How can someone become microsoft certified? Is microsoft professional certified worth it? I just need to know the types of certifications a person would need to get it? I know A+ certified is the first step but what then? How much are the tests? What is the path for a MSCE? MSP? Finally, is it worth it? I think I'm going to do just for me. Currently, I a tier 3 technician with citigroup with no certifications only non tech related degrees. It started as a second job. Anyway.. any information would be great.
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcse/windows2003/default.mspx MCP requires you do any of the first group iirc A+ has nothing to do with MS certs
Huh? Ok let me be more precise in my question. Can I just study on my own and take the test when I like? Must I attend some classes? Where would I take the test since I live in saint louis, missouri? How much do the test usually cost? Since I don't have any other certifications currently, would I need to get some other form of certification first? Finally is this the best for a helpdesk/desktop support career path role?
yes you can study in your own time providing you have the training material, no you dont ahve to attend classes unless you wish to take a crash course in something. No idea on where you take a test but, look for authorised microsoft test center on google? Test sin the UK are about £80 No need for other certifications, since with microsoft you need to start from the bottom and work you way up, gaining an MCP is real easy, getting things above that require study and then hands on experience most people say. For the career path you wish to take is fine, become an MCP, then MCSE and then MCDST (i think thats the way it works) but for an MCSE you need to specilise in something to do with servers iirc. The easiest MCP exam to take that is related to your course is the one where you train about supporting users with vista or xp Phil
Close, it's MCP, MCDST, and then MCSA/MCSE. The tests build on each other... ie, I just took the MS 70-271 test. That got me the MCP. The 70-272 is the other half of the XP MCDST. Further tests (core and special options) get you to the MCSE/MCSA areas, which are suitable for those interested in System/Network administration. You can also become a MCP just by taking and passing a test on Office applications as well. Tests in the US are $125 @ Prometric testing centers. Not sure if you can take them elsewhere, as those appeared to be the only option available to me. You can sign up with Microsoft for the Second Shot option, which allows a free retake if you fail the first attempt, and gives you a discount on the next if you pass it. Check out microsoft for the certification details such as pathways, exams, course/books, and practice tests. As to if it's worth it... I got hired without one, though employers were asking about it during a job hunt. A lot of people I know about don't have them, but at the same time, in a competive job market, it can help. My company is offering me a bonus to get certified, as they have financial committments to their customers to have certified techs on staff. Some people cram for the tests, but have no actual experience/real-life skills, so it can be kinda a wash. As someone said, A+ is not related to MS, and is viewed as a basic cert for hardware techs. I self-studied... I DON'T recommend the MS PRess books/test sims... Numerous errors found in exams, just shoddy quality. Check the link that HAmish sent and just get more general, http://www.microsoft.com/learning/default.aspx Lots of resources there.
Ok thanks for that. Well as I said, I'm a tier3 tech right now and I'm learning things everyday. Based on what I viewed on the 70-271 and 272. I already do all of that on a weekly basis. So let me get this correct. I take the 271, pass it, and I get the MCP? Then I take the 272 and I get the MCDST? Interesting. I'm going to find a location in saint louis where I can take the test. I'll do some practice studies and some tests. Id hate to think that I'll pass it with no problem and blow the money. I'm mainly doing this just for myself not so much for the job market. Although, as you said it can only help.
yep, that's correct. Some companies will pay for the test/prep stuff. My company is reimbursing me for successfully passed tests. I think it's mainly of value in a corporate environment, though if you get certified, you can put a logo on your (own) business advertising.
Well I'm pretty pumped. Just need to find a testing location in saint louis. I'm going to try and take the mcp before christmas. I have the exam questions list from microsofts website. Wish me luck. Do I get a card or certificate from them?
You should get both the card (with your MCP ID on it) and a fancy certificate included in your Welcome Kit. You'll also be able to download transcripts and logos through the MCP member website.
correct!! The engineers where i work love their badges so much they use them as ID when they go onsite to customers lol Phil
