CCNA Certification is a recognized credential in networking.
CCNA Certification is a recognized credential in networking.
Uncertain about the best place to share this discussion. For experienced professionals, what value does a CCNA certificate hold and which roles can you pursue with it? I already have a net+ certification. Is earning a CCNA beneficial? Could it improve my odds of landing the position mentioned below compared to just having a net+ credential?
Several firms in North America typically depend on Cisco for their systems, making it advantageous to seek roles at Cisco itself or in organizations that provide technical support. While certification alone doesn’t make you an admin, technical support positions are a strong fit.
I faced the same issue a few months ago, but after many conversations with various companies, I realized they generally didn’t prioritize certifications. Most valued broad understanding and a strong desire to learn more than specific credentials.
Consensus is clear, 100%—real-world skills surpass credentials. Having many certifications without experience often means shortcuts or misapplication. While some employers use certs to bypass HR systems, they usually add value beyond just a nice-to-have.
CCNA offers a much broader and more detailed learning path compared to N+. I've completed both programs successfully. The N+ exam was straightforward, and I didn’t even attempt the CCNA tests—I wouldn’t have been close enough. Both certifications were funded by my prior job, so there was no financial loss. N+ would be considered a basic networking introduction, whereas CCNA is a significantly deeper course. Don’t let the brand matter distract you; the core concepts remain the same across different vendors, even if terminology varies. Since I have no background in this IT sector, I can’t assess its value for future employers.
CCNA is clearly a more advanced certification compared to Net+. While it might be tailored to specific vendors, it still addresses a wide range of networking concepts. Even if the material feels repetitive, I’d still want to absorb as much information as possible from your courses.