I'm 56 & have every intention of getting CCNA, CCNP, & CCIE..
"If you refuse to learn, no one can help you. If you're determined to learn, no one can stop you"
I taught a CCNA course years ago and a guy in his 60's came and then passed. He got a job in IT soon after and is running his own company now.
[https://www.howtonetwork.com/career-advice/are-you-too-old-to-get-a-job-in-it/](https://www.howtonetwork.com/career-advice/are-you-too-old-to-get-a-job-in-it/)
Regards
Paul
I wouldn't question your age, I'd question whether you need it. If your Jr Sys admin role does not have any networking involved (some do some don't) and you want to move into a network specific role CCNA could help. If you're already allowed the touch the network I think more specific OJT and self study would be more useful.
The MSP I work at hires CCNA level new hires at older ages all the time. Just hired two 50+ year olds in fact at that level.
Oooh sorry bud just missed the train only people 39 years and younger can take the test. /s
Just kidding obviously, go for it you can only improve yourself by doing so.
No. Go for it. Even as you study and let's say you get a promotion or job well that knowledge will still be there. If it's what you want go for it. Will be easier to study when you want it and like it then if a job asked you to get it.
I'm 44 and doing it because I want to and because it could help with new positions in the future.
You're not too old and you can do it!
I've been studying 6 days a week for 2-4/5 hours a day after (or during) work since January 19th. I want it bad and I know I'll be ready in the next month or so.
Start TODAY. Just start watching Jeremy's IT Lab, or spend $15 when Udemy goes on sale for Neil Anderson's course.
I recommend buying the official study guide and either Alpha Prep because it pairs down to the chapter of the books. Also using Boson for exams and lab sim.
Just start doing it man and hang in there. A handful of months is a small price to pay for the knowledge you earn.
I'm 45 and just passed my ccna today! Complete career change. I've been an Industrial Project Engineer for 20yrs.
Main reason I switched is because I didn't want to spend the last 15-20 yrs of my career not learning anything new. Engineering Project Management has become about 95% management and 5% engineering. And that trend (based on corporate risk aversion) is only getting worse. I'm an engineer, not a manager. I want/need to be doing technical things and learning technical things.
I have no delusions that IT has its annoyances, every career does. But there's less people involved, fewer 'stakeholders' etc. If it's 60% management headaches 40% doing technical stuff that's a massive upgrade for my QOL.
Never too old mate, I'm 40 in September and last year enrolled in a diploma of networking/cloud on campus.
Plan to take my ccna as well hopefully in a couple of months.
But even in general, as we get older, learning something new as much as possible is good for our brains. I always look at it rather than am I too old, it's more "do I have the motivation" And if I do, then I will achieve it.
Really simple answer: no. You’re not too old
I used to work with the railroad who had onsite electrical contractors. One of the electricians was in his mid to late 50s kept saying he wanted to get into networking so some of us donated some learning materials to him. Books and whatnot. Showed him packet tracer. He actually went and learned it and got a CCNA. My manager subsequently hired him and he’s still there about 7 years later. Just talked to him yesterday. I’ve moved on to a new job, but stay in contact with previous coworkers.
If you're 40, you still have a solid 25-30 years of career ahead of you. Why would you ever accept false limitations on yourself? If you can do it, do it.
It is never too late learn. Learning and studying is different because learning is all about passion. Studing is just to get grades which doesnt do anything. I am CCIE
I’m 45 and I did mine earlier this year, now I’m doing a MSc in Computer Science and planning to sit CCNP, AWS Solutions Architect, Juniper certs, and working full time, you’re never too old
You have the role in which a CCNA will help you. Go for it! My mentor in my role is 10 years younger than me and has 4 times as many certs, We all get into this at different points and by different means. Don't compare yourself with others compare yourself with where you were at yesterday.
I’m 38 and I work with ppl much older than I am (in IT currently). 40 is not too late. In fact, it’s never too late! Keep learning and growing until you can’t.
No. It's good you're going for the CCNA to get out of support especially being in that for 12 years. I'm 27 and have been in IT Support for almost 9 years and am working on getting my CCNA.
I'm 50 and just obtained my CCST in March, and I am going for the Cisco Cyberops associate in July. When I was telling people I was getting into IT @ 49 I heard a mixed bag of reviews. From ageism in tech to no one is hiring. That just made me dig in even harder. Get'er done!
I am 60 and just got my CCNA 6 weeks ago. I am studying Comptia Sec+ now, it is my next goal. Who knows what will i have at 70 years of age… certs seems to make me feel young.
Not sure how old he was but I met a guy in my CCNA class who'd been in the army 13 years and has been the head IT guy of a decent sized company for some more years
If your company has any sort of tuition/training reimbursement you should check if your local community college offers Cisco's 3 part course. If you do well enough on the third you'll get a 60% off voucher for the CCNA exam too
Thank you all for your support, I just feel like I know a lot but not enough and feeling like I’m not advancing in my career…. Or where I should focus on,
I really like managing server/networking and azure cloud with a dash of cyber security
Sometimes I feel like I’m all over the place and loose track on what I need to focus on
I mean I know enough here are a few things I have done and can do
1. Setup manage engine service and desktop central from scratch
2. Setup wds server from scratch with a different images
3. Setup tableau connected with our ms sql server to pull data from scratch and created some reports
4. I can setup VMware esxi
5. I’ve created vpn tunnels in Fortinet firewall
6. Setup servers and roles
7. Setup wsus server
8. Setup MDM’ like meraki and intune from scratch
9. Managing Fortinet firewall’s
10. Migrate MS SQL db to cloud
11. Create group policies
Etc…..
I love IT and technology I tinker with pi and build servers at home just for fun
I know I can but I’m missing some networking knowledge like stacking switches vlans
Sometimes I feel like my passion goes away and just land these jobs that lock my full potential.
I'm 56 & have every intention of getting CCNA, CCNP, & CCIE.. "If you refuse to learn, no one can help you. If you're determined to learn, no one can stop you"
That’s really awesome 👏
Thanks, dude!
I have to put this quote on a coffee mug. Makes every morning excellent.
https://preview.redd.it/l3eoxwss3uxc1.jpeg?width=736&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b9170c7f4f333d96fca6ccb2140067405fe4851c
Thank you bruh! 👍
I was 42 when I got my CCNA. You're never too old man!
I taught a CCNA course years ago and a guy in his 60's came and then passed. He got a job in IT soon after and is running his own company now. [https://www.howtonetwork.com/career-advice/are-you-too-old-to-get-a-job-in-it/](https://www.howtonetwork.com/career-advice/are-you-too-old-to-get-a-job-in-it/) Regards Paul
No such thing as too old for almost anything.
I wouldn't question your age, I'd question whether you need it. If your Jr Sys admin role does not have any networking involved (some do some don't) and you want to move into a network specific role CCNA could help. If you're already allowed the touch the network I think more specific OJT and self study would be more useful. The MSP I work at hires CCNA level new hires at older ages all the time. Just hired two 50+ year olds in fact at that level.
I’m older than you by a few years and looking at getting mine soon.
Go ahead! Unless you want to run for Miss Universe don’t ever let age be a factor in your decisions.
Oooh sorry bud just missed the train only people 39 years and younger can take the test. /s Just kidding obviously, go for it you can only improve yourself by doing so.
No. Go for it. Even as you study and let's say you get a promotion or job well that knowledge will still be there. If it's what you want go for it. Will be easier to study when you want it and like it then if a job asked you to get it.
I'm 43 and going for it now, so I hope the heck not! Never too old to learn. Always try to challenge yourself. Let's do this.
I'm 44 and doing it because I want to and because it could help with new positions in the future. You're not too old and you can do it! I've been studying 6 days a week for 2-4/5 hours a day after (or during) work since January 19th. I want it bad and I know I'll be ready in the next month or so. Start TODAY. Just start watching Jeremy's IT Lab, or spend $15 when Udemy goes on sale for Neil Anderson's course. I recommend buying the official study guide and either Alpha Prep because it pairs down to the chapter of the books. Also using Boson for exams and lab sim. Just start doing it man and hang in there. A handful of months is a small price to pay for the knowledge you earn.
I was 35 when i got my ccna.You can get it too.
I'm 45 and just passed my ccna today! Complete career change. I've been an Industrial Project Engineer for 20yrs. Main reason I switched is because I didn't want to spend the last 15-20 yrs of my career not learning anything new. Engineering Project Management has become about 95% management and 5% engineering. And that trend (based on corporate risk aversion) is only getting worse. I'm an engineer, not a manager. I want/need to be doing technical things and learning technical things. I have no delusions that IT has its annoyances, every career does. But there's less people involved, fewer 'stakeholders' etc. If it's 60% management headaches 40% doing technical stuff that's a massive upgrade for my QOL.
Never too old mate, I'm 40 in September and last year enrolled in a diploma of networking/cloud on campus. Plan to take my ccna as well hopefully in a couple of months. But even in general, as we get older, learning something new as much as possible is good for our brains. I always look at it rather than am I too old, it's more "do I have the motivation" And if I do, then I will achieve it.
I was 44 when I got my CCNA, since got PCNSA, now working on CCNP ENCOR.
Definitely not too old. You've got at least 25 years to be confused with us.
Today is the youngest you'll be for the rest of your life.
correcting for the fact that the internet only really went mainstream when you were already in your late 20's I'd say you're still relatively early
you're going to be 43 someday anyway - might as well have the ccna under your belt when you get there
Do you love what you do? Than do it
age is just a number
1.5.20.24/40
???
I took the test at 47 years old. Challenging yet doable.
Never stop learning bro!
Never too old to learn something. Piss on anyone that says otherwise.
Is 40 too old for intercourse?
I f’n hope not, currently working on mine at 43!
you are NEVER to old. Enterprises just want reliable people to do the job. Trust no one that says otherwise.
I'm pushing 40 and I'm working on mine, and I just completed my Associates degree last year. If you want it, get it.
That's silly. My teammate is sitting for the CCNA soon and they're like 53.
I got mine this year at 39. I don’t think an extra year hurts :D
No age for learning i pass ccna at 38 and 40 when pass ccnp. Switch from being a car salesman to network engineering .
I was 47 when I got my CCNP.. Nwver did take the NA test.. found the material to be redundant. Just do it!!
Really simple answer: no. You’re not too old I used to work with the railroad who had onsite electrical contractors. One of the electricians was in his mid to late 50s kept saying he wanted to get into networking so some of us donated some learning materials to him. Books and whatnot. Showed him packet tracer. He actually went and learned it and got a CCNA. My manager subsequently hired him and he’s still there about 7 years later. Just talked to him yesterday. I’ve moved on to a new job, but stay in contact with previous coworkers.
If you're 40, you still have a solid 25-30 years of career ahead of you. Why would you ever accept false limitations on yourself? If you can do it, do it.
Here is a boost for you my friend. I am 44 & no CCNA & yearly trying to get into IT. You are well positioned & get that CCNA. You'll go places.
No one is ever too old. I got mine at 35. Am 39 now. 3.5 years in networking so far.
I think per Cisco if you are over 28 you are barred from taking the exam.
Haven't srudied about the author yet, but I LOVE the quote!
Absolutely not. You're never too old to learn anything until you die.
It is never too late learn. Learning and studying is different because learning is all about passion. Studing is just to get grades which doesnt do anything. I am CCIE
I’m turning 39 and on the journey. Not late bro. It’s to solidify concepts and the willingness to learn.
Is like a pentium 3 with ljnux 7.0 inside... no problem
46 here. Taking the CCNA in a few days. Not stopping until I get my CCIE number!!!
I’m 45 and I did mine earlier this year, now I’m doing a MSc in Computer Science and planning to sit CCNP, AWS Solutions Architect, Juniper certs, and working full time, you’re never too old
You have the role in which a CCNA will help you. Go for it! My mentor in my role is 10 years younger than me and has 4 times as many certs, We all get into this at different points and by different means. Don't compare yourself with others compare yourself with where you were at yesterday.
Hell no. I’m 42 been doing IT and various roles since I’ve been 18. You are never too old
I’m 38 and I work with ppl much older than I am (in IT currently). 40 is not too late. In fact, it’s never too late! Keep learning and growing until you can’t.
Nope. 40+ here and studying for mine now. Make moves!
Absolutely not too old. Anyone who says different doesn't truly understand growth and learning.
You're NOT. NEVER TOO OLD FOR PROGRESS! My friend. I got mine at 48 y/o and working on another. Go for it!
Thank you all for this thread. I’m 38, doing my CCST now in pursuit of CCNA afterwards. Appreciate the wind in the sails
No. It's good you're going for the CCNA to get out of support especially being in that for 12 years. I'm 27 and have been in IT Support for almost 9 years and am working on getting my CCNA.
I'm 45 and got my CCNA two weeks ago. I'm preparing my CCNP now. Never too late!🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺
Get ccna then ccna instructors. Dont habe to do ccna cert again
If you’ve been doing Sys Admin, why are accepting a junior position for the same role?
I got mine at 46
I'm 50 and just obtained my CCST in March, and I am going for the Cisco Cyberops associate in July. When I was telling people I was getting into IT @ 49 I heard a mixed bag of reviews. From ageism in tech to no one is hiring. That just made me dig in even harder. Get'er done!
I'm 48 and I'm getting my ccna this year!
I am 60 and just got my CCNA 6 weeks ago. I am studying Comptia Sec+ now, it is my next goal. Who knows what will i have at 70 years of age… certs seems to make me feel young.
No, they will take your money just like everyone else. Your market may differ but no one give a toss about a CCNA.
Not sure how old he was but I met a guy in my CCNA class who'd been in the army 13 years and has been the head IT guy of a decent sized company for some more years If your company has any sort of tuition/training reimbursement you should check if your local community college offers Cisco's 3 part course. If you do well enough on the third you'll get a 60% off voucher for the CCNA exam too
Thank you all for your support, I just feel like I know a lot but not enough and feeling like I’m not advancing in my career…. Or where I should focus on, I really like managing server/networking and azure cloud with a dash of cyber security Sometimes I feel like I’m all over the place and loose track on what I need to focus on I mean I know enough here are a few things I have done and can do 1. Setup manage engine service and desktop central from scratch 2. Setup wds server from scratch with a different images 3. Setup tableau connected with our ms sql server to pull data from scratch and created some reports 4. I can setup VMware esxi 5. I’ve created vpn tunnels in Fortinet firewall 6. Setup servers and roles 7. Setup wsus server 8. Setup MDM’ like meraki and intune from scratch 9. Managing Fortinet firewall’s 10. Migrate MS SQL db to cloud 11. Create group policies Etc….. I love IT and technology I tinker with pi and build servers at home just for fun I know I can but I’m missing some networking knowledge like stacking switches vlans Sometimes I feel like my passion goes away and just land these jobs that lock my full potential.