This was also posted in IT forum. Please help. I have an opportunity to enrol in a tuition course for any of the above certs. I have pretty good IT skills, but will not call myself an advanced user. I can load software do hardware installation and fix basic problems on PC`s, but have not touched networking as such or servers. I wish to work in IT in about six months and would not mind sitting the MCSA or MCSE exams before then. Should I first do the A+ and Network+ or will it be to basic ? - Should I attempt to work hard and study the course material will it give me enough knowledge to enable me to pass the 7 modules for MCSE ? I am good at PC`s and learn concepts easily. What earning potential will an A+ N+ give me? That is as entry level. If I pay the tuition for A+_ N+ then I figured it would be better to pay for MCSE/SA instruction rather...? Please help, I need to decide in a week.
I've been in IT/IS/MIS for 10 yrs now. Considering someone with no skills can get an MCSE in less than 6mos you might want to skip the A+ or Network+ certs. If you really want to gradually work your certs then you can go somewhat sequentially as A+, then Network+, then MCSE. Once you get the MCSE however the A+ and Network+ won't really matter. You might longterm look for a cross certification like MCSE and CCNA if you are really into networking. Also, there are less jobs in pure networking IT than the MCSE schools like to admit, it's just about impossible now to get an entry level network admin posistion. You might want to consider a Database or Programming alternative such as Client Server programming with Oracle/SQL Server/VB.... Anyways, hope this helps.
Well MCSA is in between MCSE and MCP. I wouldn't recomend just getting an MCSA, go all the way to MCSE as you will compete heavily with many MCSE's for admin positions. (Friend of mine is hiring a network admin posistion in Phoenix...500+ MCSE resumes....so where do you think the MCP's and A+ resumes wound up?) MCDBA is like 50% MCSE and 50% SQL Server and maybe 1 coding class. This is an interesting cert and worth reviewing. MCSD is completey MS Development, if you don't have a programming back ground now you will need a couple of years experience programming inorder to be remotely ready for this cert.
Bob, Thanks for the reply. Should I first therefore pursue the MCSE and then do the SQL to get MCDBA? Bozzy
The average person will find the MCSE easier to achieve than the MCDBA since the MCDBA requires development concepts and relational database concepts in addition to the core networking courses. Remember they also serve different areas, an MCDBA will be an admin of SQL Servers and perhaps doing some light SQL or VB coding, whereas a MCSE will primarily do network infrastructure support (servers, desktops, etc.). I dont know your skillset so I can't recomend either one to you.
Bob, My skills at this point are pretty much generic. I have experience troubleshooting on my own PC and friends of mine, but I`m not advanced in Win 2K tech or servers. I am involved in admin and sales prior to that. My IT skils are self taught (probably like most other folks). I have a good understanding of MS products with the benefit of coming from the old commodore 64/Radioshack/DOS era; so I understand what a PC is and how they function in a hardware setting. I need the tech skills though. Bozzy
As someone employed as a network engineer for over ten years, Bob is pretty much right on with his advice (even though Simi Valley sucks). There are a lot of different paths one can take into the IT world. However, I advise many to concentrate on their formal education first, and their certifications last. And never forget, that when it comes down to it, experience will always matter much more than any certifications - regardless of the designation or number held. Find any way possible to get some experience even if you don't get paid for it. And start saving money for that home lab you will need to build, as it is the bst way to get cheap experience and you can make all the mistakes you want as you learn. In the real world you cannot make mistakes in production networking. Christian
I agree with Christian. Have a solid education as a foundation, Bx Degree, RA (Yes RA, but debate in another thread please). Currently in IT/IS/MIS proven experience with no certs will get you farther than 10 certs and no experience. A Bx degree is getting more and more mandatory now, but there are still decent jobs out there that don't require one...but you can't count on that lasting forever.
I also meant to add that certifications expire pretty quickly, whereby you will eventually lose all that you worked for credential-wise. Nobody can ever take your degree away from you once it has been earned.
Folks, Thanks for the replies BUT I have dissenting views. 1) Do the A+N+ 2) Do the MCSE 3) Do a Degree in IT/IS So what is it? I know experience is the MOST important. Advice please. Cheers, Bozzy
Hi Bozzy You're asking a subjective question so if you ask ten people you may well get ten answers. Experience is clearly the most important. A CS/IT degree would be second. Certifications are a DISTANT third. Certifications will not by themelves get you a job. The number one thing that will is people skills and knowing someone who is doing the hiring. If you have basic computer knowledge but no networking or computer support experience I would suggest the A+ and N+. The MCSE takes quite a bit of knowledge for granted. It is possible to complete the MCSE test w/o it but it will be a struggle and you won't gain as much from MCSE program. Again check www.mcselive.com for a wealth of info.
qpCMfn I have my A+ and MCSE NT4.0 and I am one class from MCSA. I have given the following advise to people new to the IT industry: Get your A+ first. If you have some experience and study the A+ Exam Prep book, you will be able to pass the test. Then get your N+ using the same method. Then start on your MCSE/MCSA. The A+ and N+ will give you a great foundation. It will also not appear as if you jumped on the MCSE bandwagon looking for the $67,451 per year salary advertised without any experience or skills. I feel it is better to be broad in your knowledge before being so focused until you know what you are interested in (Exchange, SQL, etc.) and you know what your job responsiblities will be. Hope this helps.
