Passed Security + with a score of 813 !!

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Super excited and would like to thank everyone at ITproTV for the amazing content put together for security +! My question is relating to "what's next" ?

I am half way through my B.S for Cyber Security and currently now hold Linux essentials cert and Security +. I have no prior IT experience so I am really trying to bust into my new career with a solid start here.

I am currently now trying to get some type of help desk role maybe while I finish my B.S. I was looking into CySA + and it seems like something that really interests me. The only problem I see with the course, is it is level 2 dod just like Security + is. I heard CySA + is very practical and useful to for the work place. Just looking for any and all suggestions as I am way more confident that I can do anything I put my mind too!

Congrats on the awesome work you have done this far - and the coursework and exams you have coming up.

It seems like CySA+ would be excellent, but I think you should consider looking at PenTest+ as well. I was speaking with Daniel of ITProTV today and he was telling me how much PenTest+ impressed him.

You cannot go wrong with any of these highly respected certifications, so do not stress about it too much! Look over the official blueprints for both and see which one gets you the most "fired up!"

Hi,
CySA+ has two versions, a old one and a brand new one. The retirement for the old is October 2020.

@Anthony-Sequeira Awesome. My train of thought is to focus more on the blue side of training ( as more than likely that is where I will begin my career). Ultimately I do want to be on the Red team... so like you said either course really can't go wrong with. I even had some one say go for CEH haha. I just feel the CySA + has more job openings available for a newbie like me in the career field coming out with security + , B.S degree and more. Basically with red team.. you have to put the work in to even get to that point right?

@Stefan-Waldvogel Good to know! Thanks

Yes Gary - those seem to be great points. I will not even pretend to be a career counselor in the area of CyberSecurity roles, but again, what you said makes great sense. Red Team opportunities would most definitely seem to require many more years of experience in general.

I am not an expert, but I think it is very hard to get a pentester without work experience. Technically, it is possible if you can pass the assessment center. Maybe you have to root some systems and if you can do it, you are a potential candidate.

Without work experience this is not easy, some people will tell you that is insane difficult.

CEH will give you a lot of knowledge and a very wide but flat scope. Technically you will see a lot of tools, but hands-on experience is not necessary for passing the exam. Just learn the stuff and you are fine. You can learn a lot with the labs, but you are on your own.
You can save the money and use elearnsecuritys things first and skip CEH. Take PTS, PTP, (PTX) and then switch to the new 2020 PWK (OSCP) from .offensive security. These certs are cheap (compared to CEH) but the exams are 100% hands-on.
PTS: very easy and the student version is free.
PTP: similar to CEH but more useful and more challenging, 150 hours learn time, with the 25% coupon it is about $1200. I bought PTP and I think it is much better than CEH. More organised, with videos and easier to learn.
PWK (OSCP): compared to PTP very challenging, 300 to 500 hours or more
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At the end, you can take OSEE. OSEE is the most difficult exploit development certification you can earn (insane).

Thanks for the great information. I will do a little research on the terms you have said, as this is the first I have heard of them. I have a help desk job lined up pending obtaining my security clearance since I will be working on base. I grad from my B.S in a year and half from now, so I think I am on the right track here...feels right at least haha. Blue or red team... won't bother me either way. Obtaining my degree and shooting for certifications + security clearance... I should be unstoppable ! Thanks again , I need to get back to work ( I'm procrastinating :) )