CompTIA or Cisco? - Should I get the CompTIA A+/Network+ OR the Cisco CCNA/CCENT - Microsoft MCSA?
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- Опубліковано 7 вер 2024
- Should you get the CompTIA A+/Network+ certification or should you jump right into Cisco or Microsoft certs? (CCENT, CCNA, MCSA)
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As an IT Pro, I completely agree with this. A+ if you're having issues getting a help desk job. CISCO and Microsoft Certs once you get a help desk job. Then go from their to more specialized certs like VM Ware, Azure, CEH, etc.
Yep!
A student teacher whereinI was taking my CCNA classes before didn't have any CompTIA certs, he also mentioned he was not planning to. He held a CCNA cert and planning to pursue CCNP. The fool found an anti static wristband on the table and has no clue what's it for. I told him you need to take A+ before pursuing CCNP LOL!
@@NetworkChuck I knew about a+ since the like 2003ish I never heard of the Cisco til now. Is it alot harder then the comptia stuff. I'm not really sure what it is
@@californiasportfishing that's freaking funny
What if you started recently and IT job because I recently started an IT job on January and only had a certification of Microsoft operating system fundamentals but I want to get a other certification this summe but I'm stuck on either studying a+ or ccna ?? Becuase I already have an IT job now but dont know which certification should i pursue either a+ or ccna
Exactly! Learn the A+ material but don't spend any money to take the exam! Spare it for more valuable certs.
Good advice.
Got the first part right! Thanks!
That idea works well if you already have any kind of IT job, but let's say that you are in a cleaning one, you will need A+ as a boost on your career.
Sousseky meh.. if you get the net+ it will jump over the A+
Pretty cool advice! 👌👌👌. Point Noted man!
I started college 3 years ago with the idea in my mind of building a career. Though out my 2 years of college, I had teachers tell me to not waste my time on CompTIA , and to move into a vender cert like Cisco or Microsoft. As much as it would have helped me build a quick career foundation, I found the material for Cisco to be daunting. When the only thing you knew at the time was how to subnet Class C IPs and what RIPv1 was for. Let alone how to navigate the CLI . I graduated 1 year and a half ago and I am now A+ and Net+ Certified. I now feel confident to make a decision on what I want to do with my future IT career. Moral of the story, work at your own pace and it will all come together. It’s not a race, it’s a marathon, and we’re all running it together. ✌️
finish college?
Thank you I needed this. All the info is overwhelming and don’t know where to start.
@@ant-dev I did, finished with an associate’s in Information Tech
@@Sincay18 Awesome! Congrats man!!
A marathon is a race though 🤣
True story. Couldn't have said this any better myself.
Thanks Zach! Appreciate you stopping by!
Oh snap! Where's the collab video?
I agree....when is it going to happen?
when ³
MarkJ im sure ya can. Gotta start somewhere though. Even if it repairing computers which i enjoy.
Something not mentioned in this video: A lot of companies have 4 different levels/tiers for help desk. If you're a tier 1 help desk technican, I'd say the A+ cert will help you rise through those ranks to become the lead helpdesk person who manages the team of other help desk people. The Network+ and Security+ will also help to do this. Upward mobility is upward mobility and the CompTIA certs will give you a leg up.
Your best advice was the part where you mention coming in early to study in front of the boss. Hustle pays.
That would only pay for your next job. The best chance for a significant pay raise almost always requires getting a job with a new company.
@networkchuck GREAT NEWS, I just passed my CCENT this past Monday. Im on a road now for the CCNA R/S cert.
Edgarinho87 congrats passed mine yesterday!
A Morano good luck to you!
Edgarinho87 I just passed mine last Thursday... looking for that full CCNA in two months
Congratulation @Edgar on you CCENT!!!! One recommendation for the CCNA download the CCNA blueprint from the cisco page and study all the topics. I just fail that exam last month because I didn't follow the blueprints. It really gives you all the necessary information that you will need to pass.
A Morano from the CCNET to the second part I studied like one and a half month but remember everybody studied at his own pace. I use to study 2 hours a day 7 days a week, in every week I take 3 days just for labs in Packet Tracer and GNS3. I use some training from a page I don't remember the name, but right now I'm studying with the GNS3 academy course from David Bombay that guy is amazing. Never been to any netcad class or course I just self study. My recommendation is download the blueprint for the icnd2 from the Cisco page and verify the topics and take the exam when you have a good understanding of the topics.
Experience is King but getting certifications will definitely help. The A+ covers all the basics. If you rely on experience then you are at the mercy of what experience you are exposed to. A+ is well worth doing to make sure you cover all the fundamentals - it's a foundation. Otherwise your knowledge is patchy. I managed to do A+, N+, mcsa and ccna(working full time and supporting a family) in about three years so it is certainly achieveable. A+ is worth doing simply for the knowledge you get. After that the most important thing to do is to make notes on what you get stumped by and conquer each subject. That way you always move forward and keep improving. Good luck.
My husband went straight for CCNA and then got a job as A NOC! He then went on to get his CCNP and 14yrs later he is a network architect and also has the AWS networking Cert.
Even if you already have a helpdesk position, A+/Network+/Security+ is great to have when job-hunting, just to demonstrate your knowledge to HR staff. They have no understanding of IT, but know that a certification shows a level of competency. I think it's an advantage when other applicants have no certifications.
Just passed ICND1/CCENT first try yesterday! Will be taking ICND2/CCNA at the end of November or beginning of December! Then on to CCNA Security! You've been a great motivator! Thanks for all you do!
Nathan Pruitt im following the same path , ccna then ccna security then ccnp , either way thanks for the motivated comment, good luck brother
That's amazing Nathan! Congrats!!
Good luck on ICND2!
Good advice, thank you for that. Working in a help desk position, it is very difficult to work an eight hour day and then come home to study the same material. Its a struggle to stay motivated. Especially when the CCNA and beyond is the ultimate goal.
Totally been there! (Actually, I'm still there!! Always working on certs with a full-time job!!)
That's where the pomodoro technique really helps me out. Telling myself that I'll just knock out a few sessions helps me hit the books
Dont ne a pussy dude
I agree 100% with you Chuck, when I landed my fist job, all I needed was my Sec+ and Windows 7 certification. I'm a system's administrator for the Department of Defense and till now, I never had to use my A+ or my Net+, completely waste of time, both certification are still active because of the continuing education with my Security+, but don't need them at all. Now I'm about to go for CCENT, which is what I should of done in the first place versus getting Network+. You go CHUCK, thanks for your channel, I support you all the way.
Great advice! Ended up getting my A+ in 2010, but like you said, it only gets you in the door to a help desk job and like you, I got a help desk job without it. Just started studying for the CCENT, and looking forward to stepping up to a more skilled IT career path. Thanks, Chuck for sharing all of your knowledge and experience, it's extremely valuable!
i earned 5 comptias when they were life time certs and much cheaper. they are not worth it now, in my opinion.
Thanks Chandler!
Good luck on the CCENT!
Yep!
How do you get a help desk job without a cimptia A+? I want to be above help desk but need a help desk job to start off. I work a full time job so it's hard to study for my A+. I feel, if I get a help desk job, I'll have hands on experience and then study for CCNA to move up.
I know I can learn the A+ but my current job isn't relevant to IT, so I need a help desk job to get ahead. I'm a quick learner and I have confidence that I'll get it, I just need someone to have faith that I can do it.
Quick one :
I dropped out of civil engineering,
my cousin comes up to me, tells me I should get into networking because he knew I was good wit computers.
I have never seen a router or knew what a router did
I got CCNA certified a year later
Got CCNP [RS] certified
Only then got my A+ and N+ in abouth 2months (very quick)
I got a job working for a fibre company dealing with MPLS switches
Im now getting my securtiy + cert.
What im gona say is, CCNA is better to get first honestly, I thank my cousin for telling me how to go about doing
it. Get CompTia certs just to fill out your CV, makes your CV look more rounded.
Also I hate the fact certs EXPIRE, so im gona be putting time into getting a degree or at least a diploma in electronic or computer engineering.
You have to have an end goal.
idk what to say ...... BRAVO
you motavietd my as hell
am in the same dilemma
got out of engineering lacking the money to continue
got into community collage took my three years diploma in computer science
my end goal hopfully ill take my A+ ,NETWORK+, get a job then reapeat from above
Can you give me some study tips on passing CCNA?
Why would you bother getting an entry-level cert like the TIA certs after getting CCNA... CCNA is the next level.. if you have that then that shows you obviously have a foundational knowledge... all net and A+ are are foundational certs showing you have a basic understanding... CCNA shows you have advanced knowledge... and also... If you want to make your resume look more rounded then get CCIE.. the next level.. not the level back... and also, why would anyone think you are good with computers if you didn't know what something as basic as a router was.... frankly... judging from your piss poor wannabe typing skills combined with your fishy sounding story, you are completely full of shit....
jason prevo You took the words right out of my virtual keyboard...
@Austin Carter barnacles
Yup. I'm a Desktop Support Technician which is a (Level 2) role with zero certs nor a degree as I work my way up to the next role as a Sys Admin (Level 3) role. I have already been through two different Help Desk roles prior to that. Experience can go a long ways since most employers vaule experience more than a piece of paper.
Thanks Chuck for this. I was actually a help desk for 4 years then I left into Business Development, now I want to go back into IT and I was quite confused until I found this. Yea, I think I will skip the A+ and focus on the big picture. Thanks. Bless up
I wanna say, I might not know everything on comp tia+ and all that fancy terminology but I google the problem and it's done, and that's how I work as an IT help desk tech, and when it comes to real problems this is where I think I should have studied ccna.
Got my A+ way back in 1998. It helped me get my first job. N+ in 2004, which didn't help much to further my career, but got me interested in neworking and led me to Cisco. The stuff covered in CCENT was pretty much exactly what N+ covered.
Well, my 1st cert was a Cisco System's CCNA, which I obtained in 2003, and to this date, I have not (ever) held an job in I.T. To say I feel robbed is an understatement!!
Sheldon, you should get your A+ soon as possible. And when you do, take some contract jobs that last for a day or even a few months. This will give you a chance to gain some experience and build a resume related to the IT field(not to say you shouldn't apply for acutal salary IT jobs, you should still do so). Once you get your A+ and land a salary job, you're already 2 steps ahead. Once a position within the company is open for anything CCNA related, you'll have the knowledge and the contacts to get first dibs on a interview. Stay persistent and vigilant to get where you want to be. Good luck!
A cert doesn't guarantee a job. You have to do more.
I like how you emphasized having good character. "Come in early and your managers will see that and remember..."
I would suggest the Cisco route every day of the week. I see the Network+ as an all rounder certification whereas the currently CCENT CCNA route builds a very very solid foundation in routing & switching.
Exactly. Got my A+ and Net+. They're entry-level certs. Once you get that first job with (or without) the help of these certs, skip the CompTIA. They're valuable learning stepping stones, but also keep in mind that many job postings are put together by HR people that have been trained to look for big, more well-known certs like MCSA, CCNA/P/IE. They're only just starting to learn about CompTIA.
The value of the CompTIA path is that they're vendor neutral - that this knowledge applies to any sort of environment. However, Cisco is such a big player in networking that having it essentially means you get a less-expensive, more valuable Network+.
Agreed! Thanks for the insight!
Great am so glad i got to watch this video. am a 51 years old man in South Africa that needs to change to IT and some people think its late but i don't. Thanks once again👍
Thank you for this video. I will now be pursuing CCNA as opposed to CompTIA. I was really conflicted on which direction to go, but you cleared it up quite a bit.
I spent my whole life working on computers and printers, I recently took the 901 and 902 and it would be humbling for most commenters. It's not as easy as you might think, definitely need to study. Working on sec+ and ccent atm, I like your videos.
It is important to note that if you ware wanting to break into the IT field as a federal employee or contractor for say the DOD that you need to have a CompTIA Security+ Certification. It is required and you have to have it day 1. For anyone wanting to get that sort of job. Cheers!
This information is great and worth it for non government/DoD IT jobs. If you want to work for the military as a civilian either on a base or through a military private contracting company, then they WILL require at least one CompTIA (mostly Security+) and at least a Microsoft Server certification OR a Cisco Routing and Switching. Marine Corps veteran turned military private contractor, so I know from experience. I hold Security+, Server+, and CCNA routing and switching.
I got into IT with my Comptia A+ too!
I'm 31 and just decided I hate my current parts clerk Job. I've always loved computers and repair electronics on the side, so I decided to go back to school. I got a scholarship for majoring In IT through the Work ready Kentucky scholarship.
Thank you for all your support and insight. You make me feel much less anxious about this career change. Thank you for the encouragement.
Hopefully attaining an A+ will get me my first IT job.
I had my A+ from my previous employer (was close to 3 years). I knew I wanted to get Cisco and Security+ certified, so I went ahead and took my Network+ exam (to get me ready for CCENT and renew A+ since why not). Now, I am about to take my CCENT next month (wish me luck!). After the CCENT, I plan on taking a couple of months to get my Sec+ (most employers in my area require it). After that, CCNA R&S, then CCNA-Security. Next year, I want to get my MCSA and Cyber-Ops certs (CompTIA, Cisco, CEH).
I have no social life QQ.
BEAST MODE!!! (Having a social life is overrated ;)
Really Love this video, thank you for the inspiration. I've been doing I.T repairs (Software & Hardware) for ten year plus now, I have my A+ Certification and wanted to go in the direction of a Network Engineer. After watching this I was so inspired, I went the very next day and signed up for the Cisco CCNA Course in my home country. I'm also very happy I found this video, you saved my thousands of dollars, because I almost spent it on a Network Engineer degree, while the Cisco CCNA Course is only four to six months. My first CCNA Class starts next week. Keep inspiring to I.T people of the world, I've subscribed.
Hard truth I guess. Taking my 902 this week. Waiting to get a help desk job. Time to start studying for ccent!
It is still an asset....it's just not as valuable as Cisco certs. But no worries, it will def help you land that help desk job!
Good luck on the CCENT!!
I literally FELL into a helpdesk job based on homemade experience and teaching a friend with a newly finished degree in psychology. I had a LAN for Duke Nukem & Command & Conquer, was encoding my CD collection into MP3, knew how to install a hard drive and copy data to it... He landed the helpdesk role, and brought me on board. 2 years on the desk with a year of deskside support, Night school, MCSE, new job, new job, CCNA, new job, CCNA, new job, CCNA + Wireless as well, and Bam... career made! It's been a wonderful 20 years.
Really appreciate all the advice you give, Chuck! Can't decide where I want to go with my career. I want to move up, but I like Server and networking equally.
Thanks Adam!!
Do both! If you are in a job that requires you dabble in both worlds....why not get some certs in both areas? You will at least gain some clarity as to which path you like best.
I recently found this channel and somehow ended up down the rabbit hole watching his 2017 videos. This one just blew my mind though. I started as an easy tech myself, now I'm on a help desk wanting to go into networking. I never got my A+, but I'm convinced now to go straight for the CCNA. Thank you for this video!!!
Got my CCNA cert on August 1st 2019, Tnx for motivation Chuck
schranz tech congratulations
I am in the process of going to school, so I can take it in 2020.
His story is similar to mine, went from call center to tier 2 pc tech (skipped help desk) then got my MCP and A+ then was promoted to IT specialist managing a Meraki cloud network for 2 years then went to another company as a "systems engineer" but I'm really more of a sys admin/ network analyst making 80/yr. Went from 26k-42k-48k-65k-80k over the span of 5 years.
The problem is: CCENT/CCNA doesn't do teach you about COMPTIA level knowledge. So if you want to jump straight to engineer without knowing how to fix a computer, by all means, go that route. It's kind of like being an architect but not know how to hammer a nail. Can you do it? Sure. But I think you'd be better at it if you knew the ground work, too. I recently started on this path in the beginning of November. I had the option to choose any course that I wanted to take and it was suggested to me by people that have been in the industry for over 20 years that the COMPTIA suite would make taking the CCNA a breeze.
I sat in a classroom of 10 for 10 days for ICND1&2 and I was the only person in there with a A+, Net+, and Security+. And I was the only person in there that was actively engaged with the instructor, knew the OSI and TCP models, knew how to subnet, and knew networking troubleshooting.
I don't disagree that if you're already doing an A+ level job that getting a cert to reinforce your position isn't going to get you any advancement. But Net+ is definitely the bridge you need between A+ and CCENT.
I finished my ICND2 course last week and I plan on taking ICND1 test sometime next month.
David Blackman I love how you explained this, extreeeemely helpful! Right now I’m already studying for my A+ but I keep seeing people all over the web say that A+ and Network+ is useless and instead go for CCT and CCENT.
Do you think me first getting A+, Network+ and then working up to getting my CCT, CCENT is just over doing it or stupid?
I’m totally new to IT, I just figured out what RAM is today. 😂
Go for A+ (for entry-level knowledge) and get a job as a Helpdesk. Working experience is a must.
Then go for CCENT or CCNA, skip Network+ since the CCENT will cover it.
TiraMisu Thank you Tira! I appreciate it!
I do believe he covered this question well. As he explained if you already have some experience in the field and work in a helpdesk or desktop position then you can skip the A+. The A+ is to get your foot in the door or if you absolutely have no experience and or just starting out then A+ is for you. Regarding the illustration of "being an architect but not know how to hammer a nail" analogy. I have not come across any architects that did not know how to hammer a nail yet. Many of them have never worked for a roofing company with extensive experience hammering down shingles yet they can all design a pretty nice roof.
You have to take ICND1 before ICND2
Honestly its been a long time since someone just sat in front of a camera and talked and i actually enjoyed it... Yeah this deserves a sub
Guys, nowadays there is no more shortcut in the IT field. Get your A+, N+, security+( should get all these in the space of 15 months), then choose a path depending on the market. Now Aws, cloud are where people are getting well paid, better than ccnp( some people just like networking). It might be another thing in the next few years, technology is growing. Just be smart guys. There is no wrong way in the IT. Just don't skip anything.
AWS pays good but you really under estimate CCNP. You do realize AWS runs on an network backbone BUILT by people with CCNP and CCIE right? That is a myth that networking jobs are jobs of the past. That's like saying because TELCO is legacy technology people who had those jobs are not relevant. Who do you think ran the fiber line to those data centers. Cisco jobs will be around for a very long time and they will still get paid very good.
Also in IT you need to be VERY CAREFUL of being a "jack of all trade". That is a resume killer right there. Being someone knowledgeable in several areas help. But I have been advised by Microsoft Managers that they will not hire anyone who has not perfected a certain area for a long time. They don't like to see someone with AD, Exchange, Sharepoint, etc experience all over their resume. This tells them they never perfected any of those and is more likely to get rejected.
I want to work in cloud security. Have security+, think I'll get my cysa, then my aws solutions associate, and then possibly my CCNA cyber ops while adding python programming
I got my A+ and I'm doing the CCENT next. It also renews my A+. I plan to get the Security+ after that. I'm finishing my degree as well. I loaded up on Database and Security classes, but I have 12 years of records management experience, so I'm more than likely going to go the DBA route.
@@n3rdoutmedia any good job offering for A+? Im still thinking of getting my A+ Network and Security+
@@yonatanmakara6856 Tbh, you'd be lucky to get anything higher than entry-level HelpDesk with the A+. I went the Cisco route since they have a large market share, but even with an A+ and CCENT, I don't expect much. Once I finish my SQL and CCNA certs, I'm sure things will start to pick up. Take in mind my AAS degree will be completed this year and I'm starting on a BS after that. I'm not stopping until I reach my goal job.
If you want to get into IT, I'd suggest just googling the top 10 or 20 common laptop / desktop issues, and learn the ways to resolve them. If you do get a technical interview, they will ask questions about the most common scenarios. For instance, someone's monitor isn't working, how do you troubleshoot it or someone can't get to Google, how would you troubleshoot this? The A+ is way more information than you'll ever end up actually using on an actual help desk or desktop position
If you are planning on working for the government in any IT capacity, then you need to get your CompTIA Security+ first. No way around it as it is required for all government IT jobs.
^^^^^^
Or government contractors!
I came into this in May. I am 30 and have zero knowledge about computers. I been working 2.5 months now and today I take my A+ certification test. It was worth it because I had no knowledge at all but now I feel like I got off to a great start!
I got my A+ certification in 2001 at 16 years old; it was the last cert I needed to get so far 😂
This is the best mind to mind IT industry speech i have ever heard..
I'm gonna keep this video as the strongest motivation in my life.
Thanks Network Chunk YOU ARE INDEED THE LEGEND OF IT.
Working on my bachelors first then backtracking for certs. Already have my Sec+ but the plan is CCNA, CISP, AWS, MCSA, and Ethical Hacking and then to branch out depending on job offers. But a strong baseline in everything is really necessary right now.
Going wide is becoming more valuable nowadays. Smart move.
I agree with you polarized. Hope you are making progress in your studies. 👍🏽
Hey how are your studies and certs going rn
@@almirhasani8314 got my bachelors but with Covid cancelling 3 different ccna tests the 2 years now that you can take it online I’ve been thinking about going at it again
I have been a tech for 15 years. No cert. I want t upgrade. LPIC! and CCNA is my goal. This just reinserted this. Thank you, Chuck.
i have my a+. i don't regret it but i wish i spend that time towards mcsa or cisco certs.
Yeah, A+ is a solid cert that anyone should be proud to have. But, like you said, the MCSA or CCNA would have gotten you further faster.
What about someone going to school like WGU. I am a chemist at the moment and the pay and outlook in this field is AMAZINGLY terrible. I wish I didnt waste 10 years of my life but that come and gone. I am trying to break into the IT field and was told a degree for WGU is the best thing I can do.
Just take 2 or 3 classes in Cisco Networking and maybe another in IT specifically networking and security. Community colleges offer classes specifically for training for certain certifications. The net + security + net + Microsoft MCSA's(or whatever they are now) and cisco certs are classes they offer. Up to you, if you do a degree you will still need to get two to 3 certs regardless.
CCNA is such a massive volume of information though. I'm already on the help desk delivering first line support to 300+ users - but I have no formal qualifications. I doubt my ability to study something as big as the CCNA right off the bat. Getting A+ and network + could help me build a foundation of knowledge and validate my ability to study for something bigger? I could go for the CCNA, get overwhelmed and give up. CCNA is a lot to take in for someone who hasn't studied in 10 years.
That’s literally the definition of regret
Thanks for the advice! I'm currently working as a Data and Communications Officer but have been looking at breaking into a
more hands on network engineering role but was struggling with the exact topic in this video, much appreciated. Thanks!
Udemy has helped me tremendously with my CompTIA training so I agree with you Chuck
What sector are you in?
@@shabennett06 at the time I was with the State of MD
I got my A+ about 10 days before you made this video. I got hired by a small "tech" company to pull cable with ZERO work experience or really knowledge of the tech industry. They trusted me enough to terminate, program cameras and setup video servers. Now I work in the office (occasionally assisting road crews with camera setups), but I also am branching out and doing a ton of networking. I recently installed Kali on one of my Pi's and am learning Nmap and wire shark. Thanks for the help you provide and the direction.
That’s amazing Matt!
Congrats
I don't even have any experience in IT. Not even help desk. But I'm going to crack on with my CCNA because I'm aiming to become an Network Engineer. Thanks for this video!
Awesome Simone!! The CCNA is the first step to a crazy journey!
Yeah I skipped the A+ got a support specialist job with no prior experience. However I had been in the military for electrical on aircraft then had a job where I was ops manager but I had been messing with computers since high school so I had some information.
I will say knowing someone that works there will help you get a foot in the door.
So networking within tech is a good idea and probably the biggest help.
My teacher said to skip A+ and get Server+ and avoid end user stuff all together and focus on enterprise level certs of you are after the bigger pay.
Yup!!! End user stuff is something you can pickup along the way if you don't already know it. The enterprise technologies are what employers look for!
Your teacher is steering you wrong. You can't get Server+ without A+. It's a prerequisite.
@@nilpo19 Bullshit. There are NO prerequisites as such. The A+ is listed under "Recommended Experience."
@@solarisone1082 Try to sign up for it without an A+ number. They won't let you.
Thank you for all this helpful information! Taking the time to do these videos, editing, everything, is work but totally worth it as you help the next person in line. I completed my basics in college and then took a break, about 13 years, to be a full-time mommy. Best decision ever! Now my kids are a little more independent and I want to slowly get back into school and dive into the IT field. Cybersecurity to be specific. I love the idea of protecting these firewalls and I feel it's a way I can contribute to my country, God bless the U.S.A. Currently taking a Netowork+ class at a community college and plan on taking the cert exam when I'm done. Now I need to figure out a way to get experience without any experience lol. I am willing to take any position to start. Thanks for all you do! Best regards!
It was an awesome video. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experience with the world. I believe getting certifications is definitely a way to go when you've got some experience in the IT area and it might literally be the detail you need to get a job. I mean, put together your bachelor's, some hands on experience in the area nad your certifications. Tha's how I imagine that success is achieved. One step at a time, guys. ;)
Hello to everyone, from my point of view CompTia Network+ certification is more designed for Technicians who works in the field and need to learn all networking concepts for working in operative tasks and troubleshooting at basic levels while Cisco CCNA is oriented more for IT staff who will be involved in more complex Cisco dedicated troubleshootings.
Thanks for this video man, really insightful. Already have my A+ and was going for Network+ but now I'm thinking CCENT/CCNA.
Yes sir, go straight for the CCENT!
Great Info, thank you so much for this video. I'm currently studying CompTIA ITF+ just to get a grasp of the most basic fundamentals. Luckily I have 4 years of Customer service experience and 4 years of troubleshooting experience working on the electrical and electronic components in a wind turbine. I'm trying to set up my resume and cover letter to land my first IT job w/o an A+ Cert and I'm grateful for any and all advice that I can get my hands on! Thank You!
Love ur videos and ur advice!! Thankyou! I see myself in ur shoes very soon.... fingers crossed 🤞🏽
Thanks Rashmi!
Hey, anyone can follow my path, you just need a little motivation and a ton of drive! You'll be there in no time!
Damn it Man! Killing me with the delicious coffee excerpts. I had to go brew a pot ... again. Your coffee game is pretty solid.
BTW, back with my coffee now. This was an A+ video helping me figure out my path from the ground floor at age 36.
Oh god, you are so right. I already have a high paying helpdesk job. Easy peasy and here i was thinking to get A+ anyway. Hmm, im gonna go for CCNA
Get it!!
I haven't scanned the comments below, but the only CompTIA cert that I would suggest, highly suggest, it Security+. Being able to get a DOD contracting position, anywhere in the country or overseas, is huge. Security+ is the basic requirement for any IT related DOD position and if you get it and can qualify, you can make some serious cash. Besides that, yeah, what you said... Vendor specific all the way!
Im Studing for my A+ And Im Only 11 And I Think its a good start then you should go for cisco after A+
11!! Getting a jumpstart!!
At your age, I think the A+ is definitely a good starting place. After that, Cisco Cisco CISCO!! And, get a jump on some programming. PYTHON!!
Keep going!! We'll all be working for you someday ;)
Lol cool
Yeah, ok, sure you are!
Nice lol
if you're picking up python then i suggest picking up c++ as well, i personally find switching between the two to be a comfortable exercise for some reason, and if you can then try and get comfortable with tinkering, pulling things apart and putting them back together, and lastly make a habit of skimming through reference manuals, it wont give you any immediate benefit but it gets you into the habit of picking up a lot of general knowledge, you will just have to trust that it will become useful later(mind you this doesnt apply if you already do it)
This makes a lot of sense especially being at the help desk for three years.
Comptia a+ is still a good thing to have. Too many people talking down on it
Agree! But I hate Comptia cuz their exams are so expensive!!
A+ is like a "you must be this tall to step on this ride" cert. In the old days some manufacturers required it in order to perform field service on their products.
Hey Chuck I'm a new subscriber great video. I'm 39yrs old live in San Diego working for a temp company and its my 1st help desk job. I have alot to learn but as you said "hustle" is everything. Watching your videos and the quality of them makes me want to step my game up and put more time in making quality videos.🤔
What cert do I need to get myself such a sexy beard?
CCNA Beard.
It's 7 tests and there are no study guides. You just have to know.
lol! I refuse to let my beard reach its full glory until after I've been hired as a junior network admin. It's my reward for reaching such an important milestone in life. But make no mistake, once I get my network engineering career into full-swing, I'm going for my CCIE beard.
You can have mine for free. I hate growing a beard.
Pff, did you mean CCIE Combing and grooming
I can’t grow beards (genetics); never cared, never thought twice about it, not remotely jealous, basically never need to shave neck and cheeks. In my mid thirties. Just Saw your beard. Started questioning the circumstances of my birth. Glorious beard that shifts perceptions of reality. The IT beard lord.
Getting a head start on my A+. I’m currently doing a trade in cabinetry also working laundry and doing cleans on the weekend. The A+ will help me. But also keep my job portfolio with wide range of jobs to show the employer that I am always interested learning new skills.
I'm 20 years old with no IT experience, degree or certifications. I just started studying for the CompTIA A+ a few days ago but should I just stop and go straight to getting my Cisco certifications? My main goal is to get into security. I don't want to waste my time and money. Please and thank you! Love your videos they are truly amazing! 😄
Thank you for your kind words!!
How much experience do you have in IT? Do you feel comfortable with basic PC troubleshooting?
If you do feel comfortable with that aspect of IT, I would jump into your CCENT.
NetworkChuck I have no experience in IT & know some basic pc troubleshooting. But I'm having a difficult time deciding whether or not I should be focusing on getting the CompTIA A+ or the CCENT as my first certification. I'm thinking of applying for a help desk position as my first IT role. Would the CCENT hold more value on my resume than the CompTIA A+?
Yes the CCENT holds far more weight.
TCC Thank you! 😊
xjessybaby get thw sec plus ignore a and net
You've come a long ways! Always enjoy seeing the growth of an influencer.
I am 40 now and trying to get my CCNA. I sometimes feel, it's too late.
Har I hope you have a good support team. Otherwise, this is your sign telling you it’s not too late and that you should strive to do anything in your life that you deem worthy of YOUR time, especially if it’s something that’s beneficial for your life.
Me too...it's not too late
Same here. Only came to the conclusion that i'll never, EVER take the CCNA exam.
Not untill they have the designer of Netacad shot, and the team producing the questions jailed for life...
Same Here...its not too late
I'm 40. Never too late. IT will alway be around n growing.
Extremely helpful. I've been considering IT as a PT side gig to work remotely. I had no idea that Cisco and MS had certs for beginners. Thank you.
I bought all the book for A+ and N+. But I was advised to go for CCNA.
I've just gotten my first IT job because I'm at university part-time and I'm doing my CCNA there. This is definitely a good point from Chuck, so please do shout about what you're learning outside of work.
I'm still going to do my A+ to fill out my knowledge a bit because there is a lot of desktop support involved in my role. Also, foundational knowledge is usually the best kind.
Hey Sam, I appreciate you reaching out!
Foundational knowledge is definitely important but you have to decide if you will learn everything you need in that realm on the job.
My Story:
I always hated A+ and Net+, it seemed too easy. I wanted something with a challenge. I was a Junior IT Tech for about a year when my manager started training me in Cisco and I attempted the ICND1 exam after studying and doing labs for about 3 months, but I failed by a slim margin. My manager applauded me for trying and actually promoted me to Systems Engineer 2 months after and gave me privilege 15 access to everything. I studied Cisco for over 2 full years, (afraid of failing the exam and losing my money again lol) got tons of hands-on experience, started configuring more and more stuff on the network and I was exposed to both simple and complex configurations and topologies. Finally decided to attempt my ICND 1 exam again and I passed easily. And can you believe it was my first IT certification? LOL. The 2 years of studying made CCNA very easy for me and I was really happy I got my first IT job at the age of 18 so I can get an early start.
Cisco is not for the faint of heart. It takes much time and dedication to learn it and there are times when it gets overwhelming. But if you love it, like genuinely love it, it comes so easily and it's a ton of fun. I'm really glad I didn't go the CompTIA route, it never interested me. I have 3 years of Cisco experience but I'm only now getting certified. However, my experience and recent certifications landed me a Senior IP Engineer job at a global ISP at the age of 21.
mannnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn where u from brother
What a cool manager.
Thanks Chuck you just clear out my main doubt, of where to go. Why I didn’t came across with earlier, I had been like this for more than a year. God bless you bro 👏🏻!
Hi Chuck, great advice overall! Have you ever been approached by anyone else in your audience on making a transition from an IT Audit role? I'm an IT Auditor and I'm CISA certified with a Telecommunications company. I have been exposed to server administration, security, general information systems concepts (from an audit perspective) and recently I've started networking with people in my company who are network engineers, security analysts, system administrators, etc., and I've realized I have a strong interst in Network Security engineering. Any specific advice coming from an IT Audit role?
Thanks for the helpful information! I was planning to do the Network+ and then the Security+ after the A+, but after watching this, I have made a course correction.
Hi Chuck, Thanks for the awesome video. I'm wondering if there are paths to go from backend development or software engineering into network engineering? is it possible to go through web development or another programming job and get into network engineering without having to work a help desk position?
You are a good man. My A+ instructor told us to look at 'Eli the computer guys' video, half way through the video i stopped then i found you. Your video's are great. I am now subscribed. I am going to do a+, network+ then CCNA.
I have to say.... I LOVE the COFFEE intros!! my man!!
This is great advice , I found myself in the same situation and did the same and got nowhere until higher certs were taken. Listen and don't make the same mistake
A+ & Network + cert are useless, but the knowledge of A+ & Network + is valuable beginning to go to other IT network fields
Just got my CCNA so happy! Had no idea what I was getting myself into and now I cant get enough! So cool, cant wait for the next step. Been watching your vids for a while now, thank you for the encouragement and help! eigrp!
KNocked right on the real points
;)
Sweet advice! I just recently got a Network Engineer job in a company I have been in for a while. And the great thing is, I was able to get it and still work remote in a different state, away from Corporate. I had the thought process for a while that I wouldn't be able to move up since Desktop Support was the only option in my area unless I move to a the state where corporate is located. I definitely feel bless that I was able to get this position and have the flexibility to work remote. But I do agree with you on definitely finding a company that has room for growth. :)
Hey Ralph! I love your story. A lot of people are concerned about their location and I think your story can help with that! A lot of companies are looking for remote techs now...it's just the way things are moving!
Any tips for someone looking for a remote job?
❤❤
Is it true that having a beard increases your networking skills by 32.33%?
The study results were inconclusive.
I would say more like 50/50
I'm bearded and work in IT. Our numbers are great.
@Trys10Studios still have to condition and oil it!
Thank you Chuck! I’m 18 from the UK and got a Interview for an Apprenticeship for the the roll of an IT support analyst and this company gives chances for young people wanting to start a career. My goal is to become a network engineer and I think it’s good idea for me to skip CompTIA and just go for the CCNA because I am very tech savvy have been since a young age.
I always thought of Comptia certs as good resume-fillers especially in the beginning of my career. they were quickly and easily obtained compared to MS and Cisco certs.
Yeah, kind of a something is better than nothing situation.
This sounds exactly like my current situation. I've been working help desk/desktop support and studied for the A+ but never got it. I'm definitely seeking the next steps. Thanks for your great advice!
can you pass your icnd1 without getting hands on experience though? just studying from books and videos from home?
Yep!! As long as you are LABBING, you will get it!
do you have a video on Labbing :D
Thank You. I am planning to Take CompTia this year but after i watched this video it changed my mind. More power Man!
I thought i needed a 4 year degree to get a good paying job. I barely get interviews
Ever After
Experience trumps all. Should have interned.
jxsilicon9 interning isn’t itself that easy to do
I thought that too. Imagine a graduated with a degree in business in the middle of the '09 financial crisis. My first interview was after 6 months and luckily I got the job, ended up hating working 14h per day for an investment bank, switched to IT, got a job at Oracle at a sales help desk and grinded through their tech courses. I'm a programmer now and nobody cared to even look at my degree even with a few months of programming experience, which of course is no BSc. I get technical tests and scenario based questions and if you can solve problems, pieces of papers proving that, don't account for much. They do open doors here or there but if you're social and network a lot, most of the jobs you'll get will be through recommendations from beer buddies anyway. It's been years since I actually applied for a job. Chin up, it gets better eventually.
You probably should see a career coach. I had the same problem after I graduated even with experience. I went to College Placement office and they did a video of a practice interview and recommended a resume writer and gave me some coaching. I got hired after that very next interview and stayed with that company for six years.
If you are already working hands on in a HelpDesk position providing hardware and software support for client workstations or related, skip the A+ cert. Can use the study guide for foundational review, but otherwise it's not helpful. It's better to get network+/security+(and advanced) or, better, cisco or microsoft certs or unique certs.
Just missed out on a 60K year job because I didn't have my CCNA even though I have over a decade in IT. I just don't understand why the company would hire somebody that has their CCNA and maybe 6 months experience
That is strange!! Certifications are amazing but experience is king. But...I guess that just tells us that having your CCNA is always a plus.
Well what was your job role for that 10 years? You could have 10 years help desk experience which wouldn't help you much going against someone with only 6 months experience but has a CCNA. Also, what the hell were you doing for those 10 years not getting a cert? Not to be too judgmental but it kinda sounds like you got complacent.
Only 60k? That's low for a job requiring CCNA.
Did they at least test your knowledge? Is this in the private sector or governement? Experience isnt crap in the government world without the certs to back them up, they are required.
I'm currently on the help desk and passed the A+ 901 yesterday and will do the 902 to get the A+ qualification, something I can always fall back on and nowadays when ever I see IT jobs they require A+ as a minimum.
After the A+ I'm going to start on vendor qualifications, my friend has his ccna and his pay went up by 10k. Incredible rise.
IF you NEED A+, and you want an IT career, you should look for a different career path. If you are not "into" computers... You will be a mediocre IT person and essentially become one of the lame masses.
That said!
I 100% recommend A+ for anyone who is serious about computing or technology as a career or even as part of a hobby.
YOU CANNOT SUCCEED IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY WITHOUT A+ INFORMATION, unless you are a social engineer or a sales hack.
Sales hacks make plenty of money. No doubt. Social engineers like the greats Steve Jobs or Bill Gates are always coming out ahead of the genuine geeks... I'm not ashamed to admit that. But if you want an IT job, and you want to get into this stuff, DO YOURSELF A FAVOR and cultivate a passion for PCs before anything else. Build a PC from parts. Install Windows on it. Install Linux on it. Reinstall. Reconfigure. Reinstall. Tweak...
If this does not excite you, or you can't motivate yourself to enjoy doing this sort of thing for at least a year or so... You might not be cut out for IT.
(And this applies to those who think they are just going to be a Network Guy, or just gonna be a Database Administrator, or just gonna be the Call Center Telephony Systems Queen. I PROMISE YOU, being a competent PC person will serve you well. And I PROMISE YOU that if you move into those fields without this knowledge, you will feel like an idiot on more than one occasion, AND LOOK LIKE ONE ON MANY MORE THAT YOU AREN’T EVEN AWARE OF. And you may wonder why people don’t bring you in on any of the cool problems!)
I was an IT Manager for 5 years without any certs...at all. Learned a lot, that said, now I'm going back into IT...I'm getting certs! Can't seem to get back in without them!