Filling the Network skill gaps

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Hello Mr. Wong et al.,

According to the ITProTV "Learning Path" webpage under Network Technology, it lists these novice recommendations:
CompTIA IT Fundamentals
CompTIA A+ Core 2019
CCENT
MTA - Networking Fundamentals - 98-366

Then it lists this for intermediate:
CompTIA Network+ (N10-007)
etc...

I already have the CompTIA IT Fundamentals and A+ certs. Since I am already well along in pursuing my Net+, my question is (other than vendor specific knowledge) what critical technical skills may I be missing out on if I forgo studying the CCENT and MTA novice courses?

@FLM ,

I can speak to the MTA exams. They include general knowledge as well as some vendor specific information. They are not prerequisites for any Microsoft certifications. I would suggest looking at the objectives covered by the MTA exam, and deciding if you need more knowledge in that area. If you feel like you have a good grasp on the topics covered, you might consider bypassing the MTA exam(s) and look at the foundational exams.

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/learn/certifications/browse/?type=mta
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/learn/certifications/exams/az-900
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/learn/certifications/exams/ms-900

@FLM said in Filling the Network skill gaps:

I already have the CompTIA IT Fundamentals and A+ certs. Since I am already well along in pursuing my Net+, my question is (other than vendor specific knowledge) what critical technical skills may I be missing out on if I forgo studying the CCENT and MTA novice courses?

Most of the elements of what you would be missing are details and contexts in which you find the technology used. CompTIA ITF+, A+, and even Network+ are all good essential knowledge of technologies but very broad strokes.

So pursuing the CCENT and CompTIA's Network+ will have some redundancy. What you would miss with CCENT would be the details of particular technology devices, configuration basics and contexts. Put differently, working with networking technology at an entry level.

Microsoft and Azure Kung-fu master Mike has addressed the MTA side of things for you quite well.

Thank both of you gentlemen for your clear explanations, immensely helpful!

I reviewed the MTA objectives and think I will simply move on to the az-900 and ms-900 courses.

If all goes well and I get the Net+ cert, here is a follow-up question concerning Cisco:
Is it reasonable to assume that if I study for the CCNA that this will also cover the CCENT knowledge/skill base? Your honest opinions are deeply appreciated.

@FLM said in Filling the Network skill gaps:

If all goes well and I get the Net+ cert, here is a follow-up question concerning Cisco:
Is it reasonable to assume that if I study for the CCNA that this will also cover the CCENT knowledge/skill base? Your honest opinions are deeply appreciated.

No. The CCNA certification assumes you're already familiar with the concepts at the CCENT level and Network+ level as well. Having said that, it doesn't mean you can't do it without going through the CCENT course in our legacy section but it does mean you may find some concepts more challenging that you don't know. If you do you can always ask here in the forums we can help.

Very good, I appreciate the clear guidance.
I am a little confused though concerning the Cisco CCENT, I thought they retired that and replaced it with the CCT? So should I study the Cisco CCT Routing and Switching (100-490) course material or something else as the compliment with the Network+? Thank you

@FLM,

The CCT is not a replacement for the CCENT. Though it covers some fo the topics. It really covers the aspects of working with the Cisco equipment as possibly and installation tech or field service tech person. You can learn much from the CCT but it is not equivalent to the CCENT.

The CCENT is retired because Cisco believed the equivalent knowledge of Network+ was enough. Still many people who go directly to CCNA find the switching jarring because of new terminology and the proportion of actual configuration of the Cisco gear rather than just theory. The CCENT introduces you to the concepts of configuration aspects and theory of Cisco equipment and networking theory at layer 2 and layer 3.

So if you're planning on pursuing the CCNA, the CompTIA Network+ will be of help to you. But the great thing is if there's any concept that doesn't make sense to you. You can use the CCENT in our legacy session to help you through those concepts.

That is exactly what I needed to know, thank you!
There is so much jibber-jabber about this on the internet that I had a difficult time nailing down the pitfall that you so well identified in your comments. Much appreciated.
One last question is if the CCENT course will retain the virtual labs and practice exams into the forseeable future?

@FLM,

I do not know the answer to that one...if the labs will be ongoing in our legacy courses or not. This will more likely depend on our lab provider partner, if they still maintain them or not. That is my guess.

I see the Practice Labs and Kaplan CyberVista portals are actively working for the CCENT currently. Guess we'll see later down the road. Thank you again for both you and Mike's excellent guidance. Have a great week!

@FLM

Glad to help. You have a great week as well!!

From my understanding, the CCENT is no longer available. They have included it in the CCNA exam.

Hi Mr. Wong, I see there are 3 courses of CCENT in the Legacy category. May I ask, which is the most comprehensive and up-to-date. I assume it is the "CCENT (2018)" but just want to make sure. Thank you!

@FLM

The CCENT 2018 is the most current.

@Jen-Tichavsky,

Though the exam is no longer available. The course material is great if you do not have any previous experience with Cisco terminology and hardware. You can find it in our legacy section of our courses.