Network+ or CCENT?

Hi guys, I am a complete noob on here. So I guess i'll start off with my name is Matthew, i'm 24 years old and I graduated December 2013 from the University of West Georgia with a degree in management information systems. I planned to go to the military as a cyber systems operations specialist, but was hurt in a car accident and could no longer pass a physical. Anyway I am now trying to get working and out of my parents house. I've been looking at some certs I could get to make myself stand out a little. I'm interested in networking, but only had 1, possibly 2 classes that really covered it. I heard comptia network+ is a good one but people say it costs more, and that cisco is much better. I've also heard cisco tests are primarily about its own products, do the majority of companies use cisco products? Is passing the CCENT a certificate on it's own? Or do you have to study for and pass 2 different tests to be considered certified? Also, i'm a pretty smart guy, but i'd like to know how much time would be enough to study for these tests? I've heard CCENT is harder and more thorough. Would 2 months studying 5 days a week be enough time? Also, can any of these exams be taken online? I'm sure i've asked some very rudimentary and no doubt irritating "noobie" questions, I apologize in advance and I know i'm unworthy. Even so, I would really appreciate some helpful advice from some of you who have experience. Thanks alot!:)

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Talonize

Sorry to hear about your accident, hope things work out with that.

From what I was told in my classes, anyone who has no/limited knowledge on networking or in IT could have a very difficult time starting in the CCENT/CCNA. I know it's doable, I had a classmate who started off with Cisco. My Cisco prof has told me that the Net+ basically teaches you the concepts of Cisco, while Cisco is actually going through the motions. CCENT is a certificate on it's own. It is also a requirement to get your CCNA (the next level cert). What you can do is go straight for your CCNA, which will cover the material on your CCENT exam and more, or you can split the CCNA in two exams, ICDN1 and ICDN2. You take these at separate times and each one is valid for 3 years. ICDN1 is your CCENT. Once you pass ICDN2, you are CCNA certified.

As for study time, if you actually study 5 days a week, I think you should be ok. I know some people, myself namely <<, say that we will study all the time, but dont go through with it =p

I too just started here and will be taking my Net+ exam soon, so much fun to us!

Good luck.

mtramme1

Hey Talonize thanks alot for your reply! yea i'm better now and recovered. What made you choose to go for the net+?

Talonize

I originally wanted to just work with computer hardware, but as I read more and more and listened to what others said, I realized that there's more of a future in networking. Plus as I read more about networking equipment, the more excited I became to learn more and more. So I chose to go into networking, and the net+ cert because it teaches the concepts behind most current network technologies, which I knew almost nothing about.

tkerber

CCENT/Network+ used to be very similar tests but recently Cisco made a lot of changes to their curriculum and the CCENT seems to be a bit more tough and Cisco proprietary. I took a few CCENT practice tests for the fun of it and was surprised at how much they changed.

Just my 0.02 but I think that the Network+ is actually a better certification to have than the CCENT. Network+ gives you more of a foundation level knowledge and it's not vendor neutral like the CCENT. I also say this because I've rarely ever seen any companies ask for the CCENT, ever... To me if you're working on Cisco gear its at least a CCNA or bust.

However, this all changes if you go CCENT then CCNA. A CCNA is vastly superior to a Network+ hands down. Network+ is still a great starting cert and will give you that foundation to build on for your CCNA and above.

networker050184

No reason to ever get the N+ unless it is a specific job requirement in my opinion. Go for what will help you career wise. In networking that is Cisco.

Now, that doesn't mean don't learn the fundamentals. You don't have to drop the money on the exam though.

--chris--

networker050184 wrote: »

No reason to ever get the N+ unless it is a specific job requirement in my opinion. Go for what will help you career wise. In networking that is Cisco.

Now, that doesn't mean don't learn the fundamentals. You don't have to drop the money on the exam though.

This is a good point. If I could re-do my "direct to ccent" from nothing apporach it would have been to read a good Net+ book first, skip the exam for it and keep on reading the CCENT books.

kbowen0188

I would really study the Network+ first. Even if you don't want to get the Certificate, it is the best place to start for a beginner with little to no knowledge. The new CCENT is pretty hefty and it isn't meant to be an introduction to networking. My old CCNA study book isn't as thick as the new CCENT study book.

mtramme1

That sounds similar to my own situation. ok thx for your input I really appreciate it man!

mtramme1

thanks alot you guys i've heard stuff similar to this. Can you tell me about the amount of study time it takes to pass the tests?? chris and networker I assume both of you have CCNA? how long did you spend on the CCENT?

networker050184

There was no CCENT when I did the CCNA. I just took the one test route. How long it takes really depends on how much knowledge you are bringing to the table to begin with. Someone with years of experience under their belt is obviously going to run through it much quicker than someone completely new to the material. Average I've seen around here though seems to be about 3-4 months.

Jon_Cisco

First things first. Use your degree to go get an entry level job. The experience will be worth more then the cert and the paycheck can't hurt.

With your degree Network+ seems like a waste. It's an entry level cert that has limited value as your career moves forward. By all means learn the information but don't worry about the test. If you are interested in Networking then I would suggest CCENT/CCNA. Nobody looks for just the CCENT but you can use it as a talking point in an interview to show your interest.

Good Luck!

mtramme1

All you guys were awesome thanks so much for you input.

SephStorm

Jon_Cisco wrote: »

First things first. Use your degree to go get an entry level job. The experience will be worth more then the cert and the paycheck can't hurt.

With your degree Network+ seems like a waste. It's an entry level cert that has limited value as your career moves forward. By all means learn the information but don't worry about the test. If you are interested in Networking then I would suggest CCENT/CCNA. Nobody looks for just the CCENT but you can use it as a talking point in an interview to show your interest.

Good Luck!

Degrees rarely equate to employment in this day and age, especially in IT. As far as the degree goes, few companies are going to pay a degreed candidate any more on the entry level side, you see those boosts in raise discussions and when moving into management.

But when talking about this level of cert, you are right, because there are no requests for CCENT/N+ candidates. OP I think should get the CCENT. Despite the fact that it is vendor focused, here's what you need to consider. Cisco is a world leader in networking, even if your first job doesnt use Cisco, its likely some company will, or a company that yours works with, it is beneficial to have that knowledge if needed. From what i'm told, Cisco CLI commands translate fairly easily to other vendors, learning Cisco IOS will translate into other vendors. And finally, I understand you are concerned about learning the basics. The primary focus of the CCENT is networking fundamentals. The majority of the information leaned in the CCENT is directly able to be used in any networking discussion. Switching, Routing protocols, OSI and TCP/IP models, subnetting. All of this is what you will learn in the Net+ material, only to be duplicated when you study for CCENT/CCNA in the future. Don't waste your time or MONEY. Buy the CCENT book and start reading.

mtramme1

thx Seph, any more tips on how to study for it or is reading the ccent book all that I need? How long did it take you to study for it?

Dakinggamer87

It really depends on what direction you take your career in especially if you want to major as a network administrator/engineer. My personal opinion is to do the Network+ first as it will prepare you for the Cisco certs which are much more advanced. The Network+ will give you the fundamental knowledge of the networking basics such as ports, protocols, and the OSI model.

Chitownjedi

If you are just getting into Networking I suggest Network+ then CCENT... taking the test is debatable.. as Network plus is more than likely over $250.00

However resume filters and head hunters may recognize the name more than CCENT.. so there is that... since you are beginning, I really don't see a huge difference if you get Net+ first, but I would definitely immediately follow up with CCENT - CCNA...

The only thing you stand to lose is 250.00 and about 2-3 months of studying on the Network+... some may feel it's a waste of time.. it's not.. it just has a lower Return on Investment then going CCENT-CCNA. However, the basics of Network+ helps the transition, and the old CCENT covered 95% of the Network + stuff, so I used to suggest that only, but since the change, I'm unsure if they cover the basics still with their reshuffling of objectives.

Deathmage

Chitownjedi wrote: »

If you are just getting into Networking I suggest Network+ then CCENT... taking the test is debatable.. as Network plus is more than likely over $250.00

However resume filters and head hunters may recognize the name more than CCENT.. so there is that... since you are beginning, I really don't see a huge difference if you get Net+ first, but I would definitely immediately follow up with CCENT - CCNA...

The only thing you stand to lose is 250.00 and about 2-3 months of studying on the Network+... some may feel it's a waste of time.. it's not.. it just has a lower Return on Investment then going CCENT-CCNA. However, the basics of Network+ helps the transition, and the old CCENT covered 95% of the Network + stuff, so I used to suggest that only, but since the change, I'm unsure if they cover the basics still with their reshuffling of objectives.

Being as one that has read 2 CCENT books so far, the content is still 65% from Network + content. It helps me since the concepts are still fresh plus hands-on in the lab and at work sinks it in for me.

I hope to take the exam before the end of August which will be 4 months of study.

Pupil

I'd say read a Network+ book, but study for an obtain CCENT + CCNA.

TechGuru80

Great questions.

First, network+ is a truly entry level certification to give basic network fundamentals. If you have little to no network background I would start here. Depending on your financial ability, it would be good to at least have while studying for others...and cisco stated people who pass Net+ have a higher CCNA pass rate. The Cisco exams are much more difficult and although they cover Cisco equipment they are a major player and several concepts apply to multiple vendors (there are proprietary cisco concepts and industry). CCENT is a single test and is the entry level for Cisco. There is a second test you can take to achieve your CCNA after. All tests are done at a testing center. Cisco exams actually test command line knowledge where Net+ is conceptual.

[Deleted User]

Agreed with TechGuru80. Start with Network+ I would take the exam also as this will help you with your CCNA studies. Your CCENT will be a lot easier to prepare for (for me it is at least). Although you will be working with Cisco hardware and actually setting up these protocols (NAT/PAT) ACLs, routing protocols(EIGRP,OSPF IS-IS,(not covered on the exam but still cool to know about.) etc. and verifying they work with commands and seeing them in action. Since Cisco certifications are valued in the industry and proves your overall reliability as an IT professional. You are also going and putting all of the theory knowledge you have gained from your Network+ into a real world situations and learning the Cisco way of doing things. You could then look into Juniper if you wish and learn their methodology/configurations. Invest in a lab however(do not simulate with PacketTracer, GNS3 or Cisco Network Simulator software). You can't simulate (emulate) your career so why do it to begin with.

lilrush200

well I really want to begin with the basics. what would you recommend?

--chris--

lilrush200 wrote: »

well I really want to begin with the basics. what would you recommend?

If your not solid with your hardware knowledge, A+.

If your good there, Net+.

If you want the Cisco certs, do Net+ then cisco.

Remedymp

I think some people are very confused with the purpose of the Network+ and other Comptia exams. The purpose of it is to demonstrate ones literacy of a given subject such as Enterprise. Networking. A CCNA is a demonstration of ones mastering of Internetworking Cisco's routers and switches currently in production. If you have never worked with Cisco's products before, it would be behoove a person to demonstrate their literacy of networking first before venturing into the CCNA.

It's no different than having to earn a Class D Learners permit (Network+) before taking the road test of a Drivers license (CCNA).

The CCENT is geared toward a person who works on Level 1 of a NOC or Datacenter as some form of Datacenter technician where Cisco products reside.

Just my 2c.