Q: I have A+ and I just got Network+. I need some advice about which certification to get next, MCP or CCNA? Since I just got done studying for Net+, I feel like I'm probably half way to CCNA. But, Windows 2000 Pro(70-210) would be just as attainable for me or probably more so...

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Q: I have A+ and I just got Network+. I need some advice about which certification to get next, MCP or CCNA? Since I just got done studying for Net+, I feel like I'm probably half way to CCNA. But, Windows 2000 Pro(70-210) would be just as attainable for me or probably more so. What's more likely to land me a decent job, (A+, Network+ and CCNA) or (A+, Network+ and MCP)? I intend to go for MSCA next and probably onto MSCE eventually. However, I want to get a job after my next certification. So, MCP is definitely in my future, but will CCNA be more helpful in getting a job right now?

A: I would say the MCSA would be the better route right now. The A+ and N+ will prepare you for only about 5% of the CCNA exam. It is a TOUGH exam. I would say it was even harder then the 70-216 exam. The main part of the CCNA exam are the router simulations. You get no hints at all, so you need to know exactly what lines of code go in what order or you'll pretty much fail the exam. Not to scare you, but that's why Cisco exams are considered some of the hardest to get.

HHHTheGame

Finish your degree. It is may not have more immediately value than a
certification, but it's value last a lot longer than a certification does.
Certifications only have value while the product you are certified on is in
demand. In the IT world, that is usually a few years.

Politician Spock

I agree with you, but you can do both at the same time. This is what I'm doing.

Robert Tourangeau
MCP Win2k Pro & Serv.

Amen to that. For years we were able to compete in the market with degrees, but the climate has really changed, and more and more, employers are looking for the almighty piece of paper. Get it in MIS or CIS or whatever, but just get it! I also recommend that people start to leverage their skill sets by learning a programming language or two. And learn Unix!

Brian

source: alt.certification.mcse
added: March 2003

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