Cisco Networking Question

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Hey EvilZone,


Curious to know if I should go directly for a CCNA cert or stop by the CCENT cert first?

Has anyone been in this position, is it a waste of time going for the CCENT if you already have the basic understand of Networking and the OSI model?

Thanks,

[cyberdrifter]

Hey EvilZone,


Curious to know if I should go directly for a CCNA cert or stop by the CCENT cert first?

Has anyone been in this position, is it a waste of time going for the CCENT if you already have the basic understand of Networking and the OSI model?

Thanks,

I wouldn't waste the time doing CCENT. Especially if you're going for the CCNA anyway. Even more so if you're paying for it yourself. If you want the Knowledgebase you can get it without the cert... and if you have a CCNA you're going to be seen (by those who value certifications) as more competent than someone with a CCENT anyway... So why would you?


If you're doing it to build your resume, sure... but most companies would hire someone with experience over someone that is just highly certified. So I'd not waste the time certifying past CCNA, instead I'd invest more time working in the field.

[chris]

Hey EvilZone,


Curious to know if I should go directly for a CCNA cert or stop by the CCENT cert first?

Has anyone been in this position, is it a waste of time going for the CCENT if you already have the basic understand of Networking and the OSI model?

Thanks,

I agree with CyberDrifter, it would kind of be a waste of time and money to get CCENT if you are going to get CCNA

[Muadib]

I believe it depends on a couple of things.
Take into consideration:

1) What is your current knowledge base?
2) What is your time table/ what is your "WHY"?
3)How will you pursue i.e., self study, boot camp, college (community or technical)


Take all of these into account.


If you are on a deadline to get the cert for a job and you are already working hands on...


Skip 'GO' and go straight to CCNA!

Otherwise, if you spread it out you will become very profecient at fundamentals; that I've realized is great to know but is for more or less automated.


For example the CCENT is big on subnetting, vlsm and memorizing switch and router configurations.
Subnetting onsite more or less is done with a calculator or an app for your smartphone (Great study tool by the way if you need to sharpen your subnetting skills).
These same configurations can pretty much be knocked out with a script or copy paste.


In summary, if you can clearly visualize and trace your career path in getting either of them....


START now and thank your self in a couple years!!!!

[SimplySimple]

I wouldn't waste the time doing CCENT. Especially if you're going for the CCNA anyway. Even more so if you're paying for it yourself. If you want the Knowledgebase you can get it without the cert... and if you have a CCNA you're going to be seen (by those who value certifications) as more competent than someone with a CCENT anyway... So why would you?


If you're doing it to build your resume, sure... but most companies would hire someone with experience over someone that is just highly certified. So I'd not waste the time certifying past CCNA, instead I'd invest more time working in the field.

Couldn't agree more with this.
Every person who has ONLY completed CCNA, is a fucking idiot. At least from my experience.


Those certs are good for Cisco specific knowledge, but Cisco isn't everything these days.
Well I supposed truly it matters on what you want to do.


I recommend you just setup some VM's and do some labs, best way to learn in my opinion.
You can use Vyos if you want something free but very similar to Cisco's IOS.

[n0mader]

Except with the new curriculum, the CCENT is the new CCNA. And the CCNA is comprised of two tests.. Take the first one to get your CCENT and when you're ready, take the second part for the CCNA. Taking two tests at different times it's a lot easier and you'll at least have a cert. Plus once your have CCENT you don't have to go for full CCNA, you can specialize and get CCNA Security, or wireless, or voice, etc..

[Nordic]

If you're wanting to work for a VAR, go for the CCNP.


No, the CCENT is not the new CCNA. The new CCNA is basically the old CCNA, plus some multi-area OSPF and IPv6. The CCENT has always been the Network+ (read laughing stock) of the Cisco Certification realm.


The CCNA will not test you on functional knowledge. The CCNP will. Employers and VAR's alike respect a CCNP more than a ENT or NA, by orders of magnitude.