Need Advice on Certifications

[Thorsen]

I am looking into becoming an MCP (Microsoft Certified Professional). I looked online, but can't find any good info on what I need to take...

I have found Microsoft Learning: Go Further with Microsoft Certification

and the closest to MCP is MCITP which is not actually MCP. Any advice on what I need to do to get this certification. I want to be an MCP within the next year so I will have plenty of time to learn all that is needed.

This is for my Career Path. I want to get MCP, A+ and MCSA/MCSE/MCDBA(further down the road).

My main focus for career is Technical Support for Database and Server Management in Win Server 2003/2008


I know there are lots of certified people on this forum. Any advice or info?

 

[richc46]

I will send a PM to a few who may be able to help
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Certified_Professional

 

[Thorsen]

Thanks Rich

 

[richc46]

You are so very welcome. Glad to help. Wish you luck with your quest.

 

[Thorsen]

Am I a Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) if I earn an MCITP certification?

"Yes and no. The term MCP is used both as a general term for all Microsoft Certified Professionals and as the name of a certification. As an MCITP, you become part of the Microsoft Certified Professional community, with access to all related benefits, information, and activities. You do not earn a certification titled "MCP." You should use the MCITP certification on your resumé and in business collateral, which indicates your specialty and shows that you are a member of the MCP community. "



So is this (MCITP) what I would need to be a MCP? or should I shoot for the MCDBA instead?


Edit: This is getting a little confusing.

 

[zzz2496]

Back in my MCP days, all I need to do is to take an exam to certify. I don't know the process right now, but I assume it's not that different than how it was in the past... If you want to have MCDBA, back then IIRC, you need to take series of exams, each exam will earn you a "MCP" title...

After I read your link, it seem that MS changed their way of identifying a "certified professional"... Why not contact MS directly?

zzz2496

*Looks at his old MCP card...*

 

[Thorsen]

Thanks zzz.... shortly after college I looked into MCSE and was on that track, but never took it. I have since changed paths to DB/Server Admin. so I don't know where to start. MCP is no longer one test, but more of a term for anyone with a MS Certification of a certain caliber. I don't want to doubt my talents, but I don't know what testing I should look into first.

By your opinion, what was the hardest part of MCP test? or general area's covered? I have been looking everywhere and no one wants to give out this info freely

 

[zzz2496]

If I were you, I'd take Oracle DBA certification over MCDBA. IMHO Oracle is a bit more "open" than MCDBA from platform standpoint and from technology support standpoint, but have a go, here: Microsoft Learning: Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA)

I don't see any test as "hard", it's just a test... It tests your knowledge and your decision making accompanied by your experience in using/maintain/support/install/configure/administrate certain MS products. If you don't have enough experience, usually you'll bump a road block in the test.

zzz2496

Ps. I've gone quite long and far from MS solutions these last 5 years... I've fell in love with Linux, for now - I see Linux as the best Server solution out there EVER. As for clients, I still recommend any Windows clients over any other client OS out there, just because of the ridiculous driver support MS client products have...

 

[zzz2496]

I found the MCDBA's new equivalent: Microsoft Learning: Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP)

It's the MCITP: Database Administrator 2008, it requires 2 exams:

1. Exam 70-432
2. Exam 70-450

Good luck

zzz2496

 

[Thorsen]

zzz, Thanks for clarifying.

I was looking at the MCITP, but had no idea where to start or if this was even my best starting point.

I have not delved into the Linux world yet, (played with Ubuntu, but that's not quite the same). I probably will soon. I have an Oracle 8 book/cd (old I know, but i have limited resources right now) and will probably look into the Oracle DBA over the MCDBA (as you said its not OS specific).

 

[ickymay]

at the end of last year i completed a course of exams starting with comptia A+ and net + then moving on to Microsoft specific with MCITP, MCTS and Enterprise support tech,

The MCITP and MCTS covered vista and now windows 7 whereas the older equivalent MCP covered winxp and win2k ....

Although it's new tech it depends on what job market your pitching at given that many large organizations are still using xp and win2k and will for a few years yet, and if you get employment with them i am sure training up to newer OS will be available ?

first choice I reckon is do you want xp win 2k or vista and win 7 ?

 

[Thorsen]

Ickymay, My current job uses XP and 2003 Servers. In the future though, I am sure they will move to 2008 Servers and I know I would need this info. If I have it already then thats one less step. My company will reimburse me for the training and tests, so thats not a worry. I just need to prepare and know my Certification Path. As I dont want to spend time on "X" when I should be on "Y". Thanks for info on your experience with it That was helpful. I am also persuing A+

 

[ickymay]

Ickymay, My current job uses XP and 2003 Servers. In the future though, I am sure they will move to 2008 Servers and I know I would need this info. If I have it already then thats one less step. My company will reimburse me for the training and tests, so thats not a worry. I just need to prepare and know my Certification Path. As I dont want to spend time on "X" when I should be on "Y". Thanks for info on your experience with it That was helpful. I am also persuing A+

well it depends if you want certifications to match your xp and win2k experience or it might be better just to jump in and grab the most up to date certification equivalent ?

the CompTIA A+ and net + are great because they are vendor neutral then the step into server 2008 could be to take all the component exams for your MCITP EA qualification which makes you an enterprise admin ?

MCITP: Enterprise Support Technician is 70-620 & 70-622 then using these and your comptia as elective you are well based to take the more involved exams that cover server 2008 with

• 
  • MCITP EA for server 2008 more comprehensive
  • MCITP SA is for server 2008 backroom admin only and lacks network

this document might help View attachment microsoft-roadmap.pdf ?

I have pages of info as i researched this before i got funding so if you have any specific questions I am happy to help if i can

 

[Thorsen]

Ickymay, thanks for the PDF. Thats a good resource to have. I dont know what I need next, but I will be researching and probably will be asking again for help.

thanks again

 

[richc46]

Hi again

Glad that you got the help that you needed.

 

[Borg 386]

In school they had mention of the program called "Elevate America", AKA "[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Microsoft E-Learning!"[/FONT], which I'm currently enrolled in.

Basically you get the use of their online database/study course and you get a free certificate for a MS exam (for whatever option you choose to pursue).

Considering most exams run over 200$, this is a very good deal, especially for free!

Here is the link:

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]https://www.microsoftelearning.com/

[/FONT][/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]"With Microsoft E-Learning, you will learn from experts on Microsoft technologies and products via high-quality content in one easy-to-use course. You can tailor your e-learning to work best for you, whether you are preparing for a specific project, training for your career path, or working toward certification on Microsoft products or technologies."
[/FONT]

 

[antharr]

I am looking to grab some certs as well. I have decided to just pass by the A++ and Network+ stuff right now since I have an entry level IT position with an Associate Degree.

I am going for the big enchilada. I just got my equipment in today to perform CCNA labs on.

How I hate ACL's! I think I can pass the CCNA if I can just get those down pat.

Good luck with whatever path you take Thorsen.

 

[zzz2496]

I am looking to grab some certs as well. I have decided to just pass by the A++ and Network+ stuff right now since I have an entry level IT position with an Associate Degree.

I am going for the big enchilada. I just got my equipment in today to perform CCNA labs on.

How I hate ACL's! I think I can pass the CCNA if I can just get those down pat.

Good luck with whatever path you take Thorsen.

Waaaaa !!! Nostalgiaaaa~~~ I got my CCNA training back in 2003, using exactly that series router/switch...

zzz2496

 

[WindowsStar]

I am looking to grab some certs as well. I have decided to just pass by the A++ and Network+ stuff right now since I have an entry level IT position with an Associate Degree.

I am going for the big enchilada. I just got my equipment in today to perform CCNA labs on.

How I hate ACL's! I think I can pass the CCNA if I can just get those down pat.

Good luck with whatever path you take Thorsen.

Waaaaa !!! Nostalgiaaaa~~~ I got my CCNA training back in 2003, using exactly that series router/switch...

zzz2496

2600's for me.

 

[Thorsen]

Is MCBDA dead?

MCDBA Certification Has Been Canceled - IT certifications Materials

Looks like it is