For entry-level to the industry, I'd recommend CompTIA A+ and/or
Network+:
http://www.comptia.org/certification/default.aspx
They cover the basics you need to know about computers and networking,
and the exams (2 for A+ and 1 for Network+) are much less grueling than
Cisco's or the current batch of Microsoft exams. Plus, if you work with
MS Windows and want to go for an MCSA
(http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcsa/), having both the A+ and
Network+ under your belt qualifies as a single MCSA Elective exam (so
you'd only have to take the 2 Core Server and 1 Core Client exams).
Considering how difficult MS exams have gotten recently, that's a good
thing.
In my experience, the Cisco exams are around the toughest of all. You
barely have time to answer all the questions, unless you know the
material so well you can program routers in your sleep (plus, at least
in the one I've taken, you can't go back and review previous questions).
If you want to take Cisco classes without needing a prerequisite, you
could take the Intro to Networking (INTRO) and Interconnecting Cisco
Network Devices (ICND) classes, and their respective exams. Taking
those two exams will earn you Cisco Certified Network Associate status
(http://www.cisco.com/web/learning/le3/le2/le0/le9/learning_certificatio
n_type_home.html), which is Cisco's entry-level certification.
Does this help?
-----Original Message-----
From: Matt Bowles [mailto:bowles.matt@gmail.com]
Sent: Sunday, March 26, 2006 4:31 PM
To: security-basics@securityfocus.com
Subject: Entry Level Certifications
I have a question and was hoping that someone could give me some advice
on
the next step that I should take. I graduated college about a year and
a
half ago and have been working as a help desk tech for about two years.
During that time, I had taken on many responsibilities that had to do
with
information security. Such as creating domain accounts, access to
network
resources, antivirus and patch management etc. I have read through a
lot of
security material such as:
Wiley and Sons, the CISSP Prep Guide
Penetration Testing and Network Defense by Cisco Press
Managing Cisco Network Security Second Edition by Syngress Books
Numerous websites and security focus mailing lists such as this one and
Pen
Testing and Security management
The trouble for me right now is since I only have two years of
experience, I
am not eligible to take the CISSP. It requires a four year degree and
three
years of Information Security experience. So my main question is, what
would a good certification be that I could take with only two years of
experience?
Any suggestions / comments would be greatly appreciated!
Matt Bowles
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EARN A MASTER OF SCIENCE IN INFORMATION ASSURANCE - ONLINE
The Norwich University program offers unparalleled Infosec management
education and the case study affords you unmatched consulting experience.
Tailor your education to your own professional goals with degree
customizations including Emergency Management, Business Continuity Planning,
Computer Emergency Response Teams, and Digital Investigations.
http://www.msia.norwich.edu/secfocus
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