The first cert I ever got was Network + after being in the field for a year. I followed that with CCNA and was impressed at how you had to actually know your stuff to pass.

On the urging of my company, I went through the MCSE classes which seemed more focused on teaching how to take the test rather than teaching how to do the work. I wound up taking electives in two areas I didn't even take classes on. But with that MCSE Paper on my wall, my company was happy. I thought that either I was getting better at my job or the qualifications to pass had gone way down.

They finally sent me to SANS CDI east 2004 where I took the GSEC track and my favorite part was writing the practical. It restored my faith in ability based certification. Of all the certifications I have done, I am most proud of the practical I wrote. Now I am with a new company and am looking at continuing my training. With my CCNA set to expire soon, I had my choices narrowed down to GCWN and CCSP.

I was leaning towards GCWN because I was looking forward to the challenge of the practical. If it's just an "answer the questions" proposition, I might as well take the CCSP. Once I pass one of those, I re-up my CCNA automatically.

Thanks for making the choice easier GIAC. See you next year. Maybe. CISSP...

[ reply ]

Link to this comment: http://www.securityfocus.com/comments/columns/311/31212#31212