How much does the MCTIP help?

Main Event

Is it a good cert to get a job as a Computer Support Specialist? How much does it cost? How many test?

I'm looking to make at least 40k stable and then plan and pursue better.

I need a certification that will help, I'm studying the CCENT but I don't feel it's gonna help at all.

So I might scrap it and do something else.

Chitownjedi

You already have a listed A+... you have the potential to become a Computer Support Specialist with just that. The salary you receive depends on where you may be located, and what is the general amount employers pay for your job titles in your area. I am in Chicago and I've seen Computer Support Specialist jobs being advertised for 31.00- 37.00 hour by certain and some companies, and some stating 55-75,000k (I'm still waiting for my chance at one of those lol )

Your ability to get up to 40k and be stable depends more (I feel) on your ability to get some good experience and touch some things, be exposed to some things, more so then it is the certifications at that salary range. I've yet to be hired for any 1 certification I've had accept my A+... Even though i've gained 5 certifications this year, none of the contracts I took cared for any of them, only 1 place hired me because I was showing that I was interested and gaining more knowledge and improving myself... but it was my experience and exposure that got me all of my chances. Now having the A+ will allow you to talk to a lot of places and prove yourself via interview (phone or face to face) but I am very rarely asked questions that involved A+ subject.. they more so involve my troubleshooting process when it comes to typical enterprise issues (Printers-Email-applications not working, re installs of software, broke profiles...yada yada) In which case the MCITP for Enterprise Desktop Support may definitely fit the bill in allowing you to make the kind of salary, and stability, with your A+ as a foundation, and hopefully (Your good troubleshooting, and analytically problem solving) it will be a help.

CCENT would help you. A Network plus would help you, a CCENT is technically more advanced network wise then a Net+ even though the Net+ is good for covering all the basics, the CCENT, implies you know some of them and doesn't cover them as broadly as the CCENT. Cisco has pull in networking, so it never hurts to know about networking and how it works and the CCENT would be a good knowledge base, but one could argue if marketability wise if it has more pop then Network+ just do to most people advertising their CCNA and CCNA only even if they have both CCENT/CCNA

N2IT

I like the idea of getting the MCSA Windows 7. 680 and 685 would go nicely with the A+

Those two would set you up for years and you could always take the Windows 8 bridge exam to give you the MCSA for Windows 8 as well.

Talk about some serious resume fill. Just make sure you have the knowledge in the interview and you are golden.

Main Event

If I pass the 685 I'm Mcp correct? Do you think that would help me get a job right now over the ccent?

I'm in south Florida and entry level jobs aren't plenty. I'm trying to move but in stuck till my Lease is up in August.

I'm trying to get at least 30k a year now doing IT. At least build up some experience.

N2IT

Depends on what you want to do.

If networking interest you then go for it. But for that job title that you mentioned I think Windows MCSA 7 680 and 685 would help out a lot. I could be wrong.

Kind regards,
Patrick

kriscamaro68

Main Event wrote: »

If I pass the 685 I'm Mcp correct? Do you think that would help me get a job right now over the ccent?

I'm in south Florida and entry level jobs aren't plenty. I'm trying to move but in stuck till my Lease is up in August.

I'm trying to get at least 30k a year now doing IT. At least build up some experience.

To answer the first part of your question, passing the 70-685 will not get you anything right off the bat. It is the pro exam which requires you to pass another exam to achieve MCITP status. You would probably want to take and pass the 70-680 first as that will give you a cert right away which is the MCTS. After you pass that the 70-685 will get you the MCITP in Windows 7.

lsud00d

kriscamaro68 wrote: »

To answer the first part of your question, passing the 70-685 will not get you anything right off the bat. It is the pro exam which requires you to pass another exam to achieve MCITP status. You would probably want to take and pass the 70-680 first as that will give you a cert right away which is the MCTS. After you pass that the 70-685 will get you the MCITP in Windows 7.

To clarify there are two Windows 7 MCITP's:
70-680 + 70-685 = MCITP: Enterprise Desktop Support Technician on Windows 7
70-680 + 70-686 = MCITP: Enterprise Desktop Administrator on Windows 7

nosoup4u

From my experience unless your employer is a Microsoft silver or gold partner I've never met anyone who really cared about it to be completely honestly.

However that being said anything that can get you an edge over applicants is never a bad thing.

lsud00d

I don't think the Windows 7 MCITP's are a big deal for getting a job unless you want a desktop support role, but the Windows Server-based MCITP's (formerly and now again MCSA/MCSE) will land you jobs that will more likely pay more if in a Windows-centric environment.

Main Event

kriscamaro68 wrote: »

To answer the first part of your question, passing the 70-685 will not get you anything right off the bat. It is the pro exam which requires you to pass another exam to achieve MCITP status. You would probably want to take and pass the 70-680 first as that will give you a cert right away which is the MCTS. After you pass that the 70-685 will get you the MCITP in Windows 7.

I see a couple ads requiring mcp and A+ for jobs... lots of helpdesk, computer support jobs require the mcp and even though the MCP expired a while ago, I remember hearing that passing any MS test would get you MCP certified.

http://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=691471eb6ae229f4&q=mcp&l=33025&tk=17djge3j10kai1a3&from=web

see these alot.

paulgswanson

I remember hearing that passing any MS test would get you MCP certified.

yup that statement is most certainly correct. I have only passed those stupid MTA exams and I'm technically an MCP.

W Stewart

If you're just looking to support computers then go for the A+ and try to find an entry level job. Then get some microsoft certs or even linux if you want to be cool and get a lot of girls. Cisco is going to teach you about cisco equipment, not computers.