MCSE

[Nomad]

Does anyone believe in this certification test? Can some of these credentials get your "foot in the door." What would anyone recommend with someone with no related degree in the field if I.S. who is trying to gain entrance and apply for a job?

[800XL]

I hate to admit it, but MCSE does carry some weight on a resume. I never have the time to go take the tests or I'd have one. (Too busy actually doing the work ) No matter what the certification or degree you still have to shine in the interview, but they really do help to get you into the door. Honestly, I would give more play to CNE certification than MCSE. CNE (Certified Netware Engineer) shows that you know more than just how to do windows.

On the side things I really don't like, I would have to give a no vote to A+ certification. If I am looking for a tech flunky to open the case on a PC and not break it ok, but for a serious position I would tend to ignore A+. Just a general feeling I get after meeting more than a few A+ certified techs.

If you have the time and money, get certified. If you don't, then get a job one class below your desired position and show them first hand what you are worth. You can also sneak into a good position sometimes by doing temp work for places that are hiring. It gets you in the door and gives them a chance to hire you on your true merits not a piece of paper.

[Jin Vitas]

dont listen to 800.. just kidding.. yea MCSE.. is pretty good.. there is 6 tests 4 core two electives.. I took the electives exchange..server and .. tcp/ip for nt4.0 ..I tell ya.. if you are young like me it is HARD..without experience to get your foot in the door.. right now I only have about 2-3 yrs of experience..I started working with computers when I was about 18.. or so.. I got my MCSE when I was 19 or 20 I think forgot.. but it is worth it.. cuz it not only helped me a tad.. it also let the manager of the company see potential in training you cuz it says you are capable of being trained.. right now I am 22 and I am quad certified.. including MCSE.. but the pay still sucks..

If you have any questions you can ICQ me at 25053113

[This message has been edited by Jin Vitas (edited 05-03-99).]

[mgivens]

I think the MCSE course/training shows that you as a person have the ability to be trained. Yes anybody can take a test, however not everybody can apply their knowledge. If working in the computer field is what you want , then I would GET certified. It does open doors for you, however you still have to be humble, that a non-certified person still may know more. (because of years of experience)

As for which cert to get, I say MCSE over CNE, just because Microsoft is so very large and they have the marketing power to be at the top. (but watch out for Linux !)

Just my 2 cents worth !

[BBA]

Yes, get all the certs you can!

Notice that most people who have CNE will have already done the MCSE certs. Most people I know with CNE are in higher paying jobs than PC techies. LAN is where the money is, MCSE is where to start, because Novell ain't easy when your foot ain't in the door to use it!

BBA

[800XL]

MCSE is really "accessible" compared to CNE. I could go out and get a CNE without too much trouble because I get to tinker with NetWare all time. To someone without access to it, the test would be very hard to study for. It is a lot easier to setup a trial version of NT and study for MCSE. I agree that you should get all the certs you can. I simply don't have enough time to devote to it right now or I would be getting them. At the same time, work on getting in the business if you are not already. Quite often many employers will pay for training materials and testing fees for you. You also can be experiencing real life situations that you can apply on the tests.