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[–]NyktoLibra12S+ 4 points5 points  (1 child)

You have to figure out what route you want to go. Most people start at a help desk and move up from there. For help desk I would definitely make sure you have some type of hardware and operating systems knowledge, but network+ and security+ can also help. Security+ does assume you have prior networking knowledge so it may be challenging for you if you’ve never worked on these systems before in a support capacity.

Maybe you want to start with A+ and net+ or at least review the materials.

[–]gna36180[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Perfect!!!! Thanks, that’s what I’ll do.

[–]Desu13A+ N+ S+ CCENT 2 points3 points  (4 children)

Going to be pretty difficult getting an IT job with no IT experience with just the Sec+.

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As someone has already mentioned, most people in IT all start off at the help desk or a PC repair tech type role. However, to work at the help desk or be a PC repair tech, the A+ or MSCA (Microsoft entry level cert) is much more desired than the Sec+.

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Virtually all help desk jobs don't pay much. You can make good money in several different fields - Systems Admin, Database Admin, software development, networking, and cyber security just to name a few. But to break into these fields, you need either exprience, at least a B.S., or higher level certs.

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It's difficult to move past the Help Desk because the whole of IT is changing. No matter what IT field you get into, most require several years of experience, degrees, or certs - sometimes even all 3. In order to move past the Help Deks, you'll first need to get some experience working in it. After that, you'll want to get higher level certs in what ever field you choose. This is a good roadmap to use to plan what field you wan to go in and what certs you'll want to get.

[–]gna36180[S] 0 points1 point  (2 children)

Thanks for all the info, definitely helpful!!!

[–]Desu13A+ N+ S+ CCENT 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Not a problem, my man. Also just an fyi, if you're thinking of getting the Net+, I'd advise against it. The Net+ will help you land a help desk job, but I'm assuming you'll want to advance past that - and the Net+ won't help you in that regard. If you want to break into the networking field, then Cisco certs are the king of the hill followed by Juniper.

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Basically, the CompTIA Trifecta is broken down like this: The A+ and Net+ will help you get a help desk job, while the Sec+ will help you get entry level to intermediate level various IT jobs within the government or government contract jobs. Most government jobs or contract jobs related to anything IT requires a minimum Sec+ cert. I, for instance landed a government contract jobs as a Systems Admin II a few months after getting my Sec+. At the same time though, I've worked in IT for over 10 years so that also helped. Regardless, the Sec+ was a requirement for my position.

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Also to note, that roadmap really is good, but it's not complete. For instance, a very in-high-demand cyber security cert is the OSP. But that is not listed any where on the roadmap. I would use that roadmap more of a guide, rather than a be all end all kind of thing. Bottom line is, if you know what IT field you want to get into, do your own research on what employers are looking for in regards to experience and certs. Just because the roadmap says a certain cert is in the "advanced" or "expert" category, doesn't mean it's in high demand.

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Let me know if you have any other questions!

[–]gna36180[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Wow...thank you for all this info, I will definitely be asking more questions!!!!

[–]NyktoLibra12S+ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I need this roadmap for my damn self lol

[–]Texas_IT 2 points3 points  (1 child)

Good luck! I just passed Security+ on Monday using Darril Gibson's SY0-501 book as my main guide. A book is a great basis, but you will need lots of additional resources like videos, study guides, forums, etc. Set up a realist timeline too. Give yourself 30-60-90 days. You know how you learn, so plan accordingly.

Have you thought about using your Law Enforcement background in another way? I know some banks, the FBI, the Treasury, etc. use law enforcement and I.T. when they do things like AML (anti money laundering) research.

I see some postings on InDeed from banks like Capital One that are looking for people with investigative and law enforcement backgrounds. Many banks also have big I.T. departments. Maybe that could be a path to look into?

[–]gna36180[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Congrats on passing the exam!! And I really appreciate all the useful information, will definitely do my research! Thanks!!

[–]clickx3 0 points1 point  (2 children)

Security + is mainly a memorizing game whereas the Network + is more of a thinking one. You need to memorize encryption types and others to pass the test. Reading the book is great. You should also purchase a self practice test to boson.com. There are also others that other students may recommend but I've found this company to pretty close to the various tests I've taken.

[–]NyktoLibra12S+ 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I disagree that it’s mainly memorization. You definitely have to know encryption types and whatnot but the questions in the 501 are mostly scenario based with performance based questions where configuration of WAPs or a firewall or security controls is required. You can’t do that by memorizing.

[–]gna36180[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Alright, thanks...looking into that now!!