Crash Course: Networking certifications

If you've been in the networking field for even a short while, you've undoubtedly realized the importance of certifications to your career prospects. But there are a slew of certs out there and figuring out which ones are right for you is hardly an easy task. Use our newly updated certification Crash Course as your guide to the overwhelming world of networking certifications.

NEWS

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Cisco gives experts-to-be a practice run ( 12 December 2005 | SearchNetworking.com)

Blind network pros now have certifications in sight ( 22 Feb 2005 | SearchNetworking.com)

For networking pros, career success lies beyond skills ( 14 Feb 2005 | SearchNetworking.com)

Read more certification-related news here.

TIPS

Guide to networking certifications
This collection of resources provides a look at specific certification paths and contains articles, advice and insight into the most popular IT certifications in our industry.

Read more certification and career-related tips here.

ASK THE EXPERTS

Is the CCSP a prerequisite for the CISSP or CISM?
Expert response: The CCSP isn't exactly a prerequisite for the CISSP or CISM. There is overlap in several concepts such as the need for...

Besides studying the text book , how should I prepare for the 642-811 BCMSN exam?
Expert response: I'd recommend obtaining a good practice exam and also the Exam Cram 2 title for 642-811 BCMSN. The best practice exams come from...

Can I break into the networking field with no experience, just certs?
Expert response: Though entry-level jobs are a little bit more available today than they were in the great trough of the "dot-com bust" two or three years ago...

How does CCNA compare to other certs?
Expert response: The answer to your question ultimately depends where your career path leads you. The CCNA is a great if you are looking to be...

Can I assume that since I passed the CCNA, I am also ready for Network+ certification?
Expert response: Excellent question. There is a great deal of overlap in concepts between the Network+ and the CCNA. For example, both exams go...

How do I represent expired certs on my resume?
Expert response: You should still mention them, but you should also indicate their expiration dates. If you have any plans to recertify...

What is your opinion of 'free' certifications such as BrainBench and ExpertRating?
Expert response: Though I don't mean to imply that something free is inherently worthless, "you get what you pay for" applies to certifications much like it does to everything else...

Ask our certification experts, Ed Tittel and Dave Minutella, your cert-related questions and view previously answered Q&As.

This was first published in January 2006

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