CCNA Security or CCNP Routing

[big_tiger]

I am wanting to continue building up my certs, and I have the choice between CCNP Routing and CCNA Security. The CCNP is a class I will take some day, but that starts a 3 semester journey. CCNA Security is more in line with the needs of what I need to know at my job.

I am curious to what you all think.

[DamonH]

Certs aren't worth much unless you have experience to go along with them. That being said, I would advise the security route. Since I've moved into Network Security I am finding people seek me out on Linked in, etc. It's a desired skill that's not going away anytime soon. I'm working my way up the Juniper Security certifications currently.

[roliath]

I am wanting to continue building up my certs, and I have the choice between CCNP Routing and CCNA Security. The CCNP is a class I will take some day, but that starts a 3 semester journey. CCNA Security is more in line with the needs of what I need to know at my job.

I am curious to what you all think.

You answered this yourself.

Also learn python.

[bird_dog0347]

The CCNA will take less time as it's only one test... do that first, then get the CCNP for both routing/switching as well as security. I gave up on Cisco stuff and got into F5 gear myself a few years back, I don't think there's a F5 job out there that won't pay at least 6 figures and I'm always in demand.

[big_tiger]

Can you tell me why I should learn Python?

[big_tiger]

The CCNA will take less time as it's only one test... do that first, then get the CCNP for both routing/switching as well as security. I gave up on Cisco stuff and got into F5 gear myself a few years back, I don't think there's a F5 job out there that won't pay at least 6 figures and I'm always in demand.

Well that kinda brings up another question I have. We are using Fortigate UTMs and I figured there would be enough global security related things in the course that I could apply anywhere.

[mustang_revival]

Can you tell me why I should learn Python?

Because you will need it in any IT job you take.

[mustang_revival]

I figured there would be enough global security related things in the course that I could apply anywhere.

Kinda of. There's no silver bullet.

Damon is correct, it is about experience.

[Blue88Coupe]

Because you will need it in any IT job you take.

its very trendy right now and a lot of network automation stuff uses it.

[ceyko]

I'm going to be the odd duck here, but IMO the R/S train is applicable to nearly all Cisco products and understanding R/S fully as a core is important. Then hit your specialties. I'll show the track I did, but I also understand if one would choose not to follow it.

1. CCNP
2. CCVP (Now CCNP-Voice)
3. CCDP
4. Then all the CQS certs and specialty certs (i.e. Telepresence...etc...etc)

The Cisco security exams are going to be Cisco centric, I'd think that you'd want to focus on things like CISSP maybe if you want to be a full-on Sec dude.

[big_tiger]

I dont want to be a Sec dude, but it seems I should at least know enough to get me through CCNA Security.

[roliath]

its very trendy right now and a lot of network automation stuff uses it.

yes

[GeorgeG.]

I dont want to be a Sec dude, but it seems I should at least know enough to get me through CCNA Security.

I can agree with this. I'd probably take it before CCNP.

[GeorgeG.]

its very trendy right now and a lot of network automation stuff uses it.

Although I haven't specifically been looking out for it, I don't recall seeing Python on any of the recent job postings that I get emailed to me.

Is it something that programmers tend to work with?

[roliath]

Although I haven't specifically been looking out for it, I don't recall seeing Python on any of the recent job postings that I get emailed to me.

Is it something that programmers tend to work with?

its useful if you work on cisco/juniper stuff. arista cli is python based (loosely worded).