Certification and Career Goals for 2018

deanwebb · December 04, 2018, 01:18:22 PM

I did remove my CCNP-Security, since it was expired... and when I work with Cisco stuff, it's to integrate with $VENDOR that I work for...

config t · November 27, 2019, 01:51:37 AM

The role I'm in now is pretty heavy on R&S + VPN and doesn't 'appear' to be going anywhere for a couple years (thank you newborn infant Jesus). With that I am looking at the new CCNP-Sec Core +SVPN badge.. or.. cert.. or whatever it is. Since my industry is also moving steadily into Palo Alto and away from ASA I would like to start moving in that direction as well.

I think a CISSP with the above, and my newly minted TS, I should be able to carve out a neiche with a skill set that I can demand outrageous amounts of money for while saying stuff like, "I'm just the firewall guy.. you need to talk to the net admin or the engineer about that.."

I'm pondering CISSP -> CCNP-SEC Core -> CCNP-SEC SVPN -> PCNSA as my learning path - Because I'm not in a hurry and those other certs can be used as CEU's.

Otanx · November 27, 2019, 08:58:45 AM

Scheduling TSHOOT for December sometime. Want to recert before the new exams. Need to do my CISSP for 8570 requirements. Wasn't planning on doing it till mid next year, but we just got word that our company did not get the last option year. If I can get it done it makes me look better to the new company that will be taking over our work.

-Otanx

config t · November 27, 2019, 11:16:10 AM

Quote from: Otanx on November 27, 2019, 08:58:45 AM
Scheduling TSHOOT for December sometime. Want to recert before the new exams. Need to do my CISSP for 8570 requirements. Wasn't planning on doing it till mid next year, but we just got word that our company did not get the last option year. If I can get it done it makes me look better to the new company that will be taking over our work.

-Otanx

Best of luck on the TSHOOT. It's definitely a good call to recert now.

What is your plan for CISSP? 8570-minded people definitely view it as CISSP>CASP. Even for networking which honestly makes no sense but we can make more money by having it so.... yeah.

I ordered the Mike Chapple Official study guide and practice test books on Amazon with the idea of having the books before I go to Kuwait next month.. but I accidentally had them sent home to AZ instead of my FPO so now damn if I know the turnaround to have the family shoot it out to Bahrain.

In addition to that I am leaning on work experience (plus I already have CASP) and YouTube videos.. might also fire up my CBT nuggets account if I don't feel comfortable enough by February when I intend to test.

Otanx · November 27, 2019, 12:50:55 PM

Just going to YOLO it before the end of December. What I didn't mention was the last option year starts 1FEB so unless there are contract protests I will need to apply to my own job in the middle of January.

I will probably look at the SDLC stuff before I go in, but I am pretty familiar with the different domains. My wife has held it for several years, and I helped her study back in the day. We have about 20 - 25% of the staff that hold the CISSP, and another 30% or so studying for it so it is a constant topic around here. If I do fail then it will depend on the new contract. Our customer gets a bunch of SANS vouchers, and I am senior enough I can probably get one if I ask. I just don't want to spend a week in class going over all the topics.

-Otanx

icecream-guy · November 28, 2019, 06:26:47 AM

Quote from: config t on November 27, 2019, 01:51:37 AM

I think a CISSP with the above, and my newly minted TS, I should be able to carve out a neiche with a skill set that I can demand outrageous amounts of money for while saying stuff like, "I'm just the firewall guy.. you need to talk to the net admin or the engineer about that.."

I'm pondering CISSP -> CCNP-SEC Core -> CCNP-SEC SVPN -> PCNSA as my learning path - Because I'm not in a hurry and those other certs can be used as CEU's.

CISSP you need a few years in the field, (see requirements rules)
Cisco, the ASA is going away, look into the Cisco 4100's or 9300 virtual appliances, the FTD because that is the way its going. if you are not already working with FTD, consider some of the GIAC certs, PCNSA is a good start for the Palo.

I'm also thinking about a similar path but without the Cisco, PCNSA I've been working on, I downloaded the book from PA and read it a few times, get that, the the next PA level PCNSE since I can get the hands on with PA at work every day,
and then CISSP,

Netwörkheäd · November 28, 2019, 04:58:05 PM

When $VENDOR releases a new exam, I'll get to take it as part of my job.

Sent from my SM-N975U using Tapatalk

config t · December 01, 2019, 12:09:06 PM

Quote from: ristau5741 on November 28, 2019, 06:26:47 AM

CISSP you need a few years in the field, (see requirements rules)
Cisco, the ASA is going away, look into the Cisco 4100's or 9300 virtual appliances, the FTD because that is the way its going. if you are not already working with FTD, consider some of the GIAC certs, PCNSA is a good start for the Palo.

I'm also thinking about a similar path but without the Cisco, PCNSA I've been working on, I downloaded the book from PA and read it a few times, get that, the the next PA level PCNSE since I can get the hands on with PA at work every day,
and then CISSP,

Since writing that post I'm strongly considering abandoning the Cisco portion of my path. Seems redundant and I could easily just say I know it on my resume and stand tall when questioned about it. Maybe I'm just conditioned to think that MOAR CISCO CERTS IS ALWAYS THE ANSWER!!!111111

I watched a youtube video on the current CISSP req's.. and I stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night so I'm practically an expert

No but seriously I've been rambling around high security environments for about 10 years now so I think I'm set on the "experience in two domains" aspect. Plus I can knock off a year just for having CASP.

Thanks for the tip on the PA study materials. I had no idea they were available for free. It's the hands on piece that I'm going to have to make an investment in since at the moment my customer is using Fortinet. I'm told it's going away (at the speed of government), however I know I won't be the one managing it.

A buddy of mine who is managing PA stuffs for a major project suggested I can pick up a PA-50 with a lab use license for pretty cheap. I like physical hardware but I'm not sure if I can get it shipped to my FPO.

Cheers

deanwebb · December 05, 2019, 05:25:01 PM

MOAR SERTS is the answer at the start of the career, but by the middle and end, I think we've all found out that they're needed if you're with a VAR or contractor, but not necessarily the only cert path one can take. CCNP got my foot in the door for an interview, but it was actual experience and skills that got me the jobs and which opened up other opportunities.

My current big cert, FSCE, is more for $VENDOR quality control of installation techs than it is for getting into jobs with other firms. Granted, VARs that do Forescout work are always banging on my LinkedIn door, but my next step won't be sideways, if I keep my nose clean and my mind sharp.

config t · December 18, 2019, 05:27:32 AM

Just realized I've been posting in the 2018 thread..

deanwebb · December 18, 2019, 10:40:02 AM

Quote from: config t on December 18, 2019, 05:27:32 AM
Just realized I've been posting in the 2018 thread..

Quick, start the 2020 thread, so nobody notices!