I passed the CCNA exam yesterday with a score of 903 on my first try! Eight months ago I had 0 networking knowledge. This post really took the wind out of the sails of my celebration! There are some points I want to make, both positive and negative: 1. I do not believe I could have passed without lab time, both in the two semesters of Networking Academy and the Sybex virtual lab. 2. As someone making a mid-life career change, certification was important to me for two reasons, clasees were the only way for me "get my feet wet" in the IT arena (while I was a full-time retailer) and it was the only way for me to achieve credibility with technical people after a career owning retail stores. 3. I have always suspected that passing a multiple choice test is vastly different from work in a wiring closet. My next step is work, further certifications will wait. 4. I personally know two uncertified networkers making in excess of $100K. They do it with know-how and a willingness to go literally to the ends of the Earth. I know 3 with CCNA certifications that work in school districts at relatively low pay. 5. Certification is a test of knowledge which, even in IT, is not the same as skill. Related to point 3, above, I want to eventually design networks full-time. Does anyone have an opinion as to weather network administration or network installation is the better choice for a first job? Or is another path quicker to my goal? Cliff Collard Message Posted at: http://www.groupstudy.com/form/read.php?f=7&i=9104&t=9078 -------------------------------------------------- FAQ, list archives, and subscription info: http://www.groupstudy.com/list/cisco.html Report misconduct and Nondisclosure violations to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
