The CCNA is NOT an Entry Level I.T. Certification
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 15 มิ.ย. 2024
- Has anyone ever told you to get Cisco's CCNA certification if you're looking to get into I.T.? What if I told you that the CCNA is not and should not ever be considered an entry level certification. Let's dive deeper into this discussion.
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Entry level position does not always mean they will train you on everything. They call it 'entry level' so they can pay you 'entry level'.
Exactly! yesterday I was looking up random jobs on LinkedIn , one post was asking for 15years of experience and they put it as entry level! wth
@@goonerzel8531 Right, it means entry level pay. As in they want you to have experience but not pay you a salary based on that experience. It's a joke. It didn't used to be that way, but IT field is so saturated now that they can do that. Why pay entry level pay for someone with zero experience when there are so many in the IT field desperately looking for work WITH experience. Saturation killed it. I had friends that got into the IT field 12 years ago, no experience at all, shit a couple of them didn't even have a cert at all. If you ask them if they can get you a job, they say they can't because they will only hire people at entry level but they have to have experience, lol. They told me it's just too saturated. I knew this was going to happen. I remember we talked about this several times years ago, and here we are.
@@robmen1402 It's not nearly that bad. You live in a flyover state
@@sunburst8810 I don't live in a flyover state, sweetie. I live in the tri-state area. Very high median pay here compared to California. Hate to burst your bubble. It is that bad. My friend lives in Houston, He's been in IT for a little over10 years, a year before the pandemic hit, he wanted more money. He was searching for a whole year couldn't find a single position, they all wanted to pay him entry level. He only got one offer that would pay him $15k more per year and he had to move to fucking Arkansas to get it. He declined.
That’s rubbish, no job as a network engineer is the same pay as a entry level helpdesk job. People don’t understand you can’t run before you can walk, everyone starts off at the bottom to build experience.
I would also like to note it took me 7 months to acquire the CCNA and the industry is super toxic for new people man, thanks for speaking up.
Always brother. Congrats on obtaining your cert and good luck!
Pat Daddy what’s toxic about it?
Very similar circumstances for me.
@@MrShark731 what happened
@@bigfly_214 in Melbourne help desk positions dont entertain ccna. As it is very much a networks certification.
CCNA is an entry-level networking certification, not a general IT cert like the A+. I would absolutely recommend that people who want to get into networking aim for the CCNA, since it is BY FAR the most recognized entry-level networking certification, but it should not be recommended to those looking to get into 'IT', since networking is just one possible path in the field of IT.
I think n plus is more of an entry level cert than the CCNA because many entry level places don't even run Cisco switches so no iOS knowledge required.
Comparing apples and oranges was not rly my thing to begin wt. :)
But Cisco Website Forbidden me from Logging in just because i didn't fill the Company Name? What if i didn't have a job yet and I'm learning to get an entry level? They stopped me from Learning :( to reach my entry level job.
@JeremyITLab uhm….no…. The Network+ is an entry level Network Certification. CCNA takes most of what you learn in Net+ and takes it a step further. CCNA is a Vendor specific certification and it’s not by any means “Entry Level”.
It’s closer to an intermediate level certification because you have to learn alot about all the Cisco Network hardware on top of the networking concepts in general.
It also requires more “know how”.
If you don’t know the basics first you will struggle. Imagine your boss asking you to set up a few PCs but you only know networking setup but no idea how to setup or configure a PC in general. That’s not good.
Spot on!+
You are not wrong.
A+ will get you a job a LOT faster than a CCNA.
That being said, the CCNA has the POTENTIAL to get you a much higher paying job AFTER you get the experience from the job that the A+ got you.
1angrykoala agree well said
Definitely agree with you.
Exactly
u want to work in the federal govt? u need security+, ccna-sec, casp or cissp. a+ will get u into the help desk but then u NEED those other certs i just mentioned.
I got both plus some others and only get offered shitty Jobs and salary.
*looking for Entry level position but must have 3-4 years prior * LMFAOOO ok
Yo fuck that is so true I have A+ and Network+ and no one will hire me cause I don't have experience. I even went to school got a Bachelor degree. Still no job cause of experience for entry level jobs. IT industry is a joke.
@@kjcenteno5734 Its not just IT industry, almost every industry is like this. The job market is much tougher than it used to be. The mistake everyone makes is listening to their parents and teachers whose experience is from a long gone era. They told you to study hard to get fancy pieces of paper, when really you need to network hard and study only what's needed to do a given job.
@@asdflikesjkl I understand and I agree with you. It's just BS that many work hard to study for an opportunity to work in the field they study. Companies don't want to give them a chance to prove their worth.
@@asdflikesjkl IT is not every other industry. The "fancy piece of paper" is the only way you can do med, pharma, Law, research etc
It's just a formality. They will higher you without experience if they see potential.
To be fair, if you've got a CCNA, you're probably NOT looking for an entry level job anyway.
You might not be looking for an entry-level Networking Position but you most certainly have to. They come in different flavors, Entry Level Network Technician, Service Desk Networking Technician, etc. A fresh CCNA cert. will not necessarily translate into a job. NO serious company will hand their network to inexperienced, fresh CCNA certified students. Of course, depending on your level of interview negotiation you might get away with a higher pay job than someone with exactly your level of experience or no experience right out of your CCNA cert. but again you need to know how to interview great and be above average. So be ready to pay your dues and humble yourself. You will get to the $100K+ salary eventually if you add more cert. gain hands-on experience and determination and tenacity become your best friends.
Is Security+ an easy cert to get?
@@kennyblessed2523 I have it, and am currently studying for CCNA. Sec+ seems easier so far. Took me about 2 months of every day studying. 1 book and prof messer. Passed on my first try. No experience
"Wow you have a CCNA? Great! Then you must be able to troubleshoot Windows/Linux SMB/NFS, EUE such as Windows/Mac Desktops/Laptops and Mobile OS's such as iOS and Android. Debug driver issues and submit bug reports with vendors. Create and manage firewall rules, write a corporate security whitepaper, It should take you no time to figure out how to do all of the sysadmin tasks and optimize our development chain for CI/CD. The CCNA must go over Docker container Orchestration with Kubernetes and Ansible/Chef configuration of OpenShift plus AWS API's for Cloud integration for managing our cluster of thousands of servers, right? Plus you should know how our projector and microwave works and while you're at is why is the power in this part of the building spotty? I mean this is all entry level IT stuff."
-> $45k/yr - no paid vacation - always on call.
- This is seriously the line of logic from these people.The marketers on LinkedIn hiring for these jobs have no idea what Cisco even is.
You get that much money working as a dumb as doornails Helpdesk. Most of these illiterate clowns don’t know about SFC /scannow. There are the kind of knobs who hold a HDD by the PCB.
Given the skills you listed, you can easily rake in 65k with paid vacation. Probably 80k.
make that $39 k
I believe Cisco is a character in a super hero series......
Garegin Asatryan 😂
Joe Sawyer i thought it was the name of the captain on deep space 9.
Whoever says CCNA is a beginner cert doesn't know a thing about IT. The Network+ is a beginner level cert. The CCENT is a beginner level cert. The CCNA is pretty advance because of the Protocols and such it teaches you...
Check back on the comments here in about 24 hours and you'll see.
And last I checked the CCENT is the first half of the CCNA.......
The CCNA is considered entry Level for the fact that it covers only basic routing and switching concepts...in the real work environment, it's much deeper than what any CCNA materials taught you
Are you talking shit on Chuck? Roflmao!
Working on my net+ since September. Thought about going down to A+ after this video
Got my A+ and N+ in early 2010's, did a few microsoft admin certifications and then jumped into cisco. Cisco CCNA was the hardest but it landed me my first job, and now i am in love the Networking side of IT.
Yes, CCNA is crazy hard!
How die you manage this? When I got my CCNA, back in 2005, I was never able to get a job working with Cisco routers and switches. With one company, it was obvious that I could answer all their Cisco related question but the manager shut my application down precisely because of a lack of "relevant experience." Mind you I had about three years of technical and help desk experience. If you managed to square this circle, you can help a lot of aspiring Cisco network Engineers out.
CCNA is for people who is trying to become network engineer. Not for entry level tech job.
CCNA is for an ENTRY level network admin, not engineer. Cisco has more advance certs that are 10 times harder then CCNA, the CCIE is the hardest cert one can get from Cisco and that is for those who want to be an Engineer
xrellikgr funny because I know a lot of network engineers that only have ccna. It just depend on which role to apply for. If you get your CCNP and CCIE your going to get a senior network engineer role. But it really depend where you work and what you apply for. Just to clear things up ccna can get you a admin and engineering job, just depend what you applied for.
Michael Yang at the same time there is a shortage on network engineers, so I can under an employer giving that position to someone with a CCNA and then just have them learn on the job
Helps though
yep true, networking knowledge is a big plus in IT.
CCNA 1999 was entry level, CCNA 2019 definitely isn't.
1999 CCNA had no labs in it....it was 100 questions, all multiple choices.....lol....go figure
@@Bruce.-Wayne True. My lab in 1999 was my job at Sprint, where I got to play with a lot of expensive systems and networks.
@@Bruce.-Wayne Much like Network+ is now. There were two configuration questions on my exam that I took 2 months ago (because an interviewer required it).
@K B Actually it will cover less. A lot of stuff was moved to CCNP. There are "new topics", if that's what you mean but overall it's less material.
@@Bruce.-Wayne Funny enough, the new CCNA only has 100 multiple choice and drag & drop questions. No labs.
I freaking love your channel , every now and then I forget that I am subscribed and have the notifications on and each and every time I watch a vid I love it over and over again
Love your passion to educate us the newbies, thank you so much for your non-stop work with educating everyone!!!!
I agree with this 100%.. I got a CCNA in R&S and Security and couldn't land an entry level job.. Got A + and got numerous calls from recruiters.
Congrats on getting your A+ when did you pass? how were the exams?
@@Jr-mn2ol I got my A+ a few months ago.. The first exam was the hardest in my opinion. The test aren't super duper hard but you def can't sing it with 0 knowledge. I used Mike Myers udemy course and books to pass.
I had exactly the opposite. It's all situational and relevant it seems.
In the same boat. Got a CCNA, etc and can't even get one call. I get a Google IT specialist certificate..."Hey, when can you start??"
@@DevOpsLabs4Me I've just recently discovered Mike Myers thanks to my bro. I've been toying around doing basic tablet and smartphone fixes over the years but are Mike's lectures alone enough to pass?
Thanks so much for this! Just saved me a lot of stress down the line trying to figure out which course/certification I wanted to pursue looking for an entry level position. Great video!
Always honest and true to the purpose of your channel, you are absolutely correct and I think that recruiters are flooding the requirements for every single IT entry-level job with absurd expectations regarding certifications which in turn is leading to a spike in brain dumps proliferation and people are looking for them like that would be the only source to prepare for a test. I have my A+, Network+, even Project+ as well as CCENT and getting ready for ICND2 and I really enjoy the learning process and the satisfaction of personal accomplishment. Keep up the great job Zach!
A+ was what my dad got first and this was also his advice. He said basically the same thing you did, A+ is foundational to the rest of your IT education. And just like any machine shop (he's also a machinist) the company or client you work for will have the way THEY will want you to do it, the certifications just mean you have a grasp of the field. A school and a bank won't want you to do everything the same. I'm glad I found your channel Zach, it has greatly helped my pursuit of getting into the IT field. Even though I'm just heading to the start I feel like I have a better grasp of what to do and expect. Thanks also for the CompTIA recommendation they look awesome. Again thank you for doing these videos they are massively helpful.
how is your career going now? Since the 4 years
I generally agree with your statements, and I would add that networking and putting yourself out there is so important. I’ve known many people over the years who found out about entry level positions through college (primarily community colleges). I personally walked into a small MSP and introduced myself and was able to land an interview and a job. Interview skills got me the job, not my A+. My good friend landed an interview at school because they recommended him for a position because of his attitude and eagerness to learn. He said he wasn’t even the smartest one there, but it was his personality that got him the job.
Honestly in order to get a CCNA you must already know hardware and software, so having a CCNA already shows that you know IT stuff, also the CCNA test is not just a test, it requires you to do real world lab problems. So passing the CCNA shows the employer that you know how to configure a enterprise network
I have worked in networking for over 7 years. I know many thing to a ccnp level. I worked in a high pressure and toxic environment, which was very unsupportive of getting my cisco certifications.
They went looking for someone who has a CCNA cert. They hired an individual who has a CCNA cert. His previous job was being a driver.
He didn't know how to do really basic things. Like finding the ip address of his own computer, pinging another computer.
Due to this he didn't last 2 weeks.
I have no idea how he has his CCNA but it showed that having a cert doesn't mean you know how to do the job.
Probably a unique and extreme case but shows that it is possible that someone can have a cert and still not be any use in the job.
Michael Downing I fine that extremely hard to believe, the CCNA requires months of studying and multiple real world labs scenarios. Everyone I know who has a CCNA at least know the basic stuff in Networking
I totally agree. No idea how he has his certificate, unless it was a complete lie. I have seen people just memorise brain dumps of exams. But that doesn't seem possible for CCNA.
Although similarly I have seen many failed hires in my previous job that where suppose to experienced individuals but where incredible helpless at the work.
@@crazysc0tsman How did he get through the interview???
@@MichaelImo if it was anything like my interview to work there, the MD didn't ask any technical questions. Less of an interview and more of a getting to know you chat. If you can be personable, and have a decent bit of paper you can get through.
I'm just getting around to this video. I've been in IT since the Ice Age. Litterally at the DOS age, but never got around to testing for the CCNA until about 5 weeks ago due to procrastination. Passed the ICND1 on Monday. I'm Doing it now due to the coming certpocolypse, which will be even harder to pass. It is certainly not an entry-level cert as it was back in the day. You need to know a lot more in version 3, which is about to expire, especially with regard to troubleshooting RS issues. It is the base to lead you to CCNP specializations and with the 2/24/20 exam changes, which will require a high degree of knowledge in many other areas, such as security, IOT, Voice, and a few more, just for CCNA. It will also become one exam after the deadline.
As far as getting a job, that's a roll of the dice. Meaning luck and timing. I shop my resume every year and have over 25 years of experience in IT and for the most part, I get no replies or offers, except from BS recruiters. It's very interesting but there are literally hundreds of candidates to compete against. For entry-level, you are right in saying that those fundamental certs are a lot more handy for entry-level folks looking to get "into" IT. I highly encourage it.
Yes, the CCNA certification track is for those that are really looking to get into networking and potentially higher-paying jobs. But don't just look at getting a job anywhere, target the right company's. Some on this thread have mentioned toxic environments where they've worked. Well, then you're working at the wrong place.
Here's a tip for those that are searching: The same way they are interviewing you for the job, you should be interviewing them about the job and company. Look at the culture, whether most employees are happy and speak highly of the company and co-workers, what are their "Core Values." growth opportunities, training and education, benefits, etc. That usually spins their heads and lets them know how serious you are. When you get the response, it will help you determine if it is the right place for you.
The CCNA is an entry level certification, just not a general entry level IT certification. If you are just trying to get into IT and have no experience absolutely get the A+, Network+, and/or the Security+. However, after a few years of experience, or for really anything above entry level, those CompTIA certifications lose their value almost completely. The CCNA IS an entry level NETWORKING certification. You can argue that the Network+ is but the problem with the Network+ is that it is vendor neutral. You aren't going to learn how to configure Cisco or Juniper devices in the Network+ and if you don't know how configure the devices, what good are you going to be in a networking role? The CCNA is THE DE FACTO entry level networking certification.
Yes sir. I pretty much said that the CCNA is the best entry level networking cert so we're on the same page.
I.T. Career Questions No, you said the A+ was better many times throughout the video. Your video is called “CCNA is not an entry level certification” I am very confused by your statement. Also, there is a 1 year course you can take while in High School that takes up 3 periods that I am taking now. The course is meant to prepare for the CCNA exam. The CCENT has been cut so it is now the entry level certification we can get. I knew I made a mistake clicking this video.
@@MrPerry435 I said the A+ was better for entry level I.T. work. The CCNA is the best entry level networking certification. There is a HUGE difference between the two of them.
@@MrPerry435 No the youtuber is RIGHT. A+ is the foundation to get your foot in the door of an IT job. THEN a CCNA for focusing on Networking IF that is where you want to go. Some people are hiring for Microsoft, some Cisco. But the basic FOUNDATION of IT IS the A+ cert.
@@Akihito007 Exactly!! Entry level I.T. is general and NOT the same as entry level Networking, which is more career path specific. He definitely said it correctly in the video. There is soooo much the A+ teaches you that you really miss out on some critical knowledge by skipping straight to the CCNA.
Good example: he's basically saying entry level Mathematics (like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) are like the A+ or just general entry level I.T. jobs. They don't require that much. The CCNA and entry level Networking jobs are like going straight to Algebra and Geometry. While they are also entry level math subjects that are foundational as well, Basic Algebra and Geometry are NOT the same as Basic Addition and Subtraction.
Dude, several times I had to look at the timer to make sure the video hasn’t started over again.
Thank you for you guidance I have been trying to figure out what to do for my first Certification and this video has helped alot!. Your the man! I am just getting into networking/ IT work. I didn't know anything and in the last 2 weeks I have learned more than I could have at any college. I'm going for the A+ Certification. Thank you Again.
This video is much appreciated my friend! I started taking classes for CCNA but the teacher is death by PowerPoint and I feel like it’s a bad intro class. Once again thanks for making this!
Thank you for this. I had started studying for the CCENT early in the year, then this whole new change from CISCO on the CCNA really screwed my plans. I was about to start studying the new CCNA ( I am new to IT) but I think I want to start with A+ and Security +. I have always been one with the thought that to build a good home you need a solid foundation and going straight to CCNA without that IT foundation, I am going to have a shaky start to this new career and that I cannot have.
I am very limited on experience, but I'll just give my short story. I went to school for an A.S. degree in computer science with a focus on "network engineering". Our core networking classes were all Cisco based, so that's the road i went down for certs. I passed my ICND1 and found a job for a "Jr. Network Engineer" that said it required zero experience, and preferred people with CCNA's, but would consider CCENT's. I applied, but was still in school so they basically wanted to wait until I graduated.
A week before graduation, I took my ICND2 and passed, which earned me my CCNA obviously. I called the hiring company and told them about my new certification and they basically said "you're hired, we are forgoing the interview process and want you to start ASAP." I start on Monday and it is my first job in the IT world. I am nervous, but excited because I actually find working with Cisco equipment to be fun.
With that being said, I am essentially working for Cisco, they are the ones paying me. I'm a contingent worker, and if I was applying to any other company, maybe my certs wouldn't hold as much weight.
Oh, and just because I have my CCNA does not mean I am making oodles of money. This is entry level after all, the pay isn't extraordinary. I think with experience + the certs I have, that's when pay will become higher.
its been 2 years. hows the pay and experience going?
@@jonathangeorge7815 Well, good and bad. So I am still at the same job, mostly because the contract is coming to an end and I kind of want to see it through (it was supposed to end a while ago, but ya know, things happened in the past couple years that really set the whole thing back). At this job, I have received one 10% raise. I could probably ask for another, but since contract is near its end, not going to bother.
With that being said, I put my updated resume out about 2 months ago and have received easily over 100+ job offers. 98% of them have been from recruiters, who unfortunately tend to lowball (like $20/hr lowball), so I ignore a good amount of them because they all seem to come from the same recruitment company and they all have lowballed me. But I've had two offers paying 2x my current pay (and then some). One was filled so quickly that I responded to the recruiter the day they emailed me, only to hear back that is was filled. The other I applied for myself before being contacted and never heard a response unfortunately. But the posting was 5 days old when I had first saw it and reached out.
I think if I truly had no job and had all the time in the world, I'd be making double what I make now. But for now I am nitpicky. I don't want to sound "racist" or whatever, but when I get a 10+ emails a day from recruiters with very Indian sounding names who misspell multiple words in their email, I just delete it. These all are from the same firm/recruitment company. They bury all the good opportunities I am offered in my inbox, and half of them seem like BS from the get-go. They also apparently fail to read my qualifications, and will contact me about jobs doing Java scripting and things I have absolutely zero experience with. It's actually rather annoying.
@@cheeseburgerwalrus499 thanks for the update! I get spammed but shady looking companies / scammers too. Its really frustrating to deal with actually . I think the only thing you can do is look into the company. Not sure where you live but this is helpful to me. oag.ca.gov/consumers/general/checking_business_bkgrd10
$20 is low ball... I think fast food workers in my area get about $17-21/hr kind of insane that you would only be offered 20.... How much are you making now if you don't mind sharing? I'm also in IT I have a BS in computer science getting paid 57k at my current job. super low for my skill set, but I needed experience, and I tolerate it because the job is very stress free (i just get my job done and I receive zero micromanagement). You really should ask for more money though. even if you leave soon. Its good practice.
I completely have the same route as you , same degree and same cisco courses
So I just recently graduated, with honors, from an IT course from a private college back in August this year. An accelerated and intense 16 months that covered CompTia A+, Network+, Security+, ICND1, ICND2, plus a few others. Upon graduation, I received vouchers to take the actual exams so I can attain some of these certifications. Unfortunately ICND2 was not one of them. When I learned that the CCNA cert was changing, I decided to try and attain this first by the end of Jan. After watching your video, you pretty much just changed my mind. Thank you! I'm going to focus on getting my CompTia A+ first, then Network+ and my Security+. Even after being exposed to ICND 1 & 2, going back to revisit it is still freaking brutal to study for.....and dry.....really dry.
Thanks again for the virtual slap in the face.
just like to say i love the video because for the simple fact that i am about to start school in the fall for computer networking & cybersecurity an it will be all new to me and i didnt know what cert's i like to go for and one of them was the cisco ccna among other one..so u just gave me a open eye on which ones i should start my career off with, when the time comes and i thank u for that.
Thank you kind sir. I was in a dilemma. I was attending the Cisco academy but had to put it on pause after taking and passing the first course. It was going at a fast pace due to being a compressed program. But your statement in this video has helped me to decide to switch lanes and pursue the CompTIA certification instead of the CCNA.
Same here brother.
This video gave me the push that I needed to start applying for my first IT position, thanks dude.
Love the passion in this video zach! much agreed and i find myself putting those same expectations on myself like "i want to get my ccna first" but i havent even appliet to a help desk position yet. thank you for your insight.
I'm really glad I found this video and say thank you. I was looking at ccna for entry level certification and realized it's far more advanced than my basic knowledge. This gave me hope, so I appreciate it
A+ will teach you the fundamentals of IT systems, Network+ will teach you the fundamentals of networking, CCNA will further enhance those networking fundamentals; do it in that order. You don't need to have the certs but focus on knowing the material. There are plently of study guides and free resources. Your resume gets you an interview; you get the job.
This is incorrect. I.T. fundamentals cert will teach you the fundamentals. A+ will teach you hardware.
This is taken straight from their website and I'm only using one bullet-point:
Configure device operating systems, including Windows, Mac, Linux, Chrome OS, Android and iOS and administer client-based as well as cloud-based (SaaS) software.
It teaches you more than hardware; it will give you the fundamental baseline of systems (both physical and logical) and how to support them. If you think it doesn't teach you fundamentals then hey, you're free to go your own way; I'm coming from over a decade of experience working my way up through helpdesk, sysadmin / datacenter then flopped into security.
is it worth pursuing for A+ first?? man want to get into IT but dont know where I should start. want to get into CCNA but guess Ive been doing it wrong the whole time
Your post is almost word-for-word what I told someone on Facebook.
@@EXFOOLYCOOLY it doesn't really matter a whole lot. I got in to I.T. without any certs and a high school diploma. I have certs now, paid for by the company. Interviewing well and selling yourself on your resume will get you further than any cert.
I see quite a lot of entry level job offerings that require at least 4 years of prior experience.
Thank you boss I needed to hear this . I paid for and am going through CCNA material now... with my experience I need a step back and need all the A+ fundementals .
So I was in the navy. I was an OS which is an operation specialist. My job was to operate different consoles. I never knew anything about being an IT. I realized that I wanted to get into IT because it was fun, evolving and you can do so much. So I picked out this older gentleman who was and still is an IT and the first thing he told me was to obtain my A+. It would ultimately give me the knowledge to not only speak IT but understand those fundamentals employers are looking for. I wince have gotten other certifications but the company that hired me that my mentor also works for was entry level. And some of the questions and scenarios they asked me, I could answer confidently because of A+. And to anyone who thinks that A+ is not worth it, compTIA wouldn’t go through so much time to create an entry level certification if it wasn’t “useful”. You’re spot on with your discussion. The network engineers at my company all have CCNA but none of them ONLY had that, they also had A+, and network+, some have sec+ or CASP. So A+ is extremely relevant to ITs.
I took the advice of getting CCNA based off of many videos that recommend that route. I enrolled in college to finish BA and by the end of the 1st semester I was told the same thing you are saying by people in the field teaching classes and helping people get jobs. A+ and Security+ is the recommended route for entry level. A lot of places will pay for the Security+ if you already have the A+
2:35 Yup, I'm one of those. I just got hired on as a network engineer with no certs. Only prior experience is desktop support lol. 78K salary, and they'll be training me for the CCNP.
I lucked out for sure.
Can I get in touch with you
@@mosesodipo8944 Sure, feel free to message me.
odipom20@gmail.com,i would like to get some information about ccnp
Lasty K damn congrat-u-fucka-lations!
you make your own luck
Honestly I needed this video. I want to have my CCNA but I’ve been thinking of doing the comptia certs first because I might study something that I love more then networking. Still undecided but I need to hear this so I know I’m not alone in this journey.
I just started two Cisco courses online and I feeeeel this video! I love IT and I’m still excited to learn from Cisco, but this is very vast amount of information that I would have preferred to learn in person.
Here is my experience with this. Most likely, if a job requires an A+, but you have a CCNA instead, you have a good shot at the job. Bear in mind, that there will be pc repair and windows info you wont know, if all you know about IT is what you learned preparing for the CCNA. Having said that, you probably didn't get the CCNA for a job that the A+ is design to prove you can do. You got the CCNA because you want to be a networking specialist specializing in cisco switches and routers. And here is the problem. These jobs are not entry level and you will have a hard time finding such a job with your CCNA if you do not have experience. What is unfair and frustrating is that you don't need a lot of expertise. A year might be enough, but the sad truth is that you might not he able to get that experience.
Well said Tango, thank you for taking the time to leave this comment.
@@Itcareerquestions your welcome. I was once ccna certified. It expired on me and I never found my ccna level job.
So how do you get a job with the CCNA
Hey bud, I've been saying the same thing for the past few months, because I've been studying for my CCNA for almost seven months now. I'm almost to the point to where I can maybe pass the CCNA exam now. Because of that, I've discovered that this CCNA is at least intermediate level! You need at least a year or two of networking experience, esp Cisco, to even have a basic idea of the CCNA material. It is crazy hard! Not only do you need to know basic routing, switching, IP addressing, etc but you need to know network automation, cloud/virtualization, and wireless networks. You would think the CCNA should be divided up into two, maybe three categories of certifications. But they pack all that into one CCNA exam. Once I get my CCNA, I'm sure I can find something good-I also plan to get a Security+ and Pentest+ cert afterwards. I've been working in a volatile industry for 25 years and want a career change into something more stable.
Zack
! Thank you for all this info...it helps a lot as to someone who is just on the verge of career change - this is really reassuring and telling me I made a good decision with starting off with A+, and once I have it moving on to gaining experience and only then checking which of the other certs I'll get....thank you!!
I love your energy and passion and how you get straight to the point. Liked and subscribed my friend.
I just recently obtained my CCNA and then the other day my Security +. I actually started in Telecom sales got into a VoIP engineer position and was required to pass The SIP School SIP certification as my first certification. I did however study computer science for a few years. I will agree that the A+ would have been a faster route to break into the space and probably a lot easier. Studying now for my CND and CEH but security and Linux are fairly new to me. Always continually learning is what employers like more than a single cert.
I agree with your observations. I have the CompTIA trifecta and studying for my CCNA right now. I’ll still most like get a help desk job for six months and then jump ship to a better paying job.
Dude, you saved me. I’m starting CCNA next week. So I’m doing A+ and wanted to get into the system Admin and the instructors said that I can’t get any entry level jobs with just A+ that I need to add CCNA. After researching and decided that I’ll do A+ and MCSA cert because that’s the path I wanted to start first. That’s when they threw me off my game .
Thanks to your video I’m canceling that and wait for my MCSA class to start so I can join.
Good stuff Zach. My 1st cert was from Microsoft. Landed a helpdesk job. Since moved on to Cisco etc.
IT career question: what if you have 20 years of strictly helpdesk/desktop support experience and you recently completed your BS degree and you have a recent CCNA and 8 other certs, but same or lower level jobs won't talk to you b/c they think you're over qualified (i suspect) and hardcore networking jobs won't talk to you either b/c you don't have that specific experience. And also your current job won't involve you in any networking exposure even after you politely asked multiple times. Great video BTW, thank you.
I am currently attending college for IT/networking and I really needed this video, thank you. So many people in my program or alumni would shove the A+ and CCNA down my throat like it was a REQUIREMENT after college. I had a feeling that wasn't the case and I am glad I am not wrong in my gut feeling. Keep up the great work and you earned a sub.
Thank you for this video Zach. I recently got my A+ and I'm trying to get a entry level job now. I do plan on getting my CCNA after my Network+ and Security+.
Your recommendations are wonderfully practical. You are the best!!!. Thank you very much from Buenos Aires. Argentina.👋👋👋👍
Really glad I watched this video I was about to sign up for a CCNA course but was apprehensive about just jumping in. I have no experience but not computer illiterate and want to take the best first step possible into this field. Im going to look into getting an A+ cert first instead especially if that will help me land an actual ENTRY LEVEL job thanks for the really informative video and I'm a sailor so no offense to the swearing here haha.
I saw help desk entry jobs asking for MCSE, Sec+, CCNA and CISSP. And this is not typical of the entry level job. But i do agree with your path A+, Net+ before going for the CCNA or MCSE(Expert)
That is insane.
Probably worthwhile applying anyway. That might just be a case of HR going a bit cert happy. Once they see a distinct lack of applications for what is an entry level job applying, they'll soon get the picture.
CISSP? It literally requires years of comproved work experience on security to get a CISSP. Anyone who write these requirements doesn't know a thing about those certs and also will find no candidates for the job.
@@rafaeloliveira2740 like hiring a chef at mcDonalds
They probably wanted 10 years experience and a degree too for under 50k...lmao
Thanks for speaking up man! you made it easy for me i was thinking to go get CCNA since i have already have A+ Comptia certi!
The is the 100% most honest and accurate IT video I've seen on YT. I started IT in the Army so my first IT job was very different from the norm. (so I thought). I got my Sec+ as my first cert because we can't have admin rights without IAT level ll certs in the federal gov sector but I wish I would've gotten my A+ first or focused on fundamentals because now going for CCNA, I understand WiFi security and encryption and deep IT theory but lack knowledge in the fundamentals of hardware. It is a very confusing place to be and I hope others take the time to understand those fundamentals and build that foundation, then focus on advanced certs.
thank you for this because I'm just starting in IT and working on my A plus and CCNA but CCNA is really hard for me since i'm just starting
I'm currently in a CCNA 1 and it's hard. There's time when I thought of giving up. Hearing this makes me feel better!
@@johnp2631 The ICND 100-105 and 200-105 Review Books by Wendell Odom (CCIE certified) are very well written and explain everything you need and more to get your CCNA. Cisco is going to retire these exams soon, but the content in these books will stay relevant; they're pretty cheap too.
For the labs, the Pearson network simulator tool worked well for me. You buy it once and have it for life, so you can practice your lab skills anytime.
Never give up, I failed my first time and passed my 2nd (yesterday evening).
@@johnp2631 udemy is also great if you are not a "book person" like me. Look at the videos by Neil Anderson or Chris Bryant.
@@whyshouldi2100 I'm currently studying for my ccna, I'm going the bootcamp plus TH-cam tutorial route, hoping to take my first exam in January and then in February I'm planning to start studying for my mcsa, your comment gives me hope man, thanks
@@pr3cious193 Good luck on your exams.
Good information bud. I'm actually trying to explore what certifications to get with no degree and was looking at CCNA and CompTIA Security certs. I may go the CompTIA+ first now.
He is exactly right. I have been in IT for 17 years and was ambitious enough to find a job right away. Sure it was helpdesk back in 2003 but it was a start, during that time you get exposure to a lot which may lead depending on your skill set and drive to a tier 2 position. The importance is during this time you must continue working on getting certifications and experience and above all start (no pun intended) networking. Trust the process and believe me you will get to where you want to go. That being said I have been a sys admin and deskside consultant / generalist for the last 8 years with oil and gas and then after a decade and a half of experience doing the grunt work of cabling and racking to imaging machines among other work, I decided to get a role as a network engineer (not certified at the time) THEN I decided to get the certification not for the great $ which I was already making but for the knowledge and to better understand and serve my clients. That being said, this cert should be used as a tool not to acquire a position as an entry level engineer or tech but as an add on to your already large skillset. It is definitely not an entry level cert speaking of which the new CCT is entry level.
So why are the two certs being compared when they are two different certifications networking and another core fundamentals of PC servicing?
Its like comparing the a CCNP to a CISSP
How did I get my foot in the door? A+, CCENT, and I was a good interviewee.
I got my first job in H5 data center . I’m pretty excited . I think I will get my server + to get myself more familiar with servers and troubleshooting
Excellent video & topic of discussion that sheds clarity over the entry-level position requirements. I've seen some people out there, TH-camrs & other connoisseurs etc. who discredit CCNA a bit... and I know it's quite difficult to get. It provided me some closure from the idea/worry that the certification is near to useless and that nobody would value it someone having it BUT also that it's not a requirement for entry-level positions. For me it's more of a requirement if you want to be a network and/or system administrator.
Hi all, these videos are super helpful man. My goal is to switch careers to IT in the next year and a half (wife is changing careers to nursing so I cant make the switch from my current career until she is done) and the biggest question I have is exactly this do i get an IT degree? Do I focus on certs? This is rather helpful, and this video in particular is very helpful as perhaps when its time to make the switch I just try to jump into an entry level position and see how that goes. Keep up the good work my dude.
Thanks man and good luck to you and your wife!
There is no right or wrong answer. You technically don't need anything to land an entry level role other than soft skills and the ability to learn.
Anything after that is icing on the cake. Degrees can open a lot of doors just as certifications can. You'll often find some jobs have a hard requirement for a degree. But it's also important to note that companies like Facebook, Google, and Netflix dropped their degree requirements, if that trend sticks then we can see a major shift.
At the end of the day do what makes sense to you, what you feel most comfortable with, whatever decision gives you the most confidence.
@@Itcareerquestions Man thank you for the reply, I really do appreciate it. I really do value your insight and issues you cover man. Keep up the good work!
@@davidwahe8167 No problem man! Thank you!
I don't think you're going to get the CCNA cert if you don't have the basic knowledge or troubleshooting skills that the Comptia A+ gives you. If you don't know how to do basic things, Comptia A+ is a great certification to get the knowledge that you need before going forward in IT. To me Comptia A+ is great for a beginner that has no knowledge of computers in general.
You would be wrong
This is great advice. Solid and factual built on the foundation of common sense. When I started out the amount of people who wanted to recruit an MCSA, CCNA and at least a years experience - for entry level. At the time I was studying for MCSA and knew nothing of Cisco. I got the job for a first line tech. How in depth did you think I got with the calls? Yeah - not very far. I’d say that the A+, N+ are great starting points. S+ if you want to get further. Then, it’s a case of finding what interests you and following that path.
I hope hiring managers watch this. My first cert will be N+. Thank you for the video.
WHILE THE COMMANDS FOR CISCO GEAR ON THE CCNA ARE SPECIFIC TO CISCO, THE KNOWLEDGE YOU NEED OF THE STACK IS APPLICABLE EVERYWHERE.
Customer service skills and the willingness/ability to learn do more for entry level IT Jobs than any one certification. Basic technical knowledge is important, but you learn that a lot easier than how to talk to a customer.
I watched this video in the middle of studying for A+ for a job I interviewed for on the military base as help desk that requires me to get A+ or Sec+. I had already taken Sec+ and failed it by 60 points before getting the job interview and was told by the manager who interviewed me that he preferred I get A+ over Sec+ for now. I'm fairly competent and understood a lot of this information but I've still picked up and learned plenty of things by studying this material that will actually benefit me in my coming job. I want to become a network engineer/architect, so I will eventually be going for my CCNA and so forth to CCNP but I plan on taking all the steps I can to reach that. Taking A+ now, then taking Net+ and then recapping on the studying I've already done for Sec+ and retaking that test. Eventually I'll go for CCENT and CCNA.
I really appreciate your honesty. I’m getting into IT now and even though it’s hard to get in some where the last thing I want to be is lead the wrong way.
That wasn't honesty that was an rant, I disagree with him on many levels. He also seems to lack credibility on the subjects of technology and career advice. Beware!
Oh hey! It's you again trolling.
Let's be clear so your simple mind can understand.
You've yet to provide any bit of constructive feedback for someone who "disagrees with me on my levels" please share your valuable feedback so we can all be enlightened.
Credibility? I've been working in I.T. for roughly 17 years.
If you think you can do better or have better advice please make videos and share them.
Until then, I've helped at this point thousands of people get into this field. I'd say we're doing pretty good.
Great job trolling though. This is fun.
Hey Bro how are you doing just watched your video about "CCNA is Not an entry level I.T certification" and you're absolutely right.. Came from one of the most disastrous interviews yesterday.. I recently certified in ccna and applied for some Junior Help desk technician posts and when I went to this job yesterday my CCNA held no relevance at all.. The employer simply asked me "If you were to build a computer from the ground up what components would u order?" and In that moment my ccna meant nothing.. I couldn't name the essential components & I just became tongue tied... As a result I failed the interview. Walked out with my tail between my legs.. Never felt so embarrassed & defeated in my life..
Look at it as a win. Never be to sure of yourself and always dip your toes into professions that are "similar" to yours.
How's the IT journey going?
Absolutely right I spent 5k on a CCNA class and ended up getting a job with a plus cert that I got with a coupon for less than $200,am very grateful to Professor messer
sadique abba $5k for ccna? I spent 10$ up to ccnp 😂🤙🏾
You got ripped off lol
I want to prepare for the same, could you please recommend me some good resources?
@Kx 96
Hello there! So, I used CCENT and LPI essentials with Entry level certifications. Around 4-6 month later I got my CCNA R&S, Junos JNCIA and CCNA CyberOPS. After that I from Intern to Network beginner Jr.
Now I am getting CCNP R&S and Learning about network automation.
All in just 2 years on my first Job. I have 23 years old.
Regards
Everything you said is 100% correct. Entry level positions are about how well you interview, the confidence you exude in being able to troubleshoot and carry yourself and if the employer likes you. Intermediate/advance certs are helpful when looking to move on from a entry level spot. Sometimes the path you want to take can change and getting a CCNA from the start could be a waste of time and money.
Great video. On point!
So I am a newbies what can I get from the start??
Looks like universe sent you for me in the correct time to clear my dilemma.
Network Engineer Academy preaches this....it's so nuanced!
🧐
Well he’s saying anything is possible in terms what job you could possibly land but he takes the more realistic approach. Network engineering academy takes the more motivational approach. Pushing people to study hard and market themselves to get the job they want. I like both channels for that reasons.
I agree with Network Engineer Academy.
I like the logic of your arguments; they make perfect sense. Apologies for being "Johnny come lately" to the comments. I decided to go for CCNA as my first certification (still working on it at this time), because I got into networking being an audio/visual shift manager, and wanted skills marketable outside of AV (which has taken a huge hit due to the COVID-19 pandemic). Additionally, working on computers and printers just isn't my wheelhouse; I can do it, but hate it. I worked my way up to become the Internet Services Manager over a metroplex, as well as a network engineer building Cisco networks from the ground floor. Mind you, I currently have no certifications; I am completely self-taught from TH-cam, books, hands-on experience, and worked with people who knew more than me. The company that I work for is exclusively Cisco and a little bit of Ruckus and so to become better at my current job and to possibly move on to something else, I decided on CCNA since I already have a long history and background with Cisco networks. First is CCNA, then Network+, and then I want to shift into Cisco DevNet for network automation.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts good sir.
Thank you so much for this. I want to end up in networking but I am understanding A+ is important.
Thank you and I love you for posting this!!
Seriously need you to speak life into me everyday!👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾
The "IT Industry" isn't just one thing. If you're going into networking, your A+ is meh, hell get the current Net+ it's freaking great at the moment. If you want to get into the repair or stuck on the helpdesk, then go for your A+, or you wanna be a sysadmin. I'd the MSCX track is the route you wanna go.
CompTIA Security+,is the best bet then?
Well said! Completely agree. I started with an IT intership then hired as a Technology Support Technitian. Both times I was selected due to personality and not because of CCENT and Security + Certification.
First time here on this channel. I'm from Brazil and I must say that your English is very good for ESL fellas as I.
I got your point, but unfortunately it is not the reality of all places and countries. In some countries it is not possible to get a job without nothing.
I think you’re wrong only because striving for your CCNA raises expectations. The industry is moving fast to an oligarchy of managed services and an endless supply of L1 technicians who are doomed to stay there.
Just go on any jobs site and compare entry level roles to mid-career offerings. Next call any software vendors you have in your office and I guarantee you speak to someone in another country, an automated system, or a tech that does not work at the corporate site. Companies always cut costs on the labor side.
CompTIA definitely had the edge 10-20 years ago, but IMO AWS, MS, and Cisco are entry level once you have an idea what you want to do in IT.
PREACH!!! I caught wind of a few videos saying to obtain the ccna before the A+. So I started studying for the CCNA. Once it got to a part that I didn't understand, I thought to myself "What if get hired for entry level with a CCNA but don't know the basics?" Its like a mechanic that can't change a tire. So its safe to say I'm now studying for my A+. This video just gave me confirmation that I'm making the right choice. Thank You.
After watching this video, part of me wonders if a quick run through A+ (even if not to certify) would help overall in covering whatever random things I've never come across before...There are plenty of things I've picked up by experimentation but Zach does drive a good case that all the basics of IT are covered there in A+.
This is good information! I appreciate your genuine response to this confusing question. I’m in the military and looking to transition to IT.
If you plan to stay in the gov sector (contractor) you're gonna need a security cert (Sec+, SSCP, CASP, etc) and an OS cert (MCSA, CCNA, Linux+, etc).
It was perfect for me, but my situation was niche. I got an apprenticeship in a dedicated network team. I got my CCNA during this time and I'm sure it played a large part in my networking and security career going forward
I got my first IT job in Telecom by being an engaged interviewee. I am now, 10+ years and multiple promotions later, still without a certification. I am going for my CCNA as my *first* certification because I have been in an around the industry for over 10 years. CCNA should definitely not be what someone should need to START in IT. A+ and Net+ will get you in the door. CCNA will get you further within that company.
The network engineer academy is offended by this video 😆
Lmaooo
I'll be honest with you and what you are saying is perfectly true thanks for speaking up, there's no need for CCNA as entry level or first role. Most companies nowadays are not going to pay you Big Money until they get to know YOU, your attitude, your work ethic, YOU the person. Through experience, interview skill and luck I recently got an IT Entry level job without any IT certification and I am overjoyed, but I needed now to get the Comptia A+ for personal gratification because I think that I need to consolidate my computing/IT technical knowledge and validate my personal experience. I am glad for the knowledge of the Comptia A+ and am looking at further certification to take me towards desirable career paths and higher paying job in better companies only (very important for me) in IT.
My first IT position was network engineer. No degree, no certs, but I totally agree with you here. You are exactly right because not everyone grows up with a passion for IT. I was launching Sierra games from DOS when I was 6. Most people my age were not. Trying to start that knowledge gathering from scratch as an adult means people should start with broad basics and the A+ is a perfect cert to do that.
Now "that's" the Zach I remember from way back then. Sans the swearing LOL
I would say this logic could apply to the MCSA as well. I didn't really think the CCNA was as hard as people say, it just takes discipline and the ability to stick to your studying. Definitely worth it though. I agree that it probably shouldn't be your first cert but that also depends on the individual.
Agreed. Working at an ISP at the time working with Cisco devices day in, day out, I completed the CCNA in less than 40 minutes. It wasn't hard. But it requires discipline and a degree of just being able to memorise bs things like STP versions, routing protocol timers etc.
I appreciate this video this is what our instructors told us... I was really nervous...thinking I needed all of these certs to be hired
I have my A+ and I am working on my CCNA. I love the networking stuff I am learning with the Cisco classes I have taken. I am also working on an associates degree that covers a lot of IT stuff. The CCNA is in now way entry level. The A+ is a great foundation to start with and a lot of people interested in IT that are already PC enthusiasts will have an easy time with A+.
AMEN Bro!! I have worked at companies that have implemented networks the way they should b and places where its pure crap!! I have a friend who has only a ccent but has worked on vmware, cisco and other high end technologies. So it depends on the company if you are hired how far you will rise!
Absolutely!!
Great points! I know guys with Certs that have the people skills of a mortician .. - 0 - people skills and don't benefit anyone..
those types are better off in programming, whoever sent them down the IT path made a mistake
I’ve been stressing about certs since I started in August. This is a huge relief
Dude you should have make this video in 2017, I know so many people freaking out about getting a CCNA without any IT experience and in the way they are busting their heads with so much information; and at the end of the day makes sense that someone will give you a job managing their network with cero experience..... Kudos!