CCNP versus MCSA

[zimu]

I jsut signed up for my CCNA, and am deciding what the next step should be.

I'm applying for graduate school in communications and networking in the engineering schools of various universities.

I am leaning towards CCNA, but I'm not too sure why except in my head I have a "cisco = networking" formula.

Any advice?

 

[bapace]

Next step after CCNA should DEFINITELY be CCNP. MCSA's are a dime a dozen, and actually, CCNP's are getting there, but not quite yet. You may want to look into a Cisco PIX Firewall Certification, part of the CCSP. For what it's worth, I have a B.S. in Telecommunications and Networking Technology from Purdue University. Security certs can never hurt.

 

[Aves]

Well it really depends on what you want to do. CCNP and MCSA really don't have anything to do with each other. One is networking and one is systems administration.

 

[zimu]

aves2k, i get what you're saying.
essentially, i'm more into networking. hence CCNP seems logical.

but then there's the argument that you should know a little bit about MS and not just focus upon Cisco, and you have a better chance of getting an essentially entry-level position if you have a more diverse qualification.

 

[Aves]

Originally posted by: zimu
aves2k, i get what you're saying.
essentially, i'm more into networking. hence CCNP seems logical.

but then there's the argument that you should know a little bit about MS and not just focus upon Cisco, and you have a better chance of getting an essentially entry-level position if you have a more diverse qualification.

I agree. Perhaps you could go with MCP next then get your CCNP. After that you could work towards the MCSA.

 

[zimu]

Just to confirm- the MCP is just taking one of the 7 modules of the MCSE, is that right? and MCSA is 4 of the 7 modules?

if each module is about 1.5 months of preparation it'd be aweful tight to take the CCNA, MCP and CCNP in the 6 months time frame i have.... i could of course delay taking one or all, but i'm jsut setting my 6 month target cause after that i'm off for my masters and its unlikely i'll have the time to take more classes then....