Online Certification, Where's good

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Hey All,

I'm looking on advice on which certification to take and whats the best way to do it.

I am 23 and Graduated last year in a Honors Degree Based which was basically Computing with some Electronics. For the last 12 months I have been working with a Mid Sized company that produces software for advertising on ATM's. My current role is Product Support Engineer. In the past 12 months I have gained allot of experience with Virtual Machines, Server 2003, ATM's, Working within Banks, Support Desk Work and Software testing (Non automated).

I am based in Scotland and at some point may emigrate to Australia where I will be looking for I.T work in Sydney. I've found working with ATM's interesting and would consider continuing into that, (Working for banks tech teams etc) but I am not limiting to that.

I want to gain some certification in the meantime to further my CV with Australia in mind, I would appreciate some advice on what might be advantageous. Unfortunately there's not anything worthwhile at any of the local colleges for evening classes so I'll be looking for courses that can be studied Online.

My colleague had advised me to do MCDST which involved exam 70-721, 70-722 (He had done this and said it was relatively basic and as we did most stuff in our job and that it would just be a matter of reading up the official book on this)

However these exams retire on June 30, 2011, While I understand that does not make it worthless I'm wondering if there's more current certification I should aim for?



So Basically can you recommend:

• A good online certification course (That takes under 4 months to get through first steps) which would be looked upon favorably for I.T support type jobs
• If MCDST is still worthwhile?
• If studying online is viable? (I could travel to other cities which do provide classes but it would have allot of cost associated)

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

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Hi I would think you should go for the 70-270 which is basically a domain version of the MCDST it comprises of installing windows xp and managing it on a domain. Then you should go for the 70-680 which is like the previous exam but for windows 7.

Getting compTIA A+ and N+ would be a good idea as I think your longterm cert goal at the moment should be the MCSA and having the A+ and N+ and 70-270 count towards the elective exam.

Oh and by the way you dont need a course for these exams just some books, a computer, some determination and some money to book the exams.

 

Thanks greenbrucelee!, That's really helpful, I've ordered the book for 70-270 and found my local test centre. I'm going to study that and try get it out of the way ASAP.

Can you clarify this statement?
Getting compTIA A+ and N+ would be a good idea as I think your longterm cert goal at the moment should be the MCSA and having the A+ and N+ and 70-270 count towards the elective exam.

I'm quite new too this, Is CompTIA microsoft? can non-microsoft qualifications count towards microsoft stuff? how do things work towards other exams?

Also on the 70-270 website it says:
When you pass Exam 70-270: Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows XP Professional, you complete the requirements for the following certification(s):
Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP)

Does that mean I would be a "Microsoft Certified Professional" after sitting that exam? If so Great! am I missing something with this?

 

No compTIA is compTIA and Microsoft is Microsft.

The A+ is basic pc hardware and software and N+ is networking.

Having both of those count as elective exams in some Microsoft subjects like the MCSA and MCSE

Yes after passing the 70-270 you will be a microsoft certified professional the 70-680 makes you a microsoft technology specialist if you get the other windows 7 exam if I remember correctly you would then be MCITP certified.

 

CompTIA is not Microsoft but, at present, Microsoft will accept A+ AND Network+ in place of one of the MCP exams required to become an MCSA. As A+ and N+ are more suitable for new entrants, it's a good way to progress.

And yes, when you pass 270 you will be an MCP. Happy days.

 

Oooh, snap!
Right on the button.

 

lol

Boab You book compTIA exams through prometric or pearsonvue and you will find your nearest test centers on those sites you book microsoft exams through prometric only.

You can get discount vouchers for compTIA exams from CompTIA Vouchers - A+ Certification Exam CompTIA Voucher Test Discount at Prometric / VUE Testing Centers you usually save a couple of quid plus the VAT you usually get vouchers for microsoft exams with the microsoft press books although you can buy second shot vouchers from prometric which means you pay a little bit more for the exam but if you fail you get a second shot at it for nothing.

 

I have found reading this thread very informative, thank you ppl
regards
Llew