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    I recently got laid off from my company of 11 years. I did mostly vendor support for Dell / EMC and have mostly hardware level experience (SAN / NAS /
    Server hardware install / config) but now want to go back to my roots and work on my MS knowledge. Until the 70-620, the last MS exam I took was
    Network Essentials and NT 4.0!

    So, to get my feet wet I just picked up the MS Press 70-620 book and passed the test this afternoon. I visited the MS learning site and to be honest, it really confused me with just how many paths there are now to certification bliss. I am most likely looking to certify for desk side level positions but would also like to cover my server OS knowledge as well (looking to also take the Exchange exam).  I'd rather find a position and work my way up rather than try and hire straight into an admin position w/o any OTJ experience.

    Since my working experience is lacking, I'm using VMWare to simulate a small LAN to use as a lab for the time being. I've got Vista, XP, 7, and need to
    purchase 2003 server to complete this.

    So my question is this (thank you for taking the time to read this far) - Can anyone suggest a good certification route / path that would allow me to
    build off my previous exams/knowledge while effectively advancing to something like an MCSE or MCTIP or what not? My current employer has offered
    to pay for my exams so really want to take advantage of this.

    One thing I've learned the hard way - never trust a company 100%.

    Thanks in advance!
    Sunday, September 27, 2009 11:57 PM

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    A good place to start is to make sure you understand the MCITP. Download the free mcitp transit map from Preplogic.com: http://www.preplogic.com/products/documents/mcitp_transit_map/default.aspx
    • Marked as answer by Rubel Khan Friday, January 8, 2010 6:26 AM
    Monday, September 28, 2009 1:46 AM
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    I know this is going to look like a long list but:

    I would say cover your basic's with the following - the Comptia A+, Network+ and Server+ (these are non-vendor specific certs, those 3 certs will give you a very good base for futher/future certs, including Cisco, Microsoft and Linux ones)

    Then for the desktop OS I would say first of all the MCDST, then the upgrade to the MCITP: Enterprise Support Tech (70-621).  But as you've already completed the 70-620, forget about the MCDST and do the 70-622 to complete the MCITP: EST.

    After the above because you're not designing AD, I would say do the MCSA and then the upgrade exams for the MCITP: Server Admin for 2008.  While 2003 maybe older technology there are alot of companies that are still using it and will continue to do so for a good few years to come. 

    There's no point at this moment in time for going for the MCSE/MCITP: Enterprise Admin as that's not your job role.  Professional certs are there to reflect your experience and responsibilities and not to be used as a short-cut for experience alot of IT managers including myself are ignoring the higher level certs if the experience doesn't match, see here: http://www.certforums.co.uk/forums/thread27445.html.

    Hope this helps :)
    -Ken | http://ken.wagnerfamily.co.uk
    • Proposed as answer by BArt IT Monday, September 28, 2009 1:55 PM
    • Marked as answer by Rubel Khan Friday, January 8, 2010 6:26 AM
    Monday, September 28, 2009 5:52 AM
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    Hi Rezzin07,

    I was in the same possition as you are now a year ago. you are absolutely right. Microsoft created so many paths and certification options that It confuses all of us.
    However, if you look at and read cerfully it makes sens and all paths prepare for some specified roles / possitions.

    I don't know what exactly knowledge you are hold now and how depth knowledge of latest Microsoft Technology are you familier with but having the same problem I managed go below way:

    I am Support Analyst, supporting VIP and business users in my organization. I have fix and prevent many issues, liaise with IT Admins and Network Engineers. So, it does require wide knowledge of Windows Client XP / Vista, Server 2003 Administrating and hardware break - fix. On top of that I need to understand Active Directory administrating and managing. So, that's a lot. I couldn't find proper path and decieded to mix it. First I took MSCA / MSCE Windows XP 70-270 then Server 70-290, after decieded to pass Vista: 70-620 and 70-623. I have previous experience with Hardware so, decided to did not take CompTIA A+ (take it if need hardware support). I have currently been studying to 70-294 (Administrting Active Directory. It is part of MCSA / MCSE) and will take by next year. I will need one more exam to become MCSA (70-291).

    So, as you see I am not Certified by specified Microsoft path but have a good backround anyway. However, I am thining to carry on with MCITP and become fully qualified MCITP 2008 Administrator as the organization is in project to place upgrade from W2003 into W2008.

    That's a lot,
    Bart
    Bart Kurowski IT Suport Analyst MCP, MCST, MCITP, Getronics UK
    • Proposed as answer by BArt IT Monday, September 28, 2009 1:54 PM
    • Marked as answer by Rubel Khan Friday, January 8, 2010 6:26 AM
    Monday, September 28, 2009 1:47 PM

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    A good place to start is to make sure you understand the MCITP. Download the free mcitp transit map from Preplogic.com: http://www.preplogic.com/products/documents/mcitp_transit_map/default.aspx
    • Marked as answer by Rubel Khan Friday, January 8, 2010 6:26 AM
    Monday, September 28, 2009 1:46 AM
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    I know this is going to look like a long list but:

    I would say cover your basic's with the following - the Comptia A+, Network+ and Server+ (these are non-vendor specific certs, those 3 certs will give you a very good base for futher/future certs, including Cisco, Microsoft and Linux ones)

    Then for the desktop OS I would say first of all the MCDST, then the upgrade to the MCITP: Enterprise Support Tech (70-621).  But as you've already completed the 70-620, forget about the MCDST and do the 70-622 to complete the MCITP: EST.

    After the above because you're not designing AD, I would say do the MCSA and then the upgrade exams for the MCITP: Server Admin for 2008.  While 2003 maybe older technology there are alot of companies that are still using it and will continue to do so for a good few years to come. 

    There's no point at this moment in time for going for the MCSE/MCITP: Enterprise Admin as that's not your job role.  Professional certs are there to reflect your experience and responsibilities and not to be used as a short-cut for experience alot of IT managers including myself are ignoring the higher level certs if the experience doesn't match, see here: http://www.certforums.co.uk/forums/thread27445.html.

    Hope this helps :)
    -Ken | http://ken.wagnerfamily.co.uk
    • Proposed as answer by BArt IT Monday, September 28, 2009 1:55 PM
    • Marked as answer by Rubel Khan Friday, January 8, 2010 6:26 AM
    Monday, September 28, 2009 5:52 AM
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    Hi Rezzin07,

    I was in the same possition as you are now a year ago. you are absolutely right. Microsoft created so many paths and certification options that It confuses all of us.
    However, if you look at and read cerfully it makes sens and all paths prepare for some specified roles / possitions.

    I don't know what exactly knowledge you are hold now and how depth knowledge of latest Microsoft Technology are you familier with but having the same problem I managed go below way:

    I am Support Analyst, supporting VIP and business users in my organization. I have fix and prevent many issues, liaise with IT Admins and Network Engineers. So, it does require wide knowledge of Windows Client XP / Vista, Server 2003 Administrating and hardware break - fix. On top of that I need to understand Active Directory administrating and managing. So, that's a lot. I couldn't find proper path and decieded to mix it. First I took MSCA / MSCE Windows XP 70-270 then Server 70-290, after decieded to pass Vista: 70-620 and 70-623. I have previous experience with Hardware so, decided to did not take CompTIA A+ (take it if need hardware support). I have currently been studying to 70-294 (Administrting Active Directory. It is part of MCSA / MCSE) and will take by next year. I will need one more exam to become MCSA (70-291).

    So, as you see I am not Certified by specified Microsoft path but have a good backround anyway. However, I am thining to carry on with MCITP and become fully qualified MCITP 2008 Administrator as the organization is in project to place upgrade from W2003 into W2008.

    That's a lot,
    Bart
    Bart Kurowski IT Suport Analyst MCP, MCST, MCITP, Getronics UK
    • Proposed as answer by BArt IT Monday, September 28, 2009 1:54 PM
    • Marked as answer by Rubel Khan Friday, January 8, 2010 6:26 AM
    Monday, September 28, 2009 1:47 PM
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    Thanks everyone for the response.   I currently hold comptia A+, Server+, and I have an expired CCNA.  I have vendor certs from Dell (DCSE) and EMC but those are hardware based certs in my opinion and don't translate well in regards to job hunting (very niche)  I am studying for Network+ now as a refresher then planned on either retaking my CCNA or doing the 70-642.  After reading the posts on here I will probably change that route and cover my desktop support certs first as those would probably be most beneficial to me since I have little admin experience.  I still plan on doing the Network+ exam next since I already ordered the book.

    I have to admint, after studying and passing my first exam (in quite a long time) I'm carrying a little 'certify' buzz right now.  My goal while I'm working at my current job (contract to perm position building servers... mundane work but pays well and is a relaxed environment) is to pass 3 exams within my 4 1/2 month contract.  I have 3 months to pass 2 more exams - should definitely be doable.

    What a great resource this place is... nothing like this was available back when I took my NT 4.0 / NetEssentials!

    Edit: I have another question.  I was looking over the requirements for the MCSA and noticed it listed Comptia as a valid elective but it doesn't define which exam fulfills this.  Does anyone know or can point me in the right direction so that I may contact MS regarding this?

    Thanks again!

    Mike
    • Edited by Rezzin07 Wednesday, September 30, 2009 6:10 AM
    Wednesday, September 30, 2009 5:46 AM
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    Thanks everyone for the response.   I currently hold comptia A+, Server+, and I have an expired CCNA.  I have vendor certs from Dell (DCSE) and EMC but those are hardware based certs in my opinion and don't translate well in regards to job hunting (very niche)  I am studying for Network+ now as a refresher then planned on either retaking my CCNA or doing the 70-642.  After reading the posts on here I will probably change that route and cover my desktop support certs first as those would probably be most beneficial to me since I have little admin experience.  I still plan on doing the Network+ exam next since I already ordered the book.

    I have to admint, after studying and passing my first exam (in quite a long time) I'm carrying a little 'certify' buzz right now.  My goal while I'm working at my current job (contract to perm position building servers... mundane work but pays well and is a relaxed environment) is to pass 3 exams within my 4 1/2 month contract.  I have 3 months to pass 2 more exams - should definitely be doable.

    What a great resource this place is... nothing like this was available back when I took my NT 4.0 / NetEssentials!

    Thanks again!

    Mike

    Cool, good luck with your studies :)
    -Ken | http://ken.wagnerfamily.co.uk
    Wednesday, September 30, 2009 6:08 AM