Network+ vs CCNA For Cyber Security Careers

Network+ vs CCNA For Cyber Security Careers
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Today there are so many different choices when it comes to Cyber Security paths that it can be overwhelming to choose the best path. As I have gained experience in the industry, I know a lot more today about what the best path would be compared to when I first started. Unfortunately, new people coming into the industry are in the same position that I was when I started but hopefully I can pass on knowledge that can be used to shortcut the mistakes.
Join me as I will walk you through the Cyber Security path that I would take if I were to start over from today. I hope that you can learn from my advice and the things that I have discovered as I have progressed in my career.
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[@ytwizzle]

Just got my Network+ so kinda excited

[@JonGoodCyber]

Congratulations! What's next?

[@maxiso9k471]

​@@JonGoodCyberceh

[@Psp-id7uw]

Eesh no updates

[@samueletim9082]

@@ytwizzle did you do A+

[@GentlemenMonkey]

Just got my Net+ last week, completing the Comptia trifecta for me. I've worked with networks quite a bit over the years and I still learned plenty from working on the cert. Worthwhile in my opinion.

[@JonGoodCyber]

Thanks for sharing! Both of these certifications have value but we only have so much time and resources so we need to maximize how we use it.

[@kazhiroma9736]

Ngl this is what I needed. I was so hung up on going for CCNA or Net+ but now I may have an answer. Also if I take the network + I can take sec + and not have to worry about it being renewed if I took CCNa

[@JonGoodCyber]

I'm glad that I was able to help! Also check out the roadmap that I provide in my free eBook ( jongood.com/getstarted/ ) for all of my recommendations.

[@TangomanX2008]

The only real reason to get the CCNA is if you are already in a career path where it would immediately advance your career.

[@JonGoodCyber]

Certainly the impact should play a role in how you prioritize choices. The immediate impact is important but that doesn't mean you should only focus on what's in front of you and neglect future planning.

[@TangomanX2008]

​@@JonGoodCyber I agree. I think, though, the CCNA is sold as an entry level certification that opens doors that it does not. I don't know to what extent this is due to Cisco itself and to what extend this is due to schools pushing the curriculum. I went through CCNA and CCNP training through Cisco Academy Program through a local community college (back in 2005 and 2006), I got the CCNA but when I realize I wasn't getting a CCNA job, I didn't see the point in cramming for the CCNP. I could have spent that time and effort working towards my MCSE (which was the Microsoft cert to get at the time), and I would have been better for it .

[@mugentuner]

I agree I did the same. The ccna never made sense to me unless I was building a career around cisco infrastructure

[@JonGoodCyber]

Cisco certifications made a lot more sense 10 years ago but things have changed so much sense then. It's not that networking is non existent or anything like that but the needs have changed and there are huge shifts to the cloud where Cisco specific knowledge doesn't hold the same value for most companies (especially small to mid-size companies).

[@mugentuner]

@@JonGoodCyber agreed. Cisco doesn't hold half as much cred as it used to for sure. Same as Microsoft mcse etc. These are considered old and long in the tooth as proprietary certs. Much more brand agnostic certs out there that hold more weight

[@JonGoodCyber]

@@mugentuner the Microsoft certifications are in a bit different situation. Managing servers and the server operating system itself is still a very relevant skill because even though cloud is used more frequently, it's still the same operating system just hosted differently. The problem Microsoft finds itself in is that they have just expanded into so many different things that you couldn't have "one to rule them all" anymore. Cisco's problem is that their entire world has changed.

[@mugentuner]

@@JonGoodCyber agreed

[@realistvision2547]

CCNA doesn't just teach the Cisco cli. It also goes deeper into network concepts which is why employers choose it over network + so telling people otherwise is a disservice. And if you think Cisco is 'going away' then you are delusional.

[@JonGoodCyber]

You are correct in that there is overlap between with CCNA and Network+ when it comes to vendor neutral topics. I disagree with your assessment of my guidance. I have been in Cyber Security for over a decade at this point and held a CCENT plus two CCNAs, but let them all expire because I have literally used that knowledge once in my career for a minor situation that probably could have just as easily been Googled. Additionally, there are is a large amount of people who work in networking that aren't even promoting Cisco certifications with the same emphasis as they were 10 years ago. The reality is that networking knowledge itself is still necessary but the Network+ has reached the point where it is sufficient for most professionals...especially in Cyber Security where the CCNA is entirely overkill. We need less network engineers and administrators because traditional networking is being eliminated by programmability and cloud networking over time...both of which are quite different than what you'll learn in a CCNA book or course. Don't fall victim to the network traditionalist or Cisco die hard mindset that continues to push networking as it was a decade ago as things have changed a lot.

[@No_name_John]

​@@JonGoodCyberHow about Cisco DevNet?

[@JonGoodCyber]

Per Cisco, DevNet is specifically for "software developers, DevOps engineers, automation specialists, and other software professionals" so you really should want to work in a programmability type area. You aren't going to get a ton of value from DevNet if you want to work in cybersecurity because you aren't likely to be using those skills very often if at all.

[@No_name_John]

@@JonGoodCyber Alright, thanks alot

[@TangomanX2008]

Nobody denies that the CCNA curriculum teaches you solid skills. The problem is, it is highly unlikely that you will find a job that the ccna prepares you for. With very few exceptions, it is not an entry level cert, despite what Cisco may claim. Most company are not going to trust their routers and switches to a CCNA who doesn't have experience doing so already. The only exception I've seen are internships where you are required to be a student to apply.

[@genjimccorkle5518]

I think Network+ and moving quickly to Security+ and advanced security certs is what makes sense. CCNA is good if you have extra time to do it, but I do like the ability to configure switches and routers so I will still get that but not place alot of emphasis on it.

[@JonGoodCyber]

The information certainly does not hurt you somehow by knowing it, but the reality is that you won't need the extra information in most cases unless you are working in a networking job.

[@YunqTab]

Hot take: People who have CCNA/CCSP/CCIE are the smartest people in the room and it's not even close. I'm taking the guy with the CCNA over the guy with Net+ every time because the guy with the CCNA shows me 3 things: One, they know their way around a CLI. Two, they know how to troubleshoot. Three, every time an incident happens, who's the one person who has to be on your emergency call at the beginning? Your network guru. Get the CCNA folks. You have nothing to lose and more doors to open.

[@JonGoodCyber]

There are many inaccuracies in those statements, including, but not limited to, the fact that you would never have a security staff member from a dedicated team doing any network troubleshooting. Additionally, the CCSP hasn't been issued since 2011, so that's concerning, too. Having the CCNA as a requirement for tech jobs, more specifically Cyber Security jobs has been debunked for years because it's not aligned with reality anymore based on how things have evolved in the career field.

[@TangomanX2008]

ok, lets back up here. If we are talking jobs where you actually configure Cisco routers and switches, then yep, you guys want the CCNA guy, not the Network+, but that is not where the conversation needs to start. Being able to make the CLI dance is a pretty useless skill unless you can actually get a job where such as skill is necessary, and most places that have such roles will not hire a CCNA unless they have some cisco related experience already. So this advice to get the CCNA over the Network+ advice is wrong, at least for the entry level. If you get the CCNA as your entry level training and cert, you are specializing way to early in your IT career. You probably won't find a CCNA job. Instead, get the Network+, along with other entry level certs like the A+ and beginner Microsoft certs. Jobs that take advantage of those skills are far more common, you'll have the right skills to perform tasks and address challenges that you are more likely to face in your job, and you won't waste your time wondering what might have been while your CCNA expires on you,.

[@romeondlovu4624]

I have seen most jobs asking for CCNA, yet Cyber Specialist are denouncing it.

[@JonGoodCyber]

The CCNA is unnecessary for a career in Cybersecurity. If you are looking at Information Technology careers, that is an entirely different discussion.

[@romeondlovu4624]

@@JonGoodCyber Got it, thank you. Let me try Network+

[@silenciothequiet3471]

@@JonGoodCyber out of curiosity what is, in your opinion, what's the difference between a cybersecurity and IT career?

[@stellar369]

I studied for Network+ for like 20 days and then switched to CCNA, CCNA covers everything in Network+ in the very first half ( subnetting, osi model, tcp/ip etc). Clearly, CCNA is better as it goes in depth and actually teach you to use CLI of these network devices.

[@JonGoodCyber]

If you learn a bunch about the Cisco CLI and literally never use it, does that make it better? Of course not! More does not equal better and the overlap of material is what you actually need regardless of the situation. The reason that the CCNA isn't useful is because you're not likely to need the Cisco-specific information so you are unnecessarily making things more difficult for yourself.

[@stellar369]

@@JonGoodCyber It’s not about us, life does not always work our ways, can you convince all the hiring managers in Canada to agree with what you just said. When you’re someone with no experience or maybe just help-desk like me, they do not even give a chance. You can just search CCNA and see it on all the entry level networking jobs. So if I’m applying and someone else is applying (with CCNA) , who will more likely to get a call for interview?

[@JonGoodCyber]

@@stellar369 Actually, I help people land jobs all the time by breaking the "normal path" that you're referring to. Specifically, because you mentioned networking jobs, which is a very specific situation and outside the scope of this video (which is cybersecurity), even at the entry-level, it's going to be pretty difficult to get any networking job without a CCNP. I found that out the hard way earlier in my career, so learn from my experience if that applies to you.

[@stellar369]

Okay, actually I’m trying to get a cybersecurity job as well, already have my Security+, Splunk Certified Power User, Master’s in Computer Security and been in helpdesk for two years. I am applying since two months, not a single call until now, so I’m confused whether to go for CCNA or CySA+ next as if I search CySA+ , it doesn’t show up any jobs. Also most jobs here are mid or senior level cybersecurity jobs, SOC level 1 jobs are rare, so I was thinking to take the networking path and then move to cybersecurity again. What do you recommend next? I already have all the knowledge from Network+ , that’s why I skipped it.

[@nadim_873]

Security+ is so much easier imo, hopefully i can pass net+ aswell

[@JonGoodCyber]

That's great if you thought the Security+ was easy, but don't assume that everything will be that way. Take things one step at a time and keep learning.

[@j-real7233]

So you don't recommend CCNA which you say we won't use & will eventually go away anyway? Im just making sure i understood correctly.

[@j-real7233]

Oh I think you're talking about in regards to cyber security

[@JonGoodCyber]

Traditional networking isn't nearly as in demand as it was, say, 20 years ago, so even for IT professionals, I would be cautious about over-investing in it. That said, yes, this video is specifically for those who want to work in cybersecurity.

[@ahmedsifaw247]

Hello sir i watched your video i think your right, ccna might have alot of unnecessary stuff for Cyber security, thanks. Sir, do you think N+ is practical and hands on ?

[@JonGoodCyber]

The Network+ certainly includes various tools in the exam objectives that you're responsible for but it focuses on vendor neutral aspects of networking unlike the CCNA, which requires you to understand how to do things the Cisco way. In Cyber Security, you aren't going to really be configuring any of the stuff so the theory is the most important aspect and what will come in handy later. That said, when you learn about tools, you should be experimenting with them regardless of hands on exercises being "provided" for you. Keep in mind that when things work as they are supposed to in labs (which is rare in real life), things are easy, but you learn a lot more when things don't work and you have to troubleshoot them.

[@shagoofagharoob]

You make sense , but most of the employer require CCNA unfortunately

[@JonGoodCyber]

That is not a true statement. Although some people perceive that to be the case, it's not the reality, just like a lot of things that are still being stated as facts despite being constantly debunked.

[@TangomanX2008]

I don't think that's true, unless you are looking at a narrow set of jobs that happen to require the CCNA. What exactly are you putting into job search engines to look for jobs?

[@jeffnaval4894]

Hiring managers prefer CCNA and ignores network+.

[@JonGoodCyber]

Sorry, but that's just not accurate for most IT jobs outside of the networking niche, and it's absolutely not accurate for cybersecurity jobs. The idea that the CCNA is a requirement comes from a traditional mindset that we as an industry have outgrown several years ago, but it occasionally gets pushed by dated sources that aren't aligned with today's reality.

[@bclinton2234]

I'm confused...should someone take the CCNA Security or The CYBEROPS Associate as the 1st certificate if you aim to work in a Cybersecurity... domaine

[@JonGoodCyber]

I recommend grabbing my free eBook ( jongood.com/getstarted/ ), which includes a roadmap of skills and certifications that you should pursue.

[@Linux333]

This is inaccurate, CCNA covers all material found in the Net+ curriculum but also goes further by including information regarding Cisco proprietary protocols as well, which you will often find in production networks. There’s a reason Cisco still is the Gold standard.

[@JonGoodCyber]

At no point did I say there wasn't overlap between the CCNA and Network+ because obviously there is. The fact is that if you work in Cyber Security, you RARELY might deal with Cisco gear as that's a function of IT and networking, not Cyber Security. That means the knowledge is extra and just unnecessarily takes time to learn things that you'll just end up having to Google again when you forget them. Also, the amount of hiring managers in Cyber Security who care about their staff having a CCNA is so small that it's not even logical to pursue it if that's your goal.

[@prathmeshc2208]

I agree with you but what if im learning only ccna fundamentals for cybesecurity from jeremys udemy ccna course but not doing labs or cisco cli commands bcoz that useless for cybersecurity is it good ? What ur opion on its? Sorry for my bad English.

[@JonGoodCyber]

There is a ton of overlap between the two except where Cisco dives more into their command line interface (CLI). That means from a knowledge standpoint you will get a very similar exposure but if you're opting to just study the material then you won't get the same benefit from employers as you might by getting certified.

[@prathmeshc2208]

@@JonGoodCyber then what I do can you tell me ?

[@JonGoodCyber]

@@prathmeshc2208 I recommend visiting my Getting Started page ( jongood.com/getstarted/ ) and grabbing my free eBook where I provide a roadmap.

[@saranshsd1299]

Ccna had added cloud and A.i now Is ccna better to take for networking job or would you still recommend network+

[@JonGoodCyber]

I never specifically recommended just the Network+ if you're goal is to work in networking, as that's a very specific job role where you need deeper knowledge of the technologies. If that's your goal, you should at minimum set your sights on the CCNP level, but you also have to keep in mind that networking is changing and will be much more reliant on programmability in the future. Additionally, if you work in the cloud, networking won't be like you're learning in a lot of Cisco training and would require training specific to the environment (i.e., AWS, Azure, etc.).

[@saranshsd1299]

I want to switch to cybersecurity later. im doing networking just to get my foot in industry as i dont have technical background I have bachelors degree on Humanities. Any advice?

[@JonGoodCyber]

@@saranshsd1299 I have nearly 5 years worth of advice on my channel. I would start by grabbing my free eBook ( jongood.com/getstarted/ ) and then start working through my playlists.

[@stuffandthangs3953]

I disagree. CCNA is totally worth it. I have Net+ too.

[@JonGoodCyber]

You're welcome to have your own opinion. Certainly if you start in IT then you will get more value from the CCNA but in my decade of experience in Cyber Security, which is where my content focuses, I've never had any situation where the CCNA would have been more valuable than the Network+. Cisco doesn't control the security space like they do with networking. Keep in mind that what's valuable in IT, isn't necessarily valuable in Cyber Security and vice versa.

[@stuffandthangs3953]

@@JonGoodCyber Disagree. CCNA covers many different security topics. I have my Comptia Sec+ and do plan to also go for CYSA+ after I pass my CCNA. The more knowledge the better.

[@JonGoodCyber]

Again you're welcome to your opinion but I'm speaking off of quite a bit of experience and a ton of coaching/mentoring experience, where you seem to be working off of assumptions. Additionally, the advice that I provide is always with the most effective and efficient path in mind. There are a ton of things that you can do in this industry, however some make major impacts and some make minor impacts. As I said in this video, I held the CCENT, two different CCNAs (route/switch and security) and Network+ so I literally have walked the path.

[@stuffandthangs3953]

@@JonGoodCyber I have net+ sec+ a+ along with 12 years of i.t. experience. I've walked it too to a degree. Never said your info wasn't valuable.

[@stuffandthangs3953]

@@JonGoodCyber Its not opinion its fact. the more knowledgeable you are on topics the better you're able to provide solutions and work proactively.

[@lilliekeisha]

Will have to disagree.

[@JonGoodCyber]

You're welcome to your opinion.

[@wearecrypto9286]

Hey sir i am begginer in cyber security feild...should i took ccna or comptia security+ ?

[@JonGoodCyber]

I recommend grabbing my free eBook ( jongood.com/getstarted/ ) where I provide a roadmap of skills and certifications to pursue. Specifically, the CCNA and Security+ cover different topics so you wouldn't really compare the two as far as which one to get to be prepared.

[@jeerapattharbaaz5796]

Security + first then ccna

[@yahoztv5493]

Ok.

[@JonGoodCyber]

Ok.

[@roncall6065]

💯💯💯

[@JonGoodCyber]

I'm glad that you enjoyed the video!