Computing Qualifications.

BoomAM · 24 Sep 2007 at 22:13

Hi.
Does anyone have any advice on good computing courses to go on/qualifications?
I dont mean stuff like at Uni/College/whatever, i mean proper ones, like Cisco & MS qualifications.

Ive been recommended the MS MCSE & some Cisco one i cant remember off the top of my head.

And some suggestions on finding out information on said courses? (and the ones ive mentioned

).
Luckily it looks like i can get my work to pay for me to go on these courses if i can persuade them its worth it.

Thanks everyone.

.

deuse · 24 Sep 2007 at 22:18

Go to MS to see what exams you have to pass for your MCSE.
And cisco for the CCNA wich is there bottom one.

I am self teaching MCSA/MCSE at the mow.
As the UK gov dont give out any help in this field.

And if your company is paying for it...get both of them.

Gonzo0 · 24 Sep 2007 at 22:24

My lecturer at college has multiple qualifications, a lot from microsoft.

Think he has MCSE/MCSA, A+ and a few others.

Gilly · 24 Sep 2007 at 22:25

It depends entirely on what you want to do.

GarethDW · 24 Sep 2007 at 22:32

Gilly said:
It depends entirely on what you want to do.

What he said.

For example, if you want to do IT security then go for the CISSP. If you want to do networking, then the CCNA. If you want to be an Oracle DBA, then go for the Oracle certification, java programmer then go for the Certified Sun Programmer certification, tech support then the MCSE (Minefield Consultant & Solitaire Expert

), etc... etc... etc...

BoomAM · 24 Sep 2007 at 22:45

Gilly said:
It depends entirely on what you want to do.

Its not a case of what i want to do entirely. I already have the job of my intended area. The qualifications will hopefully help me move up the ladder.

Gilly · 24 Sep 2007 at 22:46

Thats kind of what I was aiming at. Where are you now, where do you want to go?

BoomAM · 24 Sep 2007 at 22:53

where do you want to go?

Network Manager or above on network bigger than the one im doing now.
Should be able to achieve the former in time without more qualifcations, in time, hopefully.
But having a few proper computing qualifications behind me will give me a bit more weight with future employers.

Lets say qualifications concentrating on DCs, ISAs, and network infrastruture for now.
Although i question the point in learning server stuff at the moment with Server2k8 round the corner.

Gilly · 24 Sep 2007 at 22:58

Well the AD structure isn't likely to change all that much, so working on that'd be fine.

CCNA would be a good place to start for a future network manager. From there you could either proceed further down the Cisco route or you could diversify there

Indy500 · 24 Sep 2007 at 23:00

Do the MCP\MSCE line of qualifications first. They're more sought after.

Gilly · 24 Sep 2007 at 23:02

sr4470 said:
Do the MCP\MSCE line of qualifications first. They're more sought after.

For a network manager?

I don't really agree. And paper MCSEs have massively lessened the worth of an MCSE.

BoomAM · 24 Sep 2007 at 23:03

Gilly said:
Well the AD structure isn't likely to change all that much, so working on that'd be fine.

CCNA would be a good place to start for a future network manager. From there you could either proceed further down the Cisco route or you could diversify there

The CCNA is the one i was told about.

What places are good to look for these qualifications?

Gilly · 24 Sep 2007 at 23:06

Spring and Aslan are my personal preferences

Indy500 · 24 Sep 2007 at 23:06

Gilly said:
For a network manager?

Yes. CCNA alone isn't enough, at any rate. You'd need CCNP as well. MCSE on the other hand allows you to diversify.

Gilly said:
I don't really agree. And paper MCSEs have massively lessened the worth of an MCSE.

Don't know about your location but in London they're in high demand for IT-related roles.

BoomAM · 24 Sep 2007 at 23:09

sr4470 said:
Yes. CCNA alone isn't enough, at any rate. You'd need CCNP as well. MCSE on the other hand allows you to diversify.

What MCSE's should i be looking at for my job then?

Gilly said:
Spring and Aslan are my personal preferences

Links please.

.
Googling brings up nothing.

.

Gilly · 24 Sep 2007 at 23:11

Your Google skills are weak

Thats Spring IT training. They're my company's favoured external training provider.

BoomAM · 24 Sep 2007 at 23:15

Gilly said:
Your Google skills are weak

Thats Spring IT training. They're my company's favoured external training provider.

Its late.

Wheres the list of courses/prices on there? :confused:

kefkef · 25 Sep 2007 at 08:25

Gilly said:
Spring and Aslan are my personal preferences

Azlan has been bought out by Global Knowledge to become the biggest Cisco trainer in the UK! Global knowledge also outsource their ITIL training to Fox IT.

Keep up young man!

Gilly · 25 Sep 2007 at 08:33

I've gone from Techy training to management and service.

Though I've been ****ed once again by our company. Don't know why I bother.

Mr_T · 25 Sep 2007 at 09:48

I've recently got my MCSA 2003, it took me about 6 months studying in my own time, after work.

MCSA is 4 exams of which 2 exams are core (70-290 & 70-291)
MCSE is 7 exams of which 4 exams are core (70-290, 70-291, 70-293 & 70-294)

When Server 2008 is well established I will upgrade my 2003 MCSA to a 2008 qualification by taking a further 2 upgrade exams, to upgrade a 2003 MCSE is 3 upgrade exams.

Regardless of which path you choose (Microsoft , Cisco) only advice I can give is take your time, setup a virtual enviroment to practice on and DON'T pay £1000+ for an accelerated course. These courses basically cram you with practice questions that are almost identical to the actual exam, you end up passing without gaining any knowledge.