On the heels of a great trip to the Seattle area, I’ve been doing research into the various information technology certifications, looking to further my career path and bolster my resume. Certainly, I’d like to be working with MySQL, PHP, and that ilk, so as to improve this site, but other things are taking precedence. And lest you worry, yes, that mean’s working on a Church Planting Associate application first. Then working on moving to Seattle, from the looks of it.
Needless to say, the beach retreat was great. We experienced some great imported California weather. We also kicked around a soccer ball that was on fire. Yes, it was flaming. As were our feet, if we kicked it too hard.
All that to say, I’m looking into the Microsoft certification process. From my understanding, they have changed things, but to move into the Vista/Longhorn path, it would be most beneficial to certify in the 2003 and XP domains, then upgrade.
That means then, that I would go for the Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST) first. It’s two tests, 70-271 and 70-272.1 From there, it’s one test, 70-621, to upgrade to the Microsoft Certified Information Technology Professional (MCITP),2 which means I’m competent with Vista workstations or something else, because MCITP is the all-conclusive term for being Microsoft certified in something.
Add 70-290, 70-291 for core exams and then 70-270 or 70-620, XP Professional and Vista, respectively, and you’ve got a Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA).3 Add the 70-293 and 70-294 along with either 70-297 or 70-298 as electives and you’re a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE).4
Confused yet? That’s alright, because you can also take the CompTIA Security+ exam as an elective for both the MCSA and MCSE.5 Or the CompTIA A+ and Network+ are equivalent for that. Sound expensive yet?
Because I also ought to work towards the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA).6 It can be taken as one exam, or two, with after passing the first exam, gives you the Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT).7
But the question still remains: is it worth it over work experience?
1 Read the details: Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician
2 Transition at: MCDST to MCITP: Enterprise Support Technician
3 Continue on at: Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator
4 Then upgrade to: Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer
5 Review the complications: Apply Your Credentials to Microsoft Certifications
6 Get more on the: CCNA
7 Or if you prefer, get this first: CCENT
