Microsoft Exam 70-410 ???

The Slayer_UK · 8 Jan 2015 at 09:38

Hi All

I need some advice on what qualifications i should do next.

I currently have 2 level 3 Btec National diplomas in IT and a Cisco IT Essentials certificate (one below a Cisco Comptia A+) the first diploma i did when i was in college, the second i did for an apprenticeship with my current job plus they put me through the Cisco IT Essentials course.

I currently work in a Sixth Form College as an IT Technician as the college took me on after the apprenticeship, I have worked here for nearly 4 years and im looking at what qualifications i should do next, Im thinking about the Microsoft 70-410 exam so i think that will give me MCP then if i take the further two exams i will earn the MCSA, I don't currently have a lot of experience installing or configuring servers but im starting to look at them now at work, Ive installed Server 2012 and configured a few server roles on it once but im not that familiar so obviously ive got a lot to learn. I do various tasks on servers so i have some experience working with them just not installing or configuring them.

Is this the correct path to go down or should i look at alternative exams.

Thanks

Sam

Throrik · 8 Jan 2015 at 09:44

If you're looking to work in a Microsoft environment then the MCSA is a good one to get - make sure you do a lot of labbing and when you get to some of the exams you need to be pretty nifty with PS.

The Slayer_UK · 8 Jan 2015 at 11:14

Yes thats what i was thinking, Ive never used powershell before so will have to get my head around that, is there any books that you would suggest are good im thinking about getting this one, but i know i cant just rely on that to pass the exam

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Exam-Ref-70...ie=UTF8&qid=1420715581&sr=8-1&keywords=70-410

are there any books with cds to do the labs with?

Throrik · 8 Jan 2015 at 14:29

I'd use Microsoft Virtual Academy for Powershell and/or Channel9 as there are usually some good tutorials - then grab a book on the more advanced concepts.

http://www.microsoftvirtualacademy....etting-started-with-powershell-3-0-jump-start

The Slayer_UK · 8 Jan 2015 at 17:52

Ok great, thanks for your help it's much appreciated

malachi · 8 Jan 2015 at 19:15

If you are not in a rush, I would hold on for a few months until the new versions of Windows are released. At least then, when the exams are created you be ahead of the game if you start them early.

The Slayer_UK · 9 Jan 2015 at 09:58

Hmmm yes i never really thought about that would they update the exam straight away to the 2015 server?

somewhatdamaged · 9 Jan 2015 at 23:09

the 2012 MCSA is very good, i've done it

It's quite difficult though (if not braindumping it) and might be a little beyond your current skillset. Best idea is to run 2012 at home, and have a play whilst going through CBT Nuggets videos

Can't go wrong with an MCSA / MCSE, still highly sought after and will net a decent salary

I didn't realise the 410 gave you an MCP though...

I did the 410,411,461,462 and netted an MCSA in SQL 2012 and Server 2012, cause of the way the new elective exams work

Its pretty cool

Forget waiting IMO. Still hardly anyone i know has the 2012 exams. Most still on 2008

If you get the 2012, you can do the upgrade exams to the new servers ones, which i don't believe will be out until 2016 anyway

You don't get a free upgrade btw :-)

there is usually one insanely tough exam to do (as its based on the 3 exams you would have done)

The Slayer_UK · 12 Jan 2015 at 16:52

Ok thanks, yes i wasnt sure if its a little beyond me or not but ive spoke to my manager and he said go for it, i know its going to be tough going and take a while, i just dont want to become conplacent and rest on my laurels and think this would be good for me unless there is another qualification that i could look at that is slightly lower for my skill set