Whose got 'em? What do you have? What do you want? What should I get?

Im just got the book to study to take Security+, I know its entry level but I have very little experience with InfoSec so I figured it was a good place to start (I want to get into that type of work).

Other than that all I have is a semi-worthless SAP Cert

I have just a CompTIA A+, it ain't shit.

I need to capitalize before I forget my shit as I was educated and preped for CCNA, CCNA Security, and Security+

I took a CCNA during my senior year in High school and failed it, was a pain in my ass. I actually admit to the failure in interviews to capitalize on the whole "it made me want to go harder into networking which is why I redid the Cisco curriculum in college" and to also show that I have tried for higher level certs to give a general basis of what I could do. It impressed the person who I just recently interviewed, and now I'm no longer unemployed.

As for fellow certified folk in n00bfest, I know Geno swings a mighty E-penis because of his high level Cisco security something in the other cert he has which makes him a rich ugly dude.

I think Gman might chime in and shed light on Microsoft certs, which are quite prized.

It really all depends on what you want to focus on if you're venturing into IT. You got Security, Server administration, network administration the list goes on.

I have a lot of them.

A+
Network+
Server+
MCP for Win2k3 Active Directory Administration
MCTS * 4 (Active Directory, Network Security, Virtualization, and something else -- I forget)
MCITP for Windows Server 2008

I probably know enough to get the LPI 1 and 2 certs, RHCT, and CCNA but don't really care enough to.

Nobody in the industry gives a shit about CompTIA certs. They're what small computer repair shops want their techs to have to justify paying them $12/hr. Cisco certs have a TON of value. Microsoft certs are desirable, but they expect you to have experience to back it up because a lot of people with M$ certs don't have any real knowledge.

I'll tell you what the big ticket items are in the industry right now:
#1) ITIL certifications - these are for project/infrastructure management and are business-process oriented certifications. They're HIGHLY valued and I suggest you get ITIL certified if you want to make a career out of IT.
#2) Virtualization certifications (VMWare ESX, Citrix Xenserver, Microsoft Hyper-V, etc)
#3) Networking certifications, specifically security-oriented stuff. F*CK Security+ unless you're just using it to get a basic understanding for network security. Don't bank on it for a security job or you'll get laughed at. I'd get a higher-level security cert and take Security+ off of my resume (or at least move it to the bottom of the certs section) before applying to any real IT-Security job.

This is exactly why im getting it. I dont know dick about security stuff, but from what ive heard its a good foundation to have going into the more advanced stuff. Its only a stepping stone that i can knock out in a month or so and get on to bigger and better things

Interesting.... The strange thing about this post is mostly every cert you guys have talked about is free for me while Im on active duty.. Guess I need to stop being a lazy ass and finish it before my medical retirement happens.

I did my A+ and CCNA attempt free because of my enrollment in a DODEA school in Heidelberg.

I couldnt have said it better myself, On the Cisco side of things there are MANY different tracks you can take. I personaly went with security and routing & switching. If you want to get into security (theres a FUCKTON of money in it right now) and have no knowledge whatsoever then I would start with CCENT course ( LINK: http://www.cisco.com/web/learning/le3/l ... _home.html) If security isnt your bag then there are plenty of other options as far as Cisco certs are concerned (LINK: http://www.cisco.com/web/learning/le3/l ... _home.html).

I had this conversation with Acid the other day and I'll tell you the same thing I told him certs are great and some not all but some of them can land you high paying jobs but when it comes to the top tier jobs out there you will need a college education alot of jobs have a requirement of at least 2 or 4 years of college. Now can you make a shitload of money with a CCIE and not have a college education YES! but if you're looking to climb a corporate ladder CERTS will only get you so far. Also keep in mind you dont have to do college first, you can get some certs under your belt and then do college part time while you work.

If you have any questions about Cisco stuff feel free to hit me up on here or in vent and ill be glad to help, Im sure Gman will help you with all the Microsoft stuff too Also you can pick Ginzu's brain he actualy worked for Cisco for a while.

I think its great that DoD employees and dependents get all these programs for free as well as service members. Great way to start setting up your future after working with the military/DoD. However, I will be med retired.... so Im going to be a bum for about 1 year and do nothing. Play wow, drink beer all day, and sit at the beach when I move to Tampa.

Tazz, the Cisco stuff is expensive if you can get it for free do it!