Ask the Expert

Differences in training for MCSE and CCNA

Dear Michael,
I

    Requires Free Membership to View

    Login

am interested in a networking certification. I'm wondering what are the main differences between someone trained in MCSE versus someone trained in CCNA.

Do you think that one is better than the other? Thanks for helping me understand.
Regards,
Patrice
Patrice,
Thanks for the certification question! There is a certain amount of overlap between most IT certifications. Someone trained as an MCSE has demonstrated the skills needed to setup, configure, and manage Microsoft servers and workstations. While there is a certain amount of networking involved the Microsoft program gravitates toward LANs and end services: servers, workstations, users, accounts, and applications.

Someone trained as a CCNA can setup and configure routers and switches. This certification is more closely focused on connectivity and WANS: routers, switches, routing protocols, circuit and packet switching.

I would suggest you read more about both certifications and pursue the one that most interests you.

Here are two links to get you started! http://www.microsoft.com/traincert/mcp/default.asp
http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/10/wwtraining/certprog/lan/programs/ccna.html

This was first published in February 2003

Join the conversationComment

Share
Comments

    Results

    Contribute to the conversation

    All fields are required. Comments will appear at the bottom of the article.
    Back to top