Certification - June 2008 - (Page 17)

and flash like its 1999, and use it to get attention for further discussions. The second one is the full, dry, super-professional resume that you use for situations such as an interview or for employers that need everything there is to know about your career before they consider you. You should do this for each resume that you put together. 3. Build multiple resumes if you have a varied skill set and are pursuing multiple possible positions. For example, if you are a Linux guru that can do Web development and you want to go after both types of job, don’t try to use a catch-all resume. Build a targeted set of resume and cover letter for each focus and use them as appropriate.” “Recently while I was talking with some newly found associates at a Borders bookstore, I came to the realization that rather than the problem of yesteryear of an industry in which security certification essentially meant you chose between nothing, the Security+ or the CISSP, today’s security credentialing industry is overflowing with possible credentials to go after, which can make concentrating or choosing a specific credential program to pursue rather difficult. I spent some time this week researching many security credentials including some interviews with some folks who have many of them and have come up with a look at some of the most common credentials in the field that I hope some will find helpful. Entry Level: Security+ from CompTIA. Basic concepts, wide range of material, includes physical security concepts. Intermediate: SSCP from (ISC)2. A little beyond the Security+ basic concepts, explores deeper concepts around attack vectors and protection. Advanced: CISSP from (ISC)2. The ‘gold standard’ of security certification. Inch deep and a mile wide, so to speak. There is some minor controversy around the exam as the question quality is uneven; however, the credential is unbeatable for universal recognition. Management: Intermediate/Advanced: GSLC from GIAC. There is no substitute. Broad subject content and deep content coverage.” This started a discussion of these selections. Junior member gpearson responded: “Wayne, as I am fortunate to hold both the CISSP and several GIAC certifications, as well as the CISM from ISACA, I would actually state that the CISSP leans more towards the management and overall understanding of a comprehensive security program. The GIAC certifications are quite technical in nature, and less focused on the management content. Agree? Disagree? Have something else to share? Your comments and thoughts are always appreciated on our forums. Visit them at www.certmag.com/forums. 8 – Daniel Margolis, dmargolis@certmag.com Systems & Networks When making a career change in IT, choosing between two certs can be a daunting task. Our Systems & Networks discussion forums recently saw a post from someone struggling with such a decision. In a thread titled “CCENT or CCNA,” junior member rjw817 said: “I have been working in IT for about 1.5 years now, making a career change. I received my B.S. in IT in September 2007. I am working in a network environment but at the bottom of the totem pole. I am greatly interested in the networking field and would like to get certified. Should I advance gradually and take the CCENT or buckle down and go for the CCNA? Study time is not a problem. My employer has offered to pay for classes. Suggestions from you seasoned pros would be greatly appreciated.” Forum regular Wagnerk answered: “My first question to you is, ‘Will you or are you working with Cisco equipment?’ If not, then I would recommend for you to either do a non-vendor specific cert like the CompTIA Network+ or a certification program from the vendor that you actually work with like HP or 3Com, etc. Now, assuming that you are or will be working with Cisco equipment, I would recommend doing the CCENT 640-822 ICND1 exam and course. I say this because by doing this exam you’ll do the entry level Cisco cert and get a feel for what it’s like. Then, if you feel like you want to progress higher, all you have to do is top up to the CCNA by doing the 640-816 ICND2 exam. That’s my opinion anyway.” Security Over in our Security forums, Wayne Anderson posted these recommendations for deciding which security cert to target, beginning with a short anecdote: June 2008 CERTIFICATION MAGAZINE 17 http://www.certmag.com/forums

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Certification - June 2008 Editor's Letter Contents Data Stream Tech Careers Academic Connection Dear Techie Virtual Village Online Degrees: Are They Right for You? Inside Certification New Opportunities and Challenges: Are Application Developers Ready? Interface Where Have All the Help Desks Gone? Ad Index Endtag

Certification - June 2008

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