Applying credentials to the MCSA

Hello all,

I was reading up on the MCSA. I am thinking about going after this when I am done with the Network+ (I am beginning to feel ready for the test). I am a little confused by this statement on Microsoft's requirements...

Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA)
To receive an elective credit toward the MCSA certification, candidates must earn the CompTIA A+ credential and either the CompTIA Network+ credential or the CompTIA Server+ credential. Alternatively, candidates can earn the CompTIA Security+ credential.

Does this mean you could do a+ wi/ Security+? or does this mean you could just do Security+ instead of A+?

: The whole "alternatively" part through me off.

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skrpune

They mean you can do either what comes before the "alternatively" or what comes after it...so your choices are:
- A+ / Network+
- A+ / Server+
- Security+

veritas_libertas

Thanks, it really had me scratching my head. I guess I just thought that was too easy to be true. Is the Security+ really that hard compare to Network+ and A+ together????

Slowhand

While it's not required, it's highly recommended that you have the kind of experience and training you'd need for both A+ and Network+ before going after the Security+ certification. Security+ is considered a rung higher on the CompTIA ladder, a sort of extension of the regular entry-level certs.

veritas_libertas

Somehow I knew it wasn't as easy as it looked, thanks!

mjfwebb

Sorry about crashing this topic with my own question (but as it was completely relevant I didn't think it warranted a new topic).

I've read about the pre-requisites for MSCA being A+, Network+ and Security+...

I was curious that if these were compulsary certifications to even begin training to be a MSCA or if they were just recommended?

Hello too by the way! I hope to become a MSCA then MSCE and will be studying hard and seeking your counsel

Big Jizay

mjfwebb wrote: »

Sorry about crashing this topic with my own question (but as it was completely relevant I didn't think it warranted a new topic).

I've read about the pre-requisites for MSCA being A+, Network+ and Security+...

I was curious that if these were compulsary certifications to even begin training to be a MSCA or if they were just recommended?

Hello too by the way! I hope to become a MSCA then MSCE and will be studying hard and seeking your counsel

Literally speaking, those Comptia tests aren't required for the MCSA, but having the A+ and Net+ will make it much easier. IMO, going for the MCSA will be much harder if you don't receive both of those certs. After the A+, you'll know more about hardware/software, and after the Net+, you'll know the basics of networking. The knowledge from both makes studying for the MCSA easier. Also, combining both certs will count as an elective toward MCSA. So I strongly recommend trying this first.

mjfwebb

Big Jizay wrote: »

Literally speaking, those Comptia tests aren't required for the MCSA, but having the A+ and Net+ will make it much easier. IMO, going for the MCSA will be much harder if you don't receive both of those certs. After the A+, you'll know more about hardware/software, and after the Net+, you'll know the basics of networking. The knowledge from both makes studying for the MCSA easier. Also, combining both certs will count as an elective toward MCSA. So I strongly recommend trying this first.

Thanks Big Jizay.

I personally already have an extensive background in PC hardware/software ([upgrading/troubleshooting]/programming) and I was told by a friend that my knowledge would be sufficient with those topics to instead study a different elective.

Thanks again for the reply.

Jordus

If it were me i would just do the microsoft elective.

270/620 is a good combo to cover the core and elective portions.

Why do 2 tests at 300 and 250$ when you can do 1 at 125?

Besides I think 270/620 bring more relevant information to the table than certainly A+ and mostly for Net+.

skrpune

Jordus wrote: »

If it were me i would just do the microsoft elective.

270/620 is a good combo to cover the core and elective portions.

Why do 2 tests at 300 and 250$ when you can do 1 at 125?

Besides I think 270/620 bring more relevant information to the table than certainly A+ and mostly for Net+.

I guess it depends on what your path is. I started out with A+ & then did 620 and then went back to Network+. It only makes sense for me to do the 290 & 291 & get my MCSA.

If I already had base knowledge and/or experience & didn't have a need to get the A+/Network+ though, you're right, I probably would have done the math & gone with the straight MS path.