CCNA vs Network+ for Network Engineers 2023

[@tylerbaugher3238]

I passed Network+ awhile ago already, and I'm currently studying for CCNA. I thought Network+ was hard, but CCNA feels like trying to study the occult from a text book written in Latin.

[@GabrielGarcia-u8v]

Hahaha, as someone on this same exact training Track… this comment hypes me up and terrifies me at the same damn time 😂

[@ericjimenez5360]

I just tell myself it’s not hard, it’s just allot of stuff to learn.

[@adedijoel2721]

Oh God that's the feeling 😂

[@Petecrz94]

As someone who has a CCNA exam coming up in a few weeks… I can confirm it’s extremely difficult and at times mentally exhausting but you gotta push through and put in the work if you really want it.

[@MichaelM2K23]

I got my Network+ in 2022. I tried going immediately for the CCNA, but NOTHING was making sense when going through the material. Took a bit of time to just work and get a little more IT experience, and came back to the CCNA material two weeks ago. When I tell you that EVERYTHING is making sense now, it’s like night and day. I guess my brain just wasn’t ready for it back then.

[@thomasc2246]

I had my ccna 11 years ago... Still useful today. Also doing advanced networking everyday. The best training is labs labs labs.😊

[@trevspires]

1000% - Labs and hands-on!! You do much cloud networking these days?

[@thomasc2246]

​@@trevspires Also doing a lot of NSX

[@NoahVortex]

Hey there buddy any recommendations with the new jobs and technology what course should i study for a good job ​@@thomasc2246

[@Hamham.trades]

After you got your CCNA how did you go about getting a job

[@negan4089]

@@Hamham.tradesyou should be able to get a Helpdesk job like nothing. From there spend a year there and apply to every network job you see on indeed you’ll get one

[@bobhob2790]

Network+ and the CCNA are definitely on different planets regarding difficulty. I passed the Network+ on my first try and while it was a challenge, it wasn't super hard. I took the CCNA and ran out of time, which has never happened to me over 6 years of college and several other cert exams. Most questions are very poorly written so you don't know what's being asked of you half the time. There's also a lot of questions that include low resolution images of topologies and routing tables that take a while to get through. The simulation labs are also very challenging and not at all what I was expecting. Being comfortable with configurations is definitely a must. I'm not sure if this is a limited time thing, but Cisco is offering a "CCNA Exam Guard Offer" for $375. Basically, if you fail the exam, you get another voucher code to try again. That way you only spend $375 for two attempts rather than $600 (like I did).

[@bobanmilisavljevic7857]

How was the second time taking the test? Did you feel more confident the second time through?

[@HandsomeRagz]

I feel like Cisco did it right restructuring their certification paths and adding the CCST, it is much more in line with Network + and as an entry level certification.

[@neverhomepnw]

As someone with a layer1 networking background who has network+ but originally wanted to do CCNA first(the material felt overwhelming for me) , the CCNA is advanced for beginners. I personally don't recommend it. After finishing network+ I have been working on my CCNA now and things make a lot more sense than before. Unless you already fair understanding of networking I would start with network+ first then get CCNA. It will be less stressful, easier concepts to grasp, concepts are newer, and CCNAs material can feel kinda dated but will make you more respected in the field.

[@trevspires]

Could be that’s the case I had a similar l1 background when I took mine years ago It was really hard, but encouragement from my mentors got me through

[@FaLkraydz]

I did Net+ to get an Entry Level IT job, rather than going for A+, it worked like a charm. LOL! The job was easy and after 6 months, there was nothing else to do there, so I decided to spend few more months studying at work and train for the Sec+. Got my Sec+ and both certs got me a Cybersecurity Analyst job. I've been there for 1 year and 2 months now. You must be thinking, what you doing watching this video? Answer is: I want to get my CCNA and be a Network Admin and then Network Engineer. Why the change? I like Blue Team, I like analysis, but I feel there's something missing, why I can't configure a router other than SOHO router? Why I can't configure switch? A Firewall? Why I don't understand much about Cisco IOS? Why don't I have a great understanding about the ins and outs of network/OSI model/TCP/IP? The answer probably is because I'm a cybersecurity analyst, not a network admin/engineer. I want and need to understand better about network. It's a strong feeling I've been getting on the past few weeks.

[@Matt-m3y-r4u]

You got a cyber security/analyst job with Network + and Security + certs and 6 months entry level IT experience? Is a family member or friend running the company 😆

[@FaLkraydz]

@@Matt-m3y-r4u one year experience, not 6 months. Been there for almost 2 years and yeah I got that position because the market beginning of 2023 wasn’t the same as the market right now where they are only wanting Jr. analyst with 3-5 years of XP to pay 60K / year. Also I’m being underpaid so that’s why they hired legitimate juniors because no senior will work onsite to be underpaid.

[@danieltalkstech22]

Amazing video. As someone who took the Network+, i realised it was just an enhancement on my knowledge and CV but not hands-on networking. CCNA goes more in-depth and can be more helpful for future network engineers than Network+ Great comparison🙌

[@leel9186]

Passed the Net+ two days ago. It gives a very good broad (but shallow) understanding of a lot of concepts. It gives you a top down view networking ecosystem and you get to see where different technologies fit and intersect. I want to move into cloud security so for me the Net+ made more sense than the CCNA.

[@Frissdas1207]

Net+ is still a solid cert. Additionally, it is excellent to have as a backup because government work almost always requires it.

[@disturbed911]

what did you study after net+?

[@ivy8483]

Any updates?

[@leel9186]

@@ivy8483 I actually landed a cloud networking engineer job shortly after this - I have been in that role a year now - I have done a couple of certs (HPE Aruba and ZScaler) required by my employer.. not entirely sure what I’ll do next to be honest.

[@cbo909]

Great video! As someone who put some time in a Net+ course… I quickly realized the pure theory approach is not close to enough. Scheduled to sit for the CCNA in a couple months

[@trevspires]

Niiiice! Good luck with the exam

[@nijatrzayev9962]

Thanks, bro, just lightened my mind working on the CCNA exam and hope will get the cert asap.

[@jamesbadger5220]

I bought the Net+ as it was a bundle with the A+. I thought the CCNA was harder than the Net+ for beginners so was going to do it after studying the Net+. Maybe if its similar difficulty I'll just skip to CCNA after the A+.

[@Windy_City]

I want to work in cloud or security and I know networking is fundamental to both so Network+ was enough for me.

[@jimidontduck]

If you are just starting out in IT, the CCNA material can be quite daunting as there is assumed knowledge in most course structures. I would definitely recommend starting with the Net+ material to understand concepts and get the high-level theory down. Skip the exam and save the $ for the CCNA.

[@trevspires]

I was able to snag my CCNA with about ~6 month of tech background. In my view, its a great for people with very basic conceptual knowledge of computing. Not easy with no exp! But worth it

[@jamesbadger5220]

Would the A+ be enough knowledge to do the CCNA?

[@jimidontduck]

@@jamesbadger5220 If I remember correctly, the A+ touches on many of the concepts, Net+ goes deeper, and the CCNA deeper again. I would say going over the Net+ objectives and seeing how you fare would be beneficial. There is overlap but very little configuration involved with the CompTIA material, if any Cisco-specific.

[@jamesbadger5220]

@@jimidontduck Cool, thanks for the reply. I'm thinking of just going for the CCNA as I'm 37 and feel time is running out to get started in tech lol.

[@trevspires]

@@jamesbadger5220 I think so, yeah

[@Sukyfbebe]

My boss told me to do both, he’s paying for so I’m like why not… he explained network plus will help me with fundamentals while ccna will help me own my skill set in role specific in network

[@RellyTheRealtor]

Just started studying for the CCNA 2 days ago. Got a useless AS degree in Computer Programming years back. So far it seems to be fairly straightforward. The Cisco study volumes are straightforward and have a lot of study material. I keep hearing to must lab and in the intro, it stresses the same thing.

[@Matt-m3y-r4u]

​@@RellyTheRealtorhow did it go? Did you have some knowledge or experience in networking?

[@RellyTheRealtor]

@@Matt-m3y-r4uI’m still studying. I’m doing the virtual labs and even ordered my own switch to practice on. I’m taking my time with it so I won’t be ready until Dec/Jan. By then I should be able to ace it.

[@JohnWick-m7m]

So you like the A+ and Security+, but not the Network+? And do you still recommend the CCNA for someone that wants to work in the cloud?

[@trevspires]

I just think it’s a more clear choice for a networking cert If you wanna do cloud I’d do a cloud cert

[@andso7068]

Curious, what's the camera you're using? Looks great.

[@trevspires]

Sony 6k with sigma prime lens

[@ajko000]

CompTIA is fighting for relevance, meanwhile Cisco is still contributing to RFCs and pioneering trends in industry.

[@BAEESCOPE2010]

Thanks Trevor. Just a question: Is CCNA Certification the most essential to break into Cybersecurity and before taking CompTIA Security + exam?

[@Geomaverick124]

I feel that the only vendor neutral cert I recomend is the Security+

[@trevspires]

I agree - it’s as solid one I’d even suggest A+ for some complete beginners

[@SuperHtownswag]

facts. a+ and security+ @@trevspires

[@truthiz2805]

My only issue isnt with the CCNA -- its being stuck in the Cisco ecosystem. Here is my use case. We decided to go with Cisco Meraki for our decentralized small data center, Meraki is perfect because it's in the cloud -- Now going for the CCNA is still a good thing to learn fundamentals over network+ sure BUT i feel like the CNNP (data center concentration) would be going too deep in the cisco ecosystem (storage, advanced security) so i'm kind of stuck at the CCNA level there i feel like. I guess i'm mostly hesitating between going for Network+/Security+ over a CCNA/CCNP where the CCNP is too deep into cicso for no reason :)

[@360.Tapestry]

interesting. i've had my sec+ for a long time, but had to sideline my cyber experience because DoD put me in a special duty. just earned my cysa+ as refresh/upgrade training, but want to improve my marketability. this video makes a great case for ccna. but based on the comments, it does seem to make sense to get net+ first as a warm up

[@torresj0]

For Cloud Engineering, which one would be more beneficial?

[@trevspires]

I think CCNA --> AWS Network Specialty is the right path

[@Alex.Shalda]

Thanks for another wonderful video

[@trevspires]

Thank YOU my friend - for watching

[@romeondlovu4624]

I have been advised to to take CCNA if I want career in Cyber Security. Not sure if this is correct.

[@serignesanguembackendiaye6476]

I like your way of speaking English !!

[@StinkyGaming123]

Man I just want a basic IT job, I can't even get a help desk position with my A+ I am literally getting certified in Network+ JUST to work a help desk, I have absolutely no interest in networking I just wanna fix computer ffs

[@crzycolchris]

For real.. after studying for the net+ for a month its soo dry. I want nothing to do with networking.. I just like helping people. System admin is just fine for me!

[@hojackborseman1454]

Same just recently graduated from a techn college with a Computer system/IT certification and Comptia A+ n still nun :(

[@mustafahusseinmakarov]

If you haven't taken the N10-008 test then let me tell you that you are wrong, it's really developed to surpass CCNA in too many topics (cloud, wireless and security) while CCNA is more of CISCO CLI.. I work as a network admin and this is what i've seen through the employees i interview...(i have both certs CCNA and N+).

[@__-moA]

How much did they cost

[@mustafahusseinmakarov]

@@__-moA in USA CompTIA Net+ costs $358 you can get 10%-20% discount voucher.. CCNA is $300 also there are discount vouchers online.. if you plan to buy courses usually you get test discounts through your course provider/ institute or online such as Udemy.

[@SJ-nl6xl]

I would appreciate your advice. I'm a security systems technician, security cameras, and what-not. What do you think is best in learning to troubleshoot networks. Network + or CCNA. Thank you for any assistance.

[@JFrusci]

What are your thoughts on the new Cisco CCST certs in Networking and Cybersecurity?

[@RunningDigger]

do you think the LPI certifications are still relevant?

[@GeorgeSquire-up7xn]

I have 10 years in Networking / security experience. I only have vendor certs with Palo Alto Networks, since this is where I have been working for years now. However, I am not wanting to expand my CV, get additional theory etc. I am wondering if Cisco certs make sense for me. I have no desire to work with Cisco products in the future. Sure that may change, but I am more security focused so maybe Comptia Security certs make more sense for my situation?

[@kadeem070]

Great videos man! I have a question for you. I’m at the NOC 6 months, and 4 years Desktop support. I currently have my net + and ccna+. Do you think I have enough work experience for an entry level cloud position?

[@SJ-nl6xl]

I would appreciate any advice. I'm a security systems technician, security cameras, and what-not. What do you think is best in learning to troubleshoot networks. Network + or CCNA. Thank you for any assistance.

[@kareem5795]

what if you just want a strong foundation on Networking, but intend to go after Cyber Security. I passed my Security + 701, and my intention is to go back to Net + for a stronger foundation, to strengthen my Cyber Skills, thoughts?

[@forwardslash1486]

I work in small company so I wont be just network engineer. I am looking at Network + as I find for my self if I understand the theory of why what & when I feel like I have a better grounding.

[@trevspires]

Nothing wrong with that! If you just want to learn some theory to help work better with networking teams Networking+ is great I think the AWS networking cert is the current ‘gold standard’

[@simphiwemthethwa]

Crystal clear 🤝

[@jacksontran5469]

I am almost 33 and doing a career switch. I want to get into Networking but open to a variety of ITOps roles out there. I am going to be in a program that will take me through CCNA, CBROPS, and DevNet. With that being said, is there any benefit to then going back and getting a Network+ and Security+? I understand that Network+ (at least) is significantly less deep than the CCNA. It might cover some things breadth-wise that the CCNA doesn't cover, etc. However, is there any benefit to a Network+ for non-CISCO jobs? Would it just look redundant to have both? I'm not sure about CBROPS compared to Security+. Any thoughts there would be helpful, as well.

[@jacobferguson35]

What program are you doing?

[@catchwreck928]

what about cybersecurity, can i just get the trifecta and be good or should i get the ccna for cyber security

[@AndyMatrixTV]

Can I get a remote job with this certification

[@bicdeez007]

Will the CCNA still be valuable in 2023 due to the cloud? Do I need a CCNA to work in the cloud as a cloud engineer?

[@Awesomo582]

Net+ should be enough as networking is very different in cloud, the theory of networking for sure helps

[@michaelanderson4836]

Which is better for someone with no i.t. skills and only some basic home conputer skilks which woukd be better network+ or cisco Is it still the same cisco

[@Chazzuu]

Most of the people i asked, if ccna is too overwhelming to you, you can start with network+.

[@mvppierce3412]

whats the discord again, the link isnt working

[@ORION-ir5dx]

The invite code for your discord is invalid, please let me in... let me in.

[@dingiswayosithole5316]

Great insights. Thanx a million

[@catchwreck928]

How bout if you just want to get into I.T, like what if i get the trifecta plus a cloud cert vs CCNA

[@cryptovadkan7496]

Is it worth to get CCNA certified if I don't necessarily want to work in the neyworking, but I simply like it? My main goal is cybersecurity and malware analysis, i spend most time on C and I'm seeking some advice

[@trevspires]

I'd suggest Sec+, CEH, or something similar in that case Plenty of security-focused resources out there without needing to do a CCNA

[@Kilovolver]

Hi! What if I want to know how to set up networks in MS Azure of AWS? I want to be a cloud admin. N+ or CCNA? Thanks!

[@trevspires]

I think it depends on how deep you want to go But if u just need basic cloud network skills you can go right into learning cloud networks CCNA/N+ would help, but I don’t see them as a requirement to learn cloud networks

[@KentonGoldthorpe]

Some say sec+ and similar certs can be crammed and forgotten, leading to unqualified pros. This is my first time hearing that practical certs like CCNA might be better. Do others think CCNA is more valuable than vendor-neutral certs?

[@juzan9999]

Who would be another Vendor outside of CISCO?

[@trevspires]

For networking? Its Cisco or bust. Juniper is popular too. - But OpenSource networking is probably more popular than Juniper these days. Other non-networking vendors include - Oracle, Microsoft, Crowdstrike, etc. - Basically anyone who makes and sells hardware or software

[@ericjimenez5360]

I just took my first practice exam with boson and scored 636. I haven’t finished Jeremy’s course yet but im pump I got 636.

[@tardyschain7829]

Hey Eric, where did you find a practice exam? I'm just starting Jeremy's course BTW.

[@seetsamolapo5600]

Ah the old battle between understanding vs application. Definitely application must be chosen if there's a choice to make because it includes some understanding that's specific

[@Tito_CyberTech]

The link is expired 😢

[@erickonassis6310]

Great video,

[@m3rky240]

Discord link is not working 😕

[@PedroherrmadbeefSanchez]

Vote !!! love the t-shirt

[@BillySmith-rk4fk]

I'm currently studying nextwork+, am I wasting my time?

[@bobanmilisavljevic7857]

What are you studying now?

[@izamalcadosa2951]

The thing is CCNA is not an entry-level cert for Networks/Networking. You will need to study the stuff in the Network+ books/videos and take the exam in order to move up to the CCNA. I've known people in Networking for years that have failed the CCNA because it's not an easy test to pass. It has a 95% failure rate taking it the first time since it's hard!

[@dennyklein1965]

This is the exact reason why I did network+. Personally, network+ was really hard for me. Performance-based question wise, the objectives only told you about the stuff, but didn’t actually teach you how to do it. I passed the test but two PBQs quite difficult considering I’ve never set up an ACL, I’ve never set up my own network lab by spending $100s of dollars. What helped me was I have old skills from long ago using MS-DOS aka CMD prompt. So I was able to wing some of it. Overall, I was really disappointed how underprepared I felt after studying so hard for the test. This test seemed more meant for someone that has been in the industry building networks and setting rules on them regularly. I’m currently studying for security plus and I’m doing a lot more lab related studies because I honestly was shocked that I passed the Net+. Plus I’ve heard stories about the CCNAs difficulty, even for experienced network engineers in the field. After I finish Sec+ I’m going to aim for the CCNA. Those two seem to be very highly looked upon Certs.

[@__-moA]

​@@dennyklein1965oof there is so much to do but oh well it all pays off in the end.

[@360.Tapestry]

interesting. i've had my sec+ for a long time, but had to sideline my cyber experience because DoD put me in a special duty. just earned my cysa+ as refresh/upgrade training, but want to improve my marketability. this video makes a great case for ccna, but it does seem to make sense to get net+ first as a warm up

[@reiserkeiser]

That is absolutely not true.

[@obaidullahnoori7066]

Without Network+ moving into IT industry other than as network engineer is hard as Cisco won't help you when you just need knowledge about networks

[@ridinbal]

Discord link provided is not working

[@trevspires]

Thanks for the heads up!

[@has642]

ccna or network + for hacking?

[@Frissdas1207]

The only time i ever encourage N+ is government roles.

[@nullpointer7809]

Everything is easy when you can practice it. Everything is difficult when you cant

[@anitagd]

The YT algorithm recently recommended your channel, which I found quite intriguing, and I am now a new subscriber. I tried to join your Discord community, but the link was expired. Can I have an invitation? Thanks in advance :)

[@trevspires]

I shut down the server, but I’m very active on LinkedIn!

[@gemylewebster8544]

Get both!

[@trevspires]

Why not!?

[@ispeakmucho]

This stuff is frustrating. I know its for encouragement but also all i feel/hear is "youve easted your last few months, get this instead" and frankly, im already short on time. Studying for my net+ and i run across this video and i need to step away and breathe for 5 minutes. Lol I literally said omg out loud and shook my head, feeling like the carrot is always at the far end of the stick and that i wish i saw this literally at the beginning of my net+ studies.

[@trevspires]

I think Net+ is a lot better than no Net+ :D I feel your frusturation. I just spent 2 months studying got an exam that is getting killed next Spring!! At least I learned a few things I guess :D

[@damonaniton]

Any vendor neutral cert is useless.

[@thomasc2246]

Agree. Furthermore. I passed mly CCNA 11 years ago, last time i touch a cisco was maybe 10 years ago :-) . Juniper, Dell, NSX, Fortinet, HP. All the same. RFC is RFC ....

[@TheMythOfTheThickSix]

Security plus is the only decent one

[@damonaniton]

@@TheMythOfTheThickSix literally the only decent one.

[@TheMythOfTheThickSix]

@@damonaniton im convinced that Comptia paid the dod off

[@damonaniton]

@E I knew this almost 20 years ago. If not for DoD contracts they would not be in business.

[@michaelcorrea-yh1go]

Dollar Store Tom Segura

[@trevspires]

😭😭😭

[@marko5876]

Reminder: discord community invite link, thanks

[@trevspires]

Ah!!! Ty. Posting later today

[@trevspires]

discord.gg/sxpkfR7Q