More help for choosing a path...

jamarchitect

I'm using the CompTIA road-map to try figuring out my next step. I could really use some advice from people that have already passed the CCNA or RHCE, and are either in Network Administration or Network Installation.

As I see it, the possibilities are:

Admin:
Net+

---

> Server+

---

> CCNA
Net+

---

> Linux+

---

> RHCE
Networking:
Net+

---

> CCENT

---

> CCNA

A start, that would be really helpful, would be practical day-to-day job description from people performing these two different roles. (What is your day like, what do you usually work on, etc.) This would really help me to figure out which path I really want to follow. I've done both, and I think I'd prefer Network Admin, but I'd love input from people who are presently employed in either position.

The other thing I'd like to say about about Admin, is that I've scoped out the job market for Linux Admin (dice_lf_linux_jobs_report_2013.pdf), and it appears to be very strong. I have a strong inclination toward Linux (I've used it as my main OS for about 5 years now), and know it fits into a possible admin track as well.

I'm study for Sec+ right now, and while it's teaching me some stuff that I think is very relevant to securing any network, it isn't really a door opener. I feel that I really need to get the ball rolling towards employment, and not get lost in a quagmire of possible certification tracks.

I really don't want to complete a certification, and then look back and say, "Whoops, that was the wrong corner."

Also, I'm not sure if CompTIA has updated their road-map in light of recent changes to the Cisco certification track as of Sept. 30/2013. Also, the CompTIA road-map doesn't list the Linux+ along the path to RHCE, but I'm pretty sure it would be an extremely helpful knowledge base when it comes time to do the RHCE, and it also gives you LPIC-1.

All input is greatly appreciated. This is a crucial step for me, and I've decided to pause my studies to have this conversation.

techwizard

imo, I think CompTIA's road map is a little dated. I wish they would update it. That being said, I would go with your second option:

Net+ ----> CCENT ----> CCNA

OR, if you are confident in your net skills, you could simply do:

Net+ ----> CCNA (Personally I would go this route, but that's just me)

I have read that people that have passed Net+ tend to do well on CCNA. It would make sense, as they would have had either knowledge or training that preps for CCNA.

I would skip RHCE unless your job specifically calls for it, otherwise invest your time/money/effort into your networking skills.

jamarchitect

I appreciate that a lot. I just updated my original post with a little more info, and better typing. Perhaps you could give it another once over. I think the updated post is a little more articulate. Also, it's getting a little confusing to me about the Cisco stuff. I'm now being told that the CCENT is the defacto equivalent of the old CCNA, and that you don't get "CCNA" until you choose a specialization...

jamarchitect

Anyone else?

DoubleNNs

Based on what you posted, I second the suggestion to go Net+ -> CCENT -> CCNA. Then you could always circle back afterwards and get the Linux+/RHCE afterwards.

jamarchitect

OK. Thanks. I'll just continue with Sec+ since I'm 1/3 through it.