After CCNA ...

yazan84

Hello community,

I'm going to take the CCNA exam mid next month. I have a good feeling that I will pass it.

Anyway, I was wondering about the next step after CCNA. Should I try to find a job in the networking field? or should I go for another cisco certificate?

Also, which certificate would help me land a job faster CCNA security or CCDA?

Thanks,

JasminLandry

Definitely go for a job. For sure, you can get a networking job with a CCNA. Nothing is better than experience. In my opinion, it might look weird on your resume having a couple certs without relevant experience. BUT, nothing prevents you from getting a job and also working on another cert at the same time

Hatch1921

I just had this conversation with a CCIE I'm working with on a volunteer project. What should I tackle next... he said to focus on CCNP R&S and knock it out. From his perspective, you should have a deep understanding of R&S before you splinter off in to the specialty certifications. His point was, if you do not know how the network functions, how would you excel in the other areas? I then asked the question about not having experience but being a CCNP. He said, at least it shows you are progressing in your studies and the certification process. Even if it's not the best thing to have a CCNP without experience, it beats sitting around not working towards advancing in the career field. I agree with Jasmin

MrXpert

I actually got my CCNP without much experience in IT yet for me it seems to have opened up more opportunities.

Ivanjam

Hatch1921 wrote: »

From his perspective, you should have a deep understanding of R&S before you splinter off in to the specialty certifications. His point was, if you do not know how the network functions, how would you excel in the other areas?

@Hatch1921 - thanks for that insight - I actually started studying CCNA Security before realizing that so many topics were just treated superficially that I would be better off doing the CCNP.

MrXpert wrote: »

I actually got my CCNP without much experience in IT yet for me it seems to have opened up more opportunities.

@MrXpert - That's encouraging, thanks!

Legacy User

When I was on the job hunt after I passed the CCNA looking for jr. network engineer positions I heard many similar things. The main thing I've always been asked if I can work with asa firewalls on asdm, making vpn's, bgp, and if I am familiar with ms visio. Just food for thought.

Master Of Puppets

Definitely go for a job. Real world experience is what matters most and this is what employers will look for. You can have a lot of certs but with no hands-on it is going to be a big let down. Once that is done, you can advance with your certs. Another thing to bear in mind is that the design track is not usually recommended for people without experience. It is just something for when you level up . A lot of people will tell you to do CCNP first and go for CCDA/CCDP after that which is pretty smart.

Heero

My opinion: focus on finding a job in the field. Also, your next certification should probably be the CCNP R&S. Branch out later, but having a very strong understanding of the core of networking (routing and switching) will get you far, and will make it a lot easier to learn in other areas.