Any exam order advice?

I know there have been some questions similar to this, but I had a specific question that I can’t seem to find an answer for by searching. I’ve got a (hopefully) quick question for you folks—over the course of the next two years I’d like to get the following certifications under my belt:

Network+
Security+
CCNA: Security
MCSA- Windows Server 2008

I was wondering, what’s the best order to knock these certs out? For example, as I understand it, the Network+ and CCNA cover some of the same basic material. Would it be realistic to study them in tandem? The same with the Security+ exam and the CCNA Security test?

As far as experience, I’ve been working as a help desk support monkey for a couple of years and I just got “promoted” (more responsibility, no more money) to the computer account team where I get the dubious pleasure of leading a team of fellow support monkeys in administering the user accounts (we use AD, so I work with it every day.) I’m currently CompTIA A+ certified and I’m looking to beef up the old resume so I can get a network admin position, get some experience (maybe earn a CISSP), parlay that into a more information security-centric position.

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Comments

dave330i

CCNA is a prereq for CCNA: Sec.

offthenonagain

Thanks, but I know. For the sake of brevity, I just listed the CCNA: Security instead of CCNA and CCNA: Security.

eansdad

Net+ and Sec+ can be done fairly quick with the knowledge from Net+ going toward the CCNA. The CCNA:Sec will touch on Sec+ stuff but more on how to apply it to CCNA equipment. The MCSA is unrelated to the other certs and can be taken before, during or after.

MickQ

Drop the N+ if you're going for CCNA. No point in spending the extra cash.

EV42TMAN

The way i see it you can divide your list into 2 sections networking an software. If you need to save up money for a Cisco home lab then i'd say do Microsoft because all you'll need for that is a computer that can handle virtualization, which most current systems can handle. If you have a home lab or the budget to start building one then start with the networking side.

GOZCU

CCNA --> CCNP --> --> CCIE

or CCNA --> anything you liked ( CCNA Sec or CCNA Voice) --> NP level

also, do not under estimate the importance of Juniper.

ajs1976

My recommendation:

Network+ --> Security+. Having network+ and A+ before helps with the Sec+

Network+ --> (CCENT) --> CCNA. They all build on each other. Depending on your experience, skip Net+ and/or CCENT

Security+/CCNA --> CCNA: Security.

MCSA- Windows Server 2008
640 --> AD. Some of your experience now may help
642 --> Network Infrastructure will cover subnetting and other network concepts. Network+ type knowledge is assumed.
640 & 642 --> 646

Complete_IT_Professional

Start with the Network+. It's a good foundation for the other certifications you mentioned.
After the Network+, I would suggest the Security+, and then the CCNA, which would then lead into the CCNA Security. You can actually do the CCNA and CCNA Security before the Security+, but the Security+ helps out with getting the CCNA Security.
As mentioned above, the MCSA is unrelated so can be done in between or after these certifications.
Good luck!

Balantine

CCIE's will tell you to go CCIE before CCNP.

MickQ

Balantine wrote: »

CCIE's will tell you to go CCIE before CCNP.

I think you made a bit of a typo there; it's CCNP before CCIE (as you have in your sig's plans).