Question about Server/System Admin & Microsoft Certs

Hey all,

I am hoping to get into a Server or System Admin role here in the next few years and would like to align myself (via certifications). I have an A+ and have studied the 70-680 but have not taken the exam as of yet and am currently working in operations. I have a few questions:

Are there any certifications/technologies I should focus on PRIOR to starting my focus on MS Server?
Should I study server 2008 R2 or should I consider 2012? (keep in mind that I am fresh, so it will be from the ground up with either version)
Should I focus on any specific technologies, MS or Otherwise, that may attribute to a successful career in server administration?

Keep in mind that this is a long term goal and I don't expect to jump into several programs at once. Just looking for a basic road map so I can plot my own path. Thanks in advance.

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DoubleNNs

Are you thinking about starting to study NOW? If so, maybe jump into Server 2008 R2. You'd only need to take 1 exam afterwards to upgrade your cert into 2012.

About7Narwhal

DoubleNNs wrote: »

Are you thinking about starting to study NOW? If so, maybe jump into Server 2008 R2. You'd only need to take 1 exam afterwards to upgrade your cert into 2012.

I would start within the next few weeks. Any idea which exam I should consider for 2008 R2? Thanks.

ajs1976

70-640 (AD) or 70-642 (Network Infrastructure)

Chitownjedi

You can aim for your MCSA 2008 SA for now and then upgrade that to a MCSA 2012 via exam 417. You would want to get some lab time in so installing a copy of Windows Server 2008 r2 on a virtual machine would be a good way to have access to the O/S and setting up Active Directory as well as using the resources here for refinement and familiarity... MCSA 2008 includes exams (640-642-646) Microsoft's website has a certification section that has all the information you would need about upgrade paths and what not. But other than going for the MCSA 2008 SA and then MCSA 2012 (Whatever you choose after would be your advancement in the server domain) the only thing really left is labbing, getting experience and learning the material.

About7Narwhal

ajs1976 wrote: »

70-640 (AD) or 70-642 (Network Infrastructure)

Would the 70-642 be easier if I tried for my Net+ or CCENT or would I be okay as long as I know basic networking?

Chitownjedi wrote: »

You can aim for your MCSA 2008 SA for now and then upgrade that to a MCSA 2012 via exam 417. You would want to get some lab time in so installing a copy of Windows Server 2008 r2 on a virtual machine would be a good way to have access to the O/S and setting up Active Directory as well as using the resources here for refinement and familiarity... MCSA 2008 includes exams (640-642-646) Microsoft's website has a certification section that has all the information you would need about upgrade paths and what not. But other than going for the MCSA 2008 SA and then MCSA 2012 (Whatever you choose after would be your advancement in the server domain) the only thing really left is labbing, getting experience and learning the material.

If I follow the certification path as it is now (640, 642, 646) for 2008 R2, would that require me to upgrade when the new MCSAs roll out in 2013 or are the exams 1-for-1 on the new system? I ask because I would hate to be halfway through the path then have it change and require extra work to upgrade what I have already done. If the new system will require additional upgrade exams, I might start my studies now but not actually take the exams until the new system goes live.

About7Narwhal

Ignore that second part. I see on the Microsoft site that the exams give an MCSA not an MCITP.

DoubleNNs

The MS certs confuse the sh** out of me to be honest. But it seems like passing an individual 70-xxx exam gives you an MCITP whereas passing any 3 gives you an MCSA?? Am I wrong?

Would passing the 640, 642, and 643 (instead of 646) give me an MCSA as well? Or would that be "MCTS" instead?

I'm so confused.

About7Narwhal

DoubleNNs wrote: »

The MS certs confuse the sh** out of me to be honest. But it seems like passing an individual 70-xxx exam gives you an MCITP whereas passing any 3 gives you an MCSA?? Am I wrong?

Would passing the 640, 642, and 643 (instead of 646) give me an MCSA as well?

The 643 would give you an MCITP: Enterprise Administrator on Windows Server 2008 (and the certification is set to expire in 2013):
Exam 70-640
Exam 70-642
Exam 70-643
Exam 70-647
plus either
Exam 70-620
or
Exam 70-624
or
Exam 70-680
or
Exam 70-681

See also You would be better off taking the 640,642, & 646 as far as I can tell. Not only would you have to take an extra exam for the MCITP you would also have to take another one to upgrade to the current system. Someone correct me if I am wrong.

DoubleNNs

So if I pass JUST 70-640, 70,642, and 70-643 and nothing else, that's not an actual certification? Just passed exams?

About7Narwhal

DoubleNNs wrote: »

So if I pass JUST 70-640, 70,642, and 70-643 and nothing else, that's not an actual certification? Just passed exams?

MCTS. But I don't think they are worth much when it comes to the "New and Improved" certification system Microsoft has developed. The certification paths for MCTS and MCITP retire July 31, 2013.

kriscamaro68

MCTS=any non pro exam. pro exams are the 70-785, 70-686, 70-646, or 70-647 as it pertains to client/server exams I.E. 70-680, 70-640, 70-642

MCITP:EDA/MCSA:EDA=70-680, 70-686 If you obtain this cert before july 2013 you will obtain both monikers I.E. MCITP:EDA and MCSA:EDA.
MCITP:SA/MCSA:Server 2008=70-640, 70-642, 70-646 If you obtain this cert before july 2013 you will obtain both monikers I.E. MCITP:SA and MCSA:Server 2008.
MCITP:EA=70-640, 70-642, 70-643, 70-647, and 70-680 This exam tack that leads to the MCITP is expiring in July of 2013 so no point it taking the 70-643 or 647.

Chitownjedi

About7Narwhal wrote: »

MCTS. But I don't think they are worth much when it comes to the "New and Improved" certification system Microsoft has developed. The certification paths for MCTS and MCITP retire July 31, 2013.

If you get 70-640-70-642-70-643 You are headed down the path to become a MCITP:EA

MCITP: Enterprise Administrator on Windows Server 2008
Exam 70-640
Exam 70-642
Exam 70-643
Exam 70-647
plus either
Exam 70-620
or
Exam 70-624
or
Exam 70-680
or
Exam 70-681

Which would be the "equivalent of an MCSE in 2003, or in 2012 on Sever. Now Earning the MCITP:EA earns you that certification, but the MCSA:2008 As well, which will carry over once the MCITP:EA is no longer able to be earned after July 31st 2013 (I however think this may have been extended to 2014) The MCSA 2008 can be gained for at least 3 more years, possibly more based on market, and all that good stuff.

Now if you want to get MCITP:SA look below

MCITP: Server Administrator on Windows Server 2008
Exam 70-640
Exam 70-642
Exam 70-646

Which also gives you the MCSA:Server 2008 designation. However your accumulated certifications will be different then the person who has gotten the EA.

So if you got 70-640 70-642 70-646 you would gain the MCITP:SA certification for Server 2008. As well as the new MCSA 2008 Designation for use after the MCITP certification is retired.

If you get 70-640 70-642 70-643 You get nothing,(as in MCITP's but you do gain MCTS for individual exams) because you need a few more to meet the requirements for MCITP: EA

DoubleNNs

I understand more now.

But you say that you earn both MCITP as well as MCSA monikers. On a resume, you'd only put the MCSA, right? Putting both would be redundant and off-putting to a recruiter? And putting MCSA would be more recognized since that would be the new cert in 2013, right?

lsud00d

Technically you could put both MCITP:SA and MCSA:Server 2008, but I would recommend just MCSA 2008 since MCITP was an HR acronym failure and they still hang onto MCSA/MCSE

DoubleNNs

And then if I take the 417 to update my MCSA:2008 on my resume I should put MCSA:2008 AND MCSA:2012?

ajs1976

About7Narwhal wrote: »

Is this sticky still a valid list of resources or are there better alternatives for the 70-640?

sort of. It is a good start, but make sure to read further down the thread and pick up the R2 material too.

About7Narwhal

Thanks for the support and the answers. I have decided to take a look at Server 2008 starting with the 70-640. I will direct any further questions to the Microsoft thread. Thanks again.

saspro

DoubleNNs wrote: »

And then if I take the 417 to update my MCSA:2008 on my resume I should put MCSA:2008 AND MCSA:2012?

You can as you will have both