Posted on Mar 17, 2017
As an aspiring Linux/Unix sysadmin and cybersecurity professional, what certifications and career path should I focus on first?
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These are the two certification paths I'm considering from New Horizons as of now.
CompTIA IT Fundamentals
CompTIA A+
CompTIA Network+
CompTIA Security+
Cisco CCENT
OR
CompTIA A+,
CompTIA Network+,
CompTIA Security+,
Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS),
Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA),
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
OR
Information Security Program
CompTIA Security+
Certified Ethical Hacker
CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner
I'd also want to do Linux+ later.
CompTIA IT Fundamentals
CompTIA A+
CompTIA Network+
CompTIA Security+
Cisco CCENT
OR
CompTIA A+,
CompTIA Network+,
CompTIA Security+,
Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS),
Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA),
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
OR
Information Security Program
CompTIA Security+
Certified Ethical Hacker
CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner
I'd also want to do Linux+ later.
Posted in these groups: 
CompTIA Linux+
System Administrator
Systems Administrator
Career Advice
Cybersecurity
CompTIA Linux+ System Administrator Systems Administrator Career Advice Cybersecurity
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 6
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If you are trying to work with Linux/Unix then I would bypass the Microsoft certs and get Linux+, also I would go with option 2 haha. The main thing being though once your in that sysadmin role, I would do everything I can to enhance my cyber security knowledge and eventually try to move over to security analyst.
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SGT (Join to see)
With your advice, why wouldn't you suggest path 1 with Linux+ and up? Or path 3, I just added it -
Information Security Program
CompTIA Security+
Certified Ethical Hacker
CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner
Information Security Program
CompTIA Security+
Certified Ethical Hacker
CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner
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SSG Derek Scheller
SGT (Join to see) - I like path three and the only reason I say path 2 is I feel CCNA holds more value than CCENT as it is full certification not just the first level.
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SGT (Join to see)
SSG Derek Scheller - So you're suggesting path 3, Linux + and growing in the sysadmin role before crossing over? I can do CCNA afterwards.
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Find the job you want and see what they require. IT Fundamentals is a joke. It's a prep for A+. I am in the BSIT Security program at WGU. They require:
Cisco Certified Entry-Level Network Technician (CCENT)
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA®)
Cisco Certified Network Associate Security (CCNA® Security)
CompTIA A+
CompTIA Network+
CompTIA Security+
CompTIA Project+
CompTIA Linux+
http://www.wgu.edu/online_it_degrees/information_technology_degree_security
If you want to work with Unix/Linux, ignore the Microsoft certs. A mix of all 3 programs would be best. Get your A+, N+, then either Security+ or Linux+ next. Get both however. If your future position(s) are going to include Cisco hardware, get Cisco certified, otherwise optional. After that focus on the 3rd program.
Cisco Certified Entry-Level Network Technician (CCENT)
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA®)
Cisco Certified Network Associate Security (CCNA® Security)
CompTIA A+
CompTIA Network+
CompTIA Security+
CompTIA Project+
CompTIA Linux+
http://www.wgu.edu/online_it_degrees/information_technology_degree_security
If you want to work with Unix/Linux, ignore the Microsoft certs. A mix of all 3 programs would be best. Get your A+, N+, then either Security+ or Linux+ next. Get both however. If your future position(s) are going to include Cisco hardware, get Cisco certified, otherwise optional. After that focus on the 3rd program.
Online IT Security Degree | Information Security Degree | WGU College of Information Technology
Western Governors University is an accredited online university offering online degrees featuring an accredited online IT degree in information security with IT certifications included in your program.
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SGT (Join to see)
So, A, N, S, then L+? That means I'll be looking at separate individual programs. That's an interesting question to ask about. Cool. Thanks.
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PO2 Michael Henry
I got Security+ (7 weeks), Project+ (5 weeks), Linux+ (2 exams, 4.5 months failed 1st attempt both times) CCENT (4 months, failed 1st attempt, PC down for 5 weeks) in a year. Linux+ test just flat sucks. If a directory or file is mentioned on the objectives, know it inside and out. CCENT isn't tough, high pass score to reach and different feel vs Comptia.
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PO2 Michael Henry
I have some of those certs you mentioned about going for. Just mentioning how long it took me to get them. I have no idea how quickly you wish to make the jump to that new career. Also passing on some wisdom with issues I had with certain exams.
I have no idea why they would split CCENT and CCNA, you can get CCNA in one test, but it is harder and most people take the two test route (CCENT/CCNA). Regardless of which program, you need to get Linux+. However, that test is setup to fail, they can and will ask any random detail about anything if it is in the objectives.
If you are wishing to go into Linux/Unix, don't get Microsoft certified unless needed. Get A+, N+, Security+, Linux+/LPIC-1 (you get both when you pass Linux+), CCENT/CCNA or just CCNA Routing and Switching, (CCNA Security, CCNA Cyber Ops optional), then focus on program 3.
I have no idea why they would split CCENT and CCNA, you can get CCNA in one test, but it is harder and most people take the two test route (CCENT/CCNA). Regardless of which program, you need to get Linux+. However, that test is setup to fail, they can and will ask any random detail about anything if it is in the objectives.
If you are wishing to go into Linux/Unix, don't get Microsoft certified unless needed. Get A+, N+, Security+, Linux+/LPIC-1 (you get both when you pass Linux+), CCENT/CCNA or just CCNA Routing and Switching, (CCNA Security, CCNA Cyber Ops optional), then focus on program 3.
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SSgt GG-15 RET Jim Lint, would you happen to have any input on this from a Cybersecurity point ?
I'm really considering the third option right now.
I'm really considering the third option right now.
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