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r/ITCareerQuestions•
Cache_Flow

Too many Cisco certs?

This might stem from my personal experiences meeting a few dumpers who have like 5+ Cisco certs .

Is having too many Cisco certs cause one to be perceived negatively or possible pigeon holed? Ie "oh they only know Cisco" or "they must have dumped all the tests!/paper cert"

I have a ccnp and ccna sec. Been thinking of what to do next cert wise and also exploring new job opportunities. CCDA is tempting . so is JNCIA but its like getting a ccent over again when I'm already passed that which seems kinda useless. Also security+ but then I already have ccnas. I guess you can see where I'm going with this.

Thoughts?

Posted Jan 20, 2017, 2:08 AM UTC

29
harryhov•

Certs may get you the interview but it'll be how someone shows they know their stuff in the interview that'll get them the job.

3
Cache_FlowOP•

I agree. However I have under a couple years exp. With no degree so I feel certs are my core marketability. What are your thoughts about only Cisco certs?

Thanks for reply.

1
harryhov•

I have no certs and I am head of network engineering for a large emea company... Lol. Maybe not the best to answer.

2
Cache_FlowOP•

Well being in a position to hire people and having lots of experience puts you in the demographic I'm looking to answer the question.

1
harryhov•

I take certs with a grain of salt. I've caught people who had certs but clearly did not know their stuff. But having too many say Cisco certs in is not that big of an issue say if the hiring company is a Cisco shop.

1
OSUTechieSolution/Network Engineer•

While CCNA Sec may cover some of aspects of the Sec+, I would still look into it. Plus both Cisco and CompTIA are coming out with a new more hands on / practical application security certs. Or you can start looking at other, higher tier certs.

2
Cache_FlowOP•

Thanks. What about the question. Does too many Cisco certs look bad? Like only Cisco.

1
OSUTechieSolution/Network Engineer•

Yes and no. I mean, if you sole focus on Cisco certs, then that means you are focusing on networking. This isn't a bad thing. BUT, it does limit you to networking type of fields. If your end goal is to be a Net Architect or similar, then no Cisco Certs won't look bad. But, if you have tons of networking and try to jump over to system admin without the experience. Then you might have some issues.

With that said, certs are, in the end, just a piece of paper. It's what you do with that knowledge you gained from them that will get you the higher paying jobs. While you will want to focus on a speciality in IT, you also want to be well rounded.

2
ejfree•

Doesnt matter. Mainly because if you dont understand the fundamentals, the odds of you getting a job where you have to use those skills are very slim.

1