Certifications

So it will be 3-4 months before my doctors will allow me to return to work, And I've exhausted my FMLA leave, now. I'm still waiting for the official word but, of course being a government job we all know it's coming as they can't save a job for me like a private company could (it's considered a favor).

Anyway as such I want be able to use this Job as a reference most likely when getting a new job in a few months. my other jobs HR can verify my employment dates, and say I'm eligible for re-hire but, they aren't allowed to give me references from HR only my manager could but all of mine are no longer employed at the same place and I don't have new contact info. I do have many end users who will give me good references if that helps. Both Average "joe" users and people like the police chief and other department heads.

But I know this will make me need to beef up my resume in other was, I haven't worried to much about certs in the past just getting experience (and doing things right) Now I need some, as I hope when I go back I will be able to get some interviews at decent companies (I'm not even going to give public sector another chance) as a systems Administrator which is a slight step up from what I've done but, I honestly think I have the knowledge to do it, or learn quickly what I don't have, not bragging just saying I don't think it's much of a stretch.

Anyway what certs should I go for? What what training places do you recommend? I free youtube training would be great but ones that costs as long as not wildly expensive are fine as well. I have someone who is willing to pay for both training and cert exams for me to advance my career.

The CCNA/CCNP is logical for me to take I would guess Where should I do the training online? and should I just skip the CCNA and go for the CCNP or do I need both? I know quite a bit of networking already but I didn't know if you always get the CCNA or not.

What about Microsoft Certs? which ones should I start with and where should I get the training online?

Last time I did certifications I did no training and passed easily but they were entry level (CompTIA certs). I passed and only missed one question on 2 of them but I think these I'll probably need to study for.

Thanks for any help.

IRJ

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

IRJ

@thecreativeone91 said:

Last time I did certifications I did no training and passed easily but they were entry level (CompTIA certs). I passed and only missed one question on 2 of them but I think these I'll probably need to study for.

That is pretty impressive even for an entry level cert. I studied for a long time for A+. Net + was pretty easy though

IRJ

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

thanksajdotcom

@IRJ said:

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

Eh, I disagree. I'd take a MCITP over a CCNA or CCNP any day. Cisco is too specific. Not everyone has Cisco gear. EVERYONE has Microsoft servers/desktops.

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

Seems like this would be a good path.
https://www.microsoft.com/learning/en-us/mcse-server-infrastructure-certification.aspx

Then you only have to take two more test for the MCSE Desktop Infrastructure cert after the server one. Then I can go on to the Sharepoint, Exchange and Lync. But what's a good place to do training online? @scottalanmiller I'm sure you have ideas? I'd like practice test as well.

Bill Kindle

@thecreativeone91 said:

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

MCSA.

IRJ

@ajstringham said:

@IRJ said:

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

Eh, I disagree. I'd take a MCITP over a CCNA or CCNP any day. Cisco is too specific. Not everyone has Cisco gear. EVERYONE has Microsoft servers/desktops.

My point is that CCNP is not an entry cert like MCP. If you are going to spend the time and effort to get CCNP. Then you are establishing yourself as a Cisco Guy. I actually have done the exact opposite. I have gotten my MCSE. and have not pursued an Cisco certs because I am all in as a Microsoft admin. I have done all the CCNA training on 3 different occasions. I just never took the test

@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.

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.