Hey,

Ok I havn\'t actually taken my A+ yet as I want to be sure about it.
I intend (eventually) to have a career in networking, I have basic knowledge of the concepts but nothing in depth.

Do you think Network+ or CCENT/CCNA would be a better first step?

Cheers:)

I believe Cisco certifications are highly looked upon in the networking industry. There is usually more involved to obtaining Cisco certifications (tests and hands-on labs), especially an advanced one like CCIE. The certifications are not permanent either, being only valid for a few years before requiring you to re-certify.

Anyway, to answer your question, Network+ and Security+ would probably be a good first step then look to obtain a CCNA certification.

I to will be obtaining at least a Network+ certification but I\'m not in any hurry at the moment.

Ok thanks for the advice.

I think Network+ would probably be a better first step.
I\'m not in any hurry either, especially given the current economic climate! The chances of a career change this year will be fairly slim where I am.

Cheers.

Another thing to consider is that A+ and Net+ together counts as an elective toward the MSCA exams, for what it\'s worth.

If you decided to go that route that could help you, I guess. I\'m personally taking the Net+ exam soon but I\'m not sure whether to go with Cisco or Microsoft certs after that. The MCSA looks like it is destined for obsolescence soon, to me.

One thing is for sure, Cisco certs are in demand. So are CS degrees. A lot of help desk positions I saw wanted people with CS degrees.

Yeah I\'m also tossing up whether to jump in the Cisco or Microsoft camp. Either would be very good (and desirable for me career wise) but I need to find out which is in greater demand.

I\'d also considered taking security+ (after network+) because I\'m pretty sure that can be used as an elective towards MCSE.

Everything I have heard from my instructors in College they say try to get away from the cisco stuff unless you already know that the work you are doing is Cisco based... Reason being is that Cisco from what I have heard is incompatible with other switches and your best general knowledge course would be in Networking + certification... I am pursuing a Networking + certification for that reason and in allot of job positions I have seen will say that they accept CCNA or equivalent certification in other word Networking +.

Thats what I have heard at least please correct me if I was mislead