Certifications

IRJ

Here is how it works. You get MCP for completing your first Microsoft test. Then you work towards MCSA. After you work towards MCSA on your specific field. You can work towards MCSE.

for example MCSA Server is 3 tests and MCSE is 5 tests total.

Bill Kindle

@thecreativeone91 said:

@Bill-Kindle Isn't the MSSE higher up and more recognized? or is the MCSA required before taking the MCSE? I've seen a few people say that it is but microsoft never says that's it's required first anywhere.

MCSA is required before you take the last two exams, that gives you the Server Infrastructure certification (MCSE)
https://www.microsoft.com/learning/en-us/mcse-server-infrastructure-certification.aspx

@Bill-Kindle Okay that makes since, so It's already included in the track. It's not like you have to take them twice.

I'm looking at this for training. http://beta.pluralsight.com/signup Anyone have experience with them?

thanksajdotcom

@thecreativeone91 said:

I'm looking at this for training. http://beta.pluralsight.com/signup Anyone have experience with them?

NTG is a huge Trainsignal/Pluralsight fan. If you can learn by videos, then do it by all means! I'm too ADD to watch tech videos and get anything out of them.

scottalanmiller

@IRJ said:

You cant skip CCNA nor should you. I recommend taking both CCENT courses to get your CCNA. You can just take the CCNA test if you feel confident enough

These are network certs. Not applicable to systems administration. If you want to go networking and Cisco then yes they are needed. But if system admin is your goal they aren't valuable.

scottalanmiller

@IRJ said:

If you get your CCNP there isnt much need to do the Microsoft Certs

Unless you want to work as a Windows Admin. It's like saying there is no need for medical school if you are already a lawyer.

Two different career paths.

scottalanmiller

@thecreativeone91 said:

Isn't the MCITP being retired to go back to the MCSE again?

MCITP was retired and was lower level. The MCSE is their top level as they have no masters level now.

scottalanmiller

@thecreativeone91 said:

I'm looking at this for training. http://beta.pluralsight.com/signup Anyone have experience with them?

They are cheap and I use them. They are decent. Can't beat the price.

scottalanmiller

The most important thing before doing certs is to define your career path. You want to know where you are headed then choose certs to help to get you there.

thanksajdotcom

@scottalanmiller said:

@thecreativeone91 said:

Isn't the MCITP being retired to go back to the MCSE again?

MCITP was retired and was lower level. The MCSE is their top level as they have no masters level now.

That's what I meant. I always mix up which one was retired and keep thinking they retired MCSE. It's MCSE and MCSA now. facepalm

Reid Cooper

They went back to the 2000-era names. Pre-2000 it was MCPi instead of the MCSA. And the highest level, originally called the MCSEi and later with a few other names, is completely dropped at this time.

scottalanmiller

I hate that they keep changing the names. Really lowers the value of the certs.