Help in deciding which certification to pursue!!!!

klhatchett

Hello All,
I am an current Information Security and Assurance student with a couple of years until I graduate, I currently do not have any IT certifications and I am looking to get any certification that will be beneficial for my career. With that being said, I wanted to know if you all could give me some advice on which certifications to go after first (A+, Network+, Security+ etc.).

Complete_IT_Professional

Hi,

It's common to be confused about which certifications to start at. You mention you're an Information Security and Assurance student. I believe that the ISC2 certifications would eventually be beneficial for you, but they're for more experienced IT professionals.
For now, I would suggest starting with the Network+ certification. It gives a good overview of networking concepts. The A+ is also helpful, but you may already be familiar with the subject matter. If not, go for that as well!

Other certifications you could look at getting are the Security+ certification, and also the Associate of ISC2.

Hope it helps!

al3kt.R***

I'd go along the (ISC)² cert path, with regard to your current studies

Bonne chance m8

FloOz

What kind of career path are you looking to get into? Networking? Security? Or just trying to make your break into the IT world?

klhatchett

Im looking to get into Web Application Security which I guess would mean I would also be doing Penetration Testing. But as of now since I do not have much experience im really just looking to get some experience in the IT world, to see what other things I may like

JayTheCracker

php skills, python skills, CCNA Secuirty, OSCP, GWAPT
set your goals...

itsgonnahappen

Based on your career path, I would recommend you pursue the Network+ cert first and then pursue the Security+ after... you should be able to do without your A+ based on the direction you indicated. However, an A+ is a great way to land an entry level IT position to give you some hands on while you complete your studies. It's probably more on the unlikely side that you'll land any kind of security based position with no prior work experience.

JayTheCracker

Focus on one or two or three programming languages first (php, python & perl)

At the same time - Start downloading WebGoat
& follow the guide & watch step-by-step videos from this link YGN Ethical Hacker Group (YEHG) :: OWASP WebGoat Web Hacking Simulation Series

watch Welcome to SecurityTube.net too...

download SamuraiWTF too..

kurosaki00

depends on what you want and know
If you have a good foundation on networking and general system+pc technologies
Id skip the comptia
Maybe go for Security+ (a lot of goverment and healthcare companies require you to at least have sec+)

The first and most important thing Id recommend you is to get experience, just get experience!
Then you need to find out what path of security you want to follow
and then go from there

klhatchett

Well not really strong with the networking or technology in general so there is still a lot for me to learn, I know that networking is key to any career path in IT, so that's why I was confused on rather to get the A+ or Security+ because I know the A+ can help me develop a stronger background in IT and the security+ is generally for people with more advanced knowledge

JayTheCracker

Skip A+ and Net+ , when u're graduated, those will be covered......
Even Security+ will be covered since ur major is "Information Security and Assurance".....

get CCENT first