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Hi guys,

I’m looking at trying to get some form of MS certification within the next couple of months, but i’m a bit confused from what I have read on other forums and the MS site.

I graduated with an honours degree in computer networking, and I have been working as a network engineer for a little over 6 months now. From the certifications I have looked at, I can’t really tell what ones would be at my knowledge level.

So i’m asking if any of you guys have been at a similar stage in your career, and what certifications you would recommend trying to get?

Any help/advice would be appreciated.

Thanks,

David.

13 Spice ups
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What experience do you have with active directory, windows server, group policy, etc.

If you only have 6 months plus school I would start with the Windows 7 cert as it is easier and is on the MCITP track. After that take the test on the area you have the most comfort with.

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I understand that you are looking into MS certs, but if you plan on being a network engineer, perhaps you might look into Cisco. I would recommend the Network+ certification from CompTIA to begin with and then work on the CCNA certification. Depending on your knowledge and experience, you could go straight to the CCNA.

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I have a lot of experience in AD, and my knowledge of windows server 2003/2008/2011 is strong. Group policies is probably a weakness of mine.

I was looking into doing the MCDST exam then going down the MCSE > MCSA path, but i’m not sure if that would be the best logical way to do it.

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I second Hensley in that if you’re trying to get heavy into networking, a Cisco certification is the way to go.

If you’re looking specifically for MS certifications though, simply find the subject area you are most interested in, check out the MCITP for it, then go down the list and find the earliest prereq. That is your starting point.

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These days it is all MCTS and MCITP, the MCSA/E are only for 2003. MCIPT Enterprise Admin is the equivalent of the MCSE.

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Justin.Davison wrote:

These days it is all MCTS and MCITP, the MCSA/E are only for 2003. MCIPT Enterprise Admin is the equivalent of the MCSE.

What is annoying is that MS resurrected the MCSE acronym for their new “Cloud” cert.

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Sosipater wrote:

I hadn’t heard that, but I hadn’t looked at that exam. I always point out the new terminology so people can use good search terms for exam details and study materials.

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http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/certification/mcse.aspx

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I had a look at the cisco certs, but the majority of jobs in Scotland prefer applicants to have MS certifications. Plus my current employer is a MS partner, so the exams would be discounted.

I am reading the details of the MCTS cert on the MS site, and the following exams are listed:

MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuration

Exam 70-6401

MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure, Configuration

Exam 70-6421

MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Applications Infrastructure, Configuration

Exam 70-643

MCTS: Windows Small Business Server 2011 Standard, Configuration

Exam 70-169

MCTS: Windows Small Business Server 2008, Configuration

Exam 70-6532

MCTS: Windows Essential Business Server 2008, Configuration

Exam 70-654

MCTS: Windows Internals

Exam 70-660

MCTS: Windows HPC Server 2008, Development

Exam 70-691

Forgive me if this is terribly ignorant, but I would be right in saying that I can just choose one of these exams (depending on what I want to specialise in), and then I will have a MCTS certification?

Thanks again.

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Taken from their FAQ: Typically, you must take one to three exams that focus on a key Microsoft product or technology. http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/certification/mcts.aspx#tab1

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cannon1707 wrote:

I had a look at the cisco certs, but the majority of jobs in Scotland prefer applicants to have MS certifications. Plus my current employer is a MS partner, so the exams would be discounted.

I am reading the details of the MCTS cert on the MS site, and the following exams are listed:

MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuration

Exam 70-6401

MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure, Configuration

Exam 70-6421

MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Applications Infrastructure, Configuration

Exam 70-643

MCTS: Windows Small Business Server 2011 Standard, Configuration

Exam 70-169

MCTS: Windows Small Business Server 2008, Configuration

Exam 70-6532

MCTS: Windows Essential Business Server 2008, Configuration

Exam 70-654

MCTS: Windows Internals

Exam 70-660

MCTS: Windows HPC Server 2008, Development

Exam 70-691

Forgive me if this is terribly ignorant, but I would be right in saying that I can just choose one of these exams (depending on what I want to specialise in), and then I will have a MCTS certification?

Thanks again.

It depends. One exam will always get you MCP certified. Some MCTS are only one exam, others require several.

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I put no real value in the Certs they are too easy pass (test banks)…

plus I have know many terrible admins with all the Certs under the sun and many remarkable admins with out a single cert.

I guess they are good for get your first job but since you already have one …

1 Spice up
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Well I see it this way, you can take Microsoft (road a) or Cisco (road b) and you will still end up in Loch Lomond.

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I used to be in certs like that all the time, then when I realized I was throwing good money after bad down the toilet; because they were constantly becoming obsolete and “employers” refused to pay for the renewals.

I then setup a linux network and a windows network then set them up to co-exist and talk. Finally setup some exchange servers, SQL servers, IIS, Apache and so and made them get redirected pages and services from one another.

After doing so my skills are far superior then my peers and once I setup my last cisco switch and router with IPS I dont think I will ever have a hard time finding work.

If you are truly interested in getting a certification, learn to fly that way you can make money all year round and work in the best places doing it. This seems to be the trend now.

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MCTS basically is the equivalent to what MCP was. Most are simply one test. MCITP can be equivalent to what MCSE was, but not necessarily.

Take Windows7 for example. You can take one test 70-680 Windows 7 Config and you are an MCTS. If you take an additional test, either 70-686 Win 7 Admin, or 70-685 Win7 Tech, then you would have an MCITP in Windows 7.

Server is similar. Take one test and you have an MCTS in that area. Take 4 or 6 tests and you would have MCITP Server Admin, or MCITP Enterprise Admin.

This link best lays out all of the current Server/Win 7 certifications.

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/certification/mcitp.aspx#tab2

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B-Rad2011 wrote:

I put no real value in the Certs they are too easy pass (test banks)…

plus I have know many terrible admins with all the Certs under the sun and many remarkable admins with out a single cert.

I guess they are good for get your first job but since you already have one …

Similar thoughts here.

I would avoid Comp TIA certs unless you can con the company you’re working for to pay for them, they are a horrible investment unless you’re in desperate need to get your foot in the door (most entry level jobs are looking for A+ and N+)

As an aside, the CompTIA HIT cert is getting hot, so you might want to look into that. It’s primarily HIPPA regs, but it’s easy enough. Total investment with the test and book is only going to be around $150, so it’s cheaper than the A+ and it stands out much more (especially now since Healthcare IT is booming).

You could look into the CCNA, it’s great resume filler, but unless you end up as a Net Admin you’re probably not going to use all the Cisco-Fu you learn and you’ll be hitting the books again in 3 years when you need a re-test.

The Microsoft path might be a good place to look, and i agree with Justin, start with the Windows 7 Cert.

My advice to you:

As with college, start off by getting your general education stuff sorted, then figure out where you want to specialize, and do that.

Or

Start with Windows 7 or Network +, it’s easy, moderately inexpensive, and broad. That way no matter what you decide to do, you’re not going to regret the investment.

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Would start with CompTIA Network + and Security+, as they credit to other MS certs.

In addition to the other links noted above the overall path is:

.

cannon1707 wrote:

…I graduated with an honours degree in computer networking, and I have been working as a network engineer for a little over 6 months now. From the certifications I have looked at, I can’t really tell what ones would be at my knowledge level…

As the degree was networking, may want to look at Cisco certifications . . .

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Everyone “knows a guy” who has certs but doesn’t apply knowledge well. I don’t think that devalues certification. They may not be terribly helpful to you right away, but in the future they will land you a lot more interviews, and can tip the scales in your favor when being measured up against someone with equal qualifications.

If you’re looking at certifications, starting with A+ and Net+ is cheap and effective, but you can get the same result from Security+. The A+/Net+ combo applies to the MS certification path that you are looking into, as does the Sec+…but not both at the same time, so don’t get all 3. You could probably walk into A+ and Net+ without any preparation and pass, you may need a bit of studying for the Sec+.

So as far as value toward your certification goals, Sec+ is a good cert to have. It’s cheaper than a MS exam, easier to prep for, and is relatively marketable. The A+/Net+ are pretty marketable when combined, but most jobs that require that combo will also accept the Sec+, and a lot of .gov jobs require Sec+.

As far as the MS path goes, follow your interests. If you’re making a career out of this, follow the age old adage, “Do what you love, the money will follow.”

Another word of advice regarding sitting for tests. If you’re coming out of pocket for this, search for discount test vouchers. Often people will unload test vouchers for half price when they’re about to expire.

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Also, if you’re looking to stay with your current employer, then ask management and see what they would value in certification - it could help in getting a raise or promotion.

If you’re not that loyal to your company, then as others have said definitely look for what you enjoy. If you like SQL stuff then go for the DBA certs. Working with servers, then MCITP: SA and/or EA. Or you may want to go a different route from MS altogether - figure out what you like in IT and go after it.