Best network certification?

[Duddy]

With a kid on the way, I need to up my salary.

I want to know which certification is the fastest and brings in the the better income. I know alot about ALL sorts of tech but have never looked into network certification, so I'm alittle lost.

IT pros! I need answers!

Also, I want to stay away from programming or software engineering. I can't type on a PC for hours on end. When I do I lose track of time and reality.

 

[RallyMaster]

CCNP maybe?

 

[Duddy]

Originally posted by: RallyMaster
CCNP maybe?

I'll need a short description of what exactly that covers please 🙂

 

[RallyMaster]

http://www.cisco.com/go/ccnp/ Certified Cisco Networking Professional: Won't be easy, but I'm pretty sure it's going to be the highest paid. You'll need a CCNA (A = Associate) certification first.

 

[Duddy]

Originally posted by: RallyMaster
http://www.cisco.com/go/ccnp/ Certified Cisco Networking Professional: Won't be easy, but I'm pretty sure it's going to be the highest paid. You'll need a CCNA (A = Associate) certification first.

After I get the CCNA, can I use it to start my career and then get my CCNP immediatly afterwords?

 

[91TTZ]

Originally posted by: Duddy
With a kid on the way, I need to up my salary.

I want to know which certification is the fastest and brings in the the better income. I know alot about ALL sorts of tech but have never looked into network certification, so I'm alittle lost.

IT pros! I need answers!

Also, I want to stay away from programming or software engineering. I can't type on a PC for hours on end. When I do I lose track of time and reality.

There is no get rich quick plan that works.

 

[91TTZ]

Originally posted by: Duddy

Originally posted by: RallyMaster
http://www.cisco.com/go/ccnp/ Certified Cisco Networking Professional: Won't be easy, but I'm pretty sure it's going to be the highest paid. You'll need a CCNA (A = Associate) certification first.

After I get the CCNA, can I use it to start my career and then get my CCNP immediatly afterwords?

No, you're not going to "start your career" after getting your CCNA. That cert isn't worth much.

 

[Duddy]

Originally posted by: 91TTZ

Originally posted by: Duddy
With a kid on the way, I need to up my salary.

I want to know which certification is the fastest and brings in the the better income. I know alot about ALL sorts of tech but have never looked into network certification, so I'm alittle lost.

IT pros! I need answers!

Also, I want to stay away from programming or software engineering. I can't type on a PC for hours on end. When I do I lose track of time and reality.

There is no get rich quick plan that works.

I don't need a get rich quick sheme, I have my first kid on the way in 8 months and can't rely on my current $13,000 a year salary to support it. I just need to make more money, not get rich.

 

[Duddy]

Originally posted by: 91TTZ

Originally posted by: Duddy

Originally posted by: RallyMaster
http://www.cisco.com/go/ccnp/ Certified Cisco Networking Professional: Won't be easy, but I'm pretty sure it's going to be the highest paid. You'll need a CCNA (A = Associate) certification first.

After I get the CCNA, can I use it to start my career and then get my CCNP immediatly afterwords?

No, you're not going to "start your career" after getting your CCNA. That cert isn't worth much.

Yeah, I just noticed that it only requires one exam. It can't be worth anything.

 

[RallyMaster]

CCNA is what you get in high school in a CISCO class. After that, you get into the heavy stuff.

According to one of the guys I know (copy and pasted from IM convo just now, names changed):

Me: highest paid networking certifcation is CCNP, right?
(00:22:44) Source: it's up there
(00:23:29) Source: if you get enough CCNPs, you'll be a god
(00:23:39) Source: essentially, you need to be a Linux master
(00:23:50) Source: since so many of the Cisc😵S commands are Linux-based

 

[91TTZ]

Originally posted by: RallyMaster
CCNA is what you get in high school in a CISCO class. After that, you get into the heavy stuff.

According to one of the guys I know (copy and pasted from IM convo just now, names changed):

Me: highest paid networking certifcation is CCNP, right?
(00:22:44) Source: it's up there
(00:23:29) Source: if you get enough CCNPs, you'll be a god
(00:23:39) Source: essentially, you need to be a Linux master
(00:23:50) Source: since so many of the Cisc😵S commands are Linux-based

ANY cert becomes worthless one it becomes too popular and everyone gets one. CCNP can be pretty easy, so that's not a great one either. CCIE is the king because of the difficulty in getting one.

In the end, the person's intelligence/ability/work ethic is what determines how far they go in life. There is no piece of paper out there that's a substitute for brainpower. A degree may land you a job, but if you don't know what you're doing, you won't keep the job.

 

[Duddy]

Originally posted by: RallyMaster
CCNA is what you get in high school in a CISCO class. After that, you get into the heavy stuff.

According to one of the guys I know (copy and pasted from IM convo just now, names changed):

Me: highest paid networking certifcation is CCNP, right?
(00:22:44) Source: it's up there
(00:23:29) Source: if you get enough CCNPs, you'll be a god
(00:23:39) Source: essentially, you need to be a Linux master
(00:23:50) Source: since so many of the Cisc😵S commands are Linux-based

Well that's good, I'm actually using Ubuntu right now. I use the command line to do almost everything so that I learn the system up and down. I think I've learned about 40% of the command system. I still don't understand the layout of the file system though.

 

[Pepsi90919]

Originally posted by: Duddy

Originally posted by: RallyMaster
CCNA is what you get in high school in a CISCO class. After that, you get into the heavy stuff.

According to one of the guys I know (copy and pasted from IM convo just now, names changed):

Me: highest paid networking certifcation is CCNP, right?
(00:22:44) Source: it's up there
(00:23:29) Source: if you get enough CCNPs, you'll be a god
(00:23:39) Source: essentially, you need to be a Linux master
(00:23:50) Source: since so many of the Cisc😵S commands are Linux-based

Well that's good, I'm actually using Ubuntu right now. I use the command line to do almost everything so that I learn the system up and down. I think I've learned about 40% of the command system. I still don't understand the layout of the file system though.

what's not to understand?

 

[Duddy]

Originally posted by: Pepsi90919

Originally posted by: Duddy

Originally posted by: RallyMaster
CCNA is what you get in high school in a CISCO class. After that, you get into the heavy stuff.

According to one of the guys I know (copy and pasted from IM convo just now, names changed):

Me: highest paid networking certifcation is CCNP, right?
(00:22:44) Source: it's up there
(00:23:29) Source: if you get enough CCNPs, you'll be a god
(00:23:39) Source: essentially, you need to be a Linux master
(00:23:50) Source: since so many of the Cisc😵S commands are Linux-based

Well that's good, I'm actually using Ubuntu right now. I use the command line to do almost everything so that I learn the system up and down. I think I've learned about 40% of the command system. I still don't understand the layout of the file system though.

what's not to understand?

Well, I'm used to the Windows layout. In Linux the files a placed differently. Navigating system files in Linux is like navigating Europe without a map.

 

[JackBurton]

CCIE...and you've got a looong road ahead of you.

 

[Duddy]

Originally posted by: JackBurton
CCIE...and you've got a looong road ahead of you.

Um, I don't think I should jump into, what sums up as, a PhD in Networking just yet. I'll be working on my degree and certification at the same time. A CCIE seems like a full time thing.

And how long of a road do I have?

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

Originally posted by: Duddy

Originally posted by: Pepsi90919

Originally posted by: Duddy

Originally posted by: RallyMaster
CCNA is what you get in high school in a CISCO class. After that, you get into the heavy stuff.

According to one of the guys I know (copy and pasted from IM convo just now, names changed):

Me: highest paid networking certifcation is CCNP, right?
(00:22:44) Source: it's up there
(00:23:29) Source: if you get enough CCNPs, you'll be a god
(00:23:39) Source: essentially, you need to be a Linux master
(00:23:50) Source: since so many of the Cisc😵S commands are Linux-based

Well that's good, I'm actually using Ubuntu right now. I use the command line to do almost everything so that I learn the system up and down. I think I've learned about 40% of the command system. I still don't understand the layout of the file system though.

what's not to understand?

Well, I'm used to the Windows layout. In Linux the files a placed differently. Navigating system files in Linux is like navigating Europe without a map.

That shouldn't take long to learn... what are you not understanding?

Your best bet is to look for a job where you could potentially move into a manager position or something as quickly as possible. Get any job at all, and after a while of doing it, 6 months or something, start applying like crazy to all manager positions that are open.

What experience do you have prior to this? All I know is that you're young and have a kid on the way. Also, not being offensive or anything, but look into government aid as a backup plan. If you can't come up with 100% of the money you need and after a job, you're a little under, where can you get aid.

Have you figured out your expenses yet? I know this is getting a bit off topic from this thread, but based on your other thread, you need to start planning things out. Figure out all your expenses and what it'll take to run this family.

 

[jamesbond007]

Originally posted by: Duddy

Originally posted by: JackBurton
CCIE...and you've got a looong road ahead of you.

Um, I don't think I should jump into, what sums up as, a PhD in Networking just yet. I'll be working on my degree and certification at the same time. A CCIE seems like a full time thing.

And how long of a road do I have?

Long enough so that you can't see the end! 😛 I don't know what you do now, but you may want to consider finding a new part-time job or getting a second job. 13K/yr isn't enough to support a family - I barely make do with 20K/yr while in school supporting only myself!

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: Duddy

Originally posted by: RallyMaster
CCNP maybe?

I'll need a short description of what exactly that covers please 🙂

dude if you don't know at least that you are doomed.


Experience is the best route, esp if never a field engineer you never get a feel for a wide range of needs/equip. You can build yourself a niche in a company and go far, but you will find you may be limited in finding another job later on.

CCNA -> CCNP/CCVP is a good start. If you can set up call managers from scratch, you will find many jobs out there.

CISSP and CCIE (plus specialities) are the top-notch certs; for every CCIE out there I bet there are 10,000+ MCSE's.

What skills/experience do you have now?

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: RallyMaster
CCNA is what you get in high school in a CISCO class. After that, you get into the heavy stuff.

According to one of the guys I know (copy and pasted from IM convo just now, names changed):

Me: highest paid networking certifcation is CCNP, right?
(00:22:44) Source: it's up there
(00:23:29) Source: if you get enough CCNPs, you'll be a god
(00:23:39) Source: essentially, you need to be a Linux master
(00:23:50) Source: since so many of the Cisc😵S commands are Linux-based

not true at all.

Linux and IOS are about the same as javascript and vbscript.

CCNA can net you a $50-60k job with about 2-5 years experience. Without the CCNA you probably won't get a call back. Unfortunately certs drive managers now.

My brother is a CCIE/CISSP...edits for cisco press.

 

[spidey07]

CCNP/CCDP is a good start.

NP covers a broad range of networking technologies and the newly revamped tests are actually pretty difficult if you don't have the experience.

DP covers the design aspect and requires a deep understanding of network technologies and the consequences of particular designs and traffic flows.

CCIE is tops and very difficult to achieve do to the outrageous, never will you see in the real world scenarios you are given in the lab.

All of the newer test grill you on actually understanding the foundations and theory of networking, not just memorization. You have better really understand it to move forward.

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: Duddy

Originally posted by: JackBurton
CCIE...and you've got a looong road ahead of you.

Um, I don't think I should jump into, what sums up as, a PhD in Networking just yet. I'll be working on my degree and certification at the same time. A CCIE seems like a full time thing.

And how long of a road do I have?

takes an average person more than 4 years to get a CCIE, plus a crapload of equipment costs/rentals/real-life experience.

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: spidey07
CCIE is tops and very difficult to achieve do to the outrageous, never will you see in the real world scenarios you are given in the lab.

Not true. For those scenarios is why you would want to hire a CCIE...esp when seconds are measured in thousands/hundreds of thousands of dollars.

For most people, once you get into your niche you tend to become a master of that skillset.

True field engineers may be in california one night and in Jamaica the next....then sometimes just chilling for a couple weeks for the next big job.

For most people your MCSE, CCNA/NP, A+ and a specialty cert (esp in security or VoIP) will get you in most doors with a few years experience.

 

[xSauronx]

Originally posted by: Duddy

Originally posted by: Pepsi90919

Originally posted by: Duddy

Originally posted by: RallyMaster
CCNA is what you get in high school in a CISCO class. After that, you get into the heavy stuff.

According to one of the guys I know (copy and pasted from IM convo just now, names changed):

Me: highest paid networking certifcation is CCNP, right?
(00:22:44) Source: it's up there
(00:23:29) Source: if you get enough CCNPs, you'll be a god
(00:23:39) Source: essentially, you need to be a Linux master
(00:23:50) Source: since so many of the Cisc😵S commands are Linux-based

Well that's good, I'm actually using Ubuntu right now. I use the command line to do almost everything so that I learn the system up and down. I think I've learned about 40% of the command system. I still don't understand the layout of the file system though.

what's not to understand?

Well, I'm used to the Windows layout. In Linux the files a placed differently. Navigating system files in Linux is like navigating Europe without a map.

heirarchy information

its not that complicated. that writeup is long, but once you start fiddling around a bit youll get it figured out.

 

[ScottMac]

Originally posted by: alkemyst

Originally posted by: spidey07
CCIE is tops and very difficult to achieve do to the outrageous, never will you see in the real world scenarios you are given in the lab.

Not true. For those scenarios is why you would want to hire a CCIE...esp when seconds are measured in thousands/hundreds of thousands of dollars.
For most people, once you get into your niche you tend to become a master of that skillset.

True field engineers may be in california one night and in Jamaica the next....then sometimes just chilling for a couple weeks for the next big job.

For most people your MCSE, CCNA/NP, A+ and a specialty cert (esp in security or VoIP) will get you in most doors with a few years experience.

Well, no. Just no. The scenarios presented on teh CCIE exam are so bizarre and contain so many goofy configuration spread around a small equipment group ... if you saw something similar in "real life," the person that designed it should be shot, stabbed, drawn & quartered and made to watch political debates (and then the re-runs a few dozen times).

What makes the CCIE Lab difficult is that they ask you to do some task, but (for some of the tasks) not to do it using the correct / conventional method (sometimes they rule out the top couple ways of doing something). The other factor that makes it tough is the number of tasks to be done within the timeframe presented.

Technically, while somewhat of a challenge, it's not that big of a deal. You have to know a variety of methods to accomplish a given goal, and get it done in a short time. You have a complete Cisco library at your disposal for the entire exam ... the issue is that time spent looking stuff up takes away from the config time.

CCIE is absolutely the top cert for networking, no dispute from me there, but I've interviewed CCIEs that didn't know the difference between a POTS jack and a PBX jack (she couldn't get her modem to dial out), and another that couldn't explain the ARPing process (when it happens, where it happens) or explain the MAC/IP address transitions through a series of routers & switches.... so there are more than a few "bootcamp" / Lab Rat CCIEs in the market.

Paper is paper, skills are skills, experience is experience.

Personally, I'll take demonstratable skills and experience over a chunk of paper any day.

FWIW

Scott