Question: To pursue A+ or Not?

Kaos120

[EDIT]. I have an opportunity to go through a free self-paced online course that a university will provide access to then pay for one certification afterwards. Wouldn't it be better to go for the net+ and then use their resourceS to self study for the A+ and pay for that myself later if need be? Or should I get A+ plus first then go for net+ and pay for that on my own. I have a B.S. in national security and I want to be in the cybersecurity IT field.

Plantwiz

It depends.


Do you 'need' the A+?

Likewise, A+ is two exams, not one. NET+ is one. Your out-of-pocket will be greater for the A+.

Kaos120

Well, I'm not sure if I will need A+. I don't really plan on being a tech as far as A+ goes and I have a decent understanding of pc's. I strictly want to be in networking and moving my way through cyber security realm.

NetworkVeteran

Ahh. If you want to strictly do networking, I'd quickly follow-up that Network+ with a CCENT and then CCNA. A CCNA is a typical entry-level criteria for a pure networking position. The Network+ is like "Networking for those not specializing in networking", although some who specialize in networking successfully use it as a stepping stone on the path to CCNA.

Kaos120

What threw me for a loop was that everything I was reading was stating that you had to have experience and A+ first. I've heard from other people that I didn't really need the A+ and to pursue the net+ and as you said go to CCENT and then CCNA. I'm just trying to make sure I don't waste any time or this free opportunity and regret that I chose wrong and have to pay for it later figuratively and literally.

Plantwiz

I think (IIRC) that it is 'recommended' to have the A+ first (before the NET+) but A+ is more about the physical and networking has some physical, but it has more to do with routing packets. And yes, that is worded clunky

When things break in a network, it mostly is a swap out (when the failure is a piece of hardware), whereas in a PC/Server failure the tech is required/expected to pull parts/backup data/swap out to get things up and running again. A router goes out, a new router is installed and the other sent in for service/replacement.


If your heart is in networking, skip A+. IMO

Kaos120

Lol, That was definitely worded awkwardly but in all fairness so was mine. I appreciate the help and advice from all of you. I will go for net+ and pray that I'm able to land a job after I finish. There doesn't seem to be a shortage of networking jobs out there but I'm worried that not having experience will cripple my chances. Any advice on this?

NetworkVeteran

Without experience, I usually need to see a CCNA. I would be concerned that a Network+ isn't enough for pure networking work. I suspect you will need at least a CCENT, and probably a CCNA, before you have much luck.

Kaos120

So, in other words I'm looking at about a six month haul before I can land a job. Is that a reasonable timeframe to complete all three certs?

CCENT is basically the same as net+ correct so would it be prudent to just skip net+ and go CCENT and follow that up with CCNA?

NetworkVeteran

The timing is up to you. There's a "CCNA in 60 Days" program which recommends a consistent two hours a day. I did it in two weeks because I wanted it immediately to help me secure a particular job, not that I recommend that. Earning the CCNA does not actually require the Network+ or CCENT. Whether to go the 1-, 2-, or 3-exam approach is a personal decision.

Kaos120

How does the 1, 2, or 3 exam approach come into play? Again whatever course I choose they will only pay for one cert so I'm trying to choose the route that best puts me in a position to be employed sooner rather than later. However, I also want to understand the material and I don't have a networking background so I want to make sure I don't jump into a course that would be better to take after I've taken something like net+ or CCENT. This all seems so convoluted with so many paths and certs. lol

Plantwiz

Try to gain some job shadowing experience and/or volunteering with non-profits. This way, you 'should' be working with someone proficient and you can pick their brain while picking up some tips...all in exchange for some 'grunt' work. It may be that you are limited to one day/night per week that you can assist, but do that for several months while working a regular job is still beneficial.

FWIW, I have worked with a number of talented folks who NEVER took the A+ exam. It is a good place to begin for some, but it is not for all. Net+ and CCENT and CCNA will be more beneficial long-term as the others have mentioned.

Concerned Water

This is just my opinion. I think you shouldn't rule out a tech position. Their easier to obtain and can land you in a company quicker. Once in the company, there may be network opportunities. From what I've seen, Network+ doesn't really help to get a network job. It's usually when you get to CCNA level. In your situation, I would take the CompTIA A+ and work a tech job all while studying for the CCNA. This way, if your in a company you might have an advantage if an opportunity come your way. Also, noc postions usually like technician backgrounds. So it might help along with the CCNA.

DeezyFF

If i were you I would study like hell and have them pay for your CCNA. If you have the time to study, and the amount of networking/cisco knowledge you have, you could be ready to take it in 30-90 days. Then save your money and get another cisco cert, such as CCNA: Security or Voice. Thats what i would do.

BTW I just recently got my CCENT like a weeks ago and I am already trying to go and finish my CCNA. I actually started a forum on here to see if even needed to get my Network+ as I am about to get my CCNA. I decided to save my money and get CWNA cert instead. Hopefully this helps.

DoubleNNs

I got my Net+ before my A+. Wasn't hard. Actually, I not only enjoyed the Net+ more then the A+, but I thought the Net+ was easier and scored higher on it. So the order doesn't really matter.

However, I atribute the A+ to getting me in the door of an entry-level position. While I had Net+ and Sec+, I didn't get any bites. The week I passed my A+ I had to decide which of multiple options to accept.

If you have no problem getting your foot in the door, skip the A+. If you're trying to fast track towards Networking, the time spent on the A+ would just be a waste. (Not to say the info wouldn't use useful, but the time spent learning it could be put to better use)

My .02, for whatever it's worth.

Edit: I read only half the thread b4 posting. After reading the other half - No. W/o experience I don't think the Net+ would do that much for you. I would recommend skipping it in your situation and going Cisco - whether you go CCENT or CCNA should be determined by how confident you are w/ learning and retaining that large amount of info.