Questions about getting the Network+ certification

cptmellow

Hi Guys

I just got done with college and have taken classes in telecommunications and networking. I also took Cisco classes in high school for 2 years. I just wanted to know how much time it would take to get the Network+ certification. Or are there any certifications that you guys recommend. Any input is greatly appreciated.

10Linefigure

Network+ is great to understand terms and technologies and ideas. You can order the Sybex books from a lot of places, I think its less than $30 on Amazon. Its was written by Todd Lammle and comes with a CD that has other great resources. Between that and TE you got all you need! < I just passed it yesterday. You can do it! After Net+ just explore, find what you really enjoy. It could be Microsoft, Cisco, Juniper, Linux, just pick something that you really enjoy and run with it!

dpsmooth15

Yes I have input, SKIP Network+. That is all Goodbye.
No, to be honest…..no matter which direction you are going in IT, I am pretty sure you could get there without taking Network+. Even with the all-mighty NOC, Help Desk entry-level gig. Cisco….. Cisco. It will open more doors. Go to Indeed, CareerJet, Dice, Clearance Jobs and count the 13 positions requiring Network+ then count the 73 potions requiring a CCNA or higher. You can get "Network+" knowledge from reading a book, Have you taken a exam for every book you decided to read throughout your life? but you still retained the knowledge…...…exactly

DoubleNNs

I passed my Net+ after ~ 5-6 weeks of self study w/ no prior networking education or experience. I'm sure it would take you less since you have prior knowledge.

However, after taking Cisco classes for 2 years AND completing college networkign course, you have no reason to take the Net+. Jump straight into the CCNA.

no!all!

It sounds like you've got some experience under your belt already. I'd take a few practice exams and see how you do. However, like DoubleNNs said with Cisco classes and a college networking course you might wanna just jump to CCNA. It's your call though and i'm sure you'll make the right decision

Cisc0kidd

Or if you are near DC complete the Security+ cert.

nick944turbo

cptmellow wrote: »

Hi Guys

I just got done with college and have taken classes in telecommunications and networking. I also took Cisco classes in high school for 2 years. I just wanted to know how much time it would take to get the Network+ certification. Or are there any certifications that you guys recommend. Any input is greatly appreciated.

As someone who had a Cisco based class in high school and taking a Networking class in my senior year of college, I would personally say take the Network+. A good majority of the material from the class in high school I have forgotten, and my networking class in college seems to barely scratch the surface of the Network+ material. Take a look at the exam objectives and see how well you know the material.

cptmellow

Thanks for all the information guys...I will most likely take the Network+ and then work for the CCNA. CCNA classes were taken 6 years ago so I probably don't remember a lot from there.

coreyb80

So is it safe to say that one should consider CCENT-CCNA route as oppose to going Net+?

BadLuckInc

coreyb80 wrote: »

So is it safe to say that one should consider CCENT-CCNA route as oppose to going Net+?

I'm studying Net+ then once finished with certificate in hand I want to do Sec+ then start up CCENT-CCNA. I think knowing you actually know the Network+ stuff will make it all that much easier and smarter to start on Cisco certs. This is just the route I'm going. All knowledge is worth having.

joemysterio

^^

Yeah, I'm working on Net+ right now because of how much info there is in it. I like what someone on here said once, it's an inch deep but a mile wide. I see it as a good foundation to get off on the network path before venturing off into Cisco or something. but so far net+ has been tough, lots of concepts, protocols, and so forth and I'm only about 1/3rd of the way through my Todd Lammle Net+ book.

MacGuffin

coreyb80 wrote: »

So is it safe to say that one should consider CCENT-CCNA route as oppose to going Net+?

I believe the Network+ material to be a good place to start to get the CCENT and CCNA. It seems to me that if you have the CCENT then the Network+ does not add any value on a resumé. I took both the Network+ and CCENT exams and I can say they cover nearly identical material. The difference is that the Network+ is primarily Microsoft centered for any platform specific material, the CCENT is obviously centered on Cisco.

I thought the Network+ course and exam I took was good practice for the CCENT. One downside to not having a Network+ certification is that some hiring managers won't know what a "Cisco" is and might pass on your resumé. Some people will look for a check list of items on a resumé, if Network+ is one of the items on their list then you get more "points" on your resumé. Another downside is cost, certifications aren't free.

I can't give a yes/no answer to your question. The math on that equation will balance differently for different people.

RockinRobin

After studying Net+ for about 60 days, I'm going to skip the exam, and just go straight into studying CCENT. I'm currently reading Net+ Exam Cram book, and taking practice exams. When I ace those, then I'm just moving on to CCENT. Save myself $200+.

daviddws

I think the network+ is good to pick up as a general requirement in IT. In my case I am not obsessed with networking like some of the people on this board, but wanted some general info and knowledge on the topic

xnx

You could probably just take the CCNA straight away...? Why waste money on N+..?