Certifications for those just starting out? (ccent, A+, MCSE)?

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Gatecrasher3

Limp Gawd
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Dec 10, 2006
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Hey guys,
I will soon be entering my first year of college for Network Engineering, and I was wondering what certs you would recomend for someone looking for junior to mid-level network/systems admin positions. I would like to be competing for the $50,000-$60,000 level positions when I am finished school two years from now. Any recommendations?

After doing some reading, these seen to be the ones that stick out for those still cutting their teeth:

CCENT
A+/Network
MCSE

(sorry if this question has been asked 1000 times before)
 
A+ and CCENT will get you almost nothing....maybe a $15 an hour job.

MCSE has been replaced by MCITP and is worth getting just to have....IF you intend on being a Windows Admin.

CCNA is the other one you should be looking at.

For reference having A+ means your not completely clueless, but isn't going to be worth much other than showing initiative.

Network + is about 80% of the content in CCENT.

CCENT is 1/2 of the content in CCNA

CCNA + MCITP + a 2 year degree might get you 50-60K depending on where you live. Real life experience is worth just as much or more. Learn powershell! Hyper-V and Vmware certs will also make you more valuable but you should consider them just keys to get past HR. Once you get the job you need to perform, so make sure you know what you are doing.

All the things above will get you into this industry as a fairly well rounded IT admin.
 
CCNA->CCNP->CCIE for straight routing and switching. Then either go CCNA SP or CCNA Security.

CCIE can get you in anywhere.

the knowledge you gain from that path can easily transfer to other vendors as well, i.e. Juniper.

Of course you will need experience. Start in a NOC and gain real world experience.

You should be able to start entry level in a noc and make 40-50k.
 
CCNA for networking
Microsoft Certs for more Sysadmin work
VMWare and Hyper-v for virtualization stuff

Really you just need to decide what you want to do in IT. You can dabble in it all but I would say specialize in one area more than the others.
 
silasbear said:
CCNA->CCNP->CCIE for straight routing and switching. Then either go CCNA SP or CCNA Security.

CCIE can get you in anywhere.

the knowledge you gain from that path can easily transfer to other vendors as well, i.e. Juniper.

Of course you will need experience. Start in a NOC and gain real world experience.

You should be able to start entry level in a noc and make 40-50k.
Click to expand...

Keeping in mind that holding a CCIE is the equivalent of getting your masters degree in networking. Holding 3 of more CCIE was suggested as equal to a PHD in networking. Only 274 people in the world have 3 CCIEs or more, all of them make more than $200k a year.


My neighbor has A+, N+, MCSE, CCNA, CCNP, CCISP and works as a Systems Analyst making $88k a year. He's also kind of pissed off at his employer at the moment, he trained the person who go the job he wanted. That job (the one he wanted) paid another $7k higher yearly.
 
This is all great stuff guys, thanks a ton.

OK so after reading for hours it seems that having a MCSA/MCITP Server 2008 cert should be my first step.
Is anyone here MCSA/MCITP Server 2008 certified? Any recommendation on reading or where to find practise exams?
 
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MCSA/MCSE are back in 2012. I would just skip 2008 and go right to 2012.

I just finished my MCSA 2012 upgrade last week. I've got one test to take in the next week or two for the MCSE on 2012. Here's what I recommend:

Build a lab. Nothing is better than real, hands on experience. I didn't "study" for any of the material. I upgraded my lab to 2012, installed a bunch of the roles and features, and just messed around, using TechNet as a resource when I needed information. Maybe that's what you'd call studying :)

My lab box is running Hyper-V with a Core i7 950, 24GB of memory, and 5x1TB WD Blacks in a storage pool with an SSD for OS. I'm running about 25 VMs now, with ~5GB memory still available. That'll probably be your bottleneck. Build something that fits in to you budget, and lean toward more memory if possible. Skimping on disks will make it a little slower to boot and sluggish at times to respond, but it's tolerable.

Back to the tests:

You need to know a decent amount (a broad area, not necessarily deep) for MCSA. There's stuff on IPAM, ADFS, ADRMS, Active Directory, Clustering, iSCSI, and much more. Start with deploying 2012 VMs in the lab, just a few workgroup servers. From there, deploy Active Directory and dive in to that. After, begin to build on top of that, installing the other features. AD Certificate Services should probably be next, then maybe play with iSCSI, clustering, IIS... things like ADRMS and ADFS require ADCS, which is why I suggested that second.

MCSE adds more on top of that. SCVMM and SCCM to name a couple of things. It also gets more in depth with the previously mentioned areas.

Find some good books on each of the topics and use those to complement your lab work and to reinforce areas you aren't strong on. Also, find some good blogs to read. My recommendation for AD related stuff (AD, ADFS, DFS, etc) is AskDS (http://blogs.technet.com/b/AskDS). I contribute to the Premier Field Engineering blog for platforms technologies. That URL is in my sig.

The Microsoft Learning site has lots of good info on study areas and links to tests and study guides: http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/certification/cert-windows-server-mcsa.aspx

And, finally, here's the best advice I can offer: Find an internship or IT related job while you're in school and "cheap." The biggest advantage I had coming out of college (8 years ago) was that I had real experience. It paid $8 an hour and it was mostly just desktop work with a little bit of AD and server stuff, but it got me my first real IT job. It was another desktop job, which wasn't what I wanted, but it led to some great opportunities.

Anyway, I hope that novel helps :)
 
Internships/part-time work. Yep!

I would look at CCENT since it's an entry level exam and that's where you are right now. More then getting the cert you want to learn the material. It's not that powerful by itself but it's a good step to then work on your CCNA. Most people have an easier time taking the CCENT/CCNA exams separately rather then the single CCNA exam.

I would also recommend looking at Microsoft technology. Both because it's pretty prevalent in IT but also because it's what you'll be working with at entry level positions. With that in mind, I would look at client certifications like Windows 7. (MCITP: Enterprise Desktop Support Technician) If you jump into Server 2008 and you're going to be learning a lot and it can be pretty daunting.

As a student you can register for Microsoft's Dreamspark website where you can download different server operating systems and applications programs for free. I don't know of specific books but Microsoft Press has been good for me in the past. Overall I would say take it one step at a time.
 
Professor Messer has free videos on configuring Windows 7. I also like CBT Nuggets a lot especially their CCNA/CCENT teacher.
 
Gatecrasher3 said:
This is all great stuff guys, thanks a ton.

OK so after reading for hours it seems that having a MCSA/MCITP Server 2008 cert should be my first step.
Is anyone here MCSA/MCITP Server 2008 certified? Any recommendation on reading or where to find practise exams?
Click to expand...



I just completed my MCITP: EA and discovered that MS upgraded my cert to MCSA.

As a starting point, http://www.techexams.net/ is a good place to go. Lots of info there on what resources to use.
Practice exams I usually do measure-up and whatever WGU happens to provide.
 
I currently have A+, Net+, Security +, Server +, and MCSE, as far as employment goes MCSE has been the most valuable, remember while hands on experience is the BEST its also important to understand the tests are designed from books, not real world experience, so make sure you still get a good book to study with.
 
For perspective. This position just came open at my place of work. It pays roughly DOE: 57-68k/yr.


The Network Engineer III’s role is to design, install, administer, and optimize company servers and related network components to achieve high performance of the various business applications supported by tuning the servers as necessary. This includes ensuring the availability of client/server applications, configuring all new implementations, and developing processes and procedures for ongoing management of the server environment. Where applicable, the Network Engineer III will assist in overseeing the physical security, integrity, and safety of the data center/server farm. Insures compliance with nameofcompany's Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and other operating procedures.

Education:

College diploma or university degree in the field of computer science/engineering or information systems.MCSE(preferred)

Work Experience:

At least seven years’ equivalent work experience in a technical analytical position responsible for managing server environments.

In-depth technical knowledge of network, PC, and platform operating systems, including Microsoft Server 2000+, VM, Citrix, Terminal Services, SAN/Equallogic, Active Directory and MS Exchange.

Exceptional abilities at load balancing, clustering, and caching procedures and processes.

Specific knowledge of Microsoft platform(s) required, as well as strong working knowledge of SQL relational database(s).

Experience installing, configuring, and maintaining all manners of server hardware and associated network equipment, including SCSI, RAID, and I/O topology.

Experience with server performance tuning and monitoring tools.

Familiarity with TCP/IP and network protocols, firewall management, and operating system configuration.

General knowledge of storage technologies such as SAN or NAS, as well as Active Directory/Global Catalogue.

Business process and reengineering experience, as well as an understanding of the relationship between processes and policies.

Good knowledge of applicable data privacy practices and laws.
Click to expand...
 
JPF_ said:
For perspective. This position just came open at my place of work. It pays roughly DOE: 57-68k/yr.
Click to expand...

That is more of a System's Engineer position as there is no mention of routing/switching and the associated vendors.
 
silasbear said:
That is more of a System's Engineer position as there is no mention of routing/switching and the associated vendors.
Click to expand...

It actually is for config of switches/routing etc.....but its a smaller part.


They are not good at making a position description robust enough. If you read my "Computer Tech II" description you would think it was tier 1 helpdesk. And my post was for perspective. Not much variation on systems/network engineer here in my state.
 
Gatecrasher3 said:
Hey guys,
I will soon be entering my first year of college for Network Engineering, and I was wondering what certs you would recomend for someone looking for junior to mid-level network/systems admin positions. I would like to be competing for the $50,000-$60,000 level positions when I am finished school two years from now. Any recommendations?

After doing some reading, these seen to be the ones that stick out for those still cutting their teeth:

CCENT
A+/Network
MCSE

(sorry if this question has been asked 1000 times before)
Click to expand...

For your own knowledge I would highly recommend the A+ and Security+... maybe even the Server+. They aren't really valuable industry certifications, but what you take from them will help a lot in the real world and in interviews. A thorough understanding of consumer computer hardware, the differences that can exist between it and server hardware/best practices, and some security thrown in really helps build a strong foundation.

Since you are in school for Network Engineering, I'm going go guess you want to get into Networking and not OS/application administration. With that in mind, I would try to aim for having your CCNA by the beginning of your second year and try to finish the CCNP before/right after school. If you're in class for those technologies it should not be impossible nor should it stand out oddly on a resume.


silasbear said:
CCNA->CCNP->CCIE for straight routing and switching. Then either go CCNA SP or CCNA Security.

CCIE can get you in anywhere.

the knowledge you gain from that path can easily transfer to other vendors as well, i.e. Juniper.

Of course you will need experience. Start in a NOC and gain real world experience.

You should be able to start entry level in a noc and make 40-50k.
Click to expand...

:) This pretty much describes my career path. I think it worked well for me...


Mackintire said:
Keeping in mind that holding a CCIE is the equivalent of getting your masters degree in networking. Holding 3 of more CCIE was suggested as equal to a PHD in networking. Only 274 people in the world have 3 CCIEs or more, all of them make more than $200k a year.
Click to expand...

Ehhh... as someone who has 2x CCIE's (double masters!), I'm going to go out on a limb and say that I don't think a third one would raise my salary nearly as much as is suggested by this post.

People who make that kind of scratch typically live in a place like New York or Los Angeles where the cost of living is already so high that salary range isn't as exciting as it would be in the midwest.

There are companies I know of where I could go for that kind of money, but those offers typically include the catch line "90%+ travel", which means you live out of a suitcase, spend half your time riding coach on an airplane, never get evenings for yourself, and have limited opportunity for advancement (no face time in the office). I've spoken with recruiters for those companies before, and they ONLY pitch such jobs as something to do for a year or two, because those types of jobs just burn you out.

Of course, if anyone is interested in a dual CCIE (route/switch and security) and has a job in that range without the horrible drawbacks with the opportunity to live in the midwest (Canada or US) I'm all ears. I'll even gladly go get that third one... not really such a big deal after you've done two already :)
 
I started out at a 2 year college and was able to obtain a full time salary position at an automotive parts manufacturing factory with just my Associates degree as an IT Systems Specialist and my Network+ Certificate. The certificate did help set me apart from some of the others interviewed for the position but definitely wasn't what got me the position. Certifications do help, but you don't need to go all out on getting those during college or before starting an entry level position in the IT field. Get the basics and go from there. Since I am the only IT Support on my shift I do a bit of everything. I help administer the network, servers, and ~200 office/production computers, printers, scanners, IP Phones, Maintain the internal web-site, e-mail, applications, etc, all on two locations.
 
Hello. I have been looking through these posts and have a question. I have been working in the IT field for 9 years now and acquired my Master's degree in 2004, but don't have any certifications at all. I talked to my boss for advice on the first certification I should go for, and she suggested to do the MCSE and then to do the NET+. My questions are:
A. any good recommendations on a good study guide/book for the MCSE? Should i just go for 2012 or do 2008?
B. I am able to set up an old server that has been decommed at my work place for a lab. I have to load a fresh OS on it. What OS should I load and what should i load on there for practice lab to get experience for the cert?
C. Are there any other recommendations for the cert that you can let me know about?

I appreciate the feedback and happy there is a website such as this for a resource.
 
bglick21 said:
Hello. I have been looking through these posts and have a question. I have been working in the IT field for 9 years now and acquired my Master's degree in 2004, but don't have any certifications at all. I talked to my boss for advice on the first certification I should go for, and she suggested to do the MCSE and then to do the NET+. My questions are:
A. any good recommendations on a good study guide/book for the MCSE? Should i just go for 2012 or do 2008?
B. I am able to set up an old server that has been decommed at my work place for a lab. I have to load a fresh OS on it. What OS should I load and what should i load on there for practice lab to get experience for the cert?
C. Are there any other recommendations for the cert that you can let me know about?

I appreciate the feedback and happy there is a website such as this for a resource.
Click to expand...

My advice would be to look at certications that you want to learn more about, and start going down the path to being an "expert" in that area... If you really enjoy networking, go the Cisco route. If you really enjoy Microsoft and their products, go that direction. If you are into databases, go that way.... You get the idea.

The OS you load depends on what you want to do with your career ... Where do you want to be 5, 10, 20 years from now?
 
jtr8178 said:
My advice would be to look at certications that you want to learn more about, and start going down the path to being an "expert" in that area... If you really enjoy networking, go the Cisco route. If you really enjoy Microsoft and their products, go that direction. If you are into databases, go that way.... You get the idea.

The OS you load depends on what you want to do with your career ... Where do you want to be 5, 10, 20 years from now?
Click to expand...

Basically, I am heading towards a management role and would like to drive towards achieving some certs and I am going to do the MCSE cert first, then i will press on towards other certs afterwards. Which book or study guide do you recommend and should i take the 2008 or 2012?
 
bglick21 said:
Basically, I am heading towards a management role and would like to drive towards achieving some certs and I am going to do the MCSE cert first, then i will press on towards other certs afterwards. Which book or study guide do you recommend and should i take the 2008 or 2012?
Click to expand...

As you're just starting, I'd go with 2012.

I've taken a few exams, so I only need two more for the enterprise MCITP cert. But, if I were to start from scratch, I'd do either A: What my company was using, it's more relevant or B: Use the current version for new job skills.
 
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