Just a few questions about the CCNA cert

Hey guys I am new to networking in general and will like to pass the CCNA exam to get my foot in the door, but how realistic is it to actually land a job with just the CCNA with no prior experience?

I work for an oil company but I am in the chemistry side of it, there is opportunity for growth and transfer inside the company but how realistic is it to land a networking position in any company with just the CCNA cert?

Another thing that worries me is the pay. I only have a few college credits but no degree and have been with this company for almost 3 years now and I make close to 46K. What can I expect to make in Texas with just a CCNA and no prior experience if I was to get an opportunity? I wouldn’t mind moving to a networking position with my current pay but do any of you think a pay cut is probable?

Thanks a lot.

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Comments

Roguetadhg

CCNP is generally seen as the "Entry" level for network engineering. CCNA will help you get a job around the field - like in help desk. By itself, I say. There's always exceptions, and you certainly don't need certifications to land a networking engineering job. It just helps to get through the HR goons. At the interview is where they'll question you on the material you claim you know.

What you can make is how well you can sell yourself. Anything is possible, although I wouldn't give up a 46k job and bounce into CCNA expecting a gold mine of unicorns, and wee-little green men carrying pockets of gold. It'll take time, and if you don't have prior experience with the material it's not going to be an easy thing to do.

Experience is seen more valuable than certifications. How you make that experience, through purchasing your own equipment, or volunteering is up to you

MAC_Addy

First off - don't look at 'which certification is going to earn me the most money'. With this mentality you'll not get a job. If you're generally interested in networking then pursue it all you like. Also, don't look at this certification to be an easy test. The CCNA (640-802) is definitely not an easy exam if you're new to the networking field - I recommend that you go the ICND1/2 route.

pro11

Roguetadhg wrote: »

CCNP is generally seen as the "Entry" level for network engineering. CCNA will help you get a job around the field - like in help desk. By itself, I say. There's always exceptions, and you certainly don't need certifications to land a networking engineering job. It just helps to get through the HR goons. At the interview is where they'll question you on the material you claim you know.

What you can make is how well you can sell yourself. Anything is possible, although I wouldn't give up a 46k job and bounce into CCNA expecting a gold mine of unicorns, and wee-little green men carrying pockets of gold. It'll take time, and if you don't have prior experience with the material it's not going to be an easy thing to do.

Experience is seen more valuable than certifications. How you make that experience, through purchasing your own equipment, or volunteering is up to you

I dont expect a gold mine with a ccna cert but I would rather not take a pay cut that's all. I'm studying hard right now on my own to pass the ICND1 but I can't help to think that maybe not having the experience can actually hurt me...

Roguetadhg

Not having experience will hurt if you're in going against people with experience. Generally.

You've got to convince people that:
1) While you don't have experience you're definitely that person that should be in that position. Some employers like people without experience as it may be a spot where the job molds you. You won't have predetermined opinions about how things are ran and step on people's toes to try to make it the last job.
2) I'm worth 46k+

More than likely, unless you invest a lot of money and a lot of time, you should expect a decent pay cut. But pay is a regional factor. A job in San Francisco more than likely be a lot better than a job in a backwater town. There's a lot of variables when it comes to pay, and location is definitely one of the top ones. So be open for relocation, as it'll help if you're willing to move.

You may be able find a job with just a CCNA and no experience for 46k. I would say that you'll be more likely able to find a Help Desk job and definitely not at 46k a year.

YFZblu

Roguetadhg wrote: »

Not having experience will hurt if you're in going against people with experience. Generally.

You've got to convince people that:
1) While you don't have experience you're definitely that person that should be in that position. Some employers like people without experience as it may be a spot where the job molds you. You won't have predetermined opinions about how things are ran and step on people's toes to try to make it the last job.
2) I'm worth 46k+

More than likely, unless you invest a lot of money and a lot of time, you should expect a decent pay cut. But pay is a regional factor. A job in San Francisco more than likely be a lot better than a job in a backwater town. There's a lot of variables when it comes to pay, and location is definitely one of the top ones. So be open for relocation, as it'll help if you're willing to move.

You may be able find a job with just a CCNA and no experience for 46k. I would say that you'll be more likely able to find a Help Desk job and definitely not at 46k a year.

I feel like this outlook is a little bleak. I was getting data center calls with just A+ and Net+, and that was working in a break/fix role on the floor, not in the helpdesk.

Also: No experience doesn't automatically damn you to the helldesk, I think if you know what you're talking about and can provide some type of self-manufactured experience you can stay away from the helldesk all together. Be ambitious! Build a solid home lab, create infrastructure topologies to take to interviews, and show employers why you're ready for the next step.

As already stated, your opportunities increase 100 fold if you're willing to relocate.

pro11

MAC_Addy wrote: »

First off - don't look at 'which certification is going to earn me the most money'. With this mentality you'll not get a job. If you're generally interested in networking then pursue it all you like. Also, don't look at this certification to be an easy test. The CCNA (640-802) is definitely not an easy exam if you're new to the networking field - I recommend that you go the ICND1/2 route.

I try not to look at the certification that way but I have responsibilities and a family that depends on me. At the same time I don't like what I do now, working with all this chemicals that are dangerous for my health... I like computers so I figured why not try computer network. I know is not going to be easy and at times when I open this book and read things I don't understand I feel lost but I go back and read again and again until I understand it. I also have a notebook in which I take lots of notes.

pro11

What do you mean by "More than likely, unless you invest a lot of money and a lot of time, you should expect a decent pay cut."

pro11

YFZblu,

I live in Houston TX and I feel like in a big city like Houston there should be plenty of opportunities to avoid relocation but at the same time if it was an option I would take it...

Would you recommend that I try going for the A+ and Net+? Please correct me if I'm wrong but I've been reading a little and it is to my understanding that CCENT replaced

pro11

pro11 wrote: »

YFZblu,

I live in Houston TX and I feel like in a big city like Houston there should be plenty of opportunities to avoid relocation but at the same time if it was an option I would take it...

Would you recommend that I try going for the A+ and Net+? Please correct me if I'm wrong but I've been reading a little and it is to my understanding that CCENT replaced

I accidentally posted before finishing my question...

Please correct me if I'm wrong but I've been reading a little and it is to my understanding that CCENT includes all the topics and more than the net+?

YFZblu

pro11 wrote: »

I accidentally posted before finishing my question...

Please correct me if I'm wrong but I've been reading a little and it is to my understanding that CCENT includes all the topics and more than the net+?

I thought Network+ was a nice easy introduction to networking, and covered a range of topics. Looking back, I'm glad I had it when I started CCENT. Then again, if you plan on grabbing the CCNA within the next several months, I would just go ahead and get the CCENT started.

The only advantage Network+ has over CCENT is that Net+ seems to be more marketable, I've never seen a job asking for CCENT.

astrogeek

I don't know what the Job market is like in Houston Texas, but in Southern California $46k for someone without any IT experience seems a bit much, (at least it's more than what I'm making lol). A lot of people go the CCNA route to get their first IT job - but that also means you're competing against a lot of other people with similar experience, (or lack thereof).

As for CCENT vs Net+, go with CCENT. Net+ and A+ are from CompTIA; CCENT and CCNA are from Cisco and are more valuable to employers. With CCENT you're just one test away from being a full CCNA, Net+ in my opinion is a waste of money and you'll have to re-certify in 3 years (even though it's just an entry level cert). CCENT already covers Net+ material and then some. The A+ cert might not be a bad one to get though.

Whatever you do don't quit what you're doing now, it might be possible you can find a job willing to pay you your asking price, but you should expect a much lower figure to be offered. You might be able to transition within your company, but I wouldn't bank on that unless they have a large IT department.

bigdogz

The Network+ is more general in scope and fundamental than a Cisco certification. This was my experience from taking the CCNA exam around 6 years ago. Also keep in mind that you can maintain your credentials through CE's in CompTia whereas the Cisco certifications expire after 3 years, 2 years for CCIE level. For you to maintain your Cisco CCNA credential you must:

Pass the current ICND2 exam, or
Pass the current CCNA exam, or
Pass the current CCDA DESGN exam, or
Pass any current CCNA Concentration exam (wireless, or security, or voice, or SP Ops), or
Pass any current 642-XXX Professional level exam, or
Pass any current Cisco Specialist exam (excluding Sales Specialist exams or MeetingPlace Specialist exams, Implementing Cisco TelePresence Installations (ITI) exams, Cisco Leading Virtual Classroom Instruction exams, or any 650 online exams), or
Pass any current CCIE Written Exam, or
Pass the current CCDE Written Exam OR current CCDE Practical Exam, or
Pass the Cisco Certified Architect (CCAr) interview AND the CCAr board review to extend lower certifications

*source is from Cisco's website.... CCNA - Career Certifications & Paths - Cisco Systems

My opinion would be to take the Net+ then start with the Cisco exams if you want to remain in the networking field. I also agree with the others in regards to having your own lab and start building one. It is the true geek who continues to learn and answers his/her own questions of "How does this work?" or "What if I..."
After being in the industry over 20 years, I can honestly say I am always learning something new.

Good Luck!!!

pro11

YFZblu wrote: »

I thought Network+ was a nice easy introduction to networking, and covered a range of topics. Looking back, I'm glad I had it when I started CCENT. Then again, if you plan on grabbing the CCNA within the next several months, I would just go ahead and get the CCENT started.

The only advantage Network+ has over CCENT is that Net+ seems to be more marketable, I've never seen a job asking for CCENT.

Ill stick with the CCENT and hopefully CCNA later on and might also take up on the A+ down the road.

pro11

They do have a large IT dept, the company has locations world wide. So I hope to stay with the company. I'm thinking of also taking on the A+ down the road.

pro11

Thanks guys for all your input.

Somnipotent

Roguetadhg wrote: »

CCNP is generally seen as the "Entry" level for network engineering.

i'm sure this is a misquote... i don't know of many CCNPs working the help desk

chaser7783

I also live in the Houston area, and alot of companies not only want certs(CCNA,NP, MCITP) they want a 4yr degree. What kind of position are you trying to move into your company, help desk, NOC, SOC?

martell1000

pro11 wrote: »

I try not to look at the certification that way but I have responsibilities and a family that depends on me. At the same time I don't like what I do now, working with all this chemicals that are dangerous for my health... I like computers so I figured why not try computer network. I know is not going to be easy and at times when I open this book and read things I don't understand I feel lost but I go back and read again and again until I understand it. I also have a notebook in which I take lots of notes.

networking isnt about reading books, or getting some certs. certs will help you to back up your knowledge and show the people that you went thru the certification process.

the thing that really counts is you experience and the ability to do troubleshooting/planning. certs are nice to own but the real IT world will throw you into a bowl of messy **** and you will have to fix it.

but dont worry - the field is very wide - i met all kind of people there: from godlike ccie consultants to network admins that dont even know the ping command. also is the payment range, there are people out there charging 200 $ per hour and others making barely 40k / year ...

on the other hand: if you got a family to feed be careful with what you do - but if you really got a drive for networking and you wanna get away from these chemicals give it a try!