Is a Cisco certification still worth it? (1 Viewer)

[LDfan]

Since the telecom industry has crumbled is it still worth while to go out and get a Cisco certification these days?

A couple of years ago these certifications were the hot ticket but now I'm not sure if I should pursue it.

Jeff

 

[Alex Spindler]

They're still valuable, as they teach some great fundamentals of telco networking. Even if Cisco takes a dive, the knowledge is valuable.

I can't see how it couldn't help you on a resume.

 

[Joseph DeMartino]

Cisco certifications are still highly desirable in the computer networking field, if not in the telco arena. LAN and WAN managers are increasingly expected to have at least a CCNA, and the IP and other internetworking fundamentals needed to pass the Cisco test are also applicable to a number of other computer certifications. So Cisco certification can be seen as a free (except for the cost of the test) bonus cert, since only a little extra study above and beyond that required for other certifications will prepare you for it. Conversely you might think of studying for and passing the Cisco exam as insurance for passing other networking exams that touch on TCP/IP, subnetting, routers, switches and other network/LAN/MAN/WAM infrastructure. If you can pass the more demanding and detailed Cisco exams in these areas you should have no trouble with the more basic questions in these same areas on other exams, and therefore devote more of your prep time to other parts of those exams.
I actually postponed some of my MCSE tests to pick up other "one shot" certifications that covered overlapping areas to increase my chances of picking up an interim job while looking for another netadmin position. (Although I still haven't taken the CCNA because I did find such a job the week I was secheduled to take it, and things have been too hectic at work for me to review for the exam and reschedule. )
Regards,
Joe

 

[Sam C]

I think they're still worth it ... Cisco is going nowhere ... I have postponed my CCIE R/S lab now going on 14 months ... I keep trading with someone else at my company ... I passed my written so long ago it's ridculous ... I've also passed the written of the CCIE Wan Switching and my CIPT ... I know the CCIE is asked for alot in teaching roles ... PPL aren't just looking for the 'paper' anymore though ... They'll take someone stronger over the cert anyday of the week