Home > Ask the Networking Experts > Training and certification Questions & Answers > What are the best certifications for an entry-level position?
Ask The Networking Expert: Questions & Answers
EMAIL THIS

What are the best certifications for an entry-level position?

Ed Tittel EXPERT RESPONSE FROM: Ed Tittel

Pose a Question
Other Networking Categories
Meet all Networking Experts
Become an Expert for this site


News on networking, mobility and voice
Digg This!    StumbleUpon Toolbar StumbleUpon    Bookmark with Delicious Del.icio.us    Add to Google


>
QUESTION POSED ON: 25 January 2007

Hi, my name is Sherrie. I have a B.S in computer Science. I have interned for a year. What would be the best certification(s) for an entry-level position: MCP, CCNA or CompTIA Network+? Maybe one day I can get a job as a network administrator.


>

Dear Madam:

Given your degree in CS, any of these credentials is a good place to start, but really won't do much to advance your career. That means you could go the Microsoft (MCP), Cisco (CCNA) or CompTIA (Network+) road, but none of those credentials is likely to add much value to your current degree and work experience. You'd be better off treating them as stepping stones to more advanced credentials (MCTS, MCITP for Microsoft, CCNP/CCSP/CCVP for Cisco, or something in the NACSE/NARTE family for networking stuff) than as destinations in their own right.

If I were you, I'd recommend a full-court-press job search based on your degree and work experience, from the standpoint that the combination of the two is already more valuable than any of the credentials you mention (or their combination).

Thanks for posting.

Ed


Digg This!    StumbleUpon Toolbar StumbleUpon    Bookmark with Delicious Del.icio.us    Add to Google



RELATED CONTENT
Training and certification
Where is Ed Tittel's most recent network training and certification advice?
How do I get a job offer to start my networking career?
Should you take the CCNA or get a degree?
Can you obtain an entry-level networking job with only certifications?
How do I pass my Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) exam?
What IT job can I apply for with my experience?
Should you certify before getting a Masters degree?
How do I switch from Telecom to Global System for Mobile communication (GSM)?
Are there non-vendor specific certifications for VoIP?
How valuable is a CWNA?

Networking Certifications and Careers
Which are the most valuable networking certifications?
How much do the CCIE exams cost?
After the CCNA, can I pursue CWNA, Cisco's wireless certification?
Career advancement in four steps: Computer networking certification and career advice
Which Q&A brain dump sites will help me prepare for the CCNA exam?
How does CCIE certification help me find a network security job?
New Cisco certification redefines network engineer career path
SolarWinds offers network management training and certification
New skills emerge for network engineering and administration careers
Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) routing test vs. CCNP switching test

RELATED RESOURCES
2020software.com, trial software downloads for accounting software, ERP software, CRM software and business software systems
Search Bitpipe.com for the latest white papers and business webcasts
Whatis.com, the online computer dictionary



Search and Browse the Expert Answer Center
Search and browse more than 25,000 question and answer pairs from more than 250 TechTarget industry experts.
Browse our Expert Advice



Expert networking advice and tips for IT professionals
About Us  |  Contact Us  |  For Advertisers  |  For Business Partners  |  Site Index  |  RSS
SEARCH 
TechTarget provides technology professionals with the information they need to perform their jobs - from developing strategy, to making cost-effective purchase decisions and managing their organizations' technology projects - with its network of technology-specific websites, events and online magazines.

TechTarget Corporate Web Site  |  Media Kits  |  Site Map




All Rights Reserved, Copyright 2000 - 2009, TechTarget | Read our Privacy Policy
  TechTarget - The IT Media ROI Experts