I have a BS in CS with a minor in Math. I work for a telecommunication company. I am thinking about going back for some certifications before I go on for my masters. Please tell me the real scoop about CCNA, CCNP and Network+.
2006-12-17 03:20:43 · 5 answers · asked by c_maria_s 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Computer Networking
You may surf online forums for CCNA. Its a good course/certification. Visit- http://www.cisco.com/web/learning/le3/le2/le0/le9/learning_certification_type_home.html
Its better to have some knowledge of networking before doing this certification. As far as scope is concerned, only certification will not do everything, you must have some experience. Certification will be a plus. If you need any study material, I can mail you some ebooks.
2006-12-17 04:45:33 · answer #1 · answered by V 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The cost of training is all over the radar screen.
Instructor lead training is typically about $200 - $250 per class day. The CCNA course is 5 days while the CCNP is about 10 - 12. A CCNA is a pre-requisite for the CCNP with most training companies though a few offer a 15 day bootcamp that will cover everything.
On-line, instructor lead training is about 50% - 80% the cost of classroom. On-line self-paced is around 30% - 60% of classroom. For the Cisco courses, make SURE that you have access to good simulators! This is critical to success!
Self study is always possible but you'll need either access to good simulators or you'll have to buy used gear to practice on.
With your background you could probably pass the Network+ exam cold. Grab a practice exam pack to see what's involved but it should be a walk in the park for you.
OK, now to real career value. The Network+ is of minimal value -- and probably worthless with your educational and work background. It's a very entry-level cert that has value for someone without a post-secondary degree.
CCNA & CCNP are another story entirely. When I got my CCNA, I got a new job very quickly with a 60% pay increase. In most enterprise networks, it's all you really need to be effective. If you plan on working for a carrier or a very large enterprise, the CCNP would be a good goal and would qualify you for a mid-level technical position.
The "Holy Grail" of networking is the CCIE. It's equivalent to a PhD as far as income goes. A CCIE with a high school diploma can command 6 figures anywhere.
2006-12-17 05:00:43 · answer #2 · answered by Bostonian In MO 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
CCNA is not only Cisco but general networking as well. Always useful. Although instructor-led training is more than 250 dollars a day unless you are learning from monkeys.
2006-12-17 17:10:06 · answer #3 · answered by Nojunk N 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are the only one that can truly determine the cost & benefit.
(questions to ask yourself)
Will a cert really help me to better fulfill the current obligations in my current telcom position? Or is it for future growth ?
Are all my student loans paid off? Will I pay cash for the training or put it on Visa? Grad school is going to run me another $40K, can I afford it?
Will a cert in networking help me in preparation for going to grad school?
Do I need to pad my resume with some certs so I can ask for more money at this job or the next?
2006-12-18 13:39:38 · answer #4 · answered by lv_consultant 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I love networking & I was about to take the Cisco way. But how do you practice?? Cisco products are extremely expensive. Unless at your job site they allow you to run their Cisco products which I doubt then you are stucked with your Cisco books.
This is the main reason why I am preparing Microsoft certifications.
Joe.
2006-12-17 04:58:03 · answer #5 · answered by Roland 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋