hi there, just afew questions to ask,

which network certification would you advise on getting first to start off with, e.g. CCNA, Network+, ... etc.

which in particular are considered worth getting or not worth getting??

also, are there any that are considered the muts nuts in working towards for the future.


cheers,

dawlton.

Network+ for starters.

1.) Its easier than the CCNA according to folk Ive spoken to.

2.) Its a non-vendor exam so the information you learn is useful and not limited to a subset of network technologies.

I.E. Cisco deals primarily with cisco equipment

Id have to disagree and say go for the CCNA.

Yes its a vendor exam but:

* Its very well recognised
* Skills are transferable (most routing hardware/software has a very similar config sytax to cisco stuff, zebra/quagga/etc...)
* Serious networking/routing is usually done with above kit.

Cornet

Aye CCNA. Cisco is networking tbh

Cheers
Tongy

I got my CCNA about 9 years ago and its a good start. Alot of the CCNA is based on basic concepts rather than specific kit, although obviously any kit you do use will be Cisco.

As ever though nothing, but nothing, beats practical experiance. Certifications, in my opinion, are there to make your CV look good and a good looking CV only gets you as far as the interview. Youre the one that gets the job at interview.

Most of the top guys I know/work with and respect have let their certs laps if they are permanent.

As a starting block though CCNA is better regarded than Network+ tbh.

but network+ will get him more suitable for a CCNA or higher network qualification.

As he says "starting out" I still think hes better off with a network+.

We have no idea of his prior knowledge, and it would be better if he learnt the basics of networking before he went for CCNA.

Sod it, Go for CCNP

Surely a CCIE would be more suitable... soopah

You rang?

I still think CCNA is the better way to go career wise. true we dont know his base knowledge but he did ask about career rather than whats easiest to get.

Id recommend reading the network+ books but shoot for CCNA if you really want to be certified. Youre always best off with broad knowledge but you dont need the cerification. If youre training yourself pay for the CCNA which will get you more noticed than network+ imho.

cheers guys for all ur feedback, some great advice.

i think i might go for a CCNA, even though it may be harder than a Network+, it may be better for me since ill kinda be thrown in at the deep end, plus its cisco certification which is widely recognised.

i could always get the Network+ at a later date, hopefully some of the CCNA stuff will overlap, so ill already know some of the Network+ to begin with.

i suppose it wont hurt if i get a Network+ book or sumthing just to keep me more in the know about networking!

cheers.