Certified Certification, anyone?

So i was looking into getting an extra 'qualification' on my empty resume, i discussed some certificates with my friends and they recommended 2 different certificates

1- The MCSE which is a Microsoft Certified System Engineer, and anything related like an MCSD (i think), generally stuff from Microsoft, and

2- The Almighty CCNA- Cisco Certified Netowrk Associate, and the followers, anything from Cisco, that is.

Now i know cisco kicks major ass and everything, but practically speaking what are the chances i'll need a CCNA for a job, whereas the MCSE might come in handy in almost anything PC, considering how popular Windows is in the Mid-East (I'll tell you how popular: No one knows Mac, and they think Linux is a detergent).

So what do you guys advise (Leave out the "Whatever you wanna do", i wanna do anything equally, just so long as the value of it is high enough in terms of weight of the certificate)

Also if you know any more certificates that are popular/meet more approval, please tell me about them, details and everything, i mainly wanna know that i'm starting to study something worth the time and effort AND money.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Thanks alot you guys, especially you Cetra.

Now more questions

1- How much does it cost in your country to take a course for a CCNA?

2- How long does it regularly take?

3- Do you pay extra for the exam? Is it mandatory that you register with some sort of academy/thingy to apply for an exam?

4- Can i ever do it on my own, at least for most parts? I'm a very good self-learner i went through highschool and 2 years before it without even one teacher and i made it to college just by that so i think if it's ever possible i think i can do it, but tell me if there are any big stoppers, like needing certain equpment/etc.

5- I read CCNAnythings require recertification every 3 years, is that as much of a pain-in-the-ass as it sounds?

6- Should i (must i, actually) aim for a CCNP, or can i get by with a CCNA or the 2nd level one (i forgot what it's name was)?

Appreciate the help, guys!

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Fatt you're right, a college degree is needed anyway, i'm probably gonna major in micro-economics or accounting, but where i live the major will have NOTHING to do with what you end up doing, all you need is the right connections and those "icing" certificates.

So don't worry, i won't just take the CCNA and sit on my ass waiting for a job =D, i'll finish college too (try to use the CCNA to work while i'm at it) and gather a couple more certificates then probably become an e-marketing specialist or something (Yeah i know, we're in a crazy country)

Yeah btw i'm in Egypt..

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

Now i'm fucking glad i did start this thread !! Holy hell the sheer volume of information !!!!!!

Thanks to everyone who helped, i headed to the center yesterday and signed up for a CCNA course, i'll be taking it next month, i'm gonna look through the books i have and will keep asking questions if you guys don't mind
I might even take the MCSE too, if it isn't too expensive, but Tony's right, comparing them doesn't seem too fair. Hmmm..
I really might take a CCNP and go down that road instead though, Cetra's right chances of employment are much higher with that cert.

Thanks again, everyone ^_^ !

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