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Microsoft Certifications

hedron

hedron

Limp Gawd
Joined
Apr 24, 2008
Messages
495
What's a good certification for a help desk or system administration/engineer position? Or are these just a complete waste of time?
 
A degree in Computer Science will go MUCH further. But if you lack such a degree a cert will help you tremendously. Employees are attracted to people who keep up with their education. It will help you stand out from the crowd. Some employers require degrees regardless, some don't.

It never hurts to get a few under your belt. Go here to see what best fits your goals.

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/certification-overview.aspx

You need to take the prerequisites for the higher tier certs. So it doesn't hurt to start with one of the lower certs now while you try and figure out which direction you want to take.

BTW there are multiple sites for obtaining test vouchers. This is one site that has constant deals. I'm sure you can find deals elsewhere too.

http://www.getcertified4less.com/Microsoft_s/54.htm

Good luck!
 
BurntToast said:
A degree in Computer Science will go MUCH further.
Click to expand...
I do not see how a degree in Comp Sci would provide a reasonable ROI for a person seeking a helpdesk position. And without a clear explanation of a "system administration/engineer position", we cannot provide a recommendation for a relevant course/cert/study path.

@ hedron: Please explain your situation and what lead to this thread being started.
 
you gotta explain your situation.
help desk for what? printers? websites? linux? mac? windows? etc
 
PTNL said:
I do not see how a degree in Comp Sci would provide a reasonable ROI for a person seeking a helpdesk position. And without a clear explanation of a "system administration/engineer position", we cannot provide a recommendation for a relevant course/cert/study path.

@ hedron: Please explain your situation and what lead to this thread being started.
Click to expand...

Well, I'm looking for a help desk position with the possibility of moving up to something better would be great. I have a MS certification, but it's from 2005, so it's a little outdated, especially given the nature of technology. I think I might be able to get the classes for free via a voucher program, so all I'd pay for is the test. So, it's definitely easier on the wallet than a college degree.

I have no real professional help desk/pc experience other than me putting up a sign at the grocery store and helping a few people in the neighborhood. Most all my work experience has been customer service, so that works for a help desk position, not so much for a system admin though.

Hellwind said:
you gotta explain your situation.
help desk for what? printers? websites? linux? mac? windows? etc
Click to expand...

Any or all of the above.
 
For general support, like helpdesk I would recommend the CompTIA A+ cert. Shows you know the basics of computers. After that, the MCITP, taking the windows 7 enterprise exams (70-680 and 70-685) would be great if you're in a windows 7 environment.

Additionally, I think the CompTIA Security+ certification is a great cert. Not sure if it would help with a position, but it's an eye opener and a wealth of information about IT Security. I worked helpdesk/desktop support for almost 20 years and studying for that cert changed how I interact with computers.
 
A lot of places require certifications. There is no "one" thing that will help you get a job, as requirements can vary by job. Just get a little bit of everything. I got my AAS first, then several certs, then BS, then a few more certs.

You're better off getting in as help desk and working your way up from there as the company will know if you got skillz or are a lamer.
 
wtburnette said:
For general support, like helpdesk I would recommend the CompTIA A+ cert. Shows you know the basics of computers. After that, the MCITP, taking the windows 7 enterprise exams (70-680 and 70-685) would be great if you're in a windows 7 environment.

Additionally, I think the CompTIA Security+ certification is a great cert. Not sure if it would help with a position, but it's an eye opener and a wealth of information about IT Security. I worked helpdesk/desktop support for almost 20 years and studying for that cert changed how I interact with computers.
Click to expand...

I like this guys advice! :) Basically what I was going to say. A+ shows the entry level hardware. The 70-680/685 shows basic-mid level Windows 7 troubleshooting skills. Sec+ was exactly like he said. I did have a lot of the knowledge already, but the stuff learned and needed the pass the exam is useful daily. Might not be directly used, but it does make you think a bit more when doing things. :)

The A+/680/685 will get you prepped for any help desk position, with a good head start above the competition. After a couple years, you'll have experience to go with it, and more knowledge on where you want to specialize. From there, you can go into the networking stuff, MS servers stuff, Linux stuff, or stay in hardware/software support.
 
Lots of people laugh at MS certs but in my experience they have helped me tremendously.
 
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