Network Career Path?

Greetings,
I need some help here fellas, I am currently a Network Support Specialist for a pretty decent company. I have been in the Networking field for 4years. I have only my A+, and my mouth, and action as my credentials. Now i'm a new dad and i know things are going to pick up. So i want ot be prepared for the battle. This is my thing... I want to continue my networking career but i don't know what would be the best Cert to go after that will not only cover networking but will provide me with the best background for the job. I was thinking CCNA or CNA. I would like your help in find out what would help and support my networking experience and future advancements technology wise.
thxs

 

ccna would probably be your best choice. you should try to get ccnp

 

Thanks my friend...i like ccnp...it fit the shoe after i read what it is all about. Then i think i'll try ccna. Thanks again

 

You will need to get your CCNA prior to CCNP. There are plenty of books and courses to get your CCNA certification. If you chose th book method spend the mony and buy the Cisco Press book as it is geared toward's their test. Their are other great books but with the new format its better you get their book for their test. Sucks, but thats the deal. I am a CCNP and in management now so I have no asperations to get my CCIE... Good luck. As far as a CNA or CNE, Novel is continuing to lose ground on NT or 2003, so I would not suggest that path.

 

Thanks Rick this information is very helpful. By the way is ccnp difficult? do you have any study method that you recommend for a test like this?

 

Howdy,
I am currently taking CCNA 2 in high school. I recommend contacting your local community college for more information. Or you could try cisco.netacad.net. I would recommend the online curriculum rather than the books, they update the curriculum quite often. But, to access the online curriculum you have to be enrolled in a class.

 

hello 1up4kel,

I would like to chime in if I may. I admire your ambition, choosing a path is difficult. I do think your on the right track though I would highly recommend CCNA prior to CCNP like RickM suggested. It's the differece between a technician and an engineer (sort of). The main reason I emailed you was to try and talk you into Network +. You see, net + is the foundation of all that defines networking. It is a perfect lead into CCNA yet never expires, just like your A+. You will learn the essentials that youll need to make your CCNA that much easier like the TCP stack OSI model and subnetting. Anyway, give it some thought. Along those lines Try and stay away from MS stuff like MCSE. Not that those are not good certifications but as the years have passed those Cert's do not hold as much weight as they used to (personal opinion). Your Cisco exams have continues to hold thier weight and your Cisco switches and routers will never ever go away.

good luck