MCSA Qualification Advice

[tschana9]

Hello Everyone (new member)

I live in London, and am about to start a career track to becoming Microsoft certified.
I currently work for a small organisation (30 staff) helping another guy with general IT problems (e.g PC configuration, and PC trouble shooting)
All our major IT problems are dealt with external engineers.

I have obtained a LANs and Networking Certificate but is very basic and as I had no previous experience in Networks was just an Overview. (Theory)

Now I have come across an IT training company offering career tracks which offer distant learning etc. As I have never done a Microsoft Qualification before how long and is it worth doing the MCSA to get formally into the IT industry.
The course starts with a European Computer Driving Licence, then A+, Network+ and so one.

The cost of this is about £3500 and I am going to hopefully get started on 8/10/03.
I would like to know what people think of the MCSA and has it improved their job prospects.


Any advice or opinions would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers

TSC

 

[jtb]

for that kind of money, don't you think you could buy two pentium 3 computers, a hub, some books, and study for yourself?

If not, you don't really have the right stuff because most employers don't want people without hands on experience...

Granted the certs are nice; but you can do it much cheaper and train yourself in the things the web courses leave out...

just my view, ymmv.

JTB
Senior Infrastructure Specialist
MCSE-NT4, MCP+I, MCP-W2K, CCNA, CCDA,
CTE, MCIWD, i-Net+, Network+
(MCSE-W2K in progress)

 

[jonojacker]

Get some better hands-on experience before spending that kind of money on a bootcamp!

Jono

http://www.compcerts.com

 

[xchefpeter]

Seems like a lot of money. If you do go that route and I do know the value of having an instructor to quide you you should still build yourself a lab get the extra book and get the hands on. It seems that for that amount of money you should be aiming for MCSE not just MCSA.
when you do build you lab don't worry about using P4's I have my home lab built on legacy chips and I feel I have more understanding of the processes than other who only work with the latest and greatest.
In the real world I have more clients with P2s and older Celeron chips than with P4s


good luck

xchefpeter
A+N+MCP
Pending MCSA>MCSE>CCNA
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I never know my limitations until I exceed them