What Cert to do next?

SteveFer

Hi Guys,

Just wondering could anyone please advise on what cert to do next, I've worked in desktop support for a few years, and have an A+, N+ and 70-680. I'm looking to get into more server work, ultimately a server admin,
I've little server experience at the moment, but I'm signed up for a MCSA 2008 course next month, before that, while I have time, I'd like to take another exam, I'm debating between a CCENT , 70-686 and S+ .


I'm thinking I'll take the CCENT , I feel like I have alot of theory with the N+ but have little hands on knowledge, would having a CCENT improve me that much more than the N+, or would it be a waste of time studying for both(I believe the updated 101 version is alot harder than net +). At the moment I've no plans to do the CCNA , but I might look into it in future if I like the CCENT? I've little networking knowledge, but I think the CCENT appeals to me most out of them, I didn't like the enjoy the security parts of the N+ as much as the other parts, and looking through the objectives there seems to be a huge amount of crossover between the N+ and S+ so I'm not sure how much it would help me in my career, or who would look for a S+.

I know the 70-686 would get me an MCSA but assuming I pass the 2008 course I would have a server MCSA. The CCENT appeals to me most at the moment, as I'd like to get some exposure to networking /Cisco , but ultimately I'd like to do what's best of limited time for my career as server engineer?

10Linefigure

If you have done your reading and really like the CCENT and what it offers then go for it man! Todd Lammles book + add-ons that come with it are great, you can get Packet Tracer or GNS3 (His book comes with an.. eh... simulator, I used it) But go for what you enjoy doing. CCENT is more hands on and actually configuring basic things on routers and switches, where N+ is all theory and memorization.

dpsmooth15

I personally used the Lammie book and packet tracer and passed the CCENT. But a lot of gals/guys also suggest the 900 page Odom book, that goes into muccch greater detail.

bull313

Links to books suggested by dpsmooth: Lammle Odom. To my understanding the Sec+ also builds off material from Net+, so that is also a viable option. Here is the study guide I'm using. Good luck to you!

SteveFer

Thanks, would the packet tracers / GNS3 cover everything required? I'd planned on buying 2 routers and 2 switches, and I dont really mind paying for them if they were going to be more beneficial, if there isnt much benefit then I may leave them.

10LineFigure- I see you did the CCENT and N+ , How did you find they compared in terms of difficulty? Did you do the updated 101 CCENT?