Certification Route (A+...)

nuovoIT · May 2013

Hi,

I am new to the site. And decided to create a thread. The route that I had decided on was the following:
CompTIA A+
CompTIA Network+
*Apply the A+ & Network+ towards a MCSA.

Question was, what route is more marketable: MCSA Windows Server or SQL server?

Is it better to get an MCSA before the CCNA? The Network+ works out well because not only can you transfer in the "credit" towards MCSA but it also gives some prep work for the CCNA.

Aside from these, is the Linux+ worth pursuing? Meaning, will it help land a job say as a Linux Admin? Or is Linux/Unix more based on hands on experience?

I am 95% done completing a BBA degree program in Computer Information Systems.

Thanks.

Dakinggamer87 · May 2013

A+ is a great cert that builds foundation knowledge no matter what path in IT you decide to pursue. As for deciding to do MCSA or CCNA it depends on the job role you desire:

System Administrator- MCSA/RHCSA (depending on whether you want to specialize in Windows or Linux): Linux+ would be a great start if you end up going into a Linux specific role before going after the RHCSA (Red Hat Certified Systems Administrator)
Network Admin/engineer- CCNA

I think if you go after the CCNA the Network+ can help immensely by building basic networking knowledge and fundamentals in preparation for the CCNA on areas such as ports, protocols, and the OSI model.

Good luck on your cert journey!!

Welcome to TechExams

Darril · May 2013

Welcome to the forums. You have a lot of questions in here but I can address some of it.

nuovoIT wrote: »

The route that I had decided on was the following:
CompTIA A+
CompTIA Network+
*Apply the A+ & Network+ towards a MCSA.

Question was, what route is more marketable: MCSA Windows Server or SQL server?

It depends. I've worked in locations where Windows Server certifications and expertise were highly valued and other places here the SQL certifications and knowledge held more value. It also depends on whether you're talking about SQL server developer or SQL server administration.

From an advanced path perspective, administrators typically learn the server operating systems including active directory first, and then move into a specialty such as SQL or Exchange.

Which MCSA do you plan on pursuing? I'm fairly certain that you cannot apply the A+ and Network+ certs as credit for the current MCSA certs.

The A+ and Network+ certs lay a solid foundation for an IT career. Many people pursue the A+/Network+/Security+ trio as a foundation before moving into a specific career path.

Hope this helps.

nuovoIT · May 2013

Not wanting to get to off topic, discussing other exams. But regarding the A+ exam, it will be my first time taking any sort of exam towards a certification. Now, what is the best way to approach it? I have a 2013 copy of Mike Myers A+ Certification Passport. Will running through the chapters, review questions at the end of the chapters, and trying out some practice tests online be enough? The more advanced certifications such as the CCNA and MCSA may not be self-study. But the A+ should be right?

DoubleNNs · May 2013

I'm in the middle of self-studying for my CCNA. It's possible. Really depends on your learning style, and how you view the cost involved w/ getting taught. I'd rather pay 40 bucks for the study materials than 2 thousand for a class, especially since I work best w/ teaching myself (Although I work slower this way.)

Do you have any IT or computer hobbyist experience going into this cert? It's to my understanding that the Mike Meyers Passport series is supposed to be a shorter, summarized version of his actual book - a cram book so to speak. If you're coming into the cert fairly new to a lot of material, you might do better getting the full Mike Meyers and then using the passport book to review b4 taking the actual exam.

nuovoIT · May 2013

@DoubleNNs

Currently finishing up my BBA in Computer Information Systems, need about 6 credits left. Also working for an IT company doing QA work at the moment.

I have just about every certification book imaginable available on my school library database. I am accessing the Mike Myers Passport book there. I did buy a Authorized Cert Guide for 801 and 802

Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0789748509/ref=ox_ya_os_product

This product comes with two complete practice exams in addition to more extensive material than the Passport version of Mike Myers.

You decided to pick up the trio as Darril mentioned. A+/Network+/Security+

Do you find the Security+ is helpful towards preping for the CCNA?

burfect · July 2013

As someone with a BS in Computer Information Systems, and VERY basic IT experience in a professional setting, would it be more worthwhile to just jump into MCSA without going the A+ Net+ route? My goal is to get into an IT management position ultimately.. but it seems a good path to this route is going the SysAdmin route or project management route.. obviously a Desktop role would have to come before sysadmin.. but just thinking ahead.

DoubleNNs · July 2013

I think if you can handle the info, it would be worthwhile to jump into the higher level certs and skip the CompTIAs. At the very least, it'll help you advance faster. Having a BS in CIS would also be a help.

I say go for it!

DonM34 · July 2013

I'm new to this board, I passed the 220-701 A+ exam but fail the 702 exam with a score of 639. Any tips, I'm giving it a go in two weeks.

DoubleNNs · July 2013

What were the study materials you used for both the 701 and the 702?
What did you score on the 701 and how long ago did you take it?

I know for me, going over the professermesser.com videos helped me A LOT. I also tried to get my hands on as many practice questions I could - including those in my study books, CompTIA.com's very own practice exam, demos from sites like Transcender/MeasureUp, and I'm sure a few others I've forgotten by now.

On top of that, the printout you got when you took the 702 should show you your weak areas. Cracking open your text books and going over the areas you did poorly on should be a start.

Certification Route (A+...)

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