CCNA/CCNP should help or not?

Ok so i work in a CISCO run environment. I dont really care about what certs to get for my career as much as I care about knowing my stuff inside and out. I have about 6 years exp in IT with most of it doing security (vulnerability scans, logs, compliance and a little networking).

I have been able to function with my security knowledge, but I always feel like I am far behind understanding the networking side of the house. I frequently have meetings with engineers and although I can understand most everything they are talking about, I dont feel like I have the technical knowledge to make definitive security decisions.

Should I seek out the CCNA/CCNP to get this more in depth experience. I honestly feel that security professionals need more than just functional knowledge of networking to be effective.

All in all I love to learn, I dont mind putting in the time for the CCNA/CCNP. I think it is all rather interesting. Your thoughts?

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Comments

aftereffector

It's definitely not going to hurt you!

I'd strongly recommend going for the CCNA at least.

TechGuru80

I do not know how one can secure a network without knowing how to construct one. Long story short, the additional information can only help.

MeanDrunkR2D2

It definitely wouldn't hurt. So why not, especially if your company will foot the bill.

TomkoTech

I would start with the CCNA:Security. It will definitely help you out. After that if you feel that you gained enough from the CCNA then do the CCNP. If nothing else you will learn a lot and have the ammo to request a raise.

Cyberscum

TomkoTech wrote: »

I would start with the CCNA:Security. It will definitely help you out. After that if you feel that you gained enough from the CCNA then do the CCNP. If nothing else you will learn a lot and have the ammo to request a raise.

CCNA Security? Isnt the CCNA prereq for CCNA:SEC

kohr-ah

Not any more. You have to do the CCENT first then you can take the CCNA+SEC test second now and be CCNA+SEC certified.

Verities

CCENT is accepted as a pre-req now:

CCNA Security Certification - IT Certifications and Career Paths - Cisco Systems

no!all!

I think your security experience and CCNA will go hand in hand!

5502george

CCNA:SEC seems like a good choice

JoJoCal19

Agree with the others. CCNA:S and even then, a CCNA:R&S would be great to have working in security. I've tried to get more technical security roles but the one big obstacle has been my lack of deep networking knowledge, like on the CCNA level, as well as some of the security knowledge on the CCNA:S level. So I've been stuck in GRC land. I actually am expecting an offer for a Sr InfoSec Admin role and they are willing to look past that as I had mentioned I would study and pursue them, and I'm strong in all the other areas they were looking for.

Cyberscum

JoJoCal19 wrote: »

Agree with the others. CCNA:S and even then, a CCNA:R&S would be great to have working in security. I've tried to get more technical security roles but the one big obstacle has been my lack of deep networking knowledge, like on the CCNA level, as well as some of the security knowledge on the CCNA:S level. So I've been stuck in GRC land. I actually am expecting an offer for a Sr InfoSec Admin role and they are willing to look past that as I had mentioned I would study and pursue them, and I'm strong in all the other areas they were looking for.

Yeah my role is becoming more and more GRC (which I am bored of). I am happy not making a ton of money, but doing what I actually enjoy. I just dont want to get stuck doing GRC becasue I lack the actual knowledge to do aything else if you know what I mean.