not sure if i should go after security + next.

gdeusthewhizkid

I am interested in picking up another networking cert. and I feel like im still entry level as far as networking.. Would security + be next, CCent, or some microsoft certs...

paulgswanson

Id say S+ would be the place to go next. Its should basically Round out your N+ a little farther.

quinnyfly

It all depends on what exactly you want to do career wise, if it's networking, then do the CCENT, if it's security then do the Sec+. It seems however from an employment point of view (here in Australia at least that CCENT and MCTS and various other MS certs) hold a little more merit that Sec+. But having said that, I also believe that some sysadmin experience is essential to all security professionals and both sec+ and MS certs would be an advantage should you travel the security route.

based on my recent experience....my 2 cents worth.

gdeusthewhizkid

quinnyfly wrote: »

It all depends on what exactly you want to do career wise, if it's networking, then do the CCENT, if it's security then do the Sec+. It seems however from an employment point of view (here in Australia at least that CCENT and MCTS and various other MS certs) hold a little more merit that Sec+. But having said that, I also believe that some sysadmin experience is essential to all security professionals and both sec+ and MS certs would be an advantage should you travel the security route.

based on my recent experience....my 2 cents worth.

networking and security both interest me. I couldnt decide against one or the other...

Nytrocide

gdeusthewhizkid wrote: »

networking and security both interest me. I couldnt decide against one or the other...

I feel the exact same way. At this point I'm going after my Security+ and probably CCENT and CCNA after.

gdeusthewhizkid

Nytrocide wrote: »

I feel the exact same way. At this point I'm going after my Security+ and probably CCENT and CCNA after.

Im leaning on CCent next because after posting my resume on dice. I haven't seen no bites after network +. and most of the jobs that i do see that look for network + are doing what im doing already. I would like to move into more networking.. instead of support specialist.

tigerman

Form my experience security + has been a very worse wild exam, I got more call about job since I got my security + then I ever did before I had it. with the way the world going these day, knowing the basic of computer security regardless of where you want take your IT career is becoming a must do. The security + give you a nice overview of the basic of what you should know. And it really wasn't that hard to pass. I found the net + to be harder. Hope this help?

gdeusthewhizkid

any more suggestions ?

NotHackingYou

I would do the CCENT and CCNA first. You'll get more out of the S+ that way.

Nytrocide

Best way would be Security+ then CCENT then CCNA? I'd also prefer to finish off the CompTIA "trio" then start my Cisco certs.

Mstavridis

Just get both the CCENT and Network+, if you take the CCENT first the Net+ will seem like a joke.

clarknova

Agree with the above, do the N+ and then CCENT afterwards. N+ will give you the leg up you need to start on the Cisco track, to me at least the CCENT seems far more involved than N+.

Nytrocide

Well he already has the Network+...so wouldn't CCENT be the next step after Security+ according to his original post?

kalkan999

About whether you should take the CCENT first before the Security + is dependent upon a number of other factors. As you are at or near the beginning of your career, you should try to decide what interests you most and answer the following:
where you will be happier?
what will the market look like regarding your interest in 5 years?
Do you like Security enough to pursue it as part of your career goal, or are you considering Security + as a necessary step to be considered for promotion or other jobs within your existing skillset?
Are you an introvert or an extrovert? Believe me this is a big one for career advancement, as you can advance if you are either or, but choose a career path that favors an extroverted personality, then you will definitely limit yourself down the road.
Do you work in the US, or a foreign country? I ask this because if you are a US Citizen or Green Card holder eventually seeking US citizenship, you may want to consider the underrated but more comprehensive certification called SSCP provided by ISC2.
What is your exposure with Cisco routers and switches? I ask this, as enterprise level networks and growing businesses usually have Network Engineers, AND can limit your access to layer 2 and three hardware. Cloud and virtualization is also something to be considered. I got my CCNA years ago (circa 199, but when I was in IT full time, I rarely if ever had access to network hardware, as it was remotely monitored and administered. If anything, it is worse now than it was back then, so take that into consideration before venturing into Cisco certs. Now, if you plan on working at a Data Center, or want to be a Network Engineer, then by all means, go for the gold!!
I am in Senior Management now, and I enjoy helping anyone I can. I am an extrovert, so this is fun and enlightening for me, as I use opportunities like these provided on forums to learn where the next gen computer geniuses interests lie.

DarthVader

If you want to get into the Networ Engineering field you'll need to start tackling the Cisco certs. Unfortunately theres no way around it.
I've been a Network Engineer for a little over 10 years now. Network+ is usually seen as a very entry level (overview) cert. Juniper has some certs but they are really product specific.
Government and Industry tend to view the Cisco certs pretty heavily, especially CCNA/CCNP level.