Well said, Kevin.
One thing to consider is that since you can get your MCP in one test (just
like the CCNA), you might as well pick a test that you feel you can knock
out without a problem and just do it. If nothing else, it'll get you in
test prep mode and get you a quick relevant cert.
I think with how high Microsoft has set the bar with the new MCSE2k tests
it's going to be a much more valued cert after Dec 2001 (when all of us that
haven't upgraded can't officially call ourselves MCSEs).
So, my advice is to get a relevant and current MCP test done, and then go
for the CCNA. With two good certs down (entree level, true, but still, a
good start), you can then decide if you want to go for the Cisco stuff
first, or Microsoft route. As much as it may seem fun to chase after Cisco
certs, if you've got access to Microsoft stuff to study and practice on,
that might be the best route to go for your first Engineer cert and then
follow it up with the CCNP. It's also the most common method (but that
doesn't mean it's the best or wisest, but just what often seems to happen).
I saw a post listing a bunch of CCNA material, so I won't delve into that
(plus I did mine a year ago with the old v1 test). Which reminds me about
the Cisco cert books: Be sure the books you get are for the current tests
and not the previous versions. The older books aren't bad, but they're not
focused on the newer objectives and may leave out material now required on
the new tests (ACRC vs. Routing v2 is a big change, for instance).
Lastly, I'll leave you with a good site for finding cheap books (the only
vendor listed on it that I'd advise against is Half.com, as you never know
how the selling is going to be, and the rating system isn't there out in
front like it is at eBay... my Wife bought a book 2 weeks ago and added
Priority Mail, and still has yet to get notification of shipment and I've
had the same experience 6 mos. ago taking 3 weeks to get a book):
http://www.bestwebbuys.com/books/index.html
--
Jason Roysdon, CCNP+Security/CCDP, MCSE, CNA, Network+, A+
List email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Homepage: http://jason.artoo.net/
""Kevin Wigle"" wrote in message
[EMAIL PROTECTED]">news:[EMAIL PROTECTED]...
> It's interesting how often we hear about the "coveted CCNA" and how the
MCSE
> is devalued.
>
> It sounds like you're still at the beginning of your IT career and that's
> not meant as a slur - we all started out someplace and a lot of us came
from
> the server world.
>
> But you have to compare apples to apples. CCNA is still an one exam cert
> sorta like the MCP. It is the beginning of the Cisco cert journey.
>
> Having said that, I think that MCSE is way over CCNA for difficulty level
> (there are seven exams) but you have to again consider that on one hand
> we're talking about servers and the services they provide......... and on
> the other - routers/switches that connect them.
>
> I'm studying W2K stuff right now, I have MCSE for 3.51/4.0 and my
Microsoft
> exams go back to Windows 3.1- and I'm surprised to see what I think is
CCNA
> type material. This because W2K can do RIP V1, RIP V2 and OSPF. The
> Network Services exam also gets into IP subnetting, DNS, DHCP and plenty
of
> IPSec stuff, L2F and certificates.
>
> In my mind the two certs go together - however, it seems the bulk of your
> experience is with Microsoft and I would probably consider doing what I
know
> best - get the MCSE and use the money$ I can earn from that to assault the
> Cisco certs.
>
> However, it has been lamented that the CCNP/CCDP are not understood so
CCNA
> probably does look good - but to people who know, they know it is the
bottom
> of the Cisco ladder.
>
> MCSE is what Microsoft calls a "Premier" MCP and is one of their top
certs.
>
> CCNA could only devalue MCSE if you get hired into a telelcom position,
> otherwise salary surveys have indicated that the CCNA enhances the MCSE.
>
> Another one of those personal choice type of things. I found it very
> difficult to break into the router world and in between the great network
> design jobs I get, I usually end up managing Microsoft networks.
>
> The CCNA is one exam, a hard working person can pass that exam with about
a
> month of studying from any of several good books out there. If your job
> market can employ a CCNA with a fresh cert but no "networking" experience
> then go for it.
>
> Otherwise get the MCSE and use it to leverage your Cisco studies.
>
> my .02 Canadian cents
>
> Kevin Wigle
> walks both sides of the fence
> CCDP/CCNP/MCSE/CBE/CBI
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Steven Wagner
> To:
> Sent: Monday, May 14, 2001 11:13 AM
> Subject: Newbie seeking advice [7:4412]
>
>
> > I am currently a network administrator and have been for about 2 years.
I
> > didn't bother getting my MCSE for two reasons, (1) too many people have
> them
> > and have no idea how to run a network much less set one up and (2) I
knew
> > that I wanted to eventually work on getting certified in Cisco. I
figured
> > that if Cisco was going to be my focus, all the work spent getting my
MCSE
> > would prove mostly fruitless. I realize that having an MCSE is useful
if
> > you happen to
> > have one, but I don't think that the certification yeilds alot of value
if
> > it requires going out of the way to get it. I have about
> > two years worth of experience in setting up and admining NT 4.0 and now
> Win
> > 2000 servers. I have a decent knowledge of networking concepts like
DNS,
> > TCP/IP, and the like. The problem is that I have very limited exposure
to
> > routers, switches and all the juicy stuff you need to know to have a
solid
> > foot in Cisco technology. I am sure that almost everyone starts where I
> am
> > when they begin to want to work on that coveted CCNA certification. So
I
> > guess my question is this...where do I realistically start to get myself
> > decent knowledge of the material? Step by step ideas would be most
> > appreciated as I
> > want to take this as seriously as I can. As follow up questions, what
> books
> > are best to get to learn? What hardware should I consider buying to get
> > started on the studies? Any help I can get will be invaluable and I
thank
> > you in advance. Any opinions on my MCSE evaluation are also welcome. I
> do
> > not mean to minimize the value of MCSE, I just think that once you get
> your
> > CCNA, your MCSE looses alot of its power on your resume. Thanks for the
> > forthcoming responses.
> >
> > Steven Wagner
> > FAQ, list archives, and subscription info:
> http://www.groupstudy.com/list/cisco.html
> > Report misconduct and Nondisclosure violations to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> FAQ, list archives, and subscription info:
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> Report misconduct and Nondisclosure violations to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
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