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Hello all,

I have about 5 years experience in helpdesk, desktop support, technical support, and I’m looking to get some certifications to help further my career. I don’t have any certifications yet but some experience so I’m wondering if should for go the usual A+ route and start with MCP etc. since I already have some experience. I’m looking to probably get more into system administration, however I may take a more network admin path.

suggestions will be appreciated

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You first need to decide which road you are heading down, then get yourself a lab setup and practise.

Do you have any sites you use to study currently, do you have a lab?

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Start with MTA Server Fundamentals and Network+

If you find those too easy, then you can move toward a CCNA etc.

If you find those challenging, then you may as well complete those first.

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Know what you want to do there is so much out there, pick what you want to do.

The CompTIA ‘+’ certs are usually a good starting point.

If you want an MCP I’d say head in the MCSA 2012 R2 direction.

For networking CCNA it is.

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I second the MCSA in 2k12R2 currently cramming for that myself.

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There are a lot of certifications in IT so you will need to be sure what exactly do you want to do. Moreover you can try CBT Nuggets it is so far best in my opinion.

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Do the CCNA regardless of which path you want to take (only exception is programming) .Basic understanding of networking protocols and OSI model is essential to both Sysadmin or network admin path.

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If you start with the usual A+ route, at first, you’re only going to be becoming more qualified to do your current job. Getting certifications takes time and money. With 5 years experience, I would jump into MSCA Windows Server and CCNA. Skip over A+, Network+, MSCA Windows 10.

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Hi Kris – Since Network and Computer Systems Administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operation of an organization’s computer networks and communication systems by installing, supporting and managing the networks and systems, I’d consider the Network+ , MCSA Windows Server, CCENT , and CCNA certifications if you wanted to go the system administrator route!

New Horizons has courses available if you’re interested! Let me know if you have any questions.

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Find the area you want to study and go for it. Just don’t fall into the trap of wanting to study Comptia and Microsoft Server & SQL, and Cisco, and AWS, and learning programming all at the same time…

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Don’t just start shooting for random certs. It will be a waste of money. Instead, find what area of IT that you are passionate in and drive for expertise in that area.

Here are some pages to help you explore what is available:

AWS
Microsoft ( Azure )
Cisco

RedHat
OpenStack
Obviously, there are tons of options. Also check with employers that you would like to work for to see what kinds of certs work for them. For example, some may accept Network+ while others require a CCNA as a requirement for a position.

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Get A+ first, it’s the highschool diploma of IT.

If you’re going into networking, get the CCENT then CCNA.

If you’re going into server administration, get MCSA.

It’s a little difficult to get and maintain both a cisco cert and a microsoft cert because you’ll have to renew your tests every 3 years. It’s doable, but its tough.