MTA in Windows Server 98-365 for a new graduate with A+, Security+, CCNA, and RHCSA?

I'm currently a between my junior and senior year at a 4 year university, and I have IT experience from before I went back to school. Most of my experience in IT is in Unix/Linux administration, not windows server, but I took a community college class on Windows server a while back. I'm spending the summer getting IT certifications, starting with A+, Security+, CCNA, and RHCSA. I wanted to add a Microsoft certification to the list to prove I'm able to work with Microsoft server technologies if I need to, even if I prefer and have more experience with Unix based systems like Cisco IOS and Linux. I was thinking the Windows Server Administration Fundamentals 98-365 would be a perfect exam to show employers my ability to work with Microsoft technologies without forcing me to put too much and energy into certifying myself in technologies I'm less excited about. From what I've seen MS is a lot easier to work with than Linux anyway so learning Microsoft server on the job shouldn't be hard, compared to learning Linux on the job as I have already done.

The career path I'm interested in is Linux and network administration, but I want to have my bases covered with MS certs if I don't get the job I want right away. I'm considering the MCSA but I don't want to put too much time and energy into memorizing irrelevant factoids about Microsoft systems to prepare for a career path I don't want to go down. What do others think of this use of the MTA exam? Do you think it will highlight my lack of Microsoft experience to employers more that it will help? Or will the phrase "Microsoft Certified" help get my resume through ATSs? Will showing I have a basic understanding of Microsoft Server technologies help my job applications considering the other credentials I'm getting? I want to show I'll at least have the competence to work in a dual MS/Linux environment. Will the MTA in Windows Server Administration Fundamentals show that to employers?

Should I either go for the MCSA or not worry about an MS cert at all, or is an MTA in Windows Server a nice middle ground?

I would appreciate thoughts and advice on this topic.

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Comments

gabypr

If you dont want to go in depth with MS certs at least get a MCTS status such as passing exam 70-680 (Windows 7). MTA exams are very basic and I dont think it will get the attention of recruiters. If you want to get some additional MS recognition you could pass 70-410 Installing and Configuring Windows Server 2012 which is the most easiest and basic exam on the new server infrastructure from Microsoft. With this cert you will gain experience on many server technologies on a basic level. Good luck!!!

JaneDoe

If you just take the 70-410 Installing and Configuring Windows Server 2012 does this alone give you any kind of MS credential?

gabypr

Im not quite sure, I though that you get MCP status credential, but from what I have read, you dont get any credential title. After you pass any exam you get access to the Microsoft Certified Professional website. You could put in your resume something like "experience working with Windows Server 2012 technology", or that you are "pursuing MCSA 2012" (if you decided to).

If you want to pass 70-410 download virtualbox or if you have win8 profesional use hyper-v and install at least 2 win server 2012 servers and one win 7 or 8 vm. Get Windows Up and Running from O Relliys, Introducing Windows Server 2012 (free) to get used to the interface and technologies. For certification use CBTNuggets and MS Press Exam Ref for 70-410. With these you should pass without problem.

If you pass the exam let us know if you get MCP status or not. Thanks

Good luck!!!

JaneDoe

I just looked this up. The MCP has been replaced by the MTA according to this Microsoft Post.

Microsoft wrote:

For many years passing just one exam would give you the Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) certification.

The entry level MCP certification has been replaced by Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA)

Only passing a MTA exams will give you the MTA certification.

This means that any other exam in most cases will no longer give you entry level certification.

Also according to Micrsoft's main certification page

Q.What do I gain from passing a Microsoft Certification exam?
A.When you pass your first Microsoft Certification exam, you become a member of the Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) community with access to all of the benefits provided through the Microsoft Certification Program and the MCP member site. You can share your transcript with others to prove that you passed that exam and show your progress towards a specific certification. In some cases, such as when you pass an MTA or Specialist exam, that single exam will also earn you the associated certification.

So I guess it's MTA or all or nothing with MCSA.