Most Lucrative CCNA Specialization

silverp1

Hi folks,
I'm trying to decide where I want to go now that I've completed my CCNA and I'm thinking of working towards one of the specializations. Out of the three, is one markedly better in terms of pay / marketability? Which one would you go for first?

Thanks for the input!

veritas_libertas

I've seen CCNA:S and CCNA:V in job postings. That is about it.

networker050184

You aren't likely to see much of a difference in pay or marketability in the CCNA specializations from a regular CCNA IMO. Once you move up to the professional level of the specialization is where you will see more returns.

QHalo

What are you interested in? I'd start there.

silverp1

@networker - Would you just start CCNP studies instead of bothering with one of the specializations? I've seen several folks say having a CCNP without networking experience (I'm working in a help desk position now) isn't beneficial. I think this would be my personal preference, but I want to put time and energy into things that will get me out of the help desk...bored out of my mind, haha!

Jinuyr

silverp1 wrote: »

Hi folks,
I'm trying to decide where I want to go now that I've completed my CCNA and I'm thinking of working towards one of the specializations. Out of the three, is one markedly better in terms of pay / marketability? Which one would you go for first?

Thanks for the input!

Based on your signature line, I would recommend going for something different like a CISSP since you appear to have an interest in IT Security. If that's what you're interested it, you may get more out of that than a CCNA concentration.

NetworkVeteran

silverp1 wrote: »

@networker - Would you just start CCNP studies instead of bothering with one of the specializations? I've seen several folks say having a CCNP without networking experience (I'm working in a help desk position now) isn't beneficial. I think this would be my personal preference, but I want to put time and energy into things that will get me out of the help desk...bored out of my mind, haha!

I agree with Networker, in that I wouldn't call either a CCNA specialization or no experience CCNP a "lucrative" proposition. After earning the CCNA, what you most need to increase your earning potential, is experience. However, a CCNA specialization is probably the best investment to land an entry-level networking position if you've tapped out the experience at your current position and aren't yet able to snag a better networking position. Given your interest in security, the CCNA Security might be a good choice.

aaron0011

Don't do CCNA:V unless you plan on continuing onto the Professional level. I'm not really sure why anyone would do CCNA-V unless they had an interest to work with Cisco VoIP.

networker050184

silverp1 wrote: »

@networker - Would you just start CCNP studies instead of bothering with one of the specializations? I've seen several folks say having a CCNP without networking experience (I'm working in a help desk position now) isn't beneficial. I think this would be my personal preference, but I want to put time and energy into things that will get me out of the help desk...bored out of my mind, haha!

I'd suggest you start working towards whatever you are interested in. Want to do voice go for the CCNA V etc. What I meant was you are not likely to see any kind of monetary gain or open many doors with them. They are required now for the professional level certifications though so you might as well knock it out. Just keep your expectations in check of what they will do (or better yet won't do) for you career wise.

silverp1

Thanks everybody for your advice! I have one more follow up question though - if the CCNA specializations won't aid me much, is there another vendor / cert that would be more beneficial? I'm looking to get into a Jr. Network Admin-ish type position. Thanks again!

networker050184

Depends on what you will be working with.

aaron0011

CCNA:S would definitely be worth pursing if you have an interest in security. I haven't done that exam yet but a lot of foundation knowledge in there looking at objectives.

Carpe Porcus

Your aptitude and ability should be the focus here as opposed to how much money a particular certification can generate.

What if security pays better than wireless but you have a talent for wireless and security doesn't make as much sense or isn't as interesting?

Regardless of the money, doing a job you don't like or to which you are not suited gets dull quickly and hating the job you do will make you very miserable.

Pursue the certification for the right reason.

NotHackingYou

Security+ would be a good one for you.

DoubleNNs

Carpe Porcus wrote: »

Regardless of the money, doing a job you don't like or to which you are not suited gets dull quickly and hating the job you do will make you very miserable.

I feel like most of the time when someone is looking to get a cert to land a better job they don't yet know whether they are good at the role or even if they enjoy it. All they know is that it sounds interesting enough to buy a book on it and learn more, all in hopes of getting better experience and/or more money in the future.

Ismaeljrp

DoubleNNs wrote: »

I feel like most of the time when someone is looking to get a cert to land a better job they don't yet know whether they are good at the role or even if they enjoy it. All they know is that it sounds interesting enough to buy a book on it and learn more, all in hopes of getting better experience and/or more money in the future.

So true, this is very statement is probably the one reason I can say college has been useful. It's exposed me to so much hands on with all types of stuff, from software programming, databases, linux server, windows server, and of course Cisco. I connected especially with Cisco Routing and Switching, I just loved the speed of making things happen and learning about what was under the surface of systems and software.

silverp1

Thanks again for all the suggestions / advice folks! I think I'm going to take a trip over to Microsoft land and maybe pick up my MCITP in something server-ish. I think I'll probably end up coming back and looking at either CCNA:V or CCNA:S. Thanks again all!

SteveO86

There are actually a lot more than 3 CCNA Specializations nowadays.

Security, Wireless, Voice, Video, Data Center, SP, SP Ops ( I might be missing some )

But as mentioned get the one that interests you the most or whichever one you work with the most.