Microsoft cert or CCNA? 1

[comptek]

Hey guys

I am in the pc/network tech. I have my A+/N+ cert. I want to do network administration work probably for the bulk of my days 30+ yrs from now. I work in a Microsoft/Novell network mostly doing support for desktops (programs dont run, printer jams, create users etc). Would it be beneficial to go afer a ccna or MCSA/MCSE. What's the difference between a CCNA and a MCSA other than vendor specific. Can a CCNA handle a MCSA duties and vice versa? For right now I dont really want to be a consultant. I just want to know networks to the point that if something happens to a server then I can take care of it. I know that CCNA and MS is vendor specific but based on some of the threads if you are ccna certified then running a Micorsoft house should not be that much of a problem right?

Thanks guys

Let me repeat I want to be a Network admin not necessary a Network Engineer. Whats the difference between the two.

Comptek
A+, Network+

 

[jtb]

CCNA Description:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/learning/le3/le2/le0/le9/learning_certification_type_home.html

From the website: "The CCNA certification (Cisco Certified Network Associate) indicates a foundation in and apprentice knowledge of networking. CCNA certified professionals can install, configure, and operate LAN, WAN, and dial access services for small networks (100 nodes or fewer), including but not limited to use of these protocols: IP, IGRP, Serial, Frame Relay, IP RIP, VLANs, RIP, Ethernet, Access Lists."


MCSA Description:

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcsa/default.asp

From the website: "The Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) certification will advance your career by ensuring you have the skills to successfully manage and troubleshoot system environments running on the Microsoft Windows operating system."

MCSE Description:

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcse/default.asp

From the website: "Earn the Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) certification and prove your expertise in designing and implementing the infrastructure for business solutions based on the Microsoft Windows® 2000 platform and Microsoft Windows Server System™."


This one is not too tough... Vendor-specific exams provide a certain amount of the basics and a whole lot of vendor-specific detail. Since you also have Novell equipment, you may want to investigate the CNA as well as Novell's Linux offerings. Theses can be explored starting at "

http://www.novell.com/training/certinfo/".

Before spending the money, why not discuss your career plans with your supervisor or manager and ask them to suggest which training and/or certifications would help you add value to the company? They would probably be pleased that (a) you asked them and (b) your focus was on the company. They will know you care about your career--and this will likely help them care about your career...

JTB
Senior Microsoft Consultant
MCSE-NT4+W2K, MCP+I, MCP-W2K, CCNA,
CCDA, CTE, MCIWD, i-Net+, Network+
(CCNP, MCSA/MCSE-2K3 in progress)

 

[Nzarth]

Agree with JTB with an as usual excellent and informative post.

To me CCNA is mostly about routers and switches that belong to the Cisco product range (plus all the protocols that go with it). So if your Windows 2000 server goes down then I dont think you are going to rely on your CCNA cert to get the damn thing back up again.

Just like if your Cisco switch or router gives up the ghost, your MCSE is not going to save you.

If you know that your career path is going to be focused as a Network Administrator, then I think you are going to concentrate on a vendor specific certification like MSCA/MCSE or CNA as pointed out in the above post.

But keep your options open, I look after a large network and hence I obtained my MCSE. I have decided that I want to move into Internetwork security and have started on the road of CCNA and then concentrating on the Cisco security track and then maybe something like Checkpoint.

I could never see myself as a Network Administrator for 30 years, but then we are all different.

Good Luck



Nzarth

MCSA/MCSE (W2K), CCA

Working on CCNA

 

[comptek]

Thanks for your response guys, it makes more sense now. I am in the direction of MCSA/MCSE. I am not going to do CNA because we have a CNE now and I heard rumors that when we implement Zenworks the novell servers will go away. As far as asking my co works/supervisors about which certs, they would just laugh at my face and say that a cert is useless. My supervisor is a CNE but he only got it because in order for him to be the network supervisor he had to get his CNE.

Over here my coworkers dont value certs, they have experience. To hell with them though I want certs because I am getting the experience that I need right now and I think that with a cert I maybe one step ahead of them.

Thanks guys



Comptek
A+, Network+

 

[Nzarth]

You have the right attitude IMHO...certs on there own do not add up to much. Certs and experience stack up more than just experience (but obviously that depends on the experience).

Good Luck with your studying

Nzarth

MCSA/MCSE (W2K), CCA

Working on CCNA

 

[redwhip]

I've been MCSE certified for 2 years and recently passed my CCNA as well.
I have now been receiving double the amount of calls from recruitment agencies and have had to turn down interviews.
There are loads of MCSEs out there and while it can get you in the door employers still regard it as a beginners cert. There are very many MCSEs to compete against.
CCNA is also a beginners cert but in doing it you learn the bigger picture - what happens outside of your LAN and how IP protocols work etc. Not so many people hav MCSE+CCNA
This is very useful when it comes to troubleshooting and employers know this.
In my opinion the most valuable exams to have passed are
MCP - Server 2000/2003, Network Infrastructure 2000/2003,
2000/2003 Security, and CCNA.

 

[jtb]

Lots of info on cisco certs available at forum473

Hands-on helps with routers too!!

JTB
Have Certs, Will Travel
"A knight without armour in a [cyber] land."