The End of the CCNA?

[@LabEveryday]

So do you think the CCNA should be on everyone's list?

[@CarlosGarcia-ev2hp]

Depends what you are working towards. If you want to be a programmer or coder definitely not urgent. But if you are working on the infrastructure side of things it is a must have. Not only for employers but definitely for yourself. Working on mine.

[@LabEveryday]

+Barry Jennings Lol I agree with many of your points. Comptia is a great building block to give you a basic foundation before you tackle the CCNA.

[@LabEveryday]

+Carlos Garcia True. Cool beans and good luck with your CCNA Carlos.

[@agfagaevart]

I gotta add that, the N+ book is a better read than ol' Wendell's (Yawn) Cisco book... :-/

[@iamnotyourbuddyGUY]

I thought this was more of a list on how to get into IT. They still say in the video that Cisco is great if you want that path.

[@Yaardy316]

Either way after I earn my CCNA I’m going to just start looking for work and figure it all out from there...

[@LabEveryday]

+Karanja Broomfield you got your CCENT. You can start now.

[@Yaardy316]

I want to finish my CCNA before I start working full-time. I've tried it studying for a major test before while working full-time and it definitely doable but I'm not in a huge rush to find work just yet. Plus things are starting to really come together in terms of understanding theory and its application... As my CPA did in the accounting field I hoping the CCNA will do same for me in IT-Networking field, which is give me a standard of how things should be in theory. The work environment will then show me how much that deviates from the standard- just like to have that added perspective.

[@LabEveryday]

+Karanja Broomfield Ok having the time to study is definitely a huge benefit. I know you will learn this info and continue doing big things fo sure. If you got questions feel free to hit me up.

[@Yaardy316]

Thank you Du'An! Appreciate you.

[@LabEveryday]

+Karanja Broomfield No doubt I appreciate you too Man.

[@gabrielgadsden3986]

I have both the Comptia A+ and Security+. Both certs have help me get IT jobs. I also have the Cisco CCENT and currently studying for the CCNA. I believe one should learn as much as possible in IT. I also believe one should select the path of IT that one believe will be best for themselves.

[@LabEveryday]

+Gabriel Gadsden Congrats Gabe! You are crushing it! Good luck on your CCNA.

[@nigel2373]

I'd rather be cisco certified than comp tia certified... that's just me. I also just passed my CCENT today, working on CCNA next and MCSA, let's get it.

[@LabEveryday]

+Nigel D. Congrats Nigel!! And I see you have a plan. Keep it going. 🙌🏾

[@abelrucker1457]

I am A+, Net+, and Sec+ certified and I think the CCNA should absolutely be on the list. My net+ is the recent version, so I've studied the material. Although the material covered in the network+ is good, its still viewed as an entry level certification. You can't tell me that the CCNA isn't more respected in the IT field. Maybe it's just the region I'm in but to me CCNA's name hold more weight. I'll be working on it after I get my Linux+.

[@LabEveryday]

+Abel Rucker I see you Abel! You are about to be the Comptia Subject Matter Expert! Congrats. The CCNA will always hold more weight because it actually covers how to do a job. Meaning configuring routers and switches.

[@gscott3367]

Abel Rucker what's the average time it took you f studying to receive your certifications?

[@ericskinner1676]

The reason why I chose the ccna route because a lot of people downplayed comptia saying it’s not a real certification and you can’t get that far with it. Idk. I partially new to this side of IT. Im just trying to find the best direction to go in far as networking is concerned

[@stellarregimetv2464]

Eric Skinner thought the same fam ,

[@LabEveryday]

+Eric Skinner The A+ is good if you are looking to get into I.T. If you are already in decide your career path and then get a cert in that field.

[@ericskinner1676]

Du'An Lightfoot ok. Thanks fam. I will go in that direction. Do I put ccna cert to the side and just concentrate on A+?

[@LabEveryday]

+Eric Skinner Are you working in I.T. Now? If so keep pushing towards that CCNA unless your job requires the Comptia cert. CCNA can make you more money and provide better opportunities depending on where you are located and other factors.

[@jorgenrhodejensen]

CCNA will give you a good basic understanding of networking, which is always a good plan no matter the direction you take in your IT life. However as to state if it should be on everyone's list - perhaps not. I manager to do a decent career in IT without knowing much about Networking, focusing mainly on datacenters, VMware, Storage, UNIX ectect. Also I have Zero skills on Microsoft platform - it will highly depend on the kind of situation you are in, what kind of companies you are seeking to join. Alot of the huge IT firm, you often be silo'ed into a narrow field, where you would have to have deep knowledge on fewer topics, rather that knowing something about everything. Its the Classic "Jack of all trace, master of none VS. Master in 1-2 things". I will not be the one to judge one over the other - but the choice is not black/white - mostly just gray :-)

[@LabEveryday]

+Jorgen Rhode Jensen I completely agree Jorgen. Not sure about there but here smaller companies look for a jack of all trades. And honestly they want a master of all trades because that’s who they will keep. Companies are still of the mindset that they can do more with less, when that shouldn’t be the case. Great to hear from you as always my friend.

[@ktay5881]

I can understand why their list has the Network+ on the over the CCNA. 1. Maybe they're looking at this like you have no experience in case yes go Network+ 2. I have my Network+ and the exam covered all things networking and I learned a lot but I had a hard finding a job. I passed the ICND1 exam in June and just landed a engineer job without networking experience.

[@LabEveryday]

+Keron Taylor Facts Keron! And congrats on passing those exams and landing your engineering position! You’re ballin fam.

[@orionwheeler5276]

Great vids man. Thank you for all the hard work you do, it truly is greatly appreciated. Also thank you for your service !

[@LabEveryday]

Thanks and you're welcome Orion.

[@Yaardy316]

I’ve been hearing chattering that has been getting louder in last year about automating networks and that learning python would very beneficial.

[@ktay5881]

Karanja Broomfield yes just know Python will make you stand out in the field for me it's ICND2 and maybe my Linux+/Lpic1 to finish out the year then knock out some Python

[@LabEveryday]

+Karanja Broomfield It’s not chatter. It’s a real thing. The Cisco 9k’s and everything they are doing in the future will change the way we program networks.

[@LabEveryday]

+Jullian Smith That skillset!!!!! 🙌🏾

[@bulcub]

exactly!

[@gashone]

Two major things in few years from now: Cloud Virtualizations and programming languages for scripts

[@iamnotyourbuddyGUY]

The way I looked at this list was for those starting out in IT type jobs. They have said this list is good for those that don't know which path to take.

[@LabEveryday]

+Jason Lashley True kind of like graduating with general education.

[@nouseforaname-2468]

What's up, Du'An. I'm starting my A+, Net+ and CCNA training course this coming Saturday. I've always wanted to get my CCNA, but I've been seeing a lot of either, misguided information or rumors of how hard it is to find a job in the field with all three of those certs. I didn't graduate college, but once I got all 3 of the certs, I was planning on getting other certs and continuing my knowledge until I can't learn anymore. As for someone that's got their CCNA, what's your opinion on being able to find a job that pays really well?

[@LabEveryday]

+Yong Choe First thing to mention is that location matters when you are seeking a job. If the market does not have a need or not many openings of course it will be hard. Second thing to mention is actually a question. What is paying well? That is a relative statement. How much you want to make and how much you will make will directly correlate to the value you add a company. What you know, how you market yourself, and what’s the market value for the position in your location. Hope this helps.

[@ericskinner1676]

What are some sources you use to stay on top of what’s going on in IT? Furthermore I’ve seen jobs where I see comptia A+ and others on the list more than ccna. So this makes sense

[@LabEveryday]

+Eric Skinner Hey Eric that’s a great video topic. I will post this soon. The A+ will be listed depending on the entry level position that you are seeking.

[@Kunine]

Personally I got my CCNA and landed a network engineer role for a large organization. As you say Du'An technical diversity is key, Cisco ASA/security, wireless, CUCM and avaya call pilot are all big things where I work, so a ton of stuff to get into with general Route Switch as well. My advice to anyone who is getting/has their CCNA and is looking for a job.. Just know how to sell yourself to the employer and show them your passionate about networking, by giving the examples of the technologies you know or have learnt from the CERT as thats mostly what they want to see... and also your non-technical skills like teamwork ect... Personally I am going for CCNA Security next and then CCNP after that, as I think the firewall knowledge is particularly useful... and there is a BIG demand for this in the industry atm. Everyone should have a plan of there next cert and personally, I am going to do one on a annual basis for now. I am surprised at this list though, I have to say CCNA is well regarded from my experience and I would only ever consider 3 and 5 from that list. Comptia just seems very basic and easier then CCNA I feel... I feel that going for two CCNP'S then getting VCA6-NV is the way to go for a 5 year plan if you love networking. At the moment, virtualization is very important. Why 2 CCNPS? You need to specialize, its good to be great at the fundemental like route switch, but if you can do voice and know QOS well or security with firewalls like ASA or checkpoint. Already after 5 years you have two really great certs and one shows you have specialized. Personally I see data centre and security are massive right now, cisco nexus is a big deal. Ultimately it depends on preference and career path though.

[@LabEveryday]

+Kunine That’s cool man and I really like how you are mapping out your plan for success. Good deal 👍🏾

[@MichaelGarcia2006]

Hi Du'An, Just watched this video and it's an old topic but after studying for both exams I wanted to chime in on this oldie but goodie topic. I will agree Network+ is a great cert and it has a broad objective; which is to cover a majority of networking field. However, right now as I am studying for the CCNA, I find that this is kinda like comparing a kitchen knife to a scalpel. What I mean by that is they yes the Network+ does go broad and it showed me areas of networking that I may or may not work with like in the telecommunications industry or service provider area. The CCNA though is like that scapel where it's job is to get in there and hone your skill on one thing and one thing only. R&S really allowed me to get hands on, and deep and dirty with building and honing that skill to build an actual network. I don't think the vendor cert an say the same thing, where the vendor specific can because, and this is where the hardware comes into play.. you use that hardware to implement an actual network. So that's my two cents. May it help and further peoples opinons and discussion

[@alisohailtheitkid]

This is how I see it, follow the system what is created to maybe miss guide you or follow your passion.

[@LabEveryday]

+Ali Sohail Become great doing your passion.

[@otakun85]

Since I work with some of the top vendors brocade, juniper and Cisco, me personally I don't think it belongs on the list. Cisco has a strong foot hold in the network market but let's be honest. These other vendors are on the rise. I have my ccnp and I am currently studying other vendor certs. Certs like network + aren't vendor specific nowadays and this is my personal opinion as long as you have a good baseline of the fundamentals of networking and now your stuff these other vendors will fall in place only thing that i see different is the syntax. I work for what I think is the largest network campus/branch customer in the world I believe which is the military. And from what I have seen they don't care what vendor it is. It is who comes in with the lower number. I have been installing brocade and juniper out the ass this year, supporting different military efforts.

[@LabEveryday]

+Brolic I agree bro and it’s always good to hear your input. Juniper is definitely making its case but with Cisco’s 9Ks they could really shut the game down. The cost and time companies will be able to save is huge. You won’t need as many network engineers and you can actually see everything that’s going on in your network all in one device. I think their APIC controllers will be a game changer.

[@otakun85]

Du'An Lightfoot yes sir I can't agree with you more on the 9ks man I'm in the process of exploring those options soon. I have been in touch with our sales engineer I am anxious to demo them. Have you done any videos on SDN if not I think it's definitely a topic to expound on especially with new and upcoming engineers. And network programming. It's the future man.

[@LabEveryday]

+Brolic Honestly I am working on it now. That’s why I stopped doing the traditional CLI stuff because I see the future and learning java and python will be highly important in every area of IT. I hope you can get your hands on that stuff man, I wish I could. In due time.

[@otakun85]

Du'An Lightfoot yes sir! If I do I'll make sure to give you some feedback and my thoughts on them.

[@LabEveryday]

+Brolic Bet maybe we can do a Skype or hangout session for everyone. If your unit lets you. Salute for your service Homie. My best friend is Chief Netops in Ft. Riley.

[@agfagaevart]

A+ isn't much use in the UK. Most IT employers ask for Microsoft / Cisco certs. A few want N+

[@LabEveryday]

+agfagaevart What about ITIL? It was created in the UK?

[@agfagaevart]

Yes! I've actually met one of the guys that started ITIL on a course. Law firms seem to love ITIL - And some banks. Most unis are flexible on it tho...A degree gets you an interview regardless. :-/

[@LabEveryday]

+agfagaevart Thanks awesome. Starting a course that becomes widely accepted is a big deal.

[@Yaardy316]

I have my A+ cert, but I used it as a cert to get my feet wet as I am coming from the Accounting Field and thought it’d be a good entry level cert to help me choose a specialty. I chose networking and thus I’m pursuing the CCNA over the Net + because I kept reading that it was the stronger of the two Certs. I just passed ICND1 and started studying for ICND2 and was planning doing either Security or Cloud next... Should I do the Net+ instead?

[@LabEveryday]

+Karanja Broomfield Congrats on the A+ and the CCENT. You making “money moves” lol. But stay on course for the CCNA it’s definitely a better cert than the Net+ if you are planning to stay in networking.

[@Yaardy316]

For sure, thanks for all replies!

[@iCharmCity410]

Can you do a video on Microsoft technology associates certifications? You really don't see many people talk about it but this could be another great way to learn the fundamentals entry-level. You'd be surprised but some entry level positions list this certificate as a requirement. I'm studying for the security fundamentals cert under this and then will study for the security+

[@LabEveryday]

+iCharmCity410 I got the cert I can probably talk about it. It’s added to the list of topics. Thanks.

[@bulcub]

You really can't go wrong with any of the certifications! It all depends on what you see in the employment ads that employers post. You have the one list that describes what they are looking for that will get your feet in the door, and then you see the WISH LIST! pay close attention to the wish list because that is what they hope you will know and give you a superior leg up on your competition! My thing is look at the wish list and it will tell you what direction the company is headed and break out the VM's and get CRACK'N!

[@LabEveryday]

+bulcub Facts. The VM’s stay out and ready lol!

[@johnchristiandejesus3164]

Is A+ is more popular than CCNA?

[@LabEveryday]

+John Christian De Jesus Not more popular I think they both are popular. The CCNA makes you more money and covers a different are in IT.

[@6401ben]

my job needs me to get a ccna before i can transfer into its network team , right now i have a network+ and they could care less. that being said i am interested on see how comptia stacked certs will work out.

[@LabEveryday]

How are you preparing for the CCNA? Books, videos, labs?

[@6401ben]

cisco press book and cbt videos

[@LabEveryday]

Ok ok you definitely sound like you are on the right path!

[@garymeyer4085]

I appreciate your videos

[@jaridmoney5154]

Im studying for it now...Im pretty skeptical because I havent found a job with the certs i do have :(

[@k3vinfr3sh]

which certs do you currently have btw?

[@jaridmoney5154]

Security+ and MTA network fundamentals...the MTA is worthless lol. I skipped the network plus but...now that I know what I know now, I should have got it. Working on the icmb 2

[@k3vinfr3sh]

i am working on the icnd2 as well right now. failed the first attempt in august and took a bit of a break but im starting to resume studying again so i can complete it. then i think looking into python would be a smart move. i do not have a networking job the moment, only studied IT during college about 4 years ago

[@LabEveryday]

+Jarid Money Whats certs do you have and what type of jobs are you applying for? And what sites are you using to find jobs?

[@LabEveryday]

+Jarid Money Congrats on those certs. Are you looking for Network security jobs?

[@sharifaw74]

Wow that is crazy DuAn, before I started studying for my CCNA R&S so many people told me to bypass the Network+ cert and do CCNA and mostly guys in the IT field telling me this

[@LabEveryday]

+Sharif Abdul-Wahid Yes they were correct. The A+ and Net+ are used to get a job or keep a job.

[@Syphonfllter]

I'm studying for CCENT/CCNA, I'm thinking of getting my As (I could pass easily right now) and network to maybe grab security.. Or A+ and Linux+. I'm also brushing up on C++, will such a language benefit myself in this particular field? Or maybe learn python after Im decent with c and cpp? I'm good with hardware and build PCs etc.. So I'm not new to this, but professional advice is key imo.

[@LabEveryday]

Great! Hows the studying going? Python will definitely help you. What are you wanting to accomplish? What job are you seeking? What career path are you desiring? Have you thought about mapping out a career plan? That may help you become more specific and precise with your learning approach.

[@Syphonfllter]

Du'An Lightfoot Hello thanks for the reply! Yes I've been thinking about network engineering/architecture or security. I've been messing with packet tracer mainly to configure switches myself and design simple topology. I'm an appliance technician right now, but I got a new job already. Dead end place, affluent owners who overwork and underpay. I didn't think I'd be as interested in the field but I really am. I'm just having trouble making out what specialization would best suit myself. I do want more lab experience, things seem to click after applying real world scenarios. Hopefully this new job will provide more time for me to study as well. That's another issue.

[@LabEveryday]

It will work out. Have you joined the Cisco Learning Network? They have a ton of great content and info that may help you. Feel free to look me up. Cisco Learning Network goo.gl/XaTnbN

[@Syphonfllter]

I joined NetAcadamy for packet tracer and all that, I'll join right now and look you up. Also how is GNS3's application compared to PT? Would you prefer one over the other? I'm sure PT is sufficient for CCNA's theory and application, but the more lab experience the better.. That's how I best learn.

[@karout12]

why is your volume low I have my speakers on high and you are on low. get the MIC: close to your or reconvert the image and increase the volume use YTD

[@mohamudali3138]

bro you should have kept your Philly stash you looked like a boss lol

[@LabEveryday]

+Mohamud Ali Ha ha ha yea I’m still a boss fam.