BEST BEGINNER NETWORKING CERTIFICATION 2022

[@randy833]

I currently have a job as a network engineer at a large company. I don’t have either cert, but I started to study for my CCNA because I feel like I’m missing so much crucial info. It truly does prepare you very well

[@Itcareerquestions]

For sure. There definitely is some very useful information on both exams. If anything some of it is great to learn especially if you’re already working in the field and have experience just gaining more knowledge is always helpful.

[@michaelbryant3643]

You’re leaving out some info tho. No way u just walk in off the street and become an engineer lol

[@ImmanuelPraiseYWHW]

@@michaelbryant3643 word

[@eman0828]

@@michaelbryant3643 Most likely this person has work in thr field for a very long time which not unusual. Some companies don't mante having cerfications given that experience is king. Theres a lot of System Admins out there that don't have certs either, just years of experience.

[@randy833]

​@@eman0828 I worked 2.5 years doing level 1 (entry level) Desktop support at an MSP. That's it for my IT experience, and I'm 24 years old. Only cert I have is Google IT Support Professional cert.

[@jayjordan833]

As someone who has the Network+ I agree that CCNA is the better choice, if you are trying to get a network related job (overall it looks better on a resume). When I first got my Network+ employers didn't seem too impressed when I mentioned it during interviews. Doors didn't start to open until I got more work experience and the Security+. If you have to choose between the two, go CCNA.

[@richardrodgersjr8296]

How long did it take you to get your sec +

[@jayjordan833]

@@richardrodgersjr8296 in all honesty I was casually studying for a few months but when the pandemic happened I had a lot free time because work slowed down. All in all about 7 months total but if you can fully commit it can take you less time

[@richardrodgersjr8296]

@@jayjordan833 thanks man I was torn between ccna or sec+.But to see you say you have your network+ but got your security + and employers respected it more kinda helps me out.

[@Hairybarryy]

Network + is a way way way way easier cert than the CCNA. CCNA will usually get you an instant job offer though they will start you off in the Help Desk for about 6 months then transfer to the networking team.

[@ralph4370]

Not sure about that. Been in Helpdesk for the last decade and trying to break into Network. Have Network Degree, Comptia A+, N+, Sec+ and still cant get in there. Switched many jobs where they promise they will but nothing happens. Then the job is surprised why I left. When I get interviewed for the last few jobs, the question of where do you want to go in tech comes up. I always tell them Network..they higher ups say they can help and then 6 months later are surprised I want to move up and have to wait and 2 years pass by and I leave they are "You are leaving when we are about to switch you over..."

[@letsgetteched]

I recently switched focus from N+ to the CCNA. Glad I did.

[@yonatanmakara6856]

I did that too. Why study network+ when ccna has the network+ material.

[@dcrock8978]

@@yonatanmakara6856 because it doesn’t

[@PeretteTheodore]

Same here 😅.

[@eman0828]

I think the Network+ is fine if you plan on going the System Admin or cloud route while the CCNA def more geared toward the Networking path. However, there are still many System Admins and System Engineers out there that holds a CCNA. And the reason for that is often because many of them are crossed trained to do both esp if they work in smaller organizations that sort of have to look out for both the network and server infrastructure. Many times Network and System Admins often get lump together.

[@StylistecS]

Would it still not be better to get the CCNA even if you are going the cloud route?

[@eman0828]

@@StylistecS For 100% Cloud roles it would be pointless if you aren't dealing with Cisco equipment. You will be dealing with a lot VLANs in the cloud.

[@AlanDike]

@@StylistecS Not so much.. CCNA is very cisco centric.. you're not interfacing with it like you would say on a nexus n9k type switch... You'll learn not JUST the tech, but the CISCO way of doing it.. and honestly, half of that wont apply...

[@Eric-ey7rm]

I'm a Noc tech started studying for the ccna. They do have alot of info, almost overwhelming, hoping to take it with a month or two.

[@conorwellman8592]

For most people today (unless you really want to get into networking) I would say the Net+ is the way to go as opposed to the CCNA. Cisco while it is still the biggest player in the router and switching market, but Cisco is not the giant it was 5 to 10 years ago in the job market. Demand for jobs and career growth seems to be shifting from network engineering to Cloud and Cybersecurity Jobs. I believe the Net+ sets you up better for growth in those areas than the CCNA would, not to mention the CCNA would have you learned a lot of cisco practices that you won't need if you go for cloud and security jobs. I propose A+(if needed) then Net+ then chose if you want to go the cloud route (AWS or Azure certs) or the Cyber security route (probably Sec+ next).

[@14josedho]

I am currently a System Engineer doing some SysAdmin activities. But I am aiming to go more into cloud and cybersec. For SysAdmins do you think Network + is more useful than ccna? I have been thinking about it. And I think what you mention about Cisco practices not completely necessary in cloud is real.

[@cisforcoding]

(Note to self regarding CCNA | CompTIA and how it relates to Cloud (AWS | Azure). @C W - thanks for sharing this.

[@conorwellman8592]

@@14josedho I think it is easier and more general because it is a vendor neutral certification. Whereas the CCNA will cover many of the same networking principles but add Cisco-specific information, and if you are not going to be working with Cisco equipment, that isn't useful. Also, it can confuse your brain as you could possibly start to associate Cisco information with general networking information. If you are going the cloud route, then knowing how AWS and or Azure works is much more relevant. Net+ will give you the networking foundations you need for cloud computing without the Cisco info. I would probably suggest for you NET+ and then a cloud cert like the AWS architect (or something from Azure, depending on the job market in your area)

[@isaacvale918]

For me it was the fact that the Network + gave me helpdesk jobs and the ccna gave me network tech/admin jobs

[@madskyluke]

I've been wondering which one I should focus on - you're a mind reader.

[@Itcareerquestions]

It’s like the moment you walk into a room and the technology starts working again. We’re all wizards.

[@gokutech2280]

The reality is the majority of networking companies use cisco models in developing their networks so the Cisco CCNA will always be the best route to take. Another point to note is that within their course you will learn basic networking principles that can be applied to other networks so in my opinion you will learn basic networking and what's specific to cisco.

[@austinhickerson7311]

I'd argue that if your new to IT and have no experience then the CompTIA Network+ is a great option. I personally just passed the Network+ and I have no hands on experience in IT. Now as someone with no experience I thought the Network+ was pretty difficult and did take me some time to really start to understand the information. Some of which I probably still need work on. I personally feel like it will help me prepare for CCNA in the future since half of it was already covered. I've seen so many people compare the two, but it's fairly obvious that the Network+ is more entry level while the CCNA is more mid tier. I'm not saying someone with no experience can't pass the CCNA, but I do think it will take a significantly longer amount of time and will be more difficult than if you already went through the Network+. Now if money is a big factor and you can only choose one, then sure it's probably worth the extra time and stress to get the CCNA. I was fortunate to have Network+ included in my degree plan and didn't have much of a choice between the two. I'm not disappointed in getting it, and I really do think it was beneficial. Rather it helps land me a job in IT that's yet to be seen as I literally just passed it a few days ago.

[@trier4952]

Congratulations on passing. Keep up the good work!

[@austinhickerson7311]

@@trier4952 Thank you 👍

[@jeffogbor7363]

Congratulations on passing! I just started an entry level job as a network technician this month. I will be taking network + soon, before I go for CCNA as I feel that’s the better rout to take. Also my school gave me a comtia voucher so just like you said. Might as well take it first

[@austinhickerson7311]

@@jeffogbor7363 Just curious as to how you landed the job without the certifications? Do you have prior IT experience of some sort? I'm currently studying for security+ as part of my degree plan for school. I haven't tried applying anywhere just yet, but I haven't even considered a networking position. I figured it would be hard enough Just to get into a help desk role without the experience. Certifications are great for learning terms and the fundamentals behind how and why things work, but I know that it will require a lot of hands on training before I truly understand how to put that information into practice. Congratulations on the job by the way 👍.

[@jeffogbor7363]

the company that I work for, basically took a chance with me honestly. They saw my drive and eagerness to learn. I got hired on and it was just supposed to be for the summer, imaging computers and doing deployments for the school district. As I have been struggling for months to get an entry level position in any IT related field no one would hire me. So this was my last resort but I knew that if I could at least get my foot in the door with this company it would be my best chance at getting an entry level position within the company . I’m completing my associates in Information systems/ network telecom with a specialization in cybersecurity this fall, so that was enough for them to a least take a chance with me. And for the role they didn’t require any certifications but any Cisco cert would be a plus to them. And thank you!

[@Theinsomniac826]

I am working in Cisco Packet Tracer in college currently. Thanks!

[@Itcareerquestions]

Awesome, good luck to you!!

[@Enlightenment99]

Same but it’s for A+

[@redsun5826]

Can’t help but notice the significant weight loss. Lookin’ good, man!

[@Ipconfig381]

You should meation that if your going into the cyber secuirty field network+ is better because understanding the fundamentals is better than knowing just ciso vendor-specific things.

[@blakemimitz1106]

Get Net+, but have extensive knowledge about Cisco, Palo Alto, NettApp and Dell EMC.

[@MrZman311]

The thing I learned is that Sec+ renews net+ and A+ at the same time. With it being 3yrs that they last seems good but if your only getting net+ ya CCNA would be best.

[@MXb7R]

That mean if I take Sec+ I will be net+ and A+ certified with just the sec+ payment?

[@bricksampson5171]

@@MXb7R no you have to already have them

[@sarahfuntanilla6542]

Your Correct Man! Just take Comptia if you like to start a carrier in networking or some reviews or knowledge if your in other IT fields, for example if your a programmer Network Plus is great.

[@AlanDike]

Study guides can be had for comptia at a lot of libraries. My job pays us to get a bunch of really basic certs.. mostly starting with comptia... I'm getting all of my study materials from the library. If you need it long term, it's not really an option, but if you're just burning through the books in a week and testing because you needed their vocab or their way of thinking... libraries are GREAT resources for this stuff.

[@brandonbowman6043]

Looking back, I wish I studied for my CCNA back in the day.

[@Itcareerquestions]

I love you and miss you and hope you are doing well brother.

[@brandonbowman6043]

@@Itcareerquestions Miss you too, Zach. Hope all is well!

[@Itcareerquestions]

It’s wonderful.

[@Itcareerquestions]

It’s wonderful.

[@dlengelkes]

Hi Zach, Network Chuck asked Kevin Wallace the same question and he stated that he recommend Network+ Prior taking the CCNA. Because one may discover that they may not want to continue the Networking route and instead do security or even automation and cloud and What about Nexgent for CCNA training?

[@jonathanduncan9400]

Well im not sure if anyone has already brought this to everyone's attention but CompTIA most certainly does have a training program! I should know, I'm currently enrolled in it lol. They have a 16 week program, now its not free but there is financial assistance, and in that sense yes the program can be completely free if you qualify. But, i am a long time fan, first time commenter lol. Just wanted to let ya know and while i agree with a lot of the info provided in this video for sure! Although if your in the same shoes i am and are looking towards which ones to shoot for, why not both?🤷‍♂️

[@adamivey9103]

Yo Zach, Broski. I always enjoy and find all of your videos useful. You are awesome. Thanx for the information. Keep up the phenomenal work.

[@camilovasquez8530]

Thank you for sharing - now I know the real value of the CCNA vs Network+!

[@Mr.Hashira]

Atm I'm studying net+ to learn the fundamentals and I will go for the ccna after I get the net +

[@scientiest12]

Curious where'd you ended up. Did you land a job? How helpful was CCNA to you in landing a job

[@danielslovak2949]

Gets to point in first 5 seconds of the video 🙏👍 thank you! Deserves a like just for that 😊

[@trier4952]

Thanks for the info. I do intend on going for both certs. My plan is to get the CompTIA big trio first, then get a helpdesk job and go for the CCNA. Then sometime down the line, the CCNP and the CCIE. I wanna chase down a $200,000+ salary in 10 years or less.

[@throwthrough4053]

Good luck. I’ll follow you lol.

[@forextradealgorithm1386]

Good luck man

[@zohaibakhtar1256]

Hi, I'm a final year undergrad majoring in CSE. I want to go down the networking domain and then slowly pivot towards cybersecurity. My aim is to get a job as soon as possible. What would be an ideal path, in context of current job market and trends. I'm thinking of doing CompTIA A+ -> CCNA -> Sec+.

[@KeaganLegit]

I managed to get a job as a field service technician despite them asking for a ccna. I'm still gonna get it tho. 😁

[@zyzzuschrist3410]

Love the cut to the chase intro

[@Eric7heButcher]

I’m looking into a career change and I have spent some time studying for Net+. I heard that CCNA was for more experience tech professionals. Please lmk

[@alancarrillo156]

I'm not in the focus and area of networking like my plan isn't to land a networking position but would like to have knowledge and the fundamentals with networking.

[@CELERYLAWN]

Thank you for your the sharing of info, and what you do!

[@catchwreck928]

Hey theres a new cisco test called the CCST, please do a video on it

[@soulproductions7418]

I was planning on getting both after my compita +A but with the i.t experience I have I might as well get my ccna. Looking over the stuff for compita net +. Most of it is stuff I already learned in college. I want to focus on a networking job. Do you think that would be a good decision?

[@BD90..]

I am going for the CCNA but the learning the Network+ material is great as a supplement bit I won't get the cert though.

[@Itcareerquestions]

Good luck to you!!

[@StylistecS]

Exactly what I'm doing and I'm nearly finished with the Network+ material.

[@madskyluke]

How relevant is CCNA towards a CyberSecurity role ?

[@chrispark5337]

I dont think you can get into cyber security without network fundamental either way. Its good if you have ccna

[@EclipseMints08]

So basically: Trying to break into IT? CompTia Network+ which will help you get an interview with Help desk Have one year of help desk and want an entry level networking job? CCNA Have a year of entry level job and want to get promoted to mid-level networking? CCNP Is this the basic structure?

[@Vizzy_T]

Hey. Did you find the answer to your question?

[@gokutech2280]

Network+ will only be acknowledged by employers when you also have A+ and security+...there is little evidence to show that network + can be a stand-alone certification that can get you a job other than help desk.

[@mblackman1170]

What if I just have network+ and A+? Could I get something besides help desk?

[@Thejokingspy2394]

CompTIA is great for building a foundation which is good for me who is new

[@meglo612]

It really doesn’t matter , what matter is what experience do you have if your new and you get the ccna but have no experience they don’t care ……they want experience it’s a catch 22 here

[@TheTacopai]

helllo do you recommend learn CCNA today and present exam in January, cero experience in IT, looking my first job.....

[@tino3609]

Please could you let me know as a beginner that doesn’t know anything what should I start off with first , im hearing that network plus is the basic but then hearing ccna is better and if it is ccna what part or section should I learn first

[@FaLkraydz]

Question then: If I'm only an entry level like A+ level, shouls I get CCNA or Net+ ?

[@omarcusstrong5334]

I was also wondering the same. For someone who is just getting started in the IT field, is it best to go the traditional route to network+ or the CCNA? Would the learning curve be too great?

[@RobertSeeley4859]

If you want to get into networking get the CCNA. It is 100% doable without experience and will propel you so much father and faster than the Network+ will.

[@RobertSeeley4859]

@@omarcusstrong5334 If you want to get into networking get the CCNA. It is 100% doable without experience and will propel you so much father and faster than the Network+ will. If you aren't sure if you want to get into Networking or not then go for the Network+. You can also learn the material in the Network+ without taking the certification exam and go right into the CCNA after.

[@FaLkraydz]

@@RobertSeeley4859 yeah my plan is cybersecurity, but I want a network cert before starting studying for cybersecurity just to start on the industry already. A+ is too expensive.

[@FaLkraydz]

Been in cyber for a little over 1 year now. I took Network+ and Security+, Network+ helped me got a job as IT Support Technician, where I stayed for 1 year while studying for the Sec+, which helped me get this job where I am now in Blue Team. While in this job, I got the BTL1 and now I've been studying for the CCNA even though I have PJPT and PNPT all paid off (training and cert). Why's that? Because I wanna become really good in network before moving to Pentesting. I legitimately wanna work as Network Admin and Engineer before becoming a pentester. The rush I had before to become an Ethical Hacker, I don't have anymore, Idk if it's because my current boss ruined it for me a little bit or because I developed a passion for something else in addition to pentesting.

[@rantrevious]

Do you need to know how to code to work in the network field?

[@augustinaonuwundijo9580]

Thanks for the information

[@justcurious1940]

what if your are a programmer which one should u take !?

[@JJFlores197]

You don't necessarily need either of them. Though it does help to understand some general networking concepts.

[@justcurious1940]

@@JJFlores197 How can u make an application that scans your local area network for connected devices if u don't know what is the ICMP , ARP , IP address,MAC address ...

[@JJFlores197]

@@justcurious1940 that's why I said that you don't need them, but tether some general knowledge of those concepts

[@justcurious1940]

@@JJFlores197 yes I agree but I also think that if u are a programmer u will need to take a full networking course to picture what is going to happen when u send a message to an other person somewhere in the world if u are making a chat application or u are involved in an online video game.....

[@brandhark7935]

Just get both! :)

[@CyberSphereChannel]

I want to break into cybersecurity. How does this resume sound for entry level (security analyst): AAS-Cybersecurity, CCNA, Lin+, Sec+

[@watt4098]

Is CCNA good for someone with no experience?

[@kazi1]

Thanks

[@yonatanmakara6856]

Ccna for me. I plan to Get a IT job in the city after my 2 years

[@SoSaysYou]

Will ccna give you any fundamental knowledge that will help with the SEC+?

[@manjitkumar7641]

I am going to Canada in May Intake in Ontario. I am planning to have a CCNP certification. Would it be better to me to get a Job? Assist me?

[@mohammedelaminehennidouma419]

I want to enter the field of it, what do you advise me from where to start because my information in this field is not much?

[@Itcareerquestions]

The CompTIA A+

[@mohammedelaminehennidouma419]

Thank so much please can you tell me if I need to be fluently in English to study the comptia A+ beacouse I'm new in usa and my English is not fluent!.thank you again

[@Motomurphy]

Thanks for this.

[@damianooi8261]

I am thinking of getting into CyberSecurity field...which cert should I go for?

[@henny1387]

Ccna

[@simbakali]

Thanks bro for the infor!

[@kl1973]

Thanks for this video 🙏❤️❤️

[@sdiax25]

many thanks

[@johnczech7074]

Thank you sir!

[@Itcareerquestions]

You’re welcome!

[@Tom-bb4zw]

Does anyone have a recommendation on a training course video guide out there? I'm looking into one to start studying for the CCNA. Cost isn't an issue because most of the training courses are fairly inexpensive. For example: CBT nuggets, Jeremy's IT lab, Neil Anderson (Udemy), Kevin wallace (O'Reilly), etc. Which do you recommend more than others?

[@yonatanmakara6856]

Jeremy IT lab is good and of course uts free. He teaches well. Neil anderson is also good. He has a 30 day prep for exam.

[@dane.8355]

Good info, Thanks

[@porsche911fan2]

Thank you so much

[@khayla_matthews]

Great video 👍🏾

[@mirahsan2]

CCST

[@sennaelemento]

Nice video.

[@philwolf6721]

I'm scheduled to take a highly compressed course for the CCNA to assist in transitioning from the military in a few weeks. I'm trying to study ahead though as I've heard CCNA is super hard. Already picked up the net+, sec+ certs. So much info. 😳 Thanks for this video also Zack, you're content is awesome and hugely encouraged me to switch to IT.

[@michaelanderson4836]

CCNA is a great cert but not for inexperienced users

[@akin242002]

CompTIA A+ and a Cloud certification (AWS, Azure, or GCP). You are done. Focus on work experience moving forward and renewing your certification. CCNA limits you to networking only, but the pay is good ($79k on average).

[@eman0828]

You need a Systems Administrator background before learning the cloud stuff as you are going to need to know both Linux and Windows Server Administration along with SQL databases, storage, networking, disaster recovery, active Directory, powershell. Most people that worked as a Cloud Engineer, DevOps Engineer or Cloud Administrator previously worked as a System Admin.

[@kingiskukalson9162]

@@eman0828 so I should also learn ccna

[@frankwylie1244]

Damn.. you lost some weight... Good Job.

[@shinebox4181]

shirt is mezmorizing

[@OneBlurryLens]

What ever happened to all those Novell NetWare network engineers and all those MCSE network engineers from a long time ago in a galaxy far far away? Lol

[@scottluebke5012]

Being specialized is a blessing and curse. Really gotta stay aware of industry trends to ensure you don't suddenly become unnecessary. I think it's much more preferably to be well rounded and skilled in numerous IT technologies.

[@zionstuart1927]

Probably working the cloud

[@saitamataipei9586]

Free Palestine 🇵🇸

[@ps1746]

as a mechanical engineering student who is graduating in may 2023, is a ccna a good thing to have in my resume in general?

[@mundosocial9487]

Hello man, would you mind giving your opinion about which would be better to have between Cisco CyberOps Associate or Comptia Sec+? Thanks so much for your videos

[@FanaticosdelRouting]

Cool