MCTS Cert, worth it?

Vita · 5 Jun 2012 at 16:22

Hi all,

I came across a e-mail from a Job Recruiter in my e-mail today about IT Qualification I could do. The one which interests me is the MCTS Windows 7 Desktop Support, for Microsoft exam 70-680.

Now I did a degree in Computer Forensics and graduated last year. I'm at the moment trying to get into 1st line I.T Support to start my career off. However I'm not having much luck. I thought I'd rack up some qualifications, so my CV looks better and for the experience. Is this course worth it?

Are there better alternatives I can do? I want a Career path in I.T support.

Thanks in advance.

Saundie · 5 Jun 2012 at 16:29

Are you interested in learning how to deploy and configure Windows 7 in an enterprise environment? If so, then the course may be for you. You don't mention how they will recover the cost of the course and exam - a 5 day Microsoft course is usually around £1500 and the exams are £99 each - will you be expected to pay for it? Passing the 70-680 exam may help you secure an entry level (i.e. helpdesk/1st line) support job - is this something you want?

By the way, I tried to frame those questions in a manner that didn't betray my own feelings on the matter, but I fear I may have failed somewhat.

shifty_uk · 5 Jun 2012 at 16:30

A degree in computer forensics to a 16-18k per annum job in what I presume is bottom of the barrel IT support?

Is 3rd line not more advanced or am I getting it the wrong way around?

Saundie · 5 Jun 2012 at 16:34

shifty_uk said:
A degree in computer forensics to a 16-18k per annum job in what I presume is bottom of the barrel IT support?

Is 3rd line not more advanced or am I getting it the wrong way around?

You've basically said what I was thinking, but didn't want to say for fear of antagonizing the OP. I figured the OP wanted to start at the bottom in order to build confidence/experience, or perhaps out of a deranged sense of obligation.

Edit: Yes, 3rd line support tends to refer to server/network infrastructure support, rather than desktop support.

touch · 5 Jun 2012 at 16:35

shifty_uk said:
A degree in computer forensics to a 16-18k per annum job in what I presume is bottom of the barrel IT support?

This. Surely there is a better place to start than 1st line support when you already have a (somewhat) related degree.
What sort of stuff did your degree cover?

dowie · 5 Jun 2012 at 16:40

With this sort of thing - can you not just buy(second hand)/download the relevant books then pay for the exam... in which case maybe its worth a shot.

But seriously, 1st line support, you can do better than that surely?

Ev0 · 5 Jun 2012 at 16:44

It's worth it if it's relevant to what you want to be doing, if it isn't then no it's not worth it.

I'd be wary about spending out a lot of your own cash to do something like this though.

Echoing comments if you've done a forensics degree and if that's an area you wanted to be in I'd be hammering every security company out there with my CV but guess you're at least being sensible and looking at other options to get you started

Whilst it's a massively competitive area to get into it's also one where skills are in demand and with a degree in the subject I'd have thought an entry level position was possible in your field.

Of course we know nothing of your circumstances, where you are, can you relocate etc, so can be hard to say

Vita · 5 Jun 2012 at 16:48

The reason, I'm starting low down is because I'm not getting many interviews for other higher paid jobs.

My modules covered, Forensics/Networks and Security/Forensic Informatics (which I disliked), 2 Business related modules in the final year, Databases/Websites/Programming (which I didn't really enjoy).

I actually enjoyed the networking module. Forensics at the moment is difficult to get into as recruiters are looking for people with experience. At the moment I have a job but it's not in a I.T related field of work. I want to get into I.T as it's where I want to be. If I have to start low down, then so be it. Everyone has to start somewhere right?

I would be paying out of this from my own pocket. If books from amazon is a cheaper alternative and booking the exam then please could someone guide me, I'd appreciate it.

Saundie · 5 Jun 2012 at 16:54

It's not a terrible idea, it just seems a shame that somebody who's spent all that time doing something as specific as computer forensics is having to consider 1st line support. I've sent you a message via trust with regards to training material, by the way.

Vita · 5 Jun 2012 at 17:01

Thank you Saundie. Trust message received and replied to.

touch · 5 Jun 2012 at 17:02

Vita said:
I actually enjoyed the networking module.

Networking is a good thing to have for IT support.

You might not be able to walk straight into a job in computer forensics, but i think you could probably do better than first line support.
When i finished uni, i worked in IT support whilst looking for a degree-related job. I was doing 2nd line, anything above that was more server/networking stuff which i dont know much about.
If you are good at networking you could probably start a lot higher than 1st line.

It's difficult to work your way up if you get into 1st line in a big company because you have to follow instructions for fixing problems so you never get a chance to show how much you know and differentiate yourself from the others who maybe dont have as much knowledge. Chances are you'll know more than most people there, but it just comes down to who has worked there the longest for moving up.

Vita · 5 Jun 2012 at 17:49

In regards to the exams how are they done? Are they done in front of an examiner where you have to show them how to install Windows, configure etc. Or are they question/answer based?

dowie · 5 Jun 2012 at 17:54

Saundie said:
I've sent you a message via trust with regards to training material, by the way.

just a stab in the dark but - downloading pirated e-books is bad mkay.....

Ev0 · 5 Jun 2012 at 18:05

Vita said:
The reason, I'm starting low down is because I'm not getting many interviews for other higher paid jobs.

My modules covered, Forensics/Networks and Security/Forensic Informatics (which I disliked), 2 Business related modules in the final year, Databases/Websites/Programming (which I didn't really enjoy).

I actually enjoyed the networking module. Forensics at the moment is difficult to get into as recruiters are looking for people with experience. At the moment I have a job but it's not in a I.T related field of work. I want to get into I.T as it's where I want to be. If I have to start low down, then so be it. Everyone has to start somewhere right?

I would be paying out of this from my own pocket. If books from amazon is a cheaper alternative and booking the exam then please could someone guide me, I'd appreciate it.

That's fair enough really, if you're not wanting to get into forensics as a career but IT support instead then yeah keep going

Exams are computer based questions, either multiple choice or I believe some of the newer ones have tasks that you carry out, but it's automated rather than showing a person what you're doing (if that makes sense).

Saundie · 5 Jun 2012 at 18:08

Vita said:
In regards to the exams how are they done? Are they done in front of an examiner where you have to show them how to install Windows, configure etc. Or are they question/answer based?

The exams take the form of a series of questions, most of which are multiple choice, though there may be some scenario based ones depending on the exam. You are not allowed to take anything into the exam room, nor may you talk to anybody else while taking your exam. You are obliged to sign an NDA when you sit an exam, so it's difficult to give you more information beyond that

dowie said:
just a stab in the dark but - downloading pirated e-books is bad mkay.....

I completely agree, downloading pirated ebooks is right out!

Vita · 5 Jun 2012 at 18:19

Saundie said:
The exams take the form of a series of questions, most of which are multiple choice, though there may be some scenario based ones depending on the exam. You are not allowed to take anything into the exam room, nor may you talk to anybody else while taking your exam. You are obliged to sign an NDA when you sit an exam, so it's difficult to give you more information beyond that

So the exams are in specific test centres? I'm thinking of it to being similar to that of a driving theory test? Am I right?

What is a NDA?

Had a look at some of the material and basics I pretty much know, so think I am going to go ahead with it.

Saundie · 5 Jun 2012 at 18:30

Vita said:
So the exams are in specific test centres? I'm thinking of it to being similar to that of a driving theory test? Am I right?

The only choice you have in the UK is to go via Prometric, who have a number of test centers across the country. Due to the breathtakingly poor site layout, I can't link you to a list of these test centers - you'll see what I mean when you sign up.

Vita said:
What is a NDA?

Non-disclosure agreement. Presumably the idea behind it is to stop people sharing the questions with other people taking the exam.

Vita · 5 Jun 2012 at 18:48

Saundie said:
The only choice you have in the UK is to go via Prometric, who have a number of test centers across the country. Due to the breathtakingly poor site layout, I can't link you to a list of these test centers - you'll see what I mean when you sign up.

Non-disclosure agreement. Presumably the idea behind it is to stop people sharing the questions with other people taking the exam.

Ah I see. Well they have a test centre near enough to where I am. Going to go for it!

On a different topic. I've also been looking at the Mac OS X Support Essentials 10.7 exam. It's a 3 day course through Amsys, £950+ VAT :eek:

. Might look to do it in the future, but that is very expensive. You get the ACSP and ACTC, at the end of it no?

kalvindeane · 5 Jun 2012 at 20:01

Might also be worth buying the 70-685 book and taking the exam if you want to be in desktop support. If you enjoy networking, the network+ and CCNA certs are good starting points.

Ev0 · 6 Jun 2012 at 00:16

Vita said:
On a different topic. I've also been looking at the Mac OS X Support Essentials 10.7 exam. It's a 3 day course through Amsys, £950+ VAT . Might look to do it in the future, but that is very expensive. You get the ACSP and ACTC, at the end of it no?

Again it's all about relevance, are jobs you're looking at asking for Apple experience?

At this stage don't go doing things for the sake of it, especially when it's coming out of your pocket.

If you do go to a training provider such as Firebrand/QA for god's sake don't pay the list price for the course!

As has been said a common list price through QA for a 5 day MS course is £1500, haggle with them or get them at the right time of the year and you'll get 2 or 3 courses for that money.