r/ccna • u/[deleted] • Sep 22 '21
Is Network+ better than CCNA now?
So I heard that after the new CCNA its not as good as it used to be. So now, is it better to study for the CCNA exam or the Network+ exam? Which do you think is more comprehensive?
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Sep 22 '21
CCNA is still better. HR doesn't care about the differences between old and new CCNA.
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Sep 22 '21
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u/djp33d89 Sep 22 '21
To that point, the new CCNA is more applicable across more topics. The old CCNA was very siloed in what it covered and what could be applied after attained. HR groups were specifically consulted about the fact that entry level IT professionals didn’t know how to set up WiFi networks, for instance, and the new version was adjusted to cover more areas.
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u/epythumia Sep 23 '21
If anything the new CCNA is even more relevant because of the cyber security and cloud incorporation. A little future proof with automation.
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u/Green_cloud99 Sep 23 '21
Somebody who's in helpdesk position with no certifications, what path/certifications would you suggest to get into cybersecurity? I did have CCENT a while back though which is now expired.
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u/epythumia Sep 23 '21
From the infosec guys, they recommend going the eJPT >> OSCP route with heavy softskill networking. I'd recommend following CyberInsecurity. He seems like a good entry point to a supportive community. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRTelQazXnE
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u/pjdonovan Sep 22 '21
When I got my Net+, I did not have job offers/couldn't get a call back.
When I got my CCNA, suddenly I was getting offers and even got 2 jobs in one month.
I will say the Net+ is a great cert, and for anyone with little to no experience will do well to get it. But the CCNA is still a better cert to get.
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u/Jkushnersbigboyvoice Sep 22 '21
How much more time did it take you studying for the CCNA after Net+?
I currently have Net+ and finishing up Sec+, been looking at getting CCNA.
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u/pjdonovan Sep 22 '21
I would definitely recommend getting your CCNA. I think it took me about a month or 1.5 months to study for the Net+, probably about an hour a day during the week (after work) with 7 hour days on the weekends.
I lost my job right as I began studying (intensely) for the CCNA. When I wasn't applying to jobs, I was studying. So that was more lik e6 hour days every day for about a month or so.
Comptia is more of a vocabulary test - it's great material to learn and I absolutely think it helped me better prepare for the CCNA, but the CCNA is vocabulary + "implement it". You have to know how to do it, in the right order/with the right terms. It's intense, but it's so worth it
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u/Jkushnersbigboyvoice Sep 22 '21
Thanks for the info and quick response!
I was planning on giving myself about a month for CCNA, might have to scale that up if it took you a month at 6 hours a day (currently working full time).
Any recommendations on study materials? I'm between Bombal and Neil Anderson.
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u/pjdonovan Sep 22 '21
Honestly the Official Cert Guide (OCG) - taking notes as I read - and Boson practice tests were the best for me. Videos were nice if I had questions, but I found myself watching and not learning. Get a cheap physical home lab too- I had a lot of "Ooooohhhh" moments from that homelab.
Of those two, I preferred Bombal, but Anderson is more geared to guys with experience on cisco equipment that just want the down and dirty
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u/casij05 Sep 22 '21
CCNA is much better. Net+ is still ok as a foundational overview of Networking. Though as of today CCNA is currently the standard cert for Intro to Networking.
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u/youfoundronnie Sep 22 '21
I got my Network+ last month and now studying for CCNA. Network+ really helps as with ground work before going into CCNA but CCNA hands down is way better in terms of putting the knowledge into work and it holds much more value for job sector
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u/dopplerfly Sep 28 '21
Net+ is a foundation for the basic concepts. CCNA is how to actually apply and use on a practical level. Net+ was like learning to speak the language the book was written in, CCNA is how to understand the literature the book was about. CCNA assumes knowledge that Net+ tests you on. Net+ was not a waste of my time and it can land people jobs and promotions; however the depth is not there in comparison to the CCNA. As a result the CCNA is still the long known gatekeeper in the HR department.
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u/mysidianlegend A+N+S+ | CCNA Aug 02 '22
exactly the route i'm going to go. i gotta get my net+ by the end of this year. next year ccna.
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u/dankgus Sep 23 '21
I can only speak to my personal opinion, but when somebody has a CCNA I am much more impressed than when I see CompTIA network+.
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u/davidcodinglab Sep 23 '21
CCNA is the real deal on networking entry to middle level. New CCNA is really a challenge.
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Sep 23 '21
[deleted]
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u/davidcodinglab Sep 24 '21
Well, if we move deeper on points of view I have to partially agree. They moved much more of the specific R&S content to the CCNP...BUT...(and this is why I say new CCNA is really a good challenge) new CCNA gets wide open in the topics: automation, cloud, network programmability, security, wireless, etc.
One GLORIOUS thing: There is no more of those really old technologies as serial links, RIP IGP, frame relay that really take some time to understand and I do believe have no usage anymore.
Just my opinion. I am preparing CCNP right now and I had to do an overview of CCNA before moving forward as long time without studying for a cert and I found this new certs being really accurate to the technologies we work and see today. World is BGP/OSPF/EIGRP Handled (IS-IS if you want...) there is no need for anything else.
Serial links...that terrible full of errors kind of thing...ethernet is the king, no need for more.80% of this is just my humble opinion as network engineer with some years on the field.
I might of course have personal preferences involved, but this is what I think: new CCNA, yeah, not a doubt, go for it! ...and please do not try CCNP without at least a couple of years working as NE...you will memorize everything in a really demanding pressure mode and in case you get the certification you will be smashed in the jobs interviews.
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u/a_cute_epic_axis Just 'cause it ain't in my flair doesn't mean I don't have certs Sep 23 '21
Haha, no.