MCSA Elective: Network+ or Security+?

Ok I've decided to take one of these exams to get my MCSA finished. I can't decide which one to go with though. I was seriously considering Security+ until I saw the passing score. If I understand it correctly, the passing score for Security+ is 750 and the passing score for Network+ is 554, right? That's a pretty big difference! Which one should I do?

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Essendon

N+ should be easier since you have done the 291. I dont think just the S+ would get you the MCSA, I know people on these forums have been getting the MCSE:S if they pass the S+ and a security elective.

Alif_Sadida_Ekin

Essendon wrote: »

I dont think just the S+ would get you the MCSA.

It will.

Essendon

I stand corrected. Microsoft Learning: Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA)

smg1138

Well, how much easier is the Network+? I mean, just considering the material itself. I really need to pass this next test on the first attempt.

earweed

If you were able to pass 70-291 Net+ should be easy. About all you really need to study that's new is the mediums (lengths and speeds)and ports, other than that it'll be review.

Devilsbane

Alif_Sadida_Ekin wrote: »

It will.

I concur.

I already have A+ and Net+ for the MCSA, but I also want to get the security+ before years end. It is a pretty good cert, and I want to have it for life. So I would say both.

dynamik

Do Security+. You're going to do a CCNA anyway, so why bother with the Network+. Right?

smg1138

dynamik wrote: »

Do Security+. You're going to do a CCNA anyway, so why bother with the Network+. Right?

I'm definitely leaning in that direction. Especially since I just received Darril Gibson's Security+ book today. I was actually planning to go for the CCENT next, so I guess Network+ might be kind of redundant.

Devilsbane

smg1138 wrote: »

I'm definitely leaning in that direction. Especially since I just received Darril Gibson's Security+ book today. I was actually planning to go for the CCENT next, so I guess Network+ might be kind of redundant.

Redundant, maybe a little. But it will also help you start switching those gears into network mode. Nothing to lose by getting an extra cert.

dynamik

Devilsbane wrote: »

Nothing to lose by getting an extra cert.

Except $225

The CCENT is more-or-less the same content as the Network+ with some Cisco-centric material.

I'm not ragging on the Network+ or anyone that has one, but I can't say that there is much value in having both.

Devilsbane

To me spending $225 on a cert is nothing. Considering that I am going to work 40 hours a week for 52 weeks a year, as long as the Net+ would raise your hourly wage 10.8 cents, it pays for itself in one year.

dynamik

Devilsbane wrote: »

as long as the Net+ would raise your hourly wage 10.8 cents

Would it though? Even if you already had a certification that encompassed nearly identical material?