MCDST or MCSE

[flavor4real2]

Hey guys, I have a question:
I have a CAD drafting Degree, a AS in computer science, and work as a Tech in a military Instl. We take care about 900 users all over the base with all different front-end applications/ network setup. So you can say that I perform MCDST duties.

Now my employer will pay for a 5 day/40hrs class. Since I don't have an A+ certification I'm in the middle of nowhere and don't know which route I should go.

>> Should I go and take the MCDST? And go front-end?
or
>> Should I go server side and take MCSE? And build on that?

I don't think that A+ is necessary since I have 1 1/2years experience as computer tech. or do u think I should cover the A+ certification?

I really need some advice.

Also, if I go MCDST and will it be helpful to learn Active Directory/ Server Admin/ SQL next to it (job-side with the pay?)

I found this side >>

http://www.staffkit.com/learn/pkg_mcse.htm

<< what do u think about these class preparation?

Thanks a lot guys, and ladies

 

[pinkpanther56]

If you don't know much about active directory at the moment then forget about an MCSE in 5 days, i would recommend going for the MCDST as it will get you into the exam style and the course isn't particularily dificult.

Once you have that you can work towards MCSA as that will only require another three exams for that cert, then you can push on to the MCSE.

I wouldn't bother with A+ to be honest unless your company will pay for that as well i don't think it's something most companied look for.

 

[chpicker]

MCSE in one week? Only if you've been doing the job of an MCSE for years already.

I took a highly accelerated MSCE class and it was 192 CLASSROOM hours over the course of 6 months. That doesn't include homework or studying for the actual exams; that only includes the course material presentation and lab time.

Ian

 

[flavor4real2]

well, im taking the MCDST class first to cover my base since i dont have a A+ and the company pay for it. and then I''ll do the MCSE for 6 month

 

[chpicker]

The other thing to consider is that if you already have a year and a half of experience doing desktop support you may want to go ahead and get your A+. I did this back in 2000; I had been working as a PC technician for 3 years when I got laid off. I grabbed a book, studied for one night, went in the next day and almost aced both exams (97% and 99%).

A+ is really easy if you have the experience. It is, however, a good thing to have on your resumé especially if it's the only cert you have at the time.

Ian

 

[jfp23]

As an IT Manager I will tell you that certs themselves are becoming irrelevant. Your current degree (although getting a BS wouldn't hurt) and experience will get you much further. If you are looking for a class to take, forget about the exam and find a good hands on training class that will teach you something that you don't already know how to do, or may have done sparingly and don't feel all that comfortable with, than you can use that skill to make you a more productive employee after all that is the employers motivation to your taking a class in the first place. You can take the exam if you wish to, but it shouldn't be your primary motivation for deciding on a class to take.

 

[flavor4real2]

That is true. Someone I know don't have a AS, BS only a A+ certification, 10+ experience and he makes about 90000 a year as a IT Manager.

I'm here at a military base and I'm doing a good job here what my boss, supervisor tell me all the time. The pay here is low compared to the pay outside the base in the city. But you never get laid off nor easly fired. You learn a lot "on hand" since every department/bldg here has their own system/application/setup. lol,.. and i really like (j/k) user related errors.

Lots of users with the same problem result to user error and sometimes its boring.

"jfp23", you are right. A degree alone don't mean much. I used to work in a military issue facility and when I applied for the position. The It manager came and tested me on a workorder which he had some problems to figure out. After 2 hrs of trying on his ennd he told me "ok, know its your turn" ... it wasn't that hard, just simple step-by-step .. and after 20 minutes when we walked outside the bldg he told me that I've passed. Funny, soon as i started after the first 4 weeks he came and told me many times that he's impressed and i got my first promotion after 9 month.

Now, Ive been here for a while ... lets see where this here will go

 

[flavor4real2]

now I have a question .. whats the different between MCSA and MCSE????

 

[chpicker]

MCSA = Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator. You know how to manage existing networks. It only requires 3 core and one elective exam.

MCSE = Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer. You know how to analyze requirements and design and build networks from scratch. It requires 6 core and one elective exam. For example (from my own):

270, 290, 291, and 350 (elective) made me MCSA.

Adding 293, 294, and 297 added MSCE.

Does that help?

Ian

 

[flavor4real2]

i understand it better now and i think im going to take the MCSA after i take MCDST... then from there when time is right i can plan to take the MCSE

thanks guys ... i love this site and you all too