What cert to go after to start my server career

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  Hi, Stirb.

  You said you have been working in IT for four years. Depending on your job, you are probably a good candidate to go for MCSA and eventually the MCSE.

  You may want to skip going for MCSA: Windows 7 if you think you are going to end up becoming certified in Windows Server 2012. The MCSA: Windows 7 title will not help you earn the big MCSE. It would just require you to pass extra exams. You would most likely want to go for MCSA: Windows Server 2012, which is a "stepping stone" for MCSE: Windows Server 2012.

  The MTA exams are usually taken by people just coming out of school for IT. They are considered an easier certification and don't give you any credit towards your MCSA. Perhaps a MTA certification would be a good first step for you before working towards the MCSA: Windows Server 2012.
  

  NOTE: I am a little confused about you stating MTA exam 98-364, which is on databases. I suspect you meant one of the other MTA exams, such as 98-365.

  Exam 98-365 Details:
  http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en-us/exam-98-365.aspx

  If you want to take on a MTA exam first (that's cool), perhaps you could purchase a (Microsoft-approved) practice exam from MeasureUp. Although the cost will be the same as a book from Amazon (around $45 to $64), it simulates the real exam questions and helps you prepare for it with descriptive answers and links to learn more details. Here is their practice exam for MTA exam 98-365:
  http://www.measureup.com/MTA-98-365-Windows-Server-Administration-Fundamentals-P2014.aspx

  Here are all the MTA IT Infrastructure exams:
  http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en-us/mta-certification.aspx#infrastructure

  Here is the 98-365 wiki page from Microsoft on MTA exam 98-365, chock full of study materials:
  http://borntolearn.mslearn.net/certification/server/w/wiki/488.365-windows-server-administration-fundamentals.aspx

  Here are the current MCSA certification titles:
  http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en-us/mcsa-certification.aspx

  Here are the current MCSE certification titles:
  http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en-us/mcse-certification.aspx

  Good luck!

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  Best wishes, Davin Mickelson
  

  • Edited by Davin MickelsonEditor Saturday, February 1, 2014 5:17 PM
  • Marked as answer by Mike Corkery, Microsoft Certified Trainer Sunday, February 2, 2014 3:31 AM

  Saturday, February 1, 2014 5:15 PM

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  Hi,

  I often recommend the MTA exams for people who have never taken a Microsoft certification exam, career changers, students, etc.  You may find passing this exam is a great confidence booster.

  In addition to the resources that Davin mentioned, you may also want to visit the Microsoft Virtual Academy (MVA) site. This site offers a lot of great resources to help you learn new skills and prepare for exams. Here is the link: MVA site

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  Mike Corkery, MCT, MVP (Office Systems), MCSD (Windows Store Apps), MCITP, MCPD, MSF, etc. Please do not forget to click “Vote as Helpful” if any post helps you and "Mark as Answer”if it solves the issue.

  Sunday, February 2, 2014 3:34 AM