It's been almost 1 year since I passed my CCNA. I did self study and did it the 2 exam approach. Where I work I am one of 4 guys that does IT for 8 different tracks around the US, so I get to do things from basic help desk all the way up to setting up Router/Switches/ASA's. I love my job and everything I learned networking/Cisco wise has been from this job.
My dilemma is I don't know what to start studying for next. I don't have to have a Cisco certification for my job, but I wanted to learn networking, and it has helped me a lot everyday. I was configuring switches before I even knew what a switch was or even what a network really was. I now know what they are and how to configure them like the back of my hand
I thought about going to CCNA-Security, and read 1 book, but found it boring as it mainly focused on CCP. I then started reading for Wireless cert, but from what I am gathering its really all not that great of a certification to get. I can configure AP, WLAN Controller pretty well. I have rolled out a few at different tracks on my own, so I have kinda taken over the wireless role here.
We also are starting to do a lot of VOIP, and really have 1 of us that does it, but not very well
I thought about going for that cert, but honestly I dislike phone/VOIP. Maybe its because everyone has complained each time its been rolled out. Part of it I am sure is because no one here has any training and we just fix issues as they arise. We are however teaming up with an outside vendor to Virtualize our VOIP system and have to systems at 2 different location (East,West Coast) I am hoping that will peak my interest in wanting to learn phones...
I have also read 2 books for CCNP switching, and understand most of it, but we are not large enough to even use things like HSRP, or even use RSTP. Plus I don't always touch a switch/router on a daily basis, so not sure if I would be able to pass the exam just based on reading.
My gut tells me to keep going and study for the CCNP exam. Figure I have another 2 years before my CCNA expires and if by then I am not CCNP, I could probably sit for the CCNA and pass with no issues.
I do have access to all equipment at any time. Granted most of it is live, so can't change the configs. I also have small home lab with 1 router, 1 L3 switch, and 4 L2 switches. I also have books/video's on most of the certs listed above, or I can get them. Work does pay for my exam, but only if I pass
So if you were in my shoes what would you do?
Ken~
