Most respected certs?

I have close to a year of college left before graduation and serious job searching occurs. I recently acquired the network+ and am studying for the security+ exams. After i have finished with those what is next? I want to work towards whatever certifications are generally given the most respect from employers. I understand that it is imperative to work towards an area of computing that intersts me but im interested in basically all forms of administration, networking, wireless networking, and security. My goal is to obtain 3-4 well respected certs in the next year or so. With that time frame in mind and my areas of interest what would go well with a net+, sec+, and degree in computer information technologies to give me the most bang for my buck on a resume?

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keenon

hands down CCIE, its the most well known and respected as a docorate of networking

DarklyWise

Not everyone needs a Doctorate to get a job.

Even though you enjoy every field of computing, you still need to try and narrow it down... ( a GP makes good money, a specialist makes a LOT of money - have you ever heard of a poor Neuro Surgeon?)

My belief is that Wireless is the kid on the block to go after - coupled with security. Wireless is here to stay and it will only advance ( cells, PDA, blackberrys, etc, etc) so I'm sure that will be a wicked market. Focus and specialize and go after that field...

My $0.02 worth

qsub

I'm going to have to say a certification based on security. Security is always going to be a major thing with technology. No matter how the job market goes, I think security is something that will promise you job security. Not something that can be outsourced.

Side Note: As for wireless, it is of course booming, but it's not secure really.

Ricka182

CCIE.

seuss_ssues

I understand the signifigance of the CCIE and it could become a long term goal, but given my time constraints it is definately not a possibily. I am basically looking for something that is obtainable within a year and will give me the most opportunity for employment. My understanding of the IT industry is that real world experience is sought after as much as any certification or degree. But it is impossible to start racking up experience if you cannot get a job.

Several of you mentioned wireless as a growing trend with a good future. What certifications would you recommend in the wireless field?

As with security what would be the next logical step up from the security+?

and thank you to everyone who has already given input?

Webmaster

I don't know how it statistically relates to the 'CCIE Security' certification, but 'a' highly respected security cert is CISSP. Also a long-term goal if you are just starting out in the IT industry, as it requires four years experience in the info sec field.

With the proper experience to go with it, any certification will be respected by an employer.

I am basically looking for something that is obtainable within a year and will give me the most opportunity for employment.

MCSE or CCNP could work depending on what you want to do. But regardless of how many certifications you get, you will have to start at, or near, the bottom, as that's the way to get experience in the first place. Wireless and security are both hot topics and becoming knowledgable (the ideal result of becoming certified) in those areas is likely to pay off in the future. But in virtually all cases, both require a good foundation in networking, and in case of a job, experience with networks is essential as without security there's not much to secure, and wireless networks connect to a wired network at some point. Cisco certs (starting with CCNA) are a good start, but MCSE and Checkpoint certs can also be tickets to a job. Also try to find out what is in demand in your area and also important, what you want to do from 9 to 5

Baredor

Certainly don't mean to thread-jack here, but I think this goes right along with Seuss' question - Is there any way to give yourself a sort of litmus test to determine whether you would enjoy pursuing a career in security? (besides the obvious time and experience spent in the field)

I think I'd like to go the CISSP route eventually, but it's really just a whim as at this point in my IT career I have no real basis for an informed decision. I guess I'm just looking for some magic "if you like this, then security is for you!" thing. Any insight appreciated, and again, I do apologize if this is a bit of a tangent from the original post.

garv221

Hands down A+........................

Ha, Not really- CCIE 4 sure.

Plantwiz

Most respected certifications.....

The ones earned and can be backed up

seuss_ssues

Im sure that there are alot of people out there with a similar position as me. I have acquired an extensive amount of knowledge over a wide variety of topics computer, network, and security related. Ive built countless networks and servers, using all major operating systems at some time or another. I have a considerable grasp on security from a ill spent yet whitehat youth. Unfortanetaly that means nothing on paper.

My recent quest for certs came from a realization that what i know means nothing unless i have a way to prove it. Getting a career always seemed so distant and college seemed to last forever. Upon realizing that the end was within sight has "rekindled" my spirits so to say and a swift kick from reality has put me back to work on "polishing" my skills. I by no means say that im an expert in any field, yet i feel that i do have the skills necessary to fill a position above the norm entry level. I may be wrong with my logic but i figured that if my resume showed a substantual amount of good quality certifications in fields of study that were in need that it might help makeup the fact that i have very little "documentable" experience.

With getting a job i realize that im selling myself as a commodity. I dont think im cheap and i dont want to look that way on paper. I set myself a goal of obtaining as many quality sought after certs for the next year to year and a half.

With this in mind i am trying to do all my homework so to say. I have been searching every major job search site that i can find and making a list of jobs that i feel interested in. I make a note of what requirements are needed and those are my goals. I have also been using the kind people on this forum, and i must say you all are proving to be an invaluable source of knowledge and inspiration.

So i would like to thank everyone for their input and a job well done on this message forum, and i would like any input that anyone might have to help me realize my goals.

x_Danny_x

The CCIE has a concentration in Security. So their you have one of the hot in demand fields.

Even though there is no requirement certs for the CCIE, Im going after the CCSP or CCNP first.

Man, I like security more than routing and switching at this time though having to retake every single exam for the CCSP is bugging compared to one comprehensive exam for the CCNP.

Ten9t6

x_Danny_x wrote:

The CCIE has a concentration in Security. So their you have one of the hot in demand fields.

Even though there is no requirement certs for the CCIE, Im going after the CCSP or CCNP first.

Man, I like security more than routing and switching at this time though having to retake every single exam for the CCSP is bugging compared to one comprehensive exam for the CCNP.

x_Danny_x,
Which "one" exam are you talking about for the CCNP? I had to take the CCNA and 4 more tests for the NP. Taking the Composite exam will shorten it down by one exam (used for routing and switching). Now, I did take one exam to recert my NP / DP. And, I know you may enjoy security more than Routing and Switching...but, to truely understand how to secure something, you need to know how it is configured and works...This is why the core concepts like R/S are so important.

The CCIE Security and the CCSP are good security certs IF you are actually using Pix firewalls, Cisco IDS, and Vpn concentrators...If not, it is not really going to be worth much to you. If you work at an ISP and use all Juniper gear, you probably won't get much money for your IE. You have to find what you are going to be doing / working with and get certified in that area.

Baredor,

If you want to find out if you would enjoy the security field, I would suggest picking up a Security+ book or taking some practice exams for it. Even if you cannot answer the questions, you will get an idea if the material interests you. The cool part about security is that it encompasses all areas of IT. So, if you don't want to write secure code, you might want to manage firewalls, penetration testing, or secure wireless networks. There is so much you can do...but if you don't enjoy the basics (like you will find in the Security+) it may not be able to keep your attention long enough to find an area that you enjoy. You might also want to check out several of the security boards out there or check out some of the security groups out there.

x_Danny_x

Ten9t6 wrote:

x_Danny_x wrote:

The CCIE has a concentration in Security. So their you have one of the hot in demand fields.

Even though there is no requirement certs for the CCIE, Im going after the CCSP or CCNP first.

Man, I like security more than routing and switching at this time though having to retake every single exam for the CCSP is bugging compared to one comprehensive exam for the CCNP.

x_Danny_x,
Which "one" exam are you talking about for the CCNP? I had to take the CCNA and 4 more tests for the NP. Taking the Composite exam will shorten it down by one exam (used for routing and switching). Now, I did take one exam to recert my NP / DP. And, I know you may enjoy security more than Routing and Switching...but, to truely understand how to secure something, you need to know how it is configured and works...This is why the core concepts like R/S are so important.

The CCIE Security and the CCSP are good security certs IF you are actually using Pix firewalls, Cisco IDS, and Vpn concentrators...If not, it is not really going to be worth much to you. If you work at an ISP and use all Juniper gear, you probably won't get much money for your IE. You have to find what you are going to be doing / working with and get certified in that area.

I ment the composite exam after you re-certified for the CCNP! Sorry, I didnt make it that clear.

wow, I thought if you become CCIE you can get alot of money starting at $100,000! It was graved into my mind that if you get hired for a company that doesnt use the products that you were ment to secure from the CCIE that you wouldnt get paid much. thanks now I kknow.

Does the CISSP provides you with a job with alot of money? It was said that they want you to do 4 years experience first before taking it!

what I have decided so far is to go for the CCNA, CCNP( because of you and others mention to take it before CCSP), CCSP, CCSA & CCSE and then the CISSP.

Im replacing the CCIE for the CSSA/CCSE route and the CISSP.

I just found out that it is a whole lot of money for the CCIE and on top of that you may have to fly at different parts of the world on where they are holding the lab exams!

one question, how many companies are using Cisco devices that require the CCSP (what you mention such as IF you are actually using Pix firewalls, Cisco IDS, and Vpn concentrators) Checkpoint devices (CCSA/CCSE) and ??