Skills, training and certifications to land position as a System or Desktop Administrator

Axton

Without going into great detail about my previous training and experience.   I am looking to re-brand myself.  
 
I have been looking into the skills and Certifications needed to land a position as “system administrator”
My research show a variety of areas to study, but mainly focused on,
1.       Network
2.       Servers
3.       Cloud (as a area that is up and coming)
4.       Operating Systems

One online degree (Desktop and Server Administrator) that I came across shows about 7 CompTIA Certifications to review and obtain, starting from the lowest end.
1.       Tech+
2.       A+ IT Technician
3.       Network +
4.       Security+
5.       Server+
6.       Cloud+
7.       Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)
(https://www.midlandstech.edu/programs-and-courses/school-science-information-technology-engineering-and-math-stem/desktop-server-administrator)

When I look at (Advanced Desktop and Server Administrator, degree. They add 3 more Certifications.
1.       Linux+
2.       Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
3.       PenTest+
(https://www.midlandstech.edu/programs-and-courses/science-information-technology-engineering-and-math-stem/advanced-desktop-and-server-administrator-training-certificate)

Now, I have no intention on taking any of these online courses as I just finished an almost 2-year Associate Degree in Applied Science in Computer Information Technology Systems.  Which pretty consisted of
1.       A+ IT Technician
2.       Network +
3.       Security+
4.       Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)
Along with some Coding, Web Design and Photoshop. 
 
Since I was already A+ and Net+ Certified, (2009), was provided with vouchers for two other CompTIA exams, I selected Cloud+ and Cloud Essentials.    I passed Cloud Essentials, but unfortunately, failed Cloud+ and along with that, I failed Security+ and CySA+.  

So at this point, I am not sure where I should start.  I told me wife, that just for ‘shoots’ and giggles. I was going to look into Azure.  I am looking at the 900 exams (AZ-900, AI-900 and MS-900), just to start, and kill some time.
 
When I reviewed the online degree time line, I can see that these are accelerated programs, as most of the in class time for these certifications are 2 weeks and 4 weeks.   I am considering, just considering, re-testing for Net+ and Sec+ next year, and maybe taking Tech+, just to update my certifications.  I had few older MS certs on XP, Windows 7 and 8, but I think those are irrelevant in 2024/25.  

I am guessing, given the time and effort, you can complete these programs yourself, (self accelarate yourself), and the only issue would be the cost for the testing.  Which would cost about $3600, for all the certifications. 
 
After all the information I have reviewed, I am sure that there is good/great path to follow over the next year to accomplish the skills, training and certifications to land position as a System Administrator or Desktop Administrator.  
 
Any suggestions? 

JDMurray

Based on what you've posted in this thread, I have the following opinions:

• For sysadmin, Linux/UNIX experience is essential. All non-Microsoft computers and devices are Linux/UNIX. 
• Cloud is not "up and coming" but is instead "here and now." If you don't have Cloud knowledge/experience by now then you are already behind the game.
• Unless you have an employer that says otherwise, Hyper-V is the way to go for your first Cloud certs. Every employer has a Microsoft network, and everything Microsoft runs on Hyper-V. Most VMs in the Cloud are Microsoft OSes; most OSes on the computers in a Cloud DC are Linux.
• For a sysadmin job, the network and security certs are only a "nice to have," but may give you an edge over your job-seeking competition.
• Don't bother renewing certifications unless you are teaching the cert or it's the CISSP. It is extremely rare that a sysadmin job opportunity will require current certs. 
• Review newer releases of cert exams to learn the new material, but you don't need to re-take the exam--most hiring managers don't care how old your certs are or that they are expired.
• Remember that you are being hired to solve your hiring manager's problems. You must demonstrate how you have "saved the day" as a sysadmin and can do the same for your next employers too. 

xagreus

@Axton, Sunset Learning Institute has a few webinars scheduled for January that provide a free exam voucher for Microsoft's introductory certifications (including two of those that you mention in your post): https://www.sunsetlearning.com/webinars/

From the registration pages for their Microsoft webinars:

Earn a free exam voucher after attending in a few easy steps:
1. Attend at least 50% of the live Fundamentals course and complete the Microsoft Learn Self Completion for the course.
2. Post your digital badge on social media and tag @Sunset Learning Institute in your post.
3. Request a free exam voucher for the fundamentals course you attended.

That's how I earned my SC-900 (Feb. 2023) and AZ-900 (Feb. 2024) certs. I'm not affiliated with SLI, but have benefited from their trainings over the years.

Axton

JDMurray said:

Based on what you've posted in this thread, I have the following opinions:

• For sysadmin, Linux/UNIX experience is essential. All non-Microsoft computers and devices are Linux/UNIX. 
• Cloud is not "up and coming" but is instead "here and now." If you don't have Cloud knowledge/experience by now then you are already behind the game.
• Unless you have an employer that says otherwise, Hyper-V is the way to go for your first Cloud certs. Every employer has a Microsoft network, and everything Microsoft runs on Hyper-V. Most VMs in the Cloud are Microsoft OSes; most OSes on the computers in a Cloud DC are Linux.
• For a sysadmin job, the network and security certs are only a "nice to have," but may give you an edge over your job-seeking competition.
• Don't bother renewing certifications unless you are teaching the cert or it's the CISSP. It is extremely rare that a sysadmin job opportunity will require current certs. 
• Review newer releases of cert exams to learn the new material, but you don't need to re-take the exam--most hiring managers don't care how old your certs are or that they are expired.
• Remember that you are being hired to solve your hiring manager's problems. You must demonstrate how you have "saved the day" as a sysadmin and can do the same for your next employers too. 

Thanks for your comments. 

Axton

xagreus said:

@Axton, Sunset Learning Institute has a few webinars scheduled for January that provide a free exam voucher for Microsoft's introductory certifications (including two of those that you mention in your post): https://www.sunsetlearning.com/webinars/

From the registration pages for their Microsoft webinars:

Earn a free exam voucher after attending in a few easy steps:
1. Attend at least 50% of the live Fundamentals course and complete the Microsoft Learn Self Completion for the course.
2. Post your digital badge on social media and tag @Sunset Learning Institute in your post.
3. Request a free exam voucher for the fundamentals course you attended.

That's how I earned my SC-900 (Feb. 2023) and AZ-900 (Feb. 2024) certs. I'm not affiliated with SLI, but have benefited from their trainings over the years.

Thanks for your comments.