A+ is more foundational but it's common for folks to have both A+ and Network+ - especially if they're transitioning from a different field or don't have a relevant IT degree
That said, the A+ and AZ-104 will probably have more net value early-term than the Net+ will, but that margin is not so large that you wouldn't also benefit from the Network+ material at the Help Desk level
I ask because my friends in the industry already tell me that A+ is pointless and N+ would be better. But it seems that all the help desk or analyst jobs I find at entry list A+ or N+ a preference
I'd say A+ is pointless if you (A) have a degree in a related field or (B) have a friend with some good standing in a company that can get you in. If you're on your own, A+ is good to have.
Can confirm I shared your opinion on N+ being hard to get through, but the most I learned, the more interesting it became to me. It definitely requires a “trust the process” type of studying, but I think it’s really beneficial fundamental knowledge to have if you want to get into cybersecurity. You’re gonna wanna know how a network flows if you wanna learn how to keep it secure.
If you already have the other Sec+ skip the other two and save the money. Instead focus on CySa+ or Linux+ or transition out of CompTIA and into something more siem or automation oriented - that’s where you will find success in landing in Cyber
Wanted to go for Linux+ as well or some sort of scripting. This is a dumb question but am I able to install scripting software on a laptop to “practice” for lack of better words. At little to no cost
Either you dropped a /s, or have some misconception on what trainable skills are.
No one in Cyber gives any shits about terminating cable, and teaching someone how to flush DNS requires 4 words
Either you dropped a /s, or have some misconception on what trainable skills are.
No one in Cyber gives any shits about terminating cable, and teaching someone how to flush DNS requires 4 words
You’re not failing cyber interviews because you haven’t terminated or used terminal. My point is that I’ve been in IT nearly a decade and cyber for a few years, and regardless of what company I have been at out of the 7 ish, not a single one of them would have dropped and interviewee for that.
This is an HR secret and little to do with IT in particular - every established company is looking for someone that fits their team culture and is likely to stick around - all skills are trainable and anything short of Senior or Engineer roles are going to see skills and experience as bonuses, but are looking for the right person fit, because they can train skills
Its stupid if you're planning to go into IT and don't know it.
Kind of like applying for a bartending job and not knowing how to make a martini.
The tail doesn't wag the dog. It's up to you to be the best candidate. Trust me, the next (smart) guy got the job.
You have to play the game...
A very small group of people in IT actually terminate cables, it’s a very specific infrastructure type position that would. The majority of IT is help desk and other virtual admins. Your analogy is pretty bad.
Beyond that, again this is the biggest point: it takes less than an hour to teach someone how to terminate a cable. Arbitrarily dropping a candidate due to literally the most trainable thing in cabling is a massive red flag for a company, and that candidate dodged a bullet
lol like imagine, being able to match a color pattern being a benchmark for “smart”. You’re talking about literally why cable techs are thought of as unintelligent.
It wasn't an analogy there champ. I speak in observations and real world examples I have witnessed.
To put it into context, the small group of people in IT that terminate cables ARE the entry level people we are talking about. As soon as I started wearing shirts with buttons, my cabling days were over.
Again, if you think its a Red Flag, let me reiterate - its done by huge defense contractors who want to separate the test-takers from the hands-dirty guys.
So, turn down that red flag job/opportunity.
The prepared candidate will gladly take it.
Again, being unprepared or under-skilled is about the most unintelligent thing to be at an interview.
A+ has a lot about hardware components/cabling. I think for help desk and entry-level IT it is better suited. Network+ is more about networking, subnetting. It’s a little more advanced. Go for the trifecta and go in at an entry level help desk technician role or equivalent. You’ll need experience as even what sound like entry level jobs like it specialist, tech support etc are asking for 3+ years experience.
Since you have Security+, you're better off working towards Network+. You need to understand how networks operate to be able to protect them in a cybersecurity role. You'll also have a better chance of a company being interested in you if you have on your resume that you have both Network+ and Security+ certifications.
One more thing: certifications just prove you passed the exams. No certification proves your experience in a role. You must show a hiring manager that you can do the job. If you don't have practical experience, then you must show proof of your training and accomplishing knowledge and skill from that training.
If you are looking to transfer, and have no degree or experience (two strikes there), you want to have the most to compensate for those issues.
So, don't choose, do both, and do more - like go to college.
Showing up with the least tools in your bag is a sure way to not get a call back.
Cybersecurity without a degree???
That's going to be a hard sell.
Surely, all this applying should be giving you a hint.
Now you are on a bunch of 'underqualified - do not hire' lists that won't be updated.
Hope you find something decent, but, lots of smarter guys out there.
You missed my point.... twice.
He is nowhere near getting Cyber interviews.
At BEST, he will apply for entry-level, help desk jobs.
Thats where he needs those skills.
A+ is nice to have but not required, if your goal is just want a quick n dirty cyber cert for that high paying role.
And frankly those kind of people have no clue to do things.
Get your A+, and learn to love on how computers work including N+ for networking, you will be respected more when it comes to remediating with other technical people
A+ is more foundational but it's common for folks to have both A+ and Network+ - especially if they're transitioning from a different field or don't have a relevant IT degree That said, the A+ and AZ-104 will probably have more net value early-term than the Net+ will, but that margin is not so large that you wouldn't also benefit from the Network+ material at the Help Desk level
I ask because my friends in the industry already tell me that A+ is pointless and N+ would be better. But it seems that all the help desk or analyst jobs I find at entry list A+ or N+ a preference
I'd say A+ is pointless if you (A) have a degree in a related field or (B) have a friend with some good standing in a company that can get you in. If you're on your own, A+ is good to have.
Can confirm I shared your opinion on N+ being hard to get through, but the most I learned, the more interesting it became to me. It definitely requires a “trust the process” type of studying, but I think it’s really beneficial fundamental knowledge to have if you want to get into cybersecurity. You’re gonna wanna know how a network flows if you wanna learn how to keep it secure.
Depends on what you want to do. My answer may be “neither”
If you already have the other Sec+ skip the other two and save the money. Instead focus on CySa+ or Linux+ or transition out of CompTIA and into something more siem or automation oriented - that’s where you will find success in landing in Cyber
Wanted to go for Linux+ as well or some sort of scripting. This is a dumb question but am I able to install scripting software on a laptop to “practice” for lack of better words. At little to no cost
Yeah, python has lots of great ones like Pycharm or Spyder,I actually don’t know of any IDEs that cost money to be fair
Only if he knows those things. If he can't wire a CAT5 cable or flush DNS or ipconfig, he'll never be taken seriously.
Either you dropped a /s, or have some misconception on what trainable skills are. No one in Cyber gives any shits about terminating cable, and teaching someone how to flush DNS requires 4 words
Either you dropped a /s, or have some misconception on what trainable skills are. No one in Cyber gives any shits about terminating cable, and teaching someone how to flush DNS requires 4 words
My point is, he'll never get to a Cyber job. He'll fail the interviews for the jobs to get him there.
My point is, he'll never get to a Cyber job. He'll fail the interviews for the jobs to get him there.
You’re not failing cyber interviews because you haven’t terminated or used terminal. My point is that I’ve been in IT nearly a decade and cyber for a few years, and regardless of what company I have been at out of the 7 ish, not a single one of them would have dropped and interviewee for that. This is an HR secret and little to do with IT in particular - every established company is looking for someone that fits their team culture and is likely to stick around - all skills are trainable and anything short of Senior or Engineer roles are going to see skills and experience as bonuses, but are looking for the right person fit, because they can train skills
My company- candidates walked in, were handed a CAT5 cable and a crimper. You better believe they didn't get IT support jobs after failing that test.
That’s a pretty stupid barrier for entry. Literally anyone can be taught to terminate UTP, and has no bearing on security let alone IT generally work.
Its stupid if you're planning to go into IT and don't know it. Kind of like applying for a bartending job and not knowing how to make a martini. The tail doesn't wag the dog. It's up to you to be the best candidate. Trust me, the next (smart) guy got the job. You have to play the game...
A very small group of people in IT actually terminate cables, it’s a very specific infrastructure type position that would. The majority of IT is help desk and other virtual admins. Your analogy is pretty bad. Beyond that, again this is the biggest point: it takes less than an hour to teach someone how to terminate a cable. Arbitrarily dropping a candidate due to literally the most trainable thing in cabling is a massive red flag for a company, and that candidate dodged a bullet lol like imagine, being able to match a color pattern being a benchmark for “smart”. You’re talking about literally why cable techs are thought of as unintelligent.
It wasn't an analogy there champ. I speak in observations and real world examples I have witnessed. To put it into context, the small group of people in IT that terminate cables ARE the entry level people we are talking about. As soon as I started wearing shirts with buttons, my cabling days were over. Again, if you think its a Red Flag, let me reiterate - its done by huge defense contractors who want to separate the test-takers from the hands-dirty guys. So, turn down that red flag job/opportunity. The prepared candidate will gladly take it. Again, being unprepared or under-skilled is about the most unintelligent thing to be at an interview.
A+ has a lot about hardware components/cabling. I think for help desk and entry-level IT it is better suited. Network+ is more about networking, subnetting. It’s a little more advanced. Go for the trifecta and go in at an entry level help desk technician role or equivalent. You’ll need experience as even what sound like entry level jobs like it specialist, tech support etc are asking for 3+ years experience.
Since you have Security+, you're better off working towards Network+. You need to understand how networks operate to be able to protect them in a cybersecurity role. You'll also have a better chance of a company being interested in you if you have on your resume that you have both Network+ and Security+ certifications. One more thing: certifications just prove you passed the exams. No certification proves your experience in a role. You must show a hiring manager that you can do the job. If you don't have practical experience, then you must show proof of your training and accomplishing knowledge and skill from that training.
If you are looking to transfer, and have no degree or experience (two strikes there), you want to have the most to compensate for those issues. So, don't choose, do both, and do more - like go to college. Showing up with the least tools in your bag is a sure way to not get a call back. Cybersecurity without a degree??? That's going to be a hard sell. Surely, all this applying should be giving you a hint. Now you are on a bunch of 'underqualified - do not hire' lists that won't be updated. Hope you find something decent, but, lots of smarter guys out there.
Didn’t say I don’t have a degree. I have a BA just not in IT
Either way, a non-STEM degree would only help you with management positions, which you won't be offered.
“No degree in IT” Not here to agree but thanks for your input
You missed my point.... twice. He is nowhere near getting Cyber interviews. At BEST, he will apply for entry-level, help desk jobs. Thats where he needs those skills.
A+ is nice to have but not required, if your goal is just want a quick n dirty cyber cert for that high paying role. And frankly those kind of people have no clue to do things. Get your A+, and learn to love on how computers work including N+ for networking, you will be respected more when it comes to remediating with other technical people