, or design. Then go the professional route.

Bulletz

I think N+ should be next A+ and N+ makes a strong combination one more thing is gonna be easy for you to do ccna since you will be having an overview of network protocols. wish all the best on that mate

xineo

A lot of What is in the Network+ Exam is also in the CCNA (assuming you have your CCENT if not you'd have to get that first before your CCNA)

CCENT is Cisco Certified Entry-Level Network Technician (just in case cause abbreviations get to be an abundant in this field of work)

So basically if you get your Network+ you have already covered atleast 50% - 80% of the CCENT/CCNA (the other 20%-50% not in the net+ would be Cisco Router Propreitary questions and Router Command Line well commands lol)

So your almost killing 2 birds with one stone!

Bl8ckr0uter

xineo wrote: »

A lot of What is in the Network+ Exam is also in the CCNA (assuming you have your CCENT if not you'd have to get that first before your CCNA)

CCENT is Cisco Certified Entry-Level Network Technician (just in case cause abbreviations get to be an abundant in this field of work)

So basically if you get your Network+ you have already covered atleast 50% - 80% of the CCENT/CCNA (the other 20%-50% not in the net+ would be Cisco Router Propreitary questions and Router Command Line well commands lol)

So your almost killing 2 birds with one stone!

This is an epic fail, almost ding worthy (rep wise). Seriously as a person who has taken both (and passed both) the N+ is no where near as hard as the CCNA. It does not compare. The only comparison is that they both deal with "networks" and "networking" but besides that, it is like saying geometry and Calc IV (Dif Equations) are both math therefore if you cover Geometry you are almost ready to take a senior level college math class.

Also you do not have to get you CCENT before you CCNA (I did not). If he goes the 1 test route (like I did) he will have to cover the full list of objectives for both ICND1 and ICND2 at once.

chmorin

Monkerz wrote: »

I've been working as on-site IT support for almost 3 years now. I really want to move up in the company, but most of all to get out of the department in which I currently reside. I feel as if I am not challenged enough, and feel the onset of boredom on a daily basis. I purchased Sybex's N10-004 Study guide 2 weeks ago and I am about to begin reading through it a second time. I haven't had a lot of experience with networking for I am considered tier 1 and 2 support. When we have a layer 1 or 2 issue, I can, for the most part, resolve it, but anything else I have been instructed to escalate.

I would like to move in to the networking field, but do not know whether N+ or CCNA is the way to go. Any suggestions or words of advice?

I'll tell you right now it took me 3 months to get my CCNA and 2 weeks to get my network+.

Go for both.

earweed

Why isn't CCNA = N+^9 on your signature yet Knwminus?

I scored an 865 on my Net+ test and I get lost just reading some of the CCNA threads here..that's how much of a difference there is in the 2

Bl8ckr0uter

earweed wrote: »

Why isn't CCNA = N+^9 on your signature yet Knwminus?

I scored an 865 on my Net+ test and I get lost just reading some of the CCNA threads here..that's how much of a difference there is in the 2

lol I will have to put that on there.

Seriously though, I am not going to say that the CCNA is the hardest test in the world or is the end all for networking BUT I don't want anyone to think that if they do well on the N+ they are about ready for the CCNA. I think I score near perfect on the N+ (after 2 1/2 weeks of studying) and failed the CCNA my first go round royally. I kinda though the same thing that the CCNA wouldn't be that tough but it was kinda tough (at least the first go round).

xineo

knwminus wrote: »

This is an epic fail, almost ding worthy (rep wise). Seriously as a person who has taken both (and passed both) the N+ is no where near as hard as the CCNA. It does not compare. The only comparison is that they both deal with "networks" and "networking" but besides that, it is like saying geometry and Calc IV (Dif Equations) are both math therefore if you cover Geometry you are almost ready to take a senior level college math class.

Also you do not have to get you CCENT before you CCNA (I did not). If he goes the 1 test route (like I did) he will have to cover the full list of objectives for both ICND1 and ICND2 at once.

You say it does not compare...but then you say the only comparison is...you just contradicted yourself my friend. Anyways if you read a little more thoroughly than deciding to take the path of a flamer you will understand that you just said what i did. Both exams deal with networking but if you read properly you will see that i said the difference is Cisco's proprietary nature with there hardware and there command interface for the Terminal. You should be ding worthy of yourself. As being CCNA harder than Net+ is also shown through what i said. since there's more networking and propreitary nature covered in CCNA i said only a portion of the net+ is covered. You appearantly don't know math either. Not sure how someone that's not anayltical is in this field but we all do our best. cheers, good luck to anyone that takes either test, my best wishes

As for the route people take for the CCNA doesn't matter the CCENT is the ICND1 so if he passes that he will obtain his CCENT if you want to take the 1 test that combines both then thats fine too but you will achieve your CCENT first by passing the ICND1 portion on the combined test then when you pass the ICND2 you will then move to CCNA. So through a technicality you will always earn your CCENt first its just that the combined test you move right past CCENt and go to CCNA. Please know what your talking about before you flame please. thank you and good luck!

xineo

phoeneous wrote: »

This is a no.

My guess is you've never taken the net+, ccent, or ccna.

Nope CCENT is very similar to Net+ (i think even that guy from earlier could agree) CCENT is 50% of CCNA Exam there for Net+ is 50% of CCNA..i wish those Technical colleges people went too gave math courses. Then people wouldn't have fail arguments.

Now let's do a little more math shall we? Given the mass amounts of different question's you can receive (even though its a set amount) it's possible to get a lot from that 50% margin. Is it going to happen? It's possible but it's not absolutely likely to happen so the highest margin you can get from that is 80% so 50% to 80% is a reasonable calculation being 80% is very very unlikely but non improbable. Where my analytical people at today?!?

Anyways besides people wanting to blow what i said way out of proportion the point i'm trying to get across is that if he studied Network+ and passed it and decided to take CCENT or CCNA he would at least have a baseline to start with. He would atleast have a grasping concept of what's going on in the CCENT or CCNA rather than him feeling like it's completely new, even though a lot of it will be, atleast it's better than nothing. Plus he will have 2 certs now if he passed both. Analogy for this would be you gotta do basic math before you can do complicated algrebra, but complicated algrebra still contains basic math.

In any case i hope he does pass and anyone for that matter i trust that if people put enough effort they will do well no matter what exam it is. Good luck too all candidates