First of all thanks for the compliment on the site. Much appreciated.

Before I give you some thoughts, let me ask a few questions. Do you have a degree? Do you desire to eventually move into management or do you want to stay in the trenches and become an elite geek? I know you just started your 'professional career', but how many years exp. do you have in IT? in security? Do you like the OS side (MCSE, RHCE, etc.) or more of the network side (Cisco)? Do you code?

Every path can be different. Not everyone has to start with an entry level CompTIA cert. Some can move ahead without them. Some really need it for the basic knowledge. Others need it to get into the swing of taking tech exams.

This will help me start to answer your question.

Don

PS - Peruse our sister site for a broader view of security cert info - http://www.certifiedsecuritypro.com

Do you want understanding or certs? If you go for the certs first, you won't get the understanding. Better to get some experience and take classes in your areas on interest first.

Unless of course you just want something to hang on your wall.

Sure you can do them together, but I'd go for experience first in networks, servers, clients, Internet, etc.