CCNA or Network+ - Which should I get?

[hungrypete]

I need some help deciding whether to go ahead and get the Network+ certification, which I am mostly prepared for already, or if I should skip it and get the CCNA.

In my opinion the CCNA is much more recognizable, and the material is much more specific. The network+ seems to be just a big 'history of freaking networking'. I've gathered some materials for CCNA like the router sims, etc, and I really think that would be a better choice, but I want the opinions of you higher level techs!

 

[Scarpozzi]

If you get your CCNA, you'll have to renew it in 3 years. If you get your Network+, it's yours. The industry recognizes CCNA more right now, but N+ is simply less maintenance if you ask me. Both cover a lot of material.

 

[vi edit]

Cisco is a nice buzzword. Comptia = job at CompUSA.

Just my experience.

 

[Kevin]

You should see some of the tests during the course for the CCNA.They'll give you 4 choices, 1 is completey wrong, 1 could be right. Then you're left with 2 questions. Now you have to pick which one is "better" since both are somewhat correct...

 

[Shelly21]

CCNA....

and 3 years later, get your job to pay for your renewal.

hmmm mine says valid through: Nov 21, 2003... I'm such a nerd!

 

[hungrypete]

are the Cisco cert renewals full price or are they cheaper and 'simplified' like I've heard the MS re-certifications/upgrades are.

and on another note, anyone wanna make any brave guesses as to when IPv6 will begin its real rollout?

 

[KC5AV]

I would say why not both? If you are ready for the N+, go for it. How are you planning to prepare for the CCNA? If you go the Academy route, it will be about a year before you are ready. If you plan to do self-study, it will still take time. I have had my CCNA for about a year and a half, and there are no jobs available (East Texas area). I'm doing desktop support. Sure you will have to renew the CCNA, but the more certifications, the better it looks on a resume.

 

[hungrypete]

Well, I've got a great router simulation program for the CCNA 2.0, and I pick that sort of thing up pretty quickly when I'm actually doing it. I will definitely be doing self study, I'm 22 and everything I do comes out of my own pocket. I can't find another IT job around here with just my A+, and retail jobs are really depressing. My Associates will be done in the Spring, and I have seen alot more job openings list CCNA as a requirement than Network+. The lifetime certification is nice and all, but that's part of the reason people don't take Comptia certs seriously. Someone who got thier A+ five years ago might be in for a shock if they haven't done any tech work.

I would love to take both but the history area of Network+ is 'discouraging'. That, and the scope of the material in intimidating, even if the material itself is simple. The CCNA guides seem very specific about what you are required to know. Basically my biggest hurdle there is memorizing the more complex commands, which seems far more useful than memorizing facts about thicknet, etc.

Thanks for all the great replies!

 

[JOSEPHLB]

Go ahead and get that Network+ certification. Its a great foundation for future certifications that you plan to pursue.

When I was in the military, some of the guys I worked with couldn't even figure out that you need to put a 50 ohm terminator on one side of a T connector. I wish it would have been mandatory.

Network+ is a great basic start for any networking career field. Thats my $0.02

 

[hungrypete]

When I was in the military, some of the guys I worked with couldn't even figure out that you need to put a 50 ohm terminator on one side of a T connector. I wish it would have been mandatory.

hehe I have a class with this guy who claims he was a network admin on a ship, and he can barely install an operating system. He says the one he used in the navy 'did everything for you'. It was disturbing He is really really obnoxious though, so he might be full of crap.

 

[Kevin]

Originally posted by: hungrypete
Well, I've got a great router simulation program for the CCNA 2.0, and I pick that sort of thing up pretty quickly when I'm actually doing it. I will definitely be doing self study, I'm 22 and everything I do comes out of my own pocket. I can't find another IT job around here with just my A+, and retail jobs are really depressing. My Associates will be done in the Spring, and I have seen alot more job openings list CCNA as a requirement than Network+. The lifetime certification is nice and all, but that's part of the reason people don't take Comptia certs seriously. Someone who got thier A+ five years ago might be in for a shock if they haven't done any tech work.

I would love to take both but the history area of Network+ is 'discouraging'. That, and the scope of the material in intimidating, even if the material itself is simple. The CCNA guides seem very specific about what you are required to know. Basically my biggest hurdle there is memorizing the more complex commands, which seems far more useful than memorizing facts about thicknet, etc.

Thanks for all the great replies!

Cisco Router eSim?

 

[AnyMal]

Actually, Cisco's introduction into networking class is built around Network+ curriculum. My college gave me credit and allowed to enroll directly into Cemester 2 (there are total 4 semesters in an academic version of CCNA) because I already had N+

 

[BigJimbo]

My degree will finish with me having a CCNA, MCSE/MCSA, and the Network + A+ and so on....all crammed in a 2 yr program 9 more classes yeeeaaaaa...all in all youll need CCNA for most partMCSE is well MS so well id ont have to explain MS depends on what your gonna work on and what company....

as for renewing your CCNA every3 years itll keep you top notch!