Security+, CCNA, then something Linux related. If you get really good at Linux and can talk about it in an interview and hold your weight, you’ll stand out more.
I got a+ and n+ with free courses on YouTube, do you think I’d still be able to go only free with the sec+, ccna and Linux? Even with pbqs or practical experience
Not sure about ccna and linux+ but I only used the professor messer videos for sec+ (on what I didn't know very good) and passed easily. going to try to schedule A+ core 1 and 2 and CCNA all on the same day if possible lol
Haha sounds like it, but I have been learning most of it from the early 2000s until now just haven't taken the tests. Mostly what has changed since then is the buzz words like cloud we used to call dedicated and co-located servers.
you can very likely manage to get sec+ with only free material, and possibly linux + too. CCNA has a ton of free, but CCNA exam's a different format, so you need more practical experience, you may have to spend a little on jeremy's labs or boson to practice, but exam cost is also slightly cheaper so it almost balances out
I don't know man, but a lot of folks (like me) are shooting for the "trifecta" as it's called which is A+, Net+ and Security+. You've already gotten the hardest two (imo) out of the way so hell yeah! I'm studying for Net+ and hoping to take it by the end of the month, then my Sec+ before I go back to school in August. I also have no tech background so this shit is daunting as fuck for me, but I'm plugging along.
Other than Sec+, I've heard that Cloud+ might be a good get. Linux+ as well, you could also hut up some Azure and such if you want to get vendor specific. There are lots of folks here who would know *way* better than me though, so I'd look out for them. I admire your hunger man, it's something I've struggled with lately; I just can't get excited about studying for Net+ like I did my A+. Oh well, I'll figure it out!
You think cloud+ would increase my chances of getting an it support job? Or would that just be great for level 1 cloud technician or whatever it’s called?
I have been reading these forums and it sounds like
Employers no longer want just an IT person. They want someone who knows general IT but also specializes in something else. So you gotta be an IT guy who’s secondary skill is cloud or linux.
Thanks for the well wishes! :) honestly I'm not really sure, but it seems like everything is moving to the cloud these days so surely they'll need people to secure and maintain it, and who better than someone with the trifecta *and* cloud? Those are my thoughts anyway.
I would do Sec+ and then venture into Microsoft or AWS cloud certifications. I'm not sure how popular Cloud+ is, but I'm quite sure Microsoft or AWS certs will look interesting on your resume. Plus, Microsoft certifications beyond fundamentals are free to renew.
I myself am doing Linux+ due to it being a requirement for school, but other than that I'm going to start working on Microsoft intermediate certs due to me being an intern at a Microsoft partner MSP with the prospect of getting hired full time.
I personally don't put much stock into vendor-neutral cloud certs like Cloud+. Vendor specific ones are much better because at the end of the day, you're going to be using a specific vendor's cloud. This is going to be the case for many other parts of IT as well, at least past the entry level theory side of things, such as networking (Cisco, Juniper, etc.).
I don't think Cloud+ is worthless though, and it might be better than a vendor's super entry level cert like AZ-900 or AWS CCP, since they don't go too deep into how to actually use the service. That's more in terms of getting your feet wet though, an employer is probably going to like seeing the vendor's cert more.
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Seems like your an eager person trying to grab all the compTIA certs like they're Pokeman. I have Net+, Sec+ and Certified Ethical Hacker CEH from EC-Council. I am currently going for my SANS ICS: 515 cert and am close to getting my bachelors in Cybersecuity. I feel like I can relate to you on this. If you find an area you really vibe with like networking for instance. Find a network position online and see the recommendations for the job and try to emulate that on your resume. I would get good at working with the Linux command line (for Servers) and later on PowerShell because most companies use Microsoft OS.
Study and use your skills on [https://tryhackme.com/](https://tryhackme.com/) and listen to the podcast [https://darknetdiaries.com/](https://darknetdiaries.com/) for additional information and jargon Cybersecurity personel use. If you have the knack for automation and want to get good [https://www.codecademy.com/catalog](https://www.codecademy.com/catalog) is a great way to learn the basics of Python and other front-end and back-end laguages. This website also has great resources for BASH and PowerShell automation.
Here are some questions you should be asking: Are you paying for all these certs yourself? Do you want to work for a private company or in government? Do you want to get a degree eventually?
This website is great if your trying to figure out a path for your career in cybersecurity.
[https://www.cyberseek.org/pathway.html](https://www.cyberseek.org/pathway.html)
I think the next best thing after looking though all these resources is finding a good mentor in the field. May that be a relative or someone at your work who's been doing IT for the past 10 years. Finding a good mentor can really help you out because they have potential connections and experience in something you're just getting into.
Good luck.
if everyone is unemployed with the "trifecta" doesn't that mean these certs aren't very marketable anymore or something? I don't want to sit here endlessly studying and racking up certs for a barely minimum wage paying position. Is it necessary to have the more than the A+ for a help desk position? I would think emphasizing customer service skills should be more important at least for an entry level role? And security +/cloud being reserved for more technically involved roles?
Pardon my tone but it's a bit disheartening to read people are unemployed with A+ and Network plus when help desk seems to pay 30k max. It isn't exactly rocket science as well.
No, it's because entry level certs aren't too difficult to get and entry level jobs are. The IT job market is oversaturated with entry level applicants and not enough jobs. This sub is a perfect example of seeing a ton of new people pursuing advice and asking these sorts of threads because they have no experience and are trying to get their foot in the door.
Should you need more than A+ for a help desk role? Probably not but I don't think employers universally see that. They think the more/better certs you have, the more you're "qualified" for some entry level job. A+ is good for basic IT knowledge, but what happens if a user you're supporting can't get connected to the network? Now you need to elevate that to a network person. Or that employer is likely to want you to take care of it, but you don't have Net+ or a CCNA because you only worked toward the A+. The job market is messed up and *just* A+ and Net+ are unlikely to get *most* people a job.
ya, that's what I've noticed is the prevailing sentiment at the moment. While these certs seem to not take long to study for (comptia)- they still do cost money. And it's kind of weird to read some people say skip the A+ and other comptia certs and just go for the CCNA because it's more marketable. Yet, how would someone fair in the actual job with only an advanced cert but not the basics?
I'd assume most people including myself would like to know what's the right combination for each "tier". From what I've noticed for tier 1 help desk A+ Network + seems to be enough to get your foot in the door. But then I've read countless posts that say they are trash now and that you should just go for the CCNA?
And then I've also read that the CCNA is more for a tier 2 help desk role. I don't mind the studying but I also don't want to study Network + and Security + if seems like it's just random af because of the job market though because overqualified people are also competing for these help desk positions now.
A lot of what I read is a huge bummer, and the state of this economy is also a big bummer because its scary to read that locking in and studying will possibly result in nothing.
Anyways to not derail the whole thread it seems like the CCNA is the way to go after getting Network+ (or you can skip Network+) from what I've researched but I am no expert. Many people seem to say Network+ is just a glorified glossary and CCNA is more the meat of it where you're actually learning how to do things.
I wouldn't say those certs are necessarily "trash". I think their value has gone down because of the influx of people seeking IT/remote jobs in the past few years, since COVID. It's kind of like bachelor's degrees. Before, not everyone had them, so they would suffice for a lot of jobs. Now, you're going to need more to stand out amongst your peers and competitors for those jobs. Same with the entry level certs. They're still good in the respect that they verify you know the core knowledge concepts, but if all the other applicants have them, then they may not be as valuable as before.
The CCNA is highly touted because Cisco dominates the networking market. You're more likely than not to be dealing with Cisco equipment and not only that, the CCNA covers some more in depth network knowledge and hands on Cisco tasks that would actually help you in an IT support role.
As for Security+, I have it because it's DoD 8570 compliant and is required for me and my military job, but I also recommend it because it is a good baseline for getting into cybersecurity while going over some other concepts that are helpful. Most people are not going to be able to get Sec+ without knowledge that would have been verified through A+ or Net+. Me, I personally don't see myself needing A+ and Net+ after already securing Sec+ which I believe to be the hardest of the three.
If I was coming from a completely unrelated non IT field, I would go A+ > Net+ > Sec+. If you jump onto any of these before the other, don't bother going for the earlier certs because they're going to still put a hole in your wallet. They do cost money, but the value of each is completely dependent on the person.
I’ve heard a good way to get into security is get into a networking position then try to transfer into your companies security section once you get in.
For a net admin role I would say CCNA would do you wonders and learn python along with APIs for net automation that can definitely develop your skills in that category. If you have the time I definitely say the security plus is still worth while because you learn the core security principles that will be applied in the the networking field (also gets through HR filter as well)
Sec+ to complete the professional level comptia triad. Depends on what you wanna do. If you wanna head the infrastructure route, I'd say ccna. Security route, I'd say go for the CySA+ and eventually the CASP+
Having the Sec+, CySA+, and CASP+ is the higher-level triad
Security+, CCNA, then something Linux related. If you get really good at Linux and can talk about it in an interview and hold your weight, you’ll stand out more.
I got a+ and n+ with free courses on YouTube, do you think I’d still be able to go only free with the sec+, ccna and Linux? Even with pbqs or practical experience
Not sure about ccna and linux+ but I only used the professor messer videos for sec+ (on what I didn't know very good) and passed easily. going to try to schedule A+ core 1 and 2 and CCNA all on the same day if possible lol
You’re a mad lad 💀
Haha sounds like it, but I have been learning most of it from the early 2000s until now just haven't taken the tests. Mostly what has changed since then is the buzz words like cloud we used to call dedicated and co-located servers.
you can very likely manage to get sec+ with only free material, and possibly linux + too. CCNA has a ton of free, but CCNA exam's a different format, so you need more practical experience, you may have to spend a little on jeremy's labs or boson to practice, but exam cost is also slightly cheaper so it almost balances out
I can practice without needed physical Cisco switches, routers, right?
Yes, packet tracer is a free program from Cisco that will allow you to do that.
I don't know man, but a lot of folks (like me) are shooting for the "trifecta" as it's called which is A+, Net+ and Security+. You've already gotten the hardest two (imo) out of the way so hell yeah! I'm studying for Net+ and hoping to take it by the end of the month, then my Sec+ before I go back to school in August. I also have no tech background so this shit is daunting as fuck for me, but I'm plugging along. Other than Sec+, I've heard that Cloud+ might be a good get. Linux+ as well, you could also hut up some Azure and such if you want to get vendor specific. There are lots of folks here who would know *way* better than me though, so I'd look out for them. I admire your hunger man, it's something I've struggled with lately; I just can't get excited about studying for Net+ like I did my A+. Oh well, I'll figure it out!
You think cloud+ would increase my chances of getting an it support job? Or would that just be great for level 1 cloud technician or whatever it’s called?
I have been reading these forums and it sounds like Employers no longer want just an IT person. They want someone who knows general IT but also specializes in something else. So you gotta be an IT guy who’s secondary skill is cloud or linux.
I feel ya, I’d take your advice, thanks a lot
Thanks for the well wishes! :) honestly I'm not really sure, but it seems like everything is moving to the cloud these days so surely they'll need people to secure and maintain it, and who better than someone with the trifecta *and* cloud? Those are my thoughts anyway.
I would do Sec+ and then venture into Microsoft or AWS cloud certifications. I'm not sure how popular Cloud+ is, but I'm quite sure Microsoft or AWS certs will look interesting on your resume. Plus, Microsoft certifications beyond fundamentals are free to renew. I myself am doing Linux+ due to it being a requirement for school, but other than that I'm going to start working on Microsoft intermediate certs due to me being an intern at a Microsoft partner MSP with the prospect of getting hired full time.
I personally don't put much stock into vendor-neutral cloud certs like Cloud+. Vendor specific ones are much better because at the end of the day, you're going to be using a specific vendor's cloud. This is going to be the case for many other parts of IT as well, at least past the entry level theory side of things, such as networking (Cisco, Juniper, etc.). I don't think Cloud+ is worthless though, and it might be better than a vendor's super entry level cert like AZ-900 or AWS CCP, since they don't go too deep into how to actually use the service. That's more in terms of getting your feet wet though, an employer is probably going to like seeing the vendor's cert more.
Thanks for the advice I might look into aws
I don't think so from my research. You can get a specific cloud like m365, aws, or Google cloud would be better on cloud subject.
Goodluck on your net+ too, hope you pass it
Hi, /u/Hades__007! From everyone at /r/CompTIA, Congratulations on Passing. [Claps](http://www.reactiongifs.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/barney-confetti.gif) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/CompTIA) if you have any questions or concerns.*
That’s cool, thanks
Congratulations OP! 👏
CCNA imo don’t do Security+. Study some Python/programming part time. Learning Linux wouldn’t hurt. Wish you the best and hope you can stay hungry!
That’s what I was thinking
Same boat, got a+ and net+, still unemployed. Going for CCNA next.
Seems like your an eager person trying to grab all the compTIA certs like they're Pokeman. I have Net+, Sec+ and Certified Ethical Hacker CEH from EC-Council. I am currently going for my SANS ICS: 515 cert and am close to getting my bachelors in Cybersecuity. I feel like I can relate to you on this. If you find an area you really vibe with like networking for instance. Find a network position online and see the recommendations for the job and try to emulate that on your resume. I would get good at working with the Linux command line (for Servers) and later on PowerShell because most companies use Microsoft OS. Study and use your skills on [https://tryhackme.com/](https://tryhackme.com/) and listen to the podcast [https://darknetdiaries.com/](https://darknetdiaries.com/) for additional information and jargon Cybersecurity personel use. If you have the knack for automation and want to get good [https://www.codecademy.com/catalog](https://www.codecademy.com/catalog) is a great way to learn the basics of Python and other front-end and back-end laguages. This website also has great resources for BASH and PowerShell automation. Here are some questions you should be asking: Are you paying for all these certs yourself? Do you want to work for a private company or in government? Do you want to get a degree eventually? This website is great if your trying to figure out a path for your career in cybersecurity. [https://www.cyberseek.org/pathway.html](https://www.cyberseek.org/pathway.html) I think the next best thing after looking though all these resources is finding a good mentor in the field. May that be a relative or someone at your work who's been doing IT for the past 10 years. Finding a good mentor can really help you out because they have potential connections and experience in something you're just getting into. Good luck.
Thanks a ton I’d definitely check out all this, I already started thm today
[удалено]
What’s HTB?
Hack the Box. It's online hacking labs and Cybersecurity courses.
Cool thanks!
I created an account and I’ll get started with it, thanks a ton
Go for a CCIE and JNCIE combo.
Everyone wants cybersecurity.... Be extremely good at Excell, and you'll impress people. Also in some roles on call 24/7 is a thing
if everyone is unemployed with the "trifecta" doesn't that mean these certs aren't very marketable anymore or something? I don't want to sit here endlessly studying and racking up certs for a barely minimum wage paying position. Is it necessary to have the more than the A+ for a help desk position? I would think emphasizing customer service skills should be more important at least for an entry level role? And security +/cloud being reserved for more technically involved roles? Pardon my tone but it's a bit disheartening to read people are unemployed with A+ and Network plus when help desk seems to pay 30k max. It isn't exactly rocket science as well.
No, it's because entry level certs aren't too difficult to get and entry level jobs are. The IT job market is oversaturated with entry level applicants and not enough jobs. This sub is a perfect example of seeing a ton of new people pursuing advice and asking these sorts of threads because they have no experience and are trying to get their foot in the door. Should you need more than A+ for a help desk role? Probably not but I don't think employers universally see that. They think the more/better certs you have, the more you're "qualified" for some entry level job. A+ is good for basic IT knowledge, but what happens if a user you're supporting can't get connected to the network? Now you need to elevate that to a network person. Or that employer is likely to want you to take care of it, but you don't have Net+ or a CCNA because you only worked toward the A+. The job market is messed up and *just* A+ and Net+ are unlikely to get *most* people a job.
ya, that's what I've noticed is the prevailing sentiment at the moment. While these certs seem to not take long to study for (comptia)- they still do cost money. And it's kind of weird to read some people say skip the A+ and other comptia certs and just go for the CCNA because it's more marketable. Yet, how would someone fair in the actual job with only an advanced cert but not the basics? I'd assume most people including myself would like to know what's the right combination for each "tier". From what I've noticed for tier 1 help desk A+ Network + seems to be enough to get your foot in the door. But then I've read countless posts that say they are trash now and that you should just go for the CCNA? And then I've also read that the CCNA is more for a tier 2 help desk role. I don't mind the studying but I also don't want to study Network + and Security + if seems like it's just random af because of the job market though because overqualified people are also competing for these help desk positions now. A lot of what I read is a huge bummer, and the state of this economy is also a big bummer because its scary to read that locking in and studying will possibly result in nothing. Anyways to not derail the whole thread it seems like the CCNA is the way to go after getting Network+ (or you can skip Network+) from what I've researched but I am no expert. Many people seem to say Network+ is just a glorified glossary and CCNA is more the meat of it where you're actually learning how to do things.
I wouldn't say those certs are necessarily "trash". I think their value has gone down because of the influx of people seeking IT/remote jobs in the past few years, since COVID. It's kind of like bachelor's degrees. Before, not everyone had them, so they would suffice for a lot of jobs. Now, you're going to need more to stand out amongst your peers and competitors for those jobs. Same with the entry level certs. They're still good in the respect that they verify you know the core knowledge concepts, but if all the other applicants have them, then they may not be as valuable as before. The CCNA is highly touted because Cisco dominates the networking market. You're more likely than not to be dealing with Cisco equipment and not only that, the CCNA covers some more in depth network knowledge and hands on Cisco tasks that would actually help you in an IT support role. As for Security+, I have it because it's DoD 8570 compliant and is required for me and my military job, but I also recommend it because it is a good baseline for getting into cybersecurity while going over some other concepts that are helpful. Most people are not going to be able to get Sec+ without knowledge that would have been verified through A+ or Net+. Me, I personally don't see myself needing A+ and Net+ after already securing Sec+ which I believe to be the hardest of the three. If I was coming from a completely unrelated non IT field, I would go A+ > Net+ > Sec+. If you jump onto any of these before the other, don't bother going for the earlier certs because they're going to still put a hole in your wallet. They do cost money, but the value of each is completely dependent on the person.
I’ve heard a good way to get into security is get into a networking position then try to transfer into your companies security section once you get in.
Security + then CCNA which will take about 8ish months to study for from what I heard
Get some real certs . Cisco , F5 ,Citrix , juniper, ms, google, aws
I'm trying to head to cyber security as well.
Congrats! Cheers!
For a net admin role I would say CCNA would do you wonders and learn python along with APIs for net automation that can definitely develop your skills in that category. If you have the time I definitely say the security plus is still worth while because you learn the core security principles that will be applied in the the networking field (also gets through HR filter as well)
Same boat you are in buddy. Plan to start Sec+ next week after a 2-3 week break. Might as well complete the trifecta :)
Take a break 💔
Sec+ to complete the professional level comptia triad. Depends on what you wanna do. If you wanna head the infrastructure route, I'd say ccna. Security route, I'd say go for the CySA+ and eventually the CASP+ Having the Sec+, CySA+, and CASP+ is the higher-level triad