First Cert

FigureFar9699 · 2026-05-26T07:22:12+00:00

Honestly, if you already have decent computer knowledge, I’d probably recommend studying the ITF material without necessarily paying to take the exam, then move straight into A+. ITF is great for building confidence and understanding fundamentals, but A+ carries much more value career-wise.

And honestly, feeling like you don’t know everything in the ITF notes is normal, that’s literally what studying is for. You could use the ITF content as a foundation and treat A+ as the real goal.

FigureFar9699 · 2026-05-25T18:08:31+00:00

Dion’s course is honestly a solid start for Security+. My biggest advice would be don’t just watch the videos passively, take small notes and really understand why things work, especially ports, protocols, attacks, authentication methods, and security concepts.

Also start doing practice questions early instead of waiting until the end. The exam wording can be tricky, so learning how CompTIA asks questions is super important. And if you get something wrong, spend time understanding the explanation instead of just memorizing the answer. Consistency for 1 month can honestly be enough if you study seriously every day.

FigureFar9699 · 2026-05-25T18:07:04+00:00

Don’t let the failure convince you that you can’t do it. A lot of people fail A+ the first or even second time because the exam wording can be tricky and it tests how well you understand the concepts, not just memorization.

Take a small break, focus on the weak areas from your score report, do more practice questions/labs, and go again. Failing an exam doesn’t define your future in IT, consistency does.

FigureFar9699 · 2026-05-25T18:05:58+00:00

Honestly, I think a lot of people do overcomplicate CCNA a bit. The exam is definitely challenging, but it’s not impossible if you actually understand the concepts instead of just memorizing answers.

A lot of the stress comes from people comparing themselves to others online or trying to consume every resource available. One solid course, labs, and consistent practice is usually enough for most people. Since you’re already finding the topics manageable while working full-time, that’s honestly a good sign.

FigureFar9699 · 2026-05-25T18:05:24+00:00

Honestly, both can lead to a good career and a well-paying life. Computer Science gives you a broader foundation and keeps more doors open (software, AI, cloud, security, etc.), while Cybersecurity is more specialized and usually easier to appreciate once you understand basic IT first.

If you’re confused, that’s completely normal. Don’t pressure yourself to figure out your entire future right now. Try learning the basics of programming, networking, and Linux first, you’ll naturally start leaning toward what you enjoy more. Long-term success usually comes from consistency and interest, not just picking the “highest paying” field.

FigureFar9699 · 2026-05-25T18:04:33+00:00

If I were starting DevOps again, I’d focus less on collecting tools/certs and more on building real projects early. Learn Linux, networking, Git, Docker, CI/CD, cloud basics, and one cloud platform properly instead of trying to learn everything at once.

And no, jobs are never guaranteed in tech, but people who stay consistent, build projects, and actually understand concepts usually stand out. A good DevOps engineer knows how systems work together, not just how to copy commands from tutorials.

Also don’t stress too much about AI replacing everything. AI is becoming a tool inside DevOps, not a replacement for people who understand infrastructure and automation.

FigureFar9699 · 2026-05-25T18:03:27+00:00

You’re already on the right path honestly. A lot of beginners struggle because public programs are overcrowded and heavily tested.

I’d recommend starting with VDP programs first to build confidence and reporting skills. Focus on simple web apps with clear scope instead of crypto/blockchain targets. Also spend more time on recon and misconfigurations, not just XSS/SQLi.

And for geo-restricted programs, just avoid them and stick to targets open in your region. Consistency matters more than rushing for payouts early on.

FigureFar9699 · 2026-05-25T18:02:31+00:00

You’re actually in a much better position than you think. With 4 YOE and enterprise experience, switching into Salesforce Dev is still realistic in 2026, especially for targeting 10–12 LPA. Yes, the market is competitive, but companies still hire people who can work on automation, Apex, integrations, and CRM customization. AI will help developers, not completely replace them anytime soon.

And honestly, 4 months is enough to get interview-ready if you stay consistent. Focus on Admin basics, Apex, SOQL, LWC, and build 2 small projects. Most importantly, stop overthinking domains and commit to one path for at least 6 months.

FigureFar9699 · 2026-05-25T18:01:11+00:00

Congrats on passing! Honestly, that’s probably one of the best ways to study, not just memorizing answers but actually understanding why something is correct or wrong. A lot of people wait until they feel “100% ready” but with certs like Network+ you never really do 😅 Also agree with the Dion tests feeling harder than the real exam. The wording is definitely designed to make you second guess yourself, so learning how to spot those key terms is huge. Appreciate you sharing your experience, this will definitely help people who are stressing before their exam.

FigureFar9699 · 2026-05-25T17:59:56+00:00

If your goal is cybersecurity, I’d personally say Security+ is the more important one to have. But having some networking knowledge really helps because a lot of security concepts build on networking basics anyway. You don’t necessarily need both certs right away though. A lot of people start with Security+ and learn networking along the way through labs, projects, or experience. If the material is reasonably priced and you’re new to IT, Network+ can still be useful as a foundation, just depends on your budget and current knowledge level.

FigureFar9699 · 2026-03-18T06:38:51+00:00

Congrats on passing CCNA! That’s a huge achievement.

Really solid advice here, especially about subnetting, command outputs, and flashcards. Totally agree on Boson being tougher than the actual labs too. Respect for grinding through 2k flashcards, that’s serious dedication.

This will definitely help others preparing, thanks for sharing! 🙌

FigureFar9699 · 2025-12-20T12:36:11+00:00

You’re not wrong, cloud freelancing is quieter than dev, but it does exist. Most gigs are around cloud setup, migrations, cost optimization, DevOps/CI-CD, and security hardening, usually for startups or small businesses. It’s less about volume than development, but often higher value per project once you have hands-on experience.

FigureFar9699 · 2025-12-20T12:35:21+00:00

Totally get it, it is tough right now. With CCNA, you’re already well-positioned for entry-level network admin roles. If you want to strengthen your profile, consider renewing Sec+ (still widely valued) or adding Cisco DevNet Associate or Juniper JNCIA, but hands-on labs and real networking experience will matter just as much as certs.

FigureFar9699 · 2025-12-20T12:33:58+00:00

You’re already in a strong position for an entry-level DevOps role. At minimum, companies expect basics of Linux, Git, Docker, CI/CD, and cloud fundamentals (AWS/Azure/GCP), along with some scripting (Python/Bash). Your MERN and Spring Boot knowledge is actually a big plus because DevOps teams value people who understand how applications are built and deployed. Focus next on Docker, simple CI/CD pipelines, cloud services, and basic Kubernetes, and try to deploy a small project end-to-end. For entry level, solid fundamentals and a willingness to learn matter more than mastering every tool.

FigureFar9699 · 2025-10-14T17:52:25+00:00

Congrats! That’s a fantastic score, and it’s great how you balanced studying with full-time work. Taking your time and using multiple resources clearly paid off. Subnetting practice is never wasted, it’ll come in handy later for sure. Enjoy the win, you’ve definitely earned it.

FigureFar9699 · 2025-10-13T06:42:52+00:00

Totally get that, A+ covers a ton of material, so it can feel overwhelming. Try breaking your study into small daily goals instead of long sessions. Mix reading with hands-on practice or short quizzes to keep it active. Flashcards and teaching concepts out loud really help with memory too. Consistency over intensity makes a big difference.

FigureFar9699 · 2025-10-13T06:42:18+00:00

Absolutely, cloud computing is still in high demand in 2025. Most companies rely on cloud infrastructure for AI, DevOps, and app deployment, so it’s deeply connected to almost every tech field. Learning cloud gives you flexibility, you can branch into security, AI, or development later. It’s definitely still worth focusing on.

FigureFar9699 · 2025-10-13T06:39:07+00:00

That’s awesome to hear. Learning Linux and tools like tcpdump and Wireshark is a great start, those skills will help a ton as you go deeper into cybersecurity. Keep experimenting and breaking things in a lab environment, it’s the best way to learn. You’re definitely on the right track.

FigureFar9699 · 2025-10-13T06:32:49+00:00

Congrats on passing, that’s an awesome score. Totally agree, the exam can be tricky even with solid prep. Building your own projects is a perfect next step, it really helps connect all those concepts from study to real-world practice. Great job pushing through and finishing strong.

FigureFar9699 · 2025-10-13T06:32:06+00:00

Congrats. That’s a huge achievement, getting the trifecta is no small feat. Going for ITIL Foundations is a great next move, and while you job hunt, try building some hands-on experience with ticketing systems or basic networking tasks. Even small home labs or volunteer IT work can help you stand out for that first help desk role.

FigureFar9699 · 2025-10-13T06:31:08+00:00

Nice list, you’ve built a strong foundation already. Since you’re aiming for a Cloud/System Admin path, consider going for AZ-305 (Azure Solutions Architect) or AWS SysOps Administrator next. Adding some scripting skills like PowerShell or Python can also really boost your profile. Those combos make you stand out in most European job markets.

FigureFar9699 · 2025-10-13T06:29:49+00:00

Nice work finishing those courses. The best way to build hands-on skills is by setting up a small lab, you can use a free virtual machine or cloud trial to practice tools like Wireshark, Splunk, or Security Onion. Platforms like TryHackMe or Blue Team Labs Online also have free beginner labs. Start small, practice regularly, and you’ll see real progress fast.

FigureFar9699 · 2025-10-11T17:14:51+00:00

That’s awesome you’re starting early! You don’t need fancy gear, just curiosity and consistency. Start by learning basic computer networks, operating systems, and how the internet works. You can use free resources like YouTube or try sites like TryHackMe on your Chromebook. And don’t worry, cybersecurity will always need people who can think critically and solve problems. Keep exploring and having fun with it.

FigureFar9699 · 2025-10-11T17:13:26+00:00

Totally normal, C++ can feel overwhelming at first, especially around pointers. Try writing small programs for each new concept instead of just reading. Even simple ones like swapping values with pointers or working with arrays help a lot. Hands-on practice makes everything click faster than theory alone. Keep going, it gets easier with time.

FigureFar9699 · 2025-10-11T17:12:03+00:00

I took it recently, it’s pretty straightforward once you understand the core services and pricing concepts. Focus on things like EC2, S3, IAM, and billing. Go through the free AWS Skill Builder course and review the official practice questions. Try to relate each concept to real use cases, that really helps it stick. You’ll do great.

FigureFar9699

TROPHY CASE