Is CCNA useful for a Desktop Engineer/Helpdesk post ?

Hi, I have done A+ and N+. I'm applying for Desktop Eng/Helpdesk post as this is my first job.

I wanted to know whethere doing CCNA will be helpful in securing a job,
or go for Desktop Eng, get experience, in the meanwhile do CCNA.

I don't want to wast money. Please tell me.

Thanks in advance.

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iproute

bng wrote:

or go for Desktop Eng, get experience, in the meanwhile do CCNA.

Knowing what I know of the IT market, I'd shoot for that.

mikej412

An MCP may be more helpful to get the Desktop Eng/Helpdesk post -- unless the company is doing helpdesk work for a vendor who makes Cisco add on products or does outsourced remote network support.

When you have that job and are racking up some experience, then study for the CCNA and MCSA so you have some more skills to help you move up to a "better job."

As you find out more about the job opportunities available - now and in the future-- you can modify your Certification goals to better position yourself when compared to other candidates.

Slowhand

It's not going to hurt you, no matter what IT job you take. I don't think it's going to be a waste of money, regardless. Generally, the $125 to take the test is really not that much compared to the kind of money you can make as a CCNA, especially when you consider that it can not only help you get into helpdesk positions, but push you above and beyond that as well.

Webmaster

I agree with Mike about MCP (or MCSA) being perhaps a better choice unless you actually need to support Cisco, but, that said, my answer to "Is CCNA useful for a Desktop Engineer/Helpdesk post ?" is YES. In short, it's good replacement for the Network+ and the 'old' Net Essential (MCSE NT4). Those two were very similar and the obvious choice to learn networking basics. Net essential doesn't exist anymore, and Network+ just isn't quite it imho as well as in the opinion of many employers. So, from that perspective, CCNA (you may want to consider the 2-exams road, do the INTRO exam first) is the best choice for an entry-level networking certification. Even though CCNA is more than that and you'll learn practical stuff you won't need on the job, that practical stuff will help you better understand the theory, which in turn will help you understand other networking topics and better troubleshoot problems that may arise in your client's networks. CCNA looks good on a resume and that combined with the relevant new skills and knowledge you pick up it will certainly not be a waste of money.

markzab

Webmaster wrote:

I agree with Mike about MCP (or MCSA) being perhaps a better choice unless you actually need to support Cisco, but, that said, my answer to "Is CCNA useful for a Desktop Engineer/Helpdesk post ?" is YES. In short, it's good replacement for the Network+ and the 'old' Net Essential (MCSE NT4). Those two were very similar and the obvious choice to learn networking basics. Net essential doesn't exist anymore, and Network+ just isn't quite it imho as well as in the opinion of many employers. So, from that perspective, CCNA (you may want to consider the 2-exams road, do the INTRO exam first) is the best choice for an entry-level networking certification. Even though CCNA is more than that and you'll learn practical stuff you won't need on the job, that practical stuff will help you better understand the theory, which in turn will help you understand other networking topics and better troubleshoot problems that may arise in your client's networks. CCNA looks good on a resume and that combined with the relevant new skills and knowledge you pick up it will certainly not be a waste of money.

Longest. Sentence. Ever.

Pash

Most places wan't mcp's for helpdesk support. All of the customers we have contracts with here in the UK normally request our helpdesk onsite staff have mcp's, it's also a requirement for many businesses to maintain microsoft partnerships. Infact, even though i don't work onsite for any of our customers on helpdesk (only a 4hr response over the phone and onsite when needed)...when I said to one of my company directors im gonna start studying for my ccnp mid year...he laughed and said "do mcp, much more useful for customer"...Now while this is probably true because the customer is reassured by helpdesk staff with mcp's...it means i have to study for more....and id rather not

But a CCNA is an awesome addition to your N+...it will build on it nicely and I know you will find the skills gained very valuable when troubleshooting networking problems...regardless of whether it is on cisco equipment or not....subnetting and the osi model will become your golden ticket.

Goodluck.