Where to start with MS certs

So, i'm pretty confused on where to start with the Microsoft certs. Back in 2007 I went to computertraining.com (terrible mistake)
I remember the course was laid out for you to get your MCP, MCSA and MCSE in 6 months which is extremely hard for anyone who doesn't have much IT experience. Anyway, here we are in 2012 and I see some of the certs have changed. I know the MCP was your basic Microsoft cert and you can kind of work your way up to MCSA or MCSE. I guess my question is, where do I start now? I see the MCITP and MCTS. After I get my Security+ I'd like to work on Microsoft certs but I just have no idea where to start

If anyone could point me in the right direction that'd be great!

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MeanDrunkR2D2

It really depends on what your near term goals are. If you are looking for entry level IT helpdesk/desktop type of work, go for the 70-680 first, then the 70-685 or 70-686 to get your MCITP. If you are looking at network based work, you'd probably be better served going for the CCENT first.

glenn_33

I was interested in Cisco but I'm absolutely terrified of subnetting.

Zartanasaurus

Jump in with both feet and take 70-640. You'll find out right away if you have the chops to be a server admin. What's to be afraid of with subnetting? If you can add 128 + 64 + 32 or subtract 256 - 16 in your head, you can do subnetting.

The progression for MS tests going forward is going to be 70-640, 642, 646. This gets you the MCITP:SA/MCSA 2008 designation.
From there you choose a path (SQL, Virtualization, Enterprise Admin) and take 1-2 exams to get your MCSE 2012 designation.

gdeusthewhizkid

Microsoft Tests are extremely difficult. Start off with some MTA's like I did and then prepare for the advance level stuff. There's a great certification path that im following on microsoft site.

4_lom

If you're looking to get your feet wet with Microsoft, go for any of the MTA certs. They are very easy. I took and passed 3 of them without studying, and this was before I started working, so all the experience I had was from other certs and labbing. Like I said, VERY easy.

gdeusthewhizkid

4_lom wrote: »

If you're looking to get your feet wet with Microsoft, go for any of the MTA certs. They are very easy. I took and passed 3 of them without studying, and this was before I started working, so all the experience I had was from other certs and labbing. Like I said, VERY easy.

ditto....

glenn_33

I've looked over the MTA exams, the MTA Networking looks similar to the Network+. I don't wan to sound stupid or anything, but should I bother taking the Networking fundamentals if I already have my Net+? I see the path from MTA Networking to Security then to either Server or Windows and then MCTS..they just seem similar to the comptia exams, that's all....

gdeusthewhizkid

you should be able to pass MTA- networking fundamentals fairly easy if you have network+, you should take all 3 if you want the microsoft foundations.

kanecain

glenn_33 wrote: »

I've looked over the MTA exams, the MTA Networking looks similar to the Network+. I don't wan to sound stupid or anything, but should I bother taking the Networking fundamentals if I already have my Net+? I see the path from MTA Networking to Security then to either Server or Windows and then MCTS..they just seem similar to the comptia exams, that's all....

I wouldn't overlook the MTAs. They mainly focus on subjects from a Microsoft point of view, while the Network+ is vendor neutral.