A change to CISCO career ... where to get it in Chicago? .. online ...?

[Noid]

I've been thinking about a change in career.

Wondering about CISCO certs and CISCO security certs.

How long does training last for cert?
How often to re-cert?
$$$ ?

Anyone have a idea for me to find cert training ... in Chicago?

Can I cert online?

 

[yoda291]

100 bux to actually take the test iirc. You have to renew every few years...older certs get renewed automatically when you take a new tests renewal. For instance, if you get or renew a CCIE, the CCNA and NP get renewed.

 

[Kevin]

I thought the CCNA it was $150...

 

[Noid]

So it's just a matter of passing the test.... ?

Can I get the classes online ..?

 

[rawoutput]

You can't really booklearn or online learn how to operate a bunch of routers together. Sure you can learn binary and junk like that, but if you really want to learn how to use the Routers so that you'll be able to solve problems instead of memorizing test questions then sign up for a Cisco class at a local tech center or comm college.

 

[Kevin]

Originally posted by: Noid
So it's just a matter of passing the test.... ?

Can I get the classes online ..?

The Cisco Cirriculumn is entirely online. I think the classes are expensive though. You really need the hands-on experience since a log of the CCNA is manually configuring routers, switches, vlans, etc...

 

[Noid]

thanks ... guess I need to look into how much ..

..and a loan ...

 

[astroview]

what is it you do now?

 

[Noid]

AS400 - COBOL / RPG software engineer

Also some DEC/ VAX ... PC COBOL ...

Mainly COBOL on AS400

about 13 years as a Consultant


... oh ... and alot of home computer builds and networking
(hobbie for myself)

I'd become a Master Bass Fisherman if I could .. ...

 

[wyvrn]

I took Cisco Network Academy at local community college. Classes and books were relatively cheap. I got tons of time on the routers. If you are serious, I wouldn't recommend any other way. Compared to the classes, the actual Cisco cert test was a breeze. But then again I still can't find a job

 

[bozo1]

Look at the job market before you make the jump.

Alot of us with Cisco, MS, etc., certifications are out of work.

I'm interviewing for jobs that pay half what I was making a year ago.

 

[Cyberian]

A change to CISCO career ...

Isn't that market a bit soft right now?

Did you used to work on System 36/38 before the SA400?

 

[Noid]

The last 36/38 I worked on was in the 80's.

Well ,,, I see CISCO/security opportunities on Monster board in the Chicago / downtown area almost everyday.

And,,, my current career has been offering consulting only.
(no more for me)

Not to mention that over the years ,,, the consulting companies kept me under educated by placing me in old accounts running software that should have been re-written or re-built. I'm tired of puttin grease on those fires.
(like the soft patches for Y2K)
(you know most of those fixes are good for 35 years only ... right?)

They'd run me ragged with constant old technology without any time to re-educate me or offer me that opportunity.
In fact ... ALL of the consulting companies (except for one out of 9 I think) I worked for are out of buisness. Either bankrupt, folded, or sold.

I guess I'm stuck in a hard place. I'm not doing consulting anymore. Period.
So,,, I like electronics ,, and I'm a fast learner.

Maybe I need to re-think this ... thanks for input.