Microsoft Certification

[hhh8785]

So my friend wants to know if I wanted to take a class this summer, which is one of the classes you have to take to get microsoft certified. I've heard that it takes like years to get it, but does anyone know how long it would take to get certified?

[2canSAM]

It all depends on the cert level you want
MS basic cert is MCP and you only need to pass one exam except for networking essentials.
The flagship is MCSE and for that you have to pass six exams.
I am getting ready to start on my MCSE track and what I will doing is taking NT WS 4, Server 4 and Server in the Enterprise 4 and then waiting to upgrade to MCSE WIN2k

Honestly though if your looking at getting into the industry then Certs combined with experience is the only way to go
I am A+ and Network+ certfied and nobody wants to hire me because I only have 1 month documentable experience. Id like to hear from anyone here that is a Network Systems Engineer as to what their thoughts are. Has certification or experience paid off more for you?

[izzzy12k]

Well here is a link to the school I've attended classes at and they have the course requirements for certification posted on their web site.

http://www.vortexdata.com/certification/Microsoft/default.htm

hope this helps

izzzy12k

[2canSAM]

Sorry I meant to post two links and forgot to do so
http://www.cramsession.com http://www.mcpmag.com

Hope this helps

[BigBopper]

I have my CNA (Certified Novell 4.11 admin) and a MCP in NT Workstation 4.0. I went to night school for over a year to learn about PC Systems. The most important thing is experience. Those certificates are nothing without valid experience. My advice to anyone, is to take up programming or web based technical skills if you are in this just for the money. Otherwise, prepare to work a year, probably two at some underpaid help desk position. Then it gets better...or so I have been told http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif One other thing, if you are planning on taking MCSE tests, please be aware that they are retiring all the current exams and if you do not complete all of them by Dec. 31, 2000....you will probably have to retake some based on the Windows 2000 NOS. Good Luck http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

[Mntsnow]

I have a couple of certs but I actually got my job because of what I knew and experiance rather than the piece of paper on the wall.

I was in meetings earlier today and had a chance to talk to my boss's boss and he actually said that "he" prefers someone that has experiance over someone that has "book" learning as he put it. He did also say that having some of the "higher end" certs such as the MCSE or CNE will "open doors" for you. As for the A+ and Network+ (I actually have them too) DIDNT have a bit to do with getting me hired. (actually got the certs AFTER I was hired..I just wanted something hanging in my cubicle http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif )

Mntsnow

[Spartan]

How about MSCD certification? I work in a software shop and many of the contractors we have working for my company are certified -- or are in the process of getting their certification. Whereas most of the employees are not certified. Myself, I am not either. The work we do is moving towards C++, and some of that work is dealing with MS technologies.

I have been working with my company for just over 5 years and it was my first job out of college.

Is it worth my while to gain MS certification?