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The moment you think you know something about security, you realize you don’t know anything! I’ll discuss my experience pursuing a CCNA certificate and a Security + certificate.
The Beginning
In 2011, I began learning about networking through free classes in San Diego’s community college continuing education programs. I started with CCNA classes and hoped to complete levels 1-4.
It was a great to do the hands-on labs, learn about different protocols and apply networking concepts. I didn’t have a lab at home, but the community college offered terrific labs at three campus locations.
I successfully completed CCNA 1, 2 and 3 in community college, but I wasn’t able to start CCNA 4. After about 2 years, I decided to start learning again to prepare for the CCNA exam.
Advice
Think Ahead about Exams
If you’d like to be a CCNA, take the ICND 1 and ICND 2 exams (as two parts) or sign up for the whole CCNA exam.
Studying
Early on, I bought the book Cisco CCNA in 60 Days by Paul W. Browning and Farai Tafa. What a great book! I loved the stories of how they started to learn networking and how Paul and his friends changed their life through dedication! Plus, the way he explains networking concepts and ideas is wonderful.
I also used the CCNA CBT Nugget videos from Jeremy Cioara, Keith Barker and watched other great teachers on YouTube.
I studied almost 8 months for the CCNA exam and set a deadline for my study timeframe! Then, I took my own advice and a conservative approach: I started with with the CCENT exam. I passed and after another 3 months of studying, I signed up for CCNA exam. I passed on the first attempt!
A Lab at Home
As part of my studying, I made a home lab using the following is the list of the items. But, honestly, all you need for CCNA exam is the Free Cisco Packet Tracer.
My Journey Continued
After the CCNA studies and exams, I continued learning about Security+ concepts and realized that I was also interested in this certificate!
There was so much to learn, including:
To study for the Security+ certificate, I used the CompTIA Security+ book, a app by Darril Gibson and a Free Professor Messer’s CompTIA Security+ Training Course. I studied for about 4 months before I took the Security+ exam and passed on the first attempt.
I don’t think Security+ will make you the security expert, but it’s a great start to learning security concepts and cyber security.
Your Next Steps
Would you like to learn about working with Routers and Switches, setting up networks using different protocols and command lines or would you like to learn about the general security concepts, but not the details?
Write down what you like and what you don’t like. Think about where you’d like to take your career and talk with others in your field. Read and research as much as you can. Watch videos and listen to podcasts.
Then, begin your studies at a comfortable, yet challenging pace. Set a timeline for your studies and your exams. Don’t be afraid to try and fail and try again.
Good luck!
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