This is where I'm at....

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Hello everyone.

Where do I start? Its been a while since I posted on this forum for a number of reasons. Its great to be able to type certforums into Google and still get it back!

Back in 2007 I started on a certification path in which I achieved my A+, (Dec 2007) N+ (Oct 200 and MCDST by the May of 2009. My long term goal was to attain the MCSA and have a go at passing the ITIL foundation exam, get a job in IT, save the world and live happily ever after....

It didn't work out like that as I took a Team Leader job in the call centre I work in which gave me more financial stability and much more responsibility. For a while I was happy doing this and hence I kind of drifted off my IT stuff. My current position has given me some great experiences however the hours are long and sometimes for little reward and I'm in need of a change. I've been giving it a lot of thought and looking at possible career paths and options and I'm hoping you might be able to help me.

I know how fast technology and IT change so my first question would be if I'm going to get back onto the certification path and do it properly where do I begin with what I have? Is the MCSA still a valid certification to go for? I can't imagine Win server 2003 is gonna go on forever and I would think the certification would expire at some point. there's obviously been newer server packages come out and I don't know if its worth concentrating on them. I was 48 hours from taking the 70-290, however I cancelled the exam as I was wasn't confident I would pass and I had my driving test the following day. I didn't pick it back up again but I still have the study materials, as well as the ITIL foundation study books. I'm not even sure if the MCDST would even still be valid as its been a while since I've picked it all up or even been on this site. I'm not a newbie but then I'm now exactly experienced either.

I have considered the training provider route and may even go through with a it if it may improve my employability. I was doing some IT voluntary work in the past and I'd possibly consider it again.

You guys have always given great advice and helped me in the past so any advice on what you would think would be a good way to get back on the horse would be a great help

 

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In regards to certification, Microsoft has not announced retirement dates for the MCSA and MCSE. Of course, in a server environment it's hard to switch out operating systems and hardware because of cost, stability, involvement etc so Server 2003 is still relevant. Right now I would read up on the certifications on the market now as they have changed from the simple A+ > MCSE > MCSA route that you used to take. Check out the Microsoft Certification website. Basically, there's Technology Specialist titles earned from individual exams and then there's technician/administrator subtitles under the Microsoft Certified IT Professional title. MCITP regardless, of subtitle choice, involves more then one exam. From two for the Enterprise Desktop Support Technician to five for Enterprise Administrator.

MCDST retired at the end of July this Summer. With the relevant experience, you can take a single exam to upgrade yourself to Enterprise Desktop Support Technician 7.