XSIHardy
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Registered: 5th Feb 08
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Recently started my A+ and then going too do my n+. I did basic computing at college and so far have not had any issues with the a+.
I'm looking at going down the Cisco route and here's were my issue comes into place. I'm more off a learn on the job kind off person but,
Obviously I'm not going too be able too find any were too do this so i am looking at doing my CCNA/CCNET though a company which will give me
Guidance ext. My question is do you guys think it's worth the price tag? And do you have any advice.
Cheers Sam 
[Edited on 12-12-2012 by XSIHardy]
[Edited on 12-12-2012 by XSIHardy]
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willay
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Registered: 10th Nov 02
Location: Roydon, Essex
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Old age qualifications vs experience.
With the letters against your name (more the CCNA then A+) you will probably be able to get into more interviews for bigger pay.
Whats the price for the CCNA?
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Aaron
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Registered: 9th Aug 04
Location: Cottingham, East Riding
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What price have you been given for CCNA?
As for the "learning on the job thing", all you can really do is offer your services for free (unless you're lucky enough to get a job now with the exposure to the stuff you want/need). To be honest...the best way of getting exposure to the equipment is to setup a lab at home with a couple of switches, routers and computers etc.
Edit - and only a stupid company would let you loose on their live equipment anyway.
I used to teacher A+ and CCNA semester 1 and 2. CCNA is something you need to be a lot more dedicated to when compared to A+, however, that's not to say that it'll be an issue for you.
[Edited on 12-12-2012 by Aaron]
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XSIHardy
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Registered: 5th Feb 08
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One company quoted £600. To be honest i would take a fairly big pay cut just too get my foot though the door. But experience is key knower days. I think once my A+ and N+ is completed I am just going too try and get a help desk role. But its just the Cisco stuff I'm finding hard too figure out. As I can't see many company's taking on some body who would have little too no hands on experience. And some off the company's state that they will "help" you get your desired job.
[Edited on 12-12-2012 by XSIHardy]
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willay
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You are right, if I was hiring anyone with a CCNA I'd be asking them a range of technical questions related to Cisco equipment/networking to see how they understand it.
Really your best bet is to do the A+ N+ like you mentioned, get your foot in the door/in the industry and work out where you want to go - you may realise you fancy abit of web design or programming or even system administration, even though the CCNA would give you a better understanding of the underlying protocols which help computers communicate, it might not be revelant to your career path (yet!)
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willay
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I'd also like to add that alot of people think they can just do a CCNA and walk into a 30k job, doesn't work like that.
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XSIHardy
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Registered: 5th Feb 08
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quote:
Originally posted by willay
I'd also like to add that alot of people think they can just do a CCNA and walk into a 30k job, doesn't work like that.
I'm not that nieve  web design ext doesn't really interest me, I am only 22 not expecting too be on any seriouse amount off money for at least 5-7 years. Just some thing that's always interested me and enjoyed doing ( computing ). if Im working till im 60+ much rather it's some thing I really enjoy 
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willay
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Oh of course, please don't take my last comment as judging/acusing you of doing that.
I just think alot of people getting into the industry at all sort of ages think they can just take an exam and be on big bucks, what our industry will always need is passionate people who have a flare for their chosen area because it interests them.
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Kyle T
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Registered: 11th Sep 04
Location: Selby, North Yorkshire
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I think the CCENT/CCNA certs are well worth going for - they teach stuff which to be honest I was embarassed to not have known previously despite being "in IT" for 6 or 7 years, but you don't need to pay out for them.
Get a good pair of books off of Amazon, torrent some CBT Nuggets and grab a copy of GNS3/Packet Tracer/etc.
I did the courses (paid for by work) about 18months before I properly started studying for the exams. I pretty much re-learned all of it myself and got the exams done.
Lotus Elise 111R
Impreza WRX STi
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Corsa_Joel
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Registered: 3rd May 07
Location: Dunstable, Bedfordshire
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quote:
Originally posted by XSIHardy
Recently started my A+ and then going too do my n+. I did basic computing at college and so far have not had any issues with the a+.
I'm looking at going down the Cisco route and here's were my issue comes into place. I'm more off a learn on the job kind off person but,
Obviously I'm not going too be able too find any were too do this so i am looking at doing my CCNA/CCNET though a company which will give me
Guidance ext. My question is do you guys think it's worth the price tag? And do you have any advice.
Cheers Sam
[Edited on 12-12-2012 by XSIHardy]
[Edited on 12-12-2012 by XSIHardy]
If you don't mind me asking, have you paid for a course for the A+ / N+ or are you going down the self-teaching route? If so, what books have you gone for? Want to get the N+ under my belt as cheap as poss!
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