Do you think a CCNA is enough in this job economy?

[thebigg123]

Do you think a CCNA is enough in this job economy?

 

[pparks1]

Enough for what job???? I'm a systems admin and have about 12 years experience on the job. I used to have a CCNA and I felt that it provided value as it said that I knew some of the basics about networking and helped me with subnetting, routing and vlan usage. However, I also have certs from Microsoft and Red Hat to round out some of my systems credentials as well. Their is a lot from a network perspective to be gained studying for the CCNA, it's a solid exam and does require a fair amount of effort to maintain.

For the places that I worked, the majority of the network engineers had CCNP's.

 

[thebigg123]

For a network admin job. You think a CCNA is enough?

 

[thebigg123]

Enough for what job???? I'm a systems admin and have about 12 years experience on the job. I used to have a CCNA and I felt that it provided value as it said that I knew some of the basics about networking and helped me with subnetting, routing and vlan usage. However, I also have certs from Microsoft and Red Hat to round out some of my systems credentials as well. Their is a lot from a network perspective to be gained studying for the CCNA, it's a solid exam and does require a fair amount of effort to maintain.

For the places that I worked, the majority of the network engineers had CCNP's.

Didn't really answer my question but tell me about the knowledge I'd gain from studying for it.

 

[pparks1]

For an entry level network job it's probably sufficient, or for a small shop. The issues will likely be the WAN connections and such which will be required and aren't heavily focused on with the CCNA exam. System admin guys don't rely on too many people heavily, but a great network person is heavily relied upon on a daily basis.

Of course, experience is always the best thing. Certs help and get you on the right foot...but not all employers really require it or put that much faith in it. As long as you know your stuff and feel that you can perform on the job that is the key. Because when things go wrong people will start to look at you and you will have to get it resolved.

Hope that helps.

 

[macgyver2]

Thebigg what career path are you looking at? I got Network+ then Security+ certs, then became Certified Computer Examiner or what ever its called as the network and security certs got me into the jobs I wanted as a freelance worker. What certs to get and how many will all depend on what you want to do. I got into Cyber crimes after my identity was stolen back in 1994, I had to help the investigators as they didn't know how to use a Macintosh powerbook. People ask me why I don't teach computers or do admin work and I just don't find it fun so if your young think about that too. You will want to enjoy what you do before spending money on a cert you might never use like I did.