General Question about how long it will take to obtain Server Administrator

kirkofalltrades

I know it will differ for each person based on previous experience, ability to learn, etc. but I want to ask a hypothetical question.

I have been in IT for about 7 years. Spent most of that time as a desktop tech. Never got certifications, because frankly, I never needed them. I'm not saying I know it all, I'm just saying that I was always able to get jobs without them and no one but my current employer ever wanted me to pursue them. Now have 2 years working experience with Windows 2003 and AD. I have the Microsoft Press books for the Server 2008 Admin exams (70-640, 70-642, 70-646). I have VMware workstation for the lab portions. I'm about half way through the 70-640 book and feel very comfortable with the content.

So, to my question. If I had about 2 months of free time (meaning I won't be working), would a typical techy like myself be able to study for and take the three exams required?

I'll leave it at that for now. I have some major decisions to make and I'd appreciate your honesty (and enthusiasm )

Thanks!
Kirk

Hyper-Me

7 years experience, 2 years with AD, comfortable with half the 640 book, and 2 wide open months?

Easily.

Welcome to TE.

BradH

Almost same scenario here.... 6 months it took me to get SA. Each one was around 2 months.

Taking 643 tomorrow and that too has been about 2 months of work. I don't study as fast as some but I want to learn as much as I can before I go into it. I also have a wife and 3 kids so that also takes up time.

Depends really on how much free time you have. 640 is the best place to start IMO as it provides an excellent base to 2008 and it's AD roles and services.

GagHalfrunt

That's similar for me. It takes 2-3months per exam but I have a full time job with lots of overtime plus children.

Interestingly the first one (I took the 70-290 before jumping track to the EA) took me a very long time!

kirkofalltrades

A little more detail...

When I say two months wide open, I mean I can commit at least 8 hours per day to studying. My wife separates from the Military in June. We will be moving. So come June (perhaps even earlier) I will be looking for a new job. I really feel like a certification will help my competitiveness. I can afford to leave my current job at the end of this month and want to use the time in between (May 1 to June 30) to knock out the Server Administrator certification.

If it isn't plausible, I may as well stay at work through June. If it is, I am seriously considering going through with it. I also have the rest of this month to study while also working. Only 2 or 3 hours a night though.

I have confidence in myself but want to be realistic. If I sacrifice the time away from work I want to be able to benefit from it by getting the certs as well.

Thanks,
Kirk

Hyper-Me

Its very realistic with that much time and your experience.

Unless you have a learning disability or its hard for you to grasp topics then I dont see you having much trouble. and we are here to help as well. (Not meaning this as insulting, just stating that the average person could do it in this time frame.)

kirkofalltrades

Hyper-Me wrote: »

Its very realistic with that much time and your experience.

Unless you have a learning disability or its hard for you to grasp topics then I dont see you having much trouble. and we are here to help as well. (Not meaning this as insulting, just stating that the average person could do it in this time frame.)

I might not pick stuff up as quickly as I did when I was younger, but no learning disabilities

I'll keep you all posted and I'm sure I'll have questions as I get deeper into the material. Appreciate the warm welcome.

Kirk

earweed

Good luck and welcome to TE

impelse

Yes, you can do it, try to finish the first exam before leaving your job and you will have one month for exam. Try hard.......