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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I can tell you that the A+, S+, N+, CCNA RS aren't worth it, at least where I've worked. CCNA Security or Cloud (something most people don't get) will look good.
Tbh, certs aren't really needed in the Private sector, if you've demonstrated you're able to do the job (with previous work experience, personal projects) and are willing to learn, you'll go far.
Tbh, certs aren't really needed in the Private sector, if you've demonstrated you're able to do the job (with previous work experience, personal projects) and are willing to learn, you'll go far.
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SGT (Join to see)
"demonstrated you're able to do the job (with previous work experience, personal projects)"
I won't have much of that before graduating. What about the Linux certs, then - Linux+, Red Hat Certified Engineer, Red Hat Certified SA, or Linux Foundation Certified SA?
I won't have much of that before graduating. What about the Linux certs, then - Linux+, Red Hat Certified Engineer, Red Hat Certified SA, or Linux Foundation Certified SA?
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SPC(P) (Join to see)
SGT (Join to see) - You have a decent list of personal projects (your website, contributions on here). I was never asked if I had certifications at Amazon, I was asked what certain commands did, and what command I would use to do XYZ.
I've never done classes for Linux so I couldn't tell you if those certs offer anything good or not, as far as learning.
I've never done classes for Linux so I couldn't tell you if those certs offer anything good or not, as far as learning.
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SGT (Join to see)
SPC(P) (Join to see) - My Linux/FOSS posts as of today, on average, don't go in-depth enough to hold merit as documented experience as a Linux sysadmin. I definitely don't have enough listed on Github to back that up.
Thanks though. I've gotten no responses from Amazon applications yet so I'll punch in again and hope for the best.
Thanks though. I've gotten no responses from Amazon applications yet so I'll punch in again and hope for the best.
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the most widely accepted ones for any IT positions are A+ and Sec+. if you want to get into cyber security like I am I suggest you go for Sec+. pass it once then every 3 years you renew it and it stays valid. everybody likes Sec+ the most
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The admins that I work with have computer science majors, and some may hold Net+, Sec+, CCNA, and MCSA. Many however just have computer science majors.
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SrA Edward Vong
SGT (Join to see) -
Thing is, a lot of our sysadmin guys are with previous experience where they were trained OTJ, or received a specialized degree in their role (Information Security, etc). Myself for example, I'm a Technology Operations Manager/Engineer, my background is A+, and an MIS undergrad.
sysadmins, usually Windows will have some type of Microsoft certification. Unix guys are CS majors because most CS guys know Unix. Not everyone can be a developer. Network guys will either have experience, majored in telecommunications, or hold network certs.
Thing is, a lot of our sysadmin guys are with previous experience where they were trained OTJ, or received a specialized degree in their role (Information Security, etc). Myself for example, I'm a Technology Operations Manager/Engineer, my background is A+, and an MIS undergrad.
sysadmins, usually Windows will have some type of Microsoft certification. Unix guys are CS majors because most CS guys know Unix. Not everyone can be a developer. Network guys will either have experience, majored in telecommunications, or hold network certs.
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SSgt Ryan Sylvester
Because you need to be able to code if you want to be a Linux admin. You can get away without it in a Windows environment, depending how big your department is... but if you can't write scripts, you are at a severe disadvantage in Unix environments. That's why Unix admins tend to come with CS backgrounds, or other IT programs that incorporate CS classes.
So yeah, your certs are great and all (I'd personally go for 1, then 3, if I were you), but you want to go ahead and start getting into Python. Like, now.
So yeah, your certs are great and all (I'd personally go for 1, then 3, if I were you), but you want to go ahead and start getting into Python. Like, now.
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SGT (Join to see)
Thanks Ed. This is all new to me. Keep the factz coming.
SSgt Ryan Sylvester - What about 1 and LPIC-1 through 3? Or are LPIC certs not valued enough yet?
SSgt Ryan Sylvester - What about 1 and LPIC-1 through 3? Or are LPIC certs not valued enough yet?
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SSgt Ryan Sylvester
Any cert you can pick up that directly relates to your desired position and comes from a reputable vendor has value. If you're including it in a resume, be prepared to back it up in an interview with what it is, and what it does to improve your competency in that position.
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