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Want to Work in Tech? Start With the Right Cert

Author

Michael Bowden
April 05, 2025

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THE_LOG_FILES#SHOW LOG

IN TODAYS EMAIL:

  • 🎯 Certifications & Skills to Watch: Network+ vs. CCNA

  • 🛠️ RESOURCE OF THE WEEK: Cisco Packet Tracer

  • 🎧 RECENT EPISODE: Nothing Was the Same: CASP+ to SecurityX

CERTIFICATIONS & SKILLS TO WATCH:

💥 Network+ vs. CCNA

💸 Cost

• Network+: $358

• CCNA: $300

🕒 How long they last

Both certs are valid for 3 years. You’ll need to recertify or upgrade before they expire.

📚 Study Time

• Network+: ~2 months

• CCNA: ~6 months (or 2–3 if you’ve got experience)

🧠 Why It Matters

✅ Network+

• Great for total beginners looking to break into IT

• Preps you for Security+ by giving you foundational networking knowledge

• Makes topics in CCNA more familiar if you plan to continue

Why it matters:

You can’t protect or support what you don’t understand. Network+ gives you the fundamentals of how computers connect and talk. That’s step one for any serious IT role.

🔥 CCNA

• Ideal for aspiring Network Engineers, Admins, Analysts

• Required knowledge for Network Security roles

• Helps with pivoting to cloud, systems, or security — everything connects to the network

Why it matters:

Networking is the backbone of tech. CCNA teaches you how networks are actually built, configured, and secured — skills that employers need right now.

💣 Real Talk: Which Is More Valuable?

✅ CCNA gives you the most bang for your buck:

• More respected in the industry

• Teaches real-world, job-ready skills

• Opens more doors faster

👀 Which is harder? CCNA, hands down.

📢 Which do I recommend? CCNA — if you’re ready to go all in, this cert sets the tone.

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🛠️ RESOURCE OF THE WEEK:

🎓 Cisco Packet Tracer

🎓 Cisco Packet Tracer — Free tool for simulating real-world networking labs. Get hands-on without spending a dime.

🎧 RECENT EPISODE:

Nothing Was the Same: CASP+ to SecurityX

CompTIA just rebranded CASP+ to SecurityX, and in today’s episode, I break down what changed, why it matters, and whether this cert is right for you.

👨🏾‍💻 What Is SecurityX?

— For pros with 10+ years IT + 5 years hands-on security

— Built for senior roles: Security Architect, Engineer, SOC Manager

— Follows Security+ in the cert path (not for beginners)

 🧠 Skills You’ll Learn

— Security Architecture

— Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC)

— Security Engineering & Cryptography

— Operations & Resilience

 📝 Exam Overview

— 90 questions max

— Performance-based + multiple choice

— 165 minutes — $509 (valid for 3 years)

 🛒 My Amazon Store: Books + gear to level up in tech: 👉 https://www.amazon.com/shop/debtfreeinitwmike