CCNA was too hard! any easier certs? ._. - Tech Support Forums

doctordownload · October 5th, 2008, 09:27 PM

hi guys. ok, I took an A+ class at a local community college and found it to be quite easy. then I took a CCNA class and it was way over my head! so, other than A+ can someone recommend the next certification for me?

I have two years experience working for a small sized (30 locations) retail payday loan business. basically we would go around and fix the stores computers/networks as needed.

basically my question is, how high up can I go without getting into subnetting?

EXreaction · October 5th, 2008, 10:18 PM

I'd start with Network+

doctordownload · October 7th, 2008, 05:14 AM

okee, yeah I'm gonna go for Network+ next then MCDST

ShuckyD · October 7th, 2008, 11:46 AM

orignal post n/a anymore. (spam removed)

Oh the actual subject of the thread. Good luck with the Network+, I think thats the best path for you to go in next.

nemowolf · October 7th, 2008, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doctordownload

okee, yeah I'm gonna go for Network+ next then MCDST

MCDST is soon to be or already a defunct cert as XP is going the way of the Dodo if slowly, so get this if your planning on continuing on with the MS certs. It looks like your more wanting a network path then OS/Server path, so start with the Network + and figure out what your want to study more and go from there.

demha · October 8th, 2008, 12:59 AM

With out knowing subnetting no networking! its difficult in the begining try hard u will achive!

Quote:

Originally Posted by doctordownload

hi guys. ok, I took an A+ class at a local community college and found it to be quite easy. then I took a CCNA class and it was way over my head! so, other than A+ can someone recommend the next certification for me?

I have two years experience working for a small sized (30 locations) retail payday loan business. basically we would go around and fix the stores computers/networks as needed.

basically my question is, how high up can I go without getting into subnetting?

27 · October 13th, 2008, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doctordownload

basically my question is, how high up can I go without getting into subnetting?

Once you know it, Subnetting is actually very easy.

I'll be glad to show you the simple way I learned it if you want to learn.

The MCSA track is "easier" than the CCNA track.

nemowolf · October 13th, 2008, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 27

Once you know it, Subnetting is actually very easy.

I'll be glad to show you the simple way I learned it if you want to learn.

The MCSA track is "easier" than the CCNA track.

MCSA is going to focus on servers and their interoperability on a network. CCNA is going to be about managed switches, routers, and firewalls. Each is a very different path, and as such have a very big difference in difficulty level. MCSA is more akin to CCENT as those are both entry level certifications on their path. MCSE is more like CCNA as those are the next level of certifications on their path.

Either way, it really depends on what you want to do either servers or networking.

MCSA

Quote:

The Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) certification helps you advance your career by ensuring that you have the skills you need to manage and troubleshoot network environments running on the Windows operating system.

Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator

CCNA

Quote:

The Cisco CCNA network associate certification validates the ability to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot medium-size routed and switched networks, including implementation and verification of connections to remote sites in a WAN.

CCNA - Career Certifications & Paths - Cisco Systems

famosbrown · October 21st, 2008, 07:39 PM

I'd say that comparing MCSE/A to CCNA is like comparing apples to oranges. MCSE is about 7 exams, and CCNA is either 1 or 2 depending on which way you take it.

Both exams are totally different with the only REAL overlap being subnetting and basic networking terminology that you get in Network+. Other than that, it's like night and day. You do learn how to configure VLAN's or implement EIGRP in the Microsoft track and you aren't concerned with FSMO roles or Active Directory in the CCNA track.

I just completed the CCENT and it wasn't too bad after studying and labbing. It will be hard if you don't put some self-study into it and really enjoy it.ICND2 will be even harder and if you decide to go beyond CCNA, get ready for the ride...it's mind hurting.