Just passed the ICND2!

I just passed the ICND2 today. It was an absolute breeze compared to the ICND1!!! I'm coming from 0 networking knowledge though. Anyways, this is my only certification and I don't have any experience in IT. So I'm updating my resume and sending it out tonight, hopefully the CCNA will help a little.

What certifications would also look good on my resume, to help get an entry level job? I'm trying to decide between the Security + and CCNA Security. I've heard a LOT of really bad things about the CCNA Security, but also heard it was updated recently? Is it possible to pass now?

I'm inclined to go straight for the CCNP because I feel like so many things were just hardly touched in the CCNA. So many times I would hear/read, "In the real world they don't do this... they would... ... but you'll learn about that in your NP studies." I hardly feel like the CCNA is enough to do this in the real world. Not sure that a paper NP would be either, but at least it'd take me a step closer and keep these concepts in my head. I don't want to wait a year or two to get a networking job and totally forget everything by then. I also fear employers wouldn't hire a paper NP even for an NA job just because they would think as soon as I could put some experience on my resume with the NP I'd get a better job offer and leave.

So given my situation... what recommendations do you guys have? Security +, CCNA Security, CCNP? Or something else? I'm obviously interested in security. But overall what certs would help me get my foot in the door with a networking position? I also know Linux pretty well and BASH scripting, so I may go ahead and knock out the Linux + cert just for something besides CCNA on my resume.

Find more posts tagged with

Comments

PCTechLinc

Security+ is going to be vendor-neutral, so you'll have a broader knowledge of security concepts. I plan on taking CCNA Security to renew my CCNA Routing & Switching by September to keep all my certs valid. In order to attempt any of the CCNP exams, you have to have the CCNA for that particular track already. If CCNA is your only cert right now, I would go for the Linux+ since you already have that experience. That will be more valuable to employers quickly. Then you can get Security+ or CCNA Security. Keep in mind that getting your CCNA Security also gives you DoD 4011 recognition as well.

Dakinggamer87

Congrats

Gpdriver17

Have you heard much about the new CCNA Security exam? I've been researching it a little and heard it was near impossible, but they toned it down a little recently. I haven't heard any experiences from it though...

NetworkNewb

gratz on the pass! I haven't heard the Security exam is hard, just that it had a high passing score. (I guess you think of it as hard if you just look at that fact) The only thing I know about the updated exam is that is based on more relevant topics. That the old one was way out of date.

Brain-D

Congrats! Great job!!!

Congrats!

Congrats!

Congrats!!!

Gpdriver17 wrote: »

I'm inclined to go straight for the CCNP because I feel like so many things were just hardly touched in the CCNA. So many times I would hear/read, "In the real world they don't do this... they would... ... but you'll learn about that in your NP studies." I hardly feel like the CCNA is enough to do this in the real world. Not sure that a paper NP would be either, but at least it'd take me a step closer and keep these concepts in my head. I don't want to wait a year or two to get a networking job and totally forget everything by then. I also fear employers wouldn't hire a paper NP even for an NA job just because they would think as soon as I could put some experience on my resume with the NP I'd get a better job offer and leave.

.

When I was doing NA, I felt the same way as you did. Then when I got to NP, some things were "beyond the scope of NP" and were on the IE. And once you do an IE, some things are beyond the scope of that specific IE and are on another IE track, etc. So it never ends really.

I would go for CCNP R&S but I'm more interested in R&S than Security. If you are more interested in Security then go for CCNA Security and Security+. Honestly there is nothing wrong with CCNA Security-- it's just a weak cert on it's own that's all. A lot of times people will go CCENT->CCNA Security and wonder why they can't get a Security gig. It's cause they don't know the other vendors and Cisco doesn't have as big of a market share in Security like it does in R&S.

So given my situation... what recommendations do you guys have? Security +, CCNA Security, CCNP? Or something else? I'm obviously interested in security. But overall what certs would help me get my foot in the door with a networking position? I also know Linux pretty well and BASH scripting, so I may go ahead and knock out the Linux + cert just for something besides CCNA on my resume.

If you're trying to "get your foot in the door" somewhere you have to decide what you want to do first. Do you want to do Security, or do you want to do Networking? Linux won't do much for you in Networking unless it's some sort of hybrid position. You sound very conflicted to be honest. You need to figure out what field you want to be in first. If it's networking, my recommendation would be to CCNP R&S, CCNA Collaboration, and CCNA Securtiy. That would cover quite a bit jobs posted on the job sites. And why Collaboration? Someone posted a research article of the most in demand Cisco tracks and "Voice" was in 2nd place.

Gpdriver17

I'm a little conflicted because I've never worked in security or networking so, I'm unsure exactly what I want to do. Security seems interesting though. I've also heard security isn't something you just jump into with no experience. I thought a CCNP R&S would give me a better knowledge of networking which is obviously important in security and possibly help me get a networking job for the time being. Right now my main priority is just getting my foot in the door doing something to gain experience and learn more. I don't see that happening with security and I enjoy networking, too. You don't think employers would be reluctant to hire a paper NP?

What security jobs could I possibly be accepted for with just a CCNA RS/Sec? It's funny you mentioned the Collaboration because I had been thinking that same thing after reading/looking at jobs this weekend. There is definitely a high demand for it. But do you really think beggars can be choosers? I'd feel lucky to get ANY IT related job right now.

koz24

Gpdriver17 wrote: »

. You don't think employers would be reluctant to hire a paper NP?

I think it depends. Some might see you as over-qualified for NA level jobs and under-qualified for NP level jobs. As an NP with no experience just don't expect to be paid like an NP with experience, you seem to not care about that atm tho. In the end, I don't think extra knowledge will hurt you in the long run. If you properly lab and study for CCNP you will have a big advantage over CCNAs. You just might hurt yourself in the super entry-level positions.

What security jobs could I possibly be accepted for with just a CCNA RS/Sec? It's funny you mentioned the Collaboration because I had been thinking that same thing after reading/looking at jobs this weekend. There is definitely a high demand for it. But do you really think beggars can be choosers?

I don't think CCNA R&S/Sec is enough to get a serious Network Security Engineer gig. All the security jobs I see want a whole laundry list of certs and experience which you won't have.

I'd feel lucky to get ANY IT related job right now.

So if you're that desperate you should be targeting certs that give you the most value right away. In that case, CCNP R&S followed immediately by CCNA Collaboration seem like the most logical choices.

Gpdriver17

Thank you! This helped. After researching job postings and the CompTIA certs, I think doing an NP/NA Collaboration would be great way to go. Once I'm in networking I'll see what aspects/fields in particular really interest me (it's hard to say now just from reading about them), and try to gain certs/experience to get towards those areas. Anyways, thank you again! Are there any study materials that helped you with your NP? I've got CCNP Route Simplified, Chris Bryants videos and lab equipment/gns3.

koz24

Gpdriver17 wrote: »

Thank you! This helped. After researching job postings and the CompTIA certs, I think doing an NP/NA Collaboration would be great way to go. Once I'm in networking I'll see what aspects/fields in particular really interest me (it's hard to say now just from reading about them), and try to gain certs/experience to get towards those areas. Anyways, thank you again! Are there any study materials that helped you with your NP? I've got CCNP Route Simplified, Chris Bryants videos and lab equipment/gns3.

No problem! I did a full review of what I used, check it out in the CCNP Section. You should really get 101 Labs for CCNP from the Simplified authors.

Gpdriver17

Last question, the Route Simplified book I got is for the 642-902 exam. Obviously I need to make a list of topics on the new exam and make sure to hit those, but is most of it in this book? I didn't see a more recent version on amazon. I'll check out your post and order the 101 Labs book tonight.

koz24

Gpdriver17 wrote: »

Last question, the Route Simplified book I got is for the 642-902 exam. Obviously I need to make a list of topics on the new exam and make sure to hit those, but is most of it in this book? I didn't see a more recent version on amazon. I'll check out your post and order the 101 Labs book tonight.

Yeah Route Simplified is for the old exam. Most of it is still good though. There's some stuff in there like the ODR section which you can skip. Basically Route Simplified is 1 of many resources you should be using. Don't count on it as your one and only resource.

Spiegel

Congrats!

What were your study methods and materials?

Gpdriver17

Spiegel wrote: »

Congrats!

What were your study methods and materials?

I over studied for the ICND1 a bit. So for the ICND2 I really only used Chris Bryants videos and a little youtube/google to clear things up. I spent about 4 days on it. 1 day on STP/RSTP, 1 day on FHRPs, 1 day on EIGRP and 1 day on WANs. I kinda felt crazy going to take it after 4 days, it seemed way too easy. Part of me thought I was going to bomb it because I had to be missing something lol. Its totally doable in 5 days if you have a good memory though. Spend a day on each of the topics mentioned, plus a day on OSPF and you're set.

bpenn

Wow... 5 days? That is impressive. It took me 1 month for each exam and I thought that was fast...

Congrats on passing, though! Have you considered NOC-type jobs? You might have a good chance at those with a CCNA.

Gpdriver17

bpenn wrote: »

Wow... 5 days? That is impressive. It took me 1 month for each exam and I thought that was fast...

Congrats on passing, though! Have you considered NOC-type jobs? You might have a good chance at those with a CCNA.

I'm not currently working so I was able to study 8-12 hours a day.

The ICND1 took me well over a month, but I was working for part of it and coming form 0 knowledge. Plus I had no idea what to expect on the exam so I over studied. I've been looking for NOC jobs but can't find ANY. Which seems weird because I'm in a pretty large area. What's the best way to find these positions? I've talked to a few temp agencies and get the idea most entry level IT positions are filled by them so the employers can try you out for a few months before hiring you.

koz24

Gpdriver17 wrote: »

I'm not currently working so I was able to study 8-12 hours a day. The ICND1 took me well over a month, but I was working for part of it and coming form 0 knowledge. Plus I had no idea what to expect on the exam so I over studied. I've been looking for NOC jobs but can't find ANY. Which seems weird because I'm in a pretty large area. What's the best way to find these positions? I've talked to a few temp agencies and get the idea most entry level IT positions are filled by them so the employers can try you out for a few months before hiring you.

I'd be worried about temp-to-hire for fear of them wanting someone to come in and do a bunch of grunt work for a few months with no intention of actually hiring the person. I guess if you are unemployed you have nothing to lose though. Best way to find them is to just search for the popular keywords: CCNA, NOC, Network Operations Center, Jr Network Administrator, Junior Network Engineer, etc. HR can come up with dozens of different job titles but if you compare the details a lot of times they describe the same exact job.

Spiegel

I'm not currently working so I was able to study 8-12 hours a day. The ICND1 took me well over a month, but I was working for part of it and coming form 0 knowledge. Plus I had no idea what to expect on the exam so I over studied. I've been looking for NOC jobs but can't find ANY. Which seems weird because I'm in a pretty large area. What's the best way to find these positions? I've talked to a few temp agencies and get the idea most entry level IT positions are filled by them so the employers can try you out for a few months before hiring you.

Dice.com is a good website designed for IT job searches.

Hondabuff

Gpdriver17 wrote: »

I'm not currently working so I was able to study 8-12 hours a day. The ICND1 took me well over a month, but I was working for part of it and coming form 0 knowledge. Plus I had no idea what to expect on the exam so I over studied. I've been looking for NOC jobs but can't find ANY. Which seems weird because I'm in a pretty large area. What's the best way to find these positions? I've talked to a few temp agencies and get the idea most entry level IT positions are filled by them so the employers can try you out for a few months before hiring you.

I would absolutely not be telling people you went from zero knowledge to CCNA in a month. I would bet in an Interview if they asked you log into a device and change the timezone you would be lost. If I were you I would go down the CCNA Security track and pickup a lot of the best practices you will find in it. Once you get a job in the networking field then pursue the CCNP track. You need to start building your core skills that will land you a NOC type role or Network Administrator role. I would install GNS3 on your PC and get the CCNP GNS3 lab books and start plugging along. Its ok to start reading the CCNP material but I wouldn't try to certify until you working and can utilize those skills. Set your 5 year goal to be a CCNP and in a Network Engineer role and follow the blueprint and you will make it happen.

jones551

Good News ! Well done

fmitawaps

Hondabuff wrote: »

I would absolutely not be telling people you went from zero knowledge to CCNA in a month. I would bet in an Interview if they asked you log into a device and change the timezone you would be lost. If I were you I would go down the CCNA Security track and pickup a lot of the best practices you will find in it. Once you get a job in the networking field then pursue the CCNP track. You need to start building your core skills that will land you a NOC type role or Network Administrator role. I would install GNS3 on your PC and get the CCNP GNS3 lab books and start plugging along. Its ok to start reading the CCNP material but I wouldn't try to certify until you working and can utilize those skills. Set your 5 year goal to be a CCNP and in a Network Engineer role and follow the blueprint and you will make it happen.

How would I go about changing the time zone on a cisco router or switch? I've done it many times on PC's, but never even considered doing it on routers and switches, or if it even needed to be done. Time to go to Google and search.......

Gpdriver17

Hondabuff wrote: »

I would absolutely not be telling people you went from zero knowledge to CCNA in a month. I would bet in an Interview if they asked you log into a device and change the timezone you would be lost. If I were you I would go down the CCNA Security track and pickup a lot of the best practices you will find in it. Once you get a job in the networking field then pursue the CCNP track. You need to start building your core skills that will land you a NOC type role or Network Administrator role. I would install GNS3 on your PC and get the CCNP GNS3 lab books and start plugging along. Its ok to start reading the CCNP material but I wouldn't try to certify until you working and can utilize those skills. Set your 5 year goal to be a CCNP and in a Network Engineer role and follow the blueprint and you will make it happen.

You're right, I had no idea how to change the timezone. In the CCNA all they covered was the concept of an NTP server. This is why I'm studying for the NP, to learn more. I'm looking for an organized study plan. It seems more productive to follow a well laid out plan than spend my time trying to think of random things I could possibly be asked (how to change the timezone) and googling them. Am I wrong?

So, let me get this right... you're saying I'm better off studying for the NP, getting a job, working a few years/possibly forgetting the details of the exam/not having an exam I can pass on my resume, then studying for the exam again and taking it?

omi2123

In real IT world, an RHCSA supersedes Linux+ at any given time. Get the ceret that's worth spending your time & money for.

PCTechLinc wrote: »

Security+ is going to be vendor-neutral, so you'll have a broader knowledge of security concepts. I plan on taking CCNA Security to renew my CCNA Routing & Switching by September to keep all my certs valid. In order to attempt any of the CCNP exams, you have to have the CCNA for that particular track already. If CCNA is your only cert right now, I would go for the Linux+ since you already have that experience. That will be more valuable to employers quickly. Then you can get Security+ or CCNA Security. Keep in mind that getting your CCNA Security also gives you DoD 4011 recognition as well.