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Is the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)a worthwhile certificate to achieve at a college if one is curious about being a much more marketable employee but without experience or background in the computer/IT profession? Or is it more likely to be a futile waste of cash, and time?
My background is not in computers, IT, or algorithms. If you have suggestions for highly marketable computer certifications that aren't too tough then please suggest it.
The CCNA certificate is a good certificate to have. Before you get it, keep in mind that it needs to be renewed every three years. You can renew by either taking the same test or getting another Cisco certification.
Do you plan on working in IT? If so, then I suggest you get it.
If not, then I don't see where it would be beneficial. Unless you wanted to go into management, then it would be beneficial to know how technology works and having certificates proves that you can at least understand.
For other certificates, I would suggest maybe an operating system certificate (like Solaris, or Red Hat Linux), and if you have some spare time, get some Microsoft certificates. If you pass jsut one Microsoft exam (you can pick the easiest one on Microsoft Office, for example) and you will be a MCP (Microsoft Certified Professional).
Is the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)a worthwhile certificate to achieve at a college if one is curious about being a much more marketable employee but without experience or background in the computer/IT profession? Or is it more likely to be a futile waste of cash, and time?
My background is not in computers, IT, or algorithms. If you have suggestions for highly marketable computer certifications that aren't too tough then please suggest it.
^^ That's the issue right there. From a job marketability perspective, its about qualifications, fit etc. A CCNA (or most any other cert) will make you more marketable when compare to others with similar backgrounds... in other words, it'll make you stand out against others that have no experience. But it won't really do much against others that have experience.
That said - the CCNA curriculum is a great one for understanding network fundamentals (OSI, addressings, basic switching/routing protocols, etc). So from an education standpoint, its great. Just keep that in mind going into it. If you're looking to invest thousands of dollars and thinking you'll get snatched up by some corporate IT department because you have a CCNA... you'll most likely be disappointed.
This would really be the same for most all IT certificates. They are supposed to validate one's expertise/experience. Attaining one without the experience isn't going to make you that much more marketable. There will always be stories out there where someone got a job because of their cert alone... but those are largely inaccurate (there were other factors involved not mentioned), or are extremely rare.
If you plan to really "learn" networking by achieving your CCNA, then go for it. If you are a quick study just plan on investing in boot camp type training, and brain dumps to pass the exam, don't bother, for at some point the rubber will meet the road and you will have to prove you have a good understanding to implement solutions or troubleshoot problems. Without a sound understanding, you won't have the traction to succeed, you will end up being let go.
Networking can be terribly complex at times, and you really need a solid and working foundation of the basics to be successful in the field.
From personal experience, I can honestly say this:
- CCNA without any related experience will not give you a true edge. Most companies will prefer someone who may not have the cert but has solid work experience (a few years or more).
- Passing the CCNA exam is seemingly easier even with 1 year of relevant experience.
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