I have a CS degree and about a year in IT support, with some basic exposure to networking, Group Policy, and Microsoft administration. I want to move into a sysadmin role and eventually cloud infrastructure.
Money is tight, so would the CCNA be worth the cost and study time, or should I focus on other skills or certifications first?
The networking knowledge is valuable for sysadmin work, even if you never become a network engineer. Subnetting, routing, DNS, and knowing how to isolate a connectivity problem will come up in cloud environments too.
I'd start studying the CCNA topics without committing to the exam fee. Ask the network admin you work with which topics come up most in your environment and whether you can sit in on some troubleshooting. You can decide later if the credential itself is worth paying for.
I'd prioritize the work you want to do next. If the target is sysadmin, spend time on server administration, scripting, and the Microsoft tools you already get to use. CCNA is a substantial networking certification, with Cisco-specific material, so it may not be the best first expense for that goal.
For cloud later, look at the fundamentals for your chosen provider and get some practice with infrastructure as code. That doesn't mean skipping networking, just that you don't necessarily need the CCNA exam before moving forward.
I'd make the case for CCNA if you can eventually afford it. It gives you a structured way to build a solid networking foundation, and the credential can help show that knowledge on a resume. The Cisco focus isn't necessarily a drawback when you're learning concepts that apply beyond one vendor.
It isn't a shortcut into a sysadmin job, though. Expect a serious study commitment and weigh that against the other experience you could build in the same time.
Another option is to start with Network+ if you want a networking certification but aren't sure you want to go deep into the Cisco path. Get some mentoring from your network admin first, then see whether networking interests you enough to justify paying for an exam.
4c!signalwhisk_826:
I'd compare the costs and job requirements before paying for either one. Studying the material first is still an option.
For a tighter budget, consider a small networking or automation project you can describe in applications. It won't replace a certification everywhere, but it can give you something concrete to discuss alongside your support experience.
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_r44+opalwrench:
That sounds more manageable financially. Is the certification itself a requirement for sysadmin jobs?
9w+clampfolio_362:
Not universally. Check the sysadmin postings you're interested in to see whether employers ask for it or put more weight on other skills.