Hi guys, I'm looking for some advice on what certifications/qualifications I should be aiming for, my aim is to pass 1 new certificate per month. Current Role: I worked as a sysadmin/helpdesk engineer up until 4 months ago when I was seconded to be a SQL developer/dba at a clients office. Current Quals: Bsc in Computing and information systems (1st), Comptia A+ and a Microsoft Office 365 for SMB exam which I think is now expired (really need to check) I did also do the Cisco network course during school and refreshed during Uni but the qualification was never on offer I'm looking for some qualifications for SQL and for Windows Server administration along with some fundamental Linux certs (I don't claim to be a Linux expert but I know my way round reasonably well enough) So any help/advice would be greatly appreciated Thanks, DT
To cover Linux off, an RHCA or RHCE can't hurt. Microsoft-wise: the only thing that's worth it is the Microsoft exams. MCSA/MCSE. If you work for a reseller or partner, they NEED employees that are certified in order to maintain their partnership arrangement with Microsoft. When moving between jobs, you already having those certs gives you negotiation power, because you will be saving them the thousands it'll take to get you up to speed otherwise.
It'll take you more than a month study to pass any of the Microsoft 410-414 exams for MCSA/MCSE. MS made the Server 2012 exams magnitudes harder than previous exams as you get questions on where options are in menus and the exact PowerShell commands for tasks. I work with Server 2012 every day and put in a chunk of study and it still took me a few goes to pass them. That said employers recognise this and a 2012 MCSA/MCSE is highly valued now.
