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A+ vs MCSE/MCSA? 5

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y2k1981

y2k1981

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Aug 2, 2002
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Hi All,

I know that there's a seperate CompTIA forum, but I wanted to get some people's opinions. I've have a pretty good knowledge of PC hardware (networks ok ... ish !) and have a good knowledge of administering and troubleshooting NT (yeah, I know that's a bit dated, but it's what was on the course). Anyway, what I want to get people's opinions on is, would you go for A+ or would you do an MCSA/MCSE ? And if I were to go the MCSE route, would you suggest I do the MCSE or MCSE exams? I know that part of that would depend on what type of career path I want to follow, but I basicly want to do tech support.

Anyway, just looking for some people's opinions. Look forward to hearing them
Martin

 
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I do not know your background so......

A+ is a good stepping stone for the MCSE, but they are totally two different animals.

A+ is good for people that know hardware ins and outs. Get it to see what you are getting into

MCSE is much, much, much more difficult versus the A+. My recommended prerequisites is to have experience administering a Win2k network, not re-configing your gaming machine at home. You should know ADS structuring, troubleshooting,etc since a good chunk of the tests are scenario based.
 
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In my opinion, if you are only wanting to do tech support, I'd do the A+ and the Network+. The MCSE is more in-depth and is mostly targeted towards those in Network Administration or a Network Technician. The MCSA is all about managing a Win2k network and the MCSE is just more technically in-depth....

Thanks,

Matt Wray
MCSE, MCSA, MCP, CCNA

 
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I Agree with the previous Posts.

I don't think it matters too much where you start.

A+ is a broad (and reasonably thorough) introduction
to PC Hardware and Microsoft Operations Systems, mainly at the Client / Workstation level. Ie From DOS to Win3.x to Win9x to Win2k (and soon WinME & Win XP).

Note the CompTIA / A+ is meant to not be vendor specific, but the OS exam is really all Microsoft.

If you look at the A+ exam objectives and know 90% of it, then why not do the exam and move on to your next challenge. (For the objectives, Go to or browse some of the A+ books, look for Mike Meyers as a start) (Note A+ & Network+ (Together) can be counted as an elective for your MCSA).

If you only know about 50% of the A+ objectives, then I would recommend studying for it. Aiming to Pass the exam, goes a long way to improving your knowledge in fixing PCs.

Network+ expands on the Networking Hardware (like an extenion of the A+ hardware)

And the Microsoft Exam 70-210 is a revision and extension on the A+ OS exam with focus on W2k.

After that the MCP/MCSA exams start to get into the serious business of building an maintaining substantial networks.



Zollo9999 A+ [thumbsup]
 
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Also remember that the A+ and Network+ are now accepted by MS towards the MCSA 2000 certification as an Elective . Just need to take the 218 exam and I am there (already have 210 and 215)
 
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Hello Martin,

Get your A+, Network+, and the MCSA. Then, if you decide later that you want your MCSE you will be a few tests closer than you would have been otherwise.

All of them will "help" you with tech support (although it is the knoweldge you learn that helps, not that certificate).


CJ

Don't drink and post, save that for driving home!
 
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As much as I hate to do it, I must agree with CharlieJax this time... beginners should learn the A+ and Network+ before doing the MCP/MCSA/MCSE routine...

It's akin to learning how to stand up before you learn to walk before you learn to run...

As a Sysadmin, if you can't do the rudimentary hardware troubleshooting, you'll waste a lot of time trying to find non-existent bugs in software... etc.

Please note that I am not saying that you need to actually hold the A+; but if you're just starting, it is the logical 1st cert... and something good to put on the resume...

Good hunting!!



JTB
Senior Infrastructure Specialist
MCSE-NT4, MCP+I, MCP-W2K, CCNA, CCDA,
CTE, MCIWD, i-Net+, Network+
(MCSE-W2K in progress)
 
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I agree with everyone......A+ and NET+ and MCSA/MCSE are like comparing apples and oranges.

A+ is a hardware cert.
MCSA/MCSE is a OS specific cert.

Having done the MCSA tests and about to take my upgrade to 2003 if you don't have access to 2000 server or 2003 server and using AD you will have problems.

Dave
MCSA
 
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The A+ certification certification is a vendor-neutral cert (meaning it covers other products, not just MS). There are 2 exams for the A+ cert: Hardware and Operating Systems. While it is a well-respected cert, it is not designed for those hoping to pass the exams and then work as an admin or a engineer. It is a great first cert, and great for those trying to break into the IT field.

MCSA and MCSE are much more indepth, and much more focus on specific products, like Windows 2000 and 2003 Server, notice one is network admin, and one is network engineer. You said you are interested in tech support.

The obvious choice seems to me to be

MCDST:
Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician.
Brand new cert, available in December.
2 exams... one OS Support and one App Support

You expressed an interest in MS certs and want to do tech support; sounds like a great fit to me, and you can be among the first. I think this cert is going to be huge.
 
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The ms cert will be huge.

But it will take a certain amount of time to be useful.

The A+ is useful now.

Depends on when you want to try to get the job?



JTB
Senior Infrastructure Specialist
MCSE-NT4, MCP+I, MCP-W2K, CCNA, CCDA,
CTE, MCIWD, i-Net+, Network+
(MCSE-W2K in progress)
 
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because hiring managers are usually not ready to be the first to hire someone with an "unknown" cert and A+ took several years to "catch on"...

JTB
Senior Infrastructure Specialist
MCSE-NT4, MCP+I, MCP-W2K, CCNA, CCDA,
CTE, MCIWD, i-Net+, Network+
(MCSE-W2K in progress)
 
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I know it's been a while since this thread started, and i never posted back, but I have been reading all the replies. just want to first of all say thanks to everybody for your replies. I've decided to go with the A+. Now I have another question thought !! I've been looking through the brouchure from the training provider I'm going to do the A+ with and was thinking of doing the Network+ or CCNA. For the Network+ they recommend candidates have the A+ and about 6 months experience of working in a support role. However, for the CCNA they don't. i would have thought the CCNA would be more difficult than the Network+, so which one would be the more logical step after the A+, I've heard that the CCNA can help to boost your salary, which one would you recommend?

thanks again everybody for your replies.
 
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The CCNA will be Far more difficult than the Network+. Go with the Network+ and that may give you some help if you decide to pursue the CCNA...

Thanks,

Matt Wray
MCSE, MCSA, MCP, CCNA

 
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yeah, that's what I would have expected. Just when they required you to have experience for the Network+ but not the CCNA it kind of threw me.

I don't know if you're familiar with CIW, but I've already done the CIW foundations course, which does cover network fundamentals, would I learn much more in the Network+?
 
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I couldn't say, as I don't have either credential. I know some of the Network+ from speaking to others, but don't really know anything of the CIW. For the CCNA, if you are not already using Cisco product, you'll need to get a couple routers and switches and books. Check out the Cisco Certification Forum, forum473. My CCNA is at least 2 tests old, maybe 3 by now. Ask someone who is studying for the current test...

Thanks,

Matt Wray
MCSE, MCSA, MCP, CCNA

 
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If you are simply looking into support/help desk stuff you may want to take a look into a new cert that Microsoft is releasing this month. It is the Microosft Certified Desktop Support Technician. It is two tests and probably covers most of the topics that you may know and will complement Network+ very well. here is the link:


thek25
CCNA, 640-901, 640-604, 640-605
 
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Since this is a MS cert... I don't think it will take any time at all to "take off". MCSA certainly took off in a hurry.
 
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