Solved What should I get: CySA+ or CCNA Cyber Ops?

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My main goal is to get in cyber security. I wanted get a cert in either CySA+ or CCNA Ops but don't know which one. Somebody told me that the CySA+ is mainly for government jobs and is taking CEH over. I want to eventually get a government job but I don't have a clearance, so my other option is a non government job. So, should I get a CySA+ or go with CCNA Cyber Ops? Thanks.

@ryan-weinmann,

This should, I would say, depend on the job role you're trying to in and skill level.

The CCNA Cyber Ops is preparing to work entry level in a SecOps Center. This would be considered more associate level.

According to the https://certification.comptia.org/certifications/cybersecurity-analyst, the CySA+ is preparing for working in a security company related to penetration testing and monitoring. Their site indicates that this more of an intermediate skill beyond the knowledge of CompTIA Sec+.

If you do not have the knowledge level found in CompTIA Security+, you may want to start there before either of the two certifications that you've listed, then pursue the one according to skill set and desired job in cybersecurity you're seeking.

I used ITProTV as my main source of training for my CySA+ (thanks Mike and Daniel!) - seriously, I would go for a walk every morning...and either watch or listen to the audio or video. Helped me pass the certification easily.

Currently, I am enrolled the Cisco CyberOps Scholarship program for the CCNA Cyber Ops. And of course I'm using ITProTV (thanks Cherokee...and the other show hosts and Ronnie). So far, the ITProTV information has been a great help in the requirements of the Scholarship program - I definitely have a leg up on the other students.

That said, a little background on me. I work as an Information Security Engineer at Visa; my focus is on authentication engineering. While these are associate level certifications, I am still pursuing them primarily because the "basics" of security are foundational. The more of these types of certifications you achieve, the easier it will be for you in the job. It's kind of like martial arts - while there are some really cool jumping kicks...when it comes down a fight, you're more likely to just a simple punch and kick...if that makes sense.

I would get both. Then consider going to something a little more advanced in security - CSSP/CSSK (Cloud security), CISSP (Management), or CASP (Technical). Having the foundational certifications will make the more advanced certifications much easier, as much of the same information is present in those certifications...only a bit more detailed or in-depth. I've been in the game for a while, so I did not have the advantage of these associate-level certifications when I was coming up through the ranks...my point is...take advantage of this golden age of certifications!

Many thanks to ITProTV for another certification success. The scholarship program provided by Cisco was great, no doubt, but ITProTV provided the extra point of view to look at the information in a different way which helped me pass both CCNA Cyber Ops certification exams. I am now certification holder of a CCNA Cyber Ops as well as the CompTIA CySA+. Thanks again ITProTV.

Up next...Adam Gordon and Cherokee Boose doing the EC-Council Encryption Specialist (ECES)

@brock-frary,
Congrats, the ITProTV team celebrates with you! Please let me know if there were any areas that we didn't cover. This will make it better next time! you can post here or email me ronnie@itpro.tv. Thanks!

@ronnie-wong Thanks Ronnie - I really appreciate your depth of knowledge of the subject matter - I have enjoyed every episode you mentored for us. You are one of my favorite instructions here. I look forward to other certification episodes that are in my future which you are the instructor.

@brock-frary,

Thank you for your kind words, they mean a lot for me and inspire me to do better. Would you mind if I pass your name onto our team for a possible promotional testimonial? Its ok if not.

Please share us with your friends and others who may be need the same certification training you've accomplished too.

@ronnie-wong Sure! Feel free to use my testimonial. I will continue to tell people about ITProTV - I have already told many technical folks about your platform.