Need of advices

apollookc

Friends I need your advices for the path I have to choose (CCNA Data Center or CCENT+CCNA Security) based on the following factors:

a ) Higher hiring opportunities,

b ) Better career development options on the long term,

c ) Higher significance in the IT sector.

Unfortunately CISCO doesn't offer a certification path from CCNA D.C. to CCNA Security which would be ideal.

FYI I'm 42 years and I have other certifications (MS, VMware etc.) but this will be my first one from CISCO . I'm only interested in the aforementioned certifications and not in CCNA R&S.

Thank you!

AwesomeGarrett

Well here's a good questions, do you have experience with data center and security technology?

apollookc

As I mentioned this will be my first networking/CISCO certification. From theoretical point of view I know some things but I don't have experience to configure, secure or administer networks or Data Centers.

DoubleNNs

W/ no experience I think you should head down the CCENT route. Then you could go to CCNA Sec, and come back around for the data center certs later.

apollookc

Thank you for your answer. Time is essence is my case and due to different responsibilities I don't think I will have the chance for multiple certifications (either it will be the CCNA Sec or the CCNA DC path) and I don't plan to try for a higher level (e.g. CCNP-CCIE) in the near future. From what I read in different forums the CCNA DC exams are easier compare to CCNA Sec (which is the CCNA R&S minus some chapters if I'm correct). But I would like to know not only which path is the ideal one for me but which of the two certifications is "hot" in the IT industry now and for the next years.

rowelld

In that case, go for CCNA DC because to get CCNA Sec you need a CCENT first.

apollookc

Thank for you answer. Other suggestions from others who have been in the same dilemma?

broli720

There are really no other options for you. You have to have at least a CCENT to even attempt CCNA Security. I would strongly suggest you take CCENT first. Without a strong foundation I don't see the point in attempting the CCNA DC.

DoubleNNs

The 1st part of the CCNA DC is a data center equivalent of the CCENT.

apollookc

Based on your answers, I understand that ideally I must start with CCENT and then either go with CCNA Sec or CCNA DC. But as I mentioned before I don't have the time to prepare myself for too many exams so, independently of which is the ideal plan for me or how difficult would be if I decided to go straight for CCNA DC without giving CCENT first, I would like to know which of the two certifications is in more demand right now (and in the next years based on you opinion)? I'm interested mostly for the US (private sector and government jobs).

apollookc

Does anyone have an input?

100k

You already made up your mind to do CCNA DC. If you have no time to do the CCENT > CCNA Sec then its your only option.

apollookc

Actually I think that I will probably follow the CCENT+CCNA Sec path since CCNA Data Center is related mostly with private sector jobs (I would prefer to work for the government) and requires, as some mentioned in their answers, some background in networking. If any member has a different suggestion I would be more than happy to hear it. Thank you all for your advices and I wish you Happy Holidays!