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

Axton · December 9

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 · December 9

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 · December 9

@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 · December 9

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 · December 10

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.

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

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