by Chris Bryant, CCIE #12933

The web is covered with stories regarding the benefits of professional computer certification, and most of them are backed up with salary surveys and the like. While there’s certainly nothing wrong with making more money and having better job prospects, there’s one benefit of certification that many candidates forget about.

Confidence.

You can’t pay your rent with confidence; you can’t pay for gas with confidence; you can’t pay for ANYTHING with confidence, right? So who cares, right?

Wrong. The confidence you build from truly earning a certification, whether it’s an MCSE, CCNA, or CCIE, cannot be purchased, borrowed, or stolen. It has to be earned.

What do I mean by truly earned? First, I’m referring to those little documents out there generally referred to as braindumps. If you buy one of these things and happen to skate by a certification exam, did you learn anything? No. Did you learn anything? No. Are you going to be effective on the job? No. As I tell my students, when you’re standing in front of a server or router that isn’t working, and all eyes are on you to troubleshoot the problem, the correct answer is not B. There is no multiple choice.

Secondly, I’m referring to the hope that the certification you earn was earned by taking a demanding exam.

Now, you’re probably thinking okay, Chris has lost his mind. I should HOPE the test is demanding?

Yes, you should. There’s nothing more useless than earning a certification that’s easy to get. There’s no feeling of pride, of achievement; furthermore, if everyone else has that certification, what value does it have?

I can speak from experience on this one. Those of you relatively new to the field may never have used NT 4.0, but the MCSE NT 4.0 was the certification that ended up causing a lot of damage to the value of professional certifications. EVERYBODY had one. The tests were repetitive and far too simple, there were no simulation questions, and the exams required no real hands-on experience.

As a result, my MCSE NT 4.0 had little value. I also felt no sense of pride in achieving it.

Thankfully, exam vendors and authors seem to have learned their lesson. Cisco exams are not easy to pass, and the initial Cisco certification, the CCNA, demands hands-on knowledge and experience. Microsoft is (finally) adding simulator questions to their certification exams as well, and the MCSE exams have gotten tougher as well.

So if you should happen to fail an exam along the way to the top and almost all of us do just keep in mind that if the exams were not demanding, they would have no value.

After all, if it were easy, everyone would be doing it!

About The Author

Chris Bryant, CCIE #12933, is the owner of The Bryant Advantage. The Bryant Advantage sells the world’s most comprehensive CCNA Study Guide in PDF format for only $15 and is the ONLY company specializing in CCNA and CCNP rack rentals, allowing candidates for these certifications to gain vital hands-on experience with full racks of Cisco routers and switches with labs and prices designed just for them. Lots of FREE CCNA and CCNP tutorials and articles, too! Visit his site at www.thebryantadvantage.com today!

by Richard Lowe

On October 11th I was reading my email as usual when I opened one which stated something so unbelievable that I had to read it three times. I will admit the news was nothing compared to the events going on in the rest of the world (the September 11th terrorist attack and aftermath). However, it was very welcome nonetheless.

Microsoft has changed their policy on retiring certifications.

If you will remember, Microsoft had announced that the Windows NT 4.0 certifications were being retired on December 31st, 2001. This meant that everyone who had slaved for months or even years to pass their exams had to rush to take the new exams for the newest operating system (Windows 2000).

Needless to say, this announcement caused quite a stir in much of the computer industry. There were hundreds of thousands of MCSEs, and all of them were effected by this decision. What made it even worse was the fact that most of us were not even upgrading to Windows 2000 anytime in the near future. Thus, we had to get certified yet we didn’t really need to get certified to do our jobs.

There were quite a few annoucements. The two regarding MCSE’s state exactly what I had suggested in a previous article “Microsoft’s W2K MCSE Policy”, so I was very happy indeed.

http://www.internet-tips.net/Microsoft/W2KMCSEcertification.htm

…on Windows NT 4.0, which designates the related certification as based on Windows NT 4.0. This designation applies to the following certifications: MCP, MCSE, MCSE+I, MCP+I, and MCP+Site Building. Thus, this MCSE would formally be called “MCSE on Windows NT 4.0.”

…on Microsoft Windows 2000, which designates the related certification as based on Windows 2000, Windows XP Professional, or Windows Server .NET. This designation applies to the following certifications: MCP, MCSE, MCSA, and MCDBA (except for the latter, it’s called “MCDBA on SQL Server 2000″ instead). Here, this MCSE would formally be called “MCSE on Microsoft Windows 2000.”

The bottom line is simple. Those of us who have the MCSE certification do not need to worry about losing it. It also makes things much easier for me as an employer – now I will be able to look at a certification and get a little more information. Instead of just finding out someone is an expert on Microsoft operating systems, I will now find out exactly which operating system.

Microsoft also added a new certification, called MCSA, or Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator. This certification is great news, as it provides something between MCP and MCSE. Why is this necessary? The MCSE for Windows 2000 is a very tough exam and it might take someone (especially those of us who work for a living) quite some time to get it done.

The MCSA certification requires three core exams and one elective. The certification is actually very well designed, and should serve as a useful guide for employers.

Why the change? Well, I think there are a number of reasons. The biggest reason? The terrorist attack and its effect on the economy. My peers and I have seen, in just a month, our budgets disappear, especially for things like upgrades and certifications. My boss put it very well to me last week, “if you have the choice between upgrading and laying people off, what are you going to do?” The answer is obvious. At my company, we have
postponed upgrading until next year at least, which means we do not need to get certified.

Another big reason is that MCSEs have jobs, and I don’t know about you, but I have trouble finding time to take the classes and tests to continue certification. It’s hard enough just to keep the wife happy, write some articles, and maintain the job. So the certification, testing and learning will wait.

On top of that, Microsoft has been very unsuccessful in trying to force the computer industry to upgrade to Windows 2000 and beyond. Yes, my company did install Windows 2000 on all of our laptops, but we’ve found Windows NT 4.0 works very well on our other servers and workstations. We have no intention or need to upgrade our hundreds of systems for the next several years, unless there is a valid business reason.

Even more importantly, even though we may upgrade our systems to Windows 2000, we have no intention of installing Active Directory anytime soon. Why not? This is a huge change, and we simply don’t want to support it at this time.

Finally, the industry backlash on Microsoft has been huge, and the power of 400,000+ MCSE’s and their supervisors should not be underestimated.

Personally, I am happy that Microsoft has made this change. Now I can concentrate on important issues like polishing our disaster site, upgrading our security measures, ensuring our backups work properly, and making our systems work better for our users.

About the Author

Richard Lowe Jr. is the webmaster of Internet Tips And Secrets at www.internet-tips.net – Visit our website any time to read over 1,000 complete FREE articles about how to improve your internet profits, enjoyment and knowledge.

by Sean Dunagan

When we think of technical certification, most of us think of the seemingly endless jumble of letters that follow the names of information technology experts: MCSE, MCSA, A+, CCNA, etc. These certifications serve as standardized, objective validations that the person holding them possesses a certain set of skills and a certain level of professional competency.

In today’s increasingly competitive business environment, however, certifications aren’t just for computer geeks. There are now a number of highly valuable certifications available in areas beyond information technology. If you are a work-at-home parent or a freelance professional in any field, investing the time and effort to get a non-technical or semi-technical certification can reap tremendous benefits.

Why get certified? I believe that there are three fundamental reasons for you to consider adding a professional certification to your freelance portfolio.

First, just like the classic IT certifications, holding a professional certification demonstrates that you are competent. It’s one thing to state on your resume, website, or promotional materials that you know how to use Microsoft Word, but it’s quite another to state that you are a Microsoft-Certified Office Specialist in Word. The difference is just one passable exam, but to a business considering who to hire for a freelance word processing or data management project, the difference is significant.

That brings me to the second advantage. As a freelancer (or the owner of an at-home business services business), being certified always gives you a leg up on the competition. This is particularly true if you are fairly new to the freelance market and haven’t yet acquired an impressive list of satisfied clients. Holding a certification is a quick and reliable way of letting prospective clients know that you are a professional.

Finally, certification in a relevant field can enable you to parlay entry-level freelance jobs into more lucrative contracts. Data entry work, for instance, is typically one of the most available freelance opportunities; unfortunately, it is also usually the worst paying. Microsoft certification in Access or as a database administrator can help a data entry freelancer transition to a database design and management contract. Today, there are professional certifications to facilitate such a business development strategy for freelancers in virtually every field.

Here’s a look at the best certifications for freelancers and work-at-home professionals.

CompTIA

The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) offers the most widely-recognized vendor neutral certifications in the world. As the name suggests, most of their certifications are in the IT field; however, many are valuable for freelancers of all stripes.

For general business services, including any type of consulting service, CompTIA’s Project+ is invaluable. Project+, as the company’s website states, is a global credential that validates the knowledge required to effectively manage projects throughout the entire project life cycle. In addition to project management basics, the exam includes skills such as conflict resolution, negotiation, and team building.

In short, holding Project+ certification demonstrates that you know how to do what the typical MBA graduate has only learned about. Yet, there is no academic requirement for the Project+, and the exam, though rigorous, is definitely passable for those willing to study. Sitting for the Project+ exam costs $207 USD, but you can almost always find discount test vouchers online for about $150.

CompTIA’s e-Biz+ certification demonstrates a degree of proficiency in the concepts, issues, and technologies of IT-enabled business processes. Dont panic, though; you won’t have to memorize HTML code. Rather, e-Biz+ demonstrates knowledge of e-commerce, e-marketing and other issues related to maximizing the benefit of utilizing technology in a business environment. This certification could be highly valuable for freelancers and work-at-home professionals working as business consultants, or for those with Internet-based businesses. The retail exam fee for the e-Biz+ test is currently $225.

CompTIA also offers the i-Net+ certification. This exam covers Internet basics, web development, networking and security issues. Dont let the word networking scare you, though. This is a semi-technical certification that is of far more value to e-commerce and marketing freelancers than to network administrators. The i-Net+ exam currently costs $207.

Microsoft

You don’t need to be a networking guru to benefit from the prestige and recognition of official Microsoft certification. The company also offers universally-recognized certification options for end users of the Office suite and Microsoft Project.

Microsoft Office certification is available at three levels. For certification as a Specialist, you must pass an exam in Word, Excel, PowerPoint or Access. Thats right- you’re just one test away from being Microsoft certified.

The next level is Expert certification. That requires the passage of a somewhat more rigorous exam. Currently, the expert-level tests are only available for Word and Excel.

To attain Master certification, the candidate must pass a total of four exams: Word 2003 Expert, Excel 2003 Expert, PowerPoint 2003 and either Access 2003 or Outlook 2003. Thats a lot of tests, but holding Microsoft Office Master Certification can really set a freelancer apart in the eyes of a prospective client. Test vouchers for each Microsoft exam can be found online for approximately $70.

Conclusion

Like the rest of the global business climate, the world of freelancing and self-employment grows more competitive every day. Professional certification is not a panacea that will guarantee success, but it can certainly help you stay ahead of the competition and win new clients.

About the Author

Sean Dunagan is the president of Pinnacle Associates (www.pinnacleassociates.50megs.com), a web-based resource for freelancers and work-at-home professionals.

by Max Stein

The universal acceptance of computers into our daily lives, both at work and at home, has decreased the image of computer users as being geeks. The word geek itself has evolved a bit – going from meaning a socially inept person who gets along better with computers than people, to someone who is an expert with computers, a guru even. In fact, many computer service companies utilize the name geek in their nomenclature because of this new meaning.

Not everyone who is proficient in using a computer is a geek, but there are people out there who are so interested in computers and so well versed in them, they wear the title geek with pride. Many of these people may not have had formal training. They’ve been playing with computer hardware, or software since they were ten years old.

So what should you do if you have this kind of computer knowledge? A few years ago, it was very easy to get a well-paying computer job, without any post secondary education. Advances in technology, the dot-com implosion, and wider acceptance of technology doesnt make it so easy any more. The good news is, you don’t need a four-year degree to secure a well-paying job in the computer field. Even if you’re not a self-professed computer geek, if you have an interest in a computer career, here are some good fields to study.

Computer Networking

Computer networking jobs entail designing, repairing and maintaining PC networks, usually in a business setting. There is no industry standard for software, but Microsoft dominates, with Novell taking a distant second place. Cisco dominates the category in hardware routers. Courses of study available include A+ (basic computer hardware), MCSE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer), MCSA (Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator), Novell Netware and Cisco Certification.

Career positions in this category include network design, network administration and network security. Depending on the employer, a computer networking professional may do all, or some of these duties.

Computer Security

Computer security is another growing field. Many businesses have created networks, websites, and become reliant on computer technology, without employing safeguards to protect their data. There are many malevolent computer geeks out there who attack systems, or software for fun, curiosity or profit. Data extortion is now a common organized crime method for the Russian mafia!

Security violations have created new careers in network security and software development. Courses of study are mainly in Microsoft products and software development languages like Visual Basic, C++, .net, compiler and assembly languages.

Career positions in this category include network security, software programming, web design, web development and website administration (server side).

Databases

The acceptance of computers into business has created a great demand for databases. Almost every industry has a need for databases for marketing, client retention and daily operations. Industries such as banking, insurance, hospitals, and utilities absolutely rely on them. Terrorism threats have created new laws, like the Patriot Act, that require a database of all foreign nationals who enter the country.

Creation of these databases relies on software, mainly developed by Oracle for large scale databases, Microsoft SQL for web based applications and Microsoft Access for smaller scale and custom applications.

Jobs in the database category include data architects, database administrators and information systems managers.

The information age has created a wealth of career opportunities for computer geeks, elevating their status as knowledgeable professionals and compensating them well financially. If youre a computer geek, or would like to become one, a career in any of these professions can be obtained in less than two years of study. www.top-colleges.com.

About The Author

Max Stein, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; www.degreesource.com/articles

Max Stein is a freelance writer who writes about business, education and marketing. For daily updates, read our blog at degreesource.blogspot.com

by Danny Taylor

With the ever increasingly changing IT workplace, many IT managers are looking for more than certification from their prospective and current employees. However, we may not all like it, but it’s a sad fact that in today’s IT market, certification is still essential. Professionals with years of experience are failing to get their preferred jobs if they haven’t got the relevant qualifications. Obviously, certification alone will not get and keep a job in the IT sector, but it’s undeniable that training that combines skills and qualification should be at the top of any IT worker list of priorities.

For some time now the bootcamp style of certification has been popular amongs industry professionals. Often these boot camps will require a large amount of self-study prior to attendance, followed by a condensed instructor-led training course.

Success is often varied, as students with different skill sets will be attending a course which should really only be attempted by professionals with experience in the workplace. These courses should be for people solely looking for certification, as they already hold the skills to perform the complex tasks required in their workplace.

The truth is that today’s training companies are in huge competition and presentation of company credentials is paramount. So you can end up with a scenario comprising of a class with beginners and experts being trained together, and the trainer under pressure to get as many pupils through as possible. Not an easy task by any means. Over three-quarters of IT professionals (76%) believe that they digest the equivalent of a degree every six months, with the average contractor spending 45 days a year researching the latest news and views.

So is it really possible to gain all the skills and knowledge required in a condensed course?

One example is the widely respected MCSE qualification. The Microsoft Official Circular (MOC) recommends that instructor-led courses should take six weeks, with a pre requisite of at least one year networking experience or A+ and Network+ Comptia exam. Can this really be substituted with 100 hours of self-study followed by three weeks of instructor led training? We spoke to a Microsoft trainer who suggested that beginners often end up re-attending the course after failing their exams.

Also, often they don’t have the appropriate knowledge required before attending the condensed course, and because less time is spent on each topic, some skills will inevitably be overlooked with this teaching method.

However, following the MOC track will take longer, thus taking the student out of the workplace for more time. Fine, if you have enough IT staff and an unlimited budget, or you are training to break into the IT market where time scale is not as important.

Most of these problems can be easily corrected by being realistic with your learning capabilities and being honest with the people who are training you. If you are a beginner then an instructor led MOC course will contain the depth of knowledge required to pass the exam, while imparting the skills needed in the workplace.

If you have three or four years experience and are looking to update or simply certify in the quickest possible time, then a condensed course would be more appropriate. The most important thing to remember though when looking for training is to be sure the training company is listening to your needs and shares your realistic point of view. Look for guarantees; so that if you do need more training then it won’t be at your expense.

Be wary of those selling the dream.

About The Author

Danny Taylor
C2U Solutions – Leading the UK in IT Training.
c2usolutions.co.uk

by Chris Bryant

As with any field, there are good technical training schools, and bad ones. When you sign up with one of these schools, you’ve made a significant investment in time and money. You deserve to know everything about the school and your job prospects after leaving that school before you put down your hard-earned money. The problem is, sometimes it’s hard to know the right questions to ask.

The point of this article is not to bash technical training schools. That’s how I got my start in IT eight years ago, and today I’m a CCIE and own my own Cisco training company and my own consulting firm.

Before I ever put down the first dime, though, I asked some tough questions. So should you.

What are my true job prospects and legitimate salary levels after I graduate from your school?

We’ve all heard the ads on the radio. Did you know the average salary of an MCSE is $80,000? Are you worth $65,000 a year? If not, call us!

I’m an optimist, and I often tell people that no field rewards individual achievement and drive like IT does. Having said that, none of us start at the top, and darn few of us start at that kind of salary.

I’m sure that there are some people who broke in at $80,000, but I haven’t met very many of them. Be very wary of technical schools that use the famous/infamous MCSE Salary Survey as a marketing tool. They tend to represent those salaries as starting salaries.

Ask your technical school what the average starting salary of their graduates is. And keep in mind that salary is not the most important factor to consider when looking for your first job in IT; it’s the experience you’ll be able to put on your resume later on that you should weigh heavily at this point.

In short, be very careful about schools that brag about starting salaries. It’s not where you start; it’s where you end up.

How up-to-date are the courses you’re offering?

Make sure the school you’re going to attend has made efforts to keep their courses relevant. Ask what changes have been made to their curriculum in the last three years. No field changes faster than IT. If the answer to that question is none, look somewhere else.

I want to work in IT security. Have you placed anyone in this field lately? If so, can I talk to them?

Technical schools are jumping on the security bandwagon, with a couple of schools running ads about training you to work in Homeland Security. If that’s your goal, that’s great, but keep in mind that you have to get a security clearance for any job like that.

And how do you get a security clearance? You have to be sponsored.

And who will sponsor you? Your employer.

Can you get employed in a Homeland Security job without having the clearance in the first place?

Hmmm. Probably not.

Hello, Catch-22.

Again, I’m certainly not saying you can’t eventually get an IT security job; if that’s where you want to go, you can eventually get there. The key word there is eventually. Ask the school you’re thinking of attending whether they’ve actually been able to place graduates in such jobs. Ask to talk to them. If the schools managed to do so, they’ll be glad to put you in touch with such graduates.

What textbooks does your school use?

Some technical school chains use only books that someone in their organization wrote. I’ve heard some of their own teachers complain about the quality of these books. The technical school I attended used off-the-shelf books, and the quality was very good.

If you’re looking into entering the IT field, you probably know someone who’s already in it. Use that resource for everything it’s worth. Ask that person what they think about the books, or for that matter, what the local reputation of the school is. IT is a small world; if the school has a good or bad reputation, most of the IT personnel in your city or town probably know about it.

The fifth question is a question to ask of HR representatives. Every technical school lists companies where they’ve placed their graduates on their promotional material. Pick up the phone, call these companies, and ask to speak to someone in HR. Ask that person about the reputation of the school. Five to eight phone calls will give you a good picture of where the school stands with local employers.

Making the decision to attend a technical school can be the best decision you’ve ever made; it certainly was for me. Make sure to ask the right questions before writing a check or taking a loan to attend; the answers to those questions will indicate to you whether this school is truly the school that can help you achieve your dreams.

About the Author

Chris Bryant, CCIE #12933, is the owner of The Bryant Advantage. The Bryant Advantage’s website offers FREE ebooks and tutorials for the CCNA and CCNP exams, FREE subscriptions to “Cisco Certification Central”, and sells the best CCNA and CCNP prep courses and books on the market today. Visit his site at www.thebryantadvantage.com today !

by Richard Stooker

1. Buy good certification books.

Yes, I know how thick they are – the tests do cover that much material, so what can you do? A teacher is not going to talk that much without wearing out their throat, so in the final analysis you are going to spend a lot of time reading and studying those books anyway.

I was told by a training school recruiter that the recommended process was to take a class for 3 full days, then study for a month, then take the certification exam.

So, that’s at least ten days of study in front of a thick book for each day of class anyway.

So you’re going to buy and study thick books anyway. Do you really need to pay for a live teacher too? People can and do pass the certifications simply by studying on their own.

2. Buy computer based CD-ROM training.

This is, of course, very similar to the above method, except that computer based training is more interactive, more fun, probably more effective for most people and also more expensive, although still nowhere near $5000.

It’s easier to stay awake. The questions and interactivity force you to interact with the material. Using it immediately and getting immediately feedback does help reinforce learning and understanding.

This is recommended for people who really dread the thought of just sitting and reading the thick books, but who can’t afford the $5000 classes. If you have a question you just cannot find the answer to, put it out on one of the many newsgroups or listserves on the Internet, and let experienced on the job networking professionals help you out. Live teachers can do the same, but sometimes not with the same extensive background in what’s happening in the real world.

People can and do pass the certification exams just by taking computer-based training. One company, Forefront, even gives you a 90-day money back guarantee on all its certification courses. If you don’t pass after using their CBT course, you get your money back. Details are available at (877) 872-4646.

3. Take training classes online through the Internet.

Again, it will take long hours of study, but it’s an interesting format.

4. Put together your own network study laboratory by buying several used PCs and hooking them up in your home office.

Look for used computers cheap online, in your local newspaper For Sale ads or just ask your friends. Lots of people have old 386/486s they’d gladly give you for free just so they’ll have more closet space.

Buy the network parts in a local computer store or online.

This is a terrific way to get hands-on experience. I saw it mentioned in a letter in a discussion forum by someone who actually did it. You’ll learn directly how to work with the equipment.

It’s not the same as networking 100 stations in a company, of course. But it’s still a good idea. You’ll still have to study those thick books, but you’ll be able to right away put your hands to work on that chapter, thus reinforcing your new knowledge and skills as you go.

5. If you’re currently employed in a networking job, get your current employer to pay for the classes.

You may have to sign an agreement to continue working for them for two years or so. Many companies are starting to require such policies after they paid for certification classes for employees who then immediately got better jobs and quit, or who first demanded higher pay and, when refused, then got better jobs and quit.

In other words, most companies are willing to pay for your certification only if you are planning to put your new knowledge and skills to work for them for a reasonable time period.

It is certainly fair however to make it clear to your boss that you want to take on more responsibility as you are prepared for it and you expect to be paid a higher salary commensurate with your higher level of job duties, as they do expand to a higher level.

If your company refuses that, it wants to keep you trapped in your current dead end job. That should be a clue that you need to get out, whether they pay for your certification or not. Look for a company that wants to build itself by building its employees.

A lot, of course, will depend on your relationship with the company. How long you’ve worked there already and whether you act in a way that makes them believe you see a long-term future with them – or not.

6. Pass the first several required tests, use those credentials to get an entry level job and then get your new employer to pay for the classes.

You’re not going to be hired as a network administrator after you pass one or two of the MCSE required exams. However, you may be able to use those exams to get your foot in the door with some menial entry-level job. Even if it’s repairing computers, that’s something.

Many new IT job seekers are hired to answer customer technical questions.

Make it clear to your boss, however, that you have set your sights on networking and that you are going to continue your education whether they pay for it or not. Don’t say so right out loud in so many words, but do make it clear that if you wind up paying for your certification by yourself, you will feel no loyalty toward the company, and will therefore feel free to take any position for which you qualify once you are certified. Why should you not feel that way, if you did have to do it all on your own?

That’s not a threat, just you looking out for yourself.

7. Pass the new CompTIA Network+ cross-platform certification test, use that to get an entry level job, then get your new employer to pay for the classes.

This answer is obviously similar to the one above. You can use the new Network+ certification to get your foot in the door.

Almost everything in these cases depends on your relationship with the company. If it’s a good one, and they see you as an evolving superstar who’s going to have a lot to offer them down the road, that’s obviously to your favor.

If you are seen as someone out just for themselves anyway, they’re not going to risk the money on you. If you leave, good riddance anyway.

8. If you are unemployed, the government may pay for your training.

Check with your local unemployment office to see what is available in your area. Here in St. Louis, laid off Boeing workers have a complete center paid for with a government grant, and the program is sending some to computer training.

9. If you are on Supplemental Security Income (SSI), apply for a Plan for Achieving Self Support (PASS Plan).

The basic idea is, you are capable of working as a networking professional, but you can’t yet, because you don’t know how. So you want to learn by buying the books, etc. Consult with a good career counselor or Vocational Rehabilitation. Come up with a good estimate for the cost of the certification. (Don’t forget to include the cost of the examinations too, not just the training.)

Assume you may have to repeat some of the examinations – that’s normal. Most everybody does. Whatever that amount of money is, you don’t have it. But if you could only go to work, maybe at McDonalds or whatever, you could save the money up in 6 months or so. But you can’t now, because if you go to work your SSI will be cut so much you still won’t be able to save much. That’s where the PASS Plan comes into play.

If you agree to put $X out of your paycheck into a savings account until you have enough saved up to buy the books you need, etc. (Actually, you could get started right away after it’s approved. . . Social Security will then agree not to count the $X you are saving as income that cuts your SSI check. Therefore, you can work but still use your SSI to pay your bills with, while saving $X out of every paycheck toward your eventual financial
independence.)

Social Security will also ignore the usual $2000 resource limit. They will continue to send you SSI while you have over $2000 as long as this money you are saving for your PASS plan is in an account that’s separate from your living expenses money.

Go to your local Social Security office with all your estimates and how you plan to proceed and how long it will take – put together all the details you can. Someone there will help you fill out their form, and then will submit it to a PASS expert, who is the person who decides whether you qualify. The more detail you have in your PASS plan and the more you make it clear that you are serious and prepared and capable, the better your chances.

It also wouldn’t hurt to include the standard material in Chapter 3 of the book, the boom in computer jobs chapter, especially to show them the high demand there is for people with the certification you are shooting for. Use brochures from your local training company even if you don’t plan to take their $5000 classes. Your goal at this stage is just to have SSA approve your PASS Plan.

You must convince them of three things:

1. You are capable of doing the job you are shooting for; you’re just not qualified yet. You need more knowledge, a professional degree, or certification, etc.

2. You have a feasible plan for getting yourself to the point where you qualify for the job.

3. When you finish your plan, there is a reasonable chance you can get the job and that doing so will reduce or eliminate your dependence on SSI.

The MCSE/CNE certifications certainly meet requirement #3. #2 is not hard if you just look around for the price of the books and equipment you need. #1 is up to you.

Not all methods will work for everybody.

The point is, if you’re willing to read, study and work hard on your own, you don’t have to spend top dollar. If you can get your employer or the government to pay for your classes, go for it. All these methods have been used by somebody and will be used by many more. Now they’re yours.

I wish you all the greatest success in your networking careers.

Copyright by Info Ring Press

About the Author

Richard Stooker is the author of Secrets of Changing to a Computer Career.
www.inforingpress.com

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by Jide Awe

In the Information Technology (IT) industry, certification has become a globally recognized tool for professional development. Globally there is a huge need for qualified IT specialists. This has resulted in a mad or is it gold rush into certification. Certification is now a buzzword in IT. Unfortunately, many who go through the certification process get their fingers burnt.

Even though certification has been a powerful advancement tool for some time, it has not been smooth sailing in all cases. There are many fallacies running riot within the industry regarding the requirements to get into and be successful in the I.T. industry. Let us attempt to look at the most common certification mistakes with a view to getting certification candidates to avoid them.

We will look at why it is possible to spend money, time and effort and still not get the desired results. We will not be able to cover every single certification blunder, but let’s look at the 5 most common howlers.

1. Choosing a certification because it is hot
This is a common problem I encounter with most certification candidates. They have no idea of what the certification involves but they love it because it is hot. Should you be picking a certification that does not match what you want to do or be? Do you know what you want to do or be? Don’t just go for an MCSE and assume you’ll make it. Going for certification for the wrong reasons is both wasteful and unreasonable.

Are you new in IT? Your first step towards a successful career should be researching the different options available. Learn about these options. Yes, you may love computers, but what aspect? What is your background? Skill base? Personality? All of these factors can tell you not only if you’re really cut out for IT, but what type of IT field might be best for you. For those already in IT, are you choosing a certification because your job requires this specific certification or is it a crucial step in the direction of your long-term career goals? Otherwise, it may not be worth your time and resources. MCSEs, for instance, look after Microsoft servers and networks. But if programming is your passion, go for a developer’s certification such as MCSD or Java.

Whether you’re new to IT or already in IT, certification should not be seen just as a meal ticket. It should be part of an individual’s career development strategy. Don’t rush into it because it is the vogue in town. Depending on what stage you’re at and your career interests, your need for certification and type of certification vary from individual to individual. Certification is only for you if you have identified your career goals and you see it as a tool for getting you from where you are to where you should be. The worst thing you can do is to choose a certification without thinking about your long-term career path.

2. Underestimating the real cost of certification.
How much does it cost to get certified? Too often we underestimate the costs involved. Most people believe it is just a matter of the funds required for training, books, training CDs, manuals and the certification exams. A good certification is built on the realization that money is not the only resource you need to get happily certified. I know quite a few people who register for courses but who keep on dropping out due to one commitment or the other. You’ve paid for the training and you’ve bought the books, but how committed are you?

Do you have the drive and zeal that requires reading, attending training sessions, and practicing? Do you love studying? How will you handle your other commitments, social, work or family? When it comes down to the crunch, can you make the effort? Sometimes, it even requires extra effort. Most especially if you already have a tight schedule. Are you capable or ready to read and master (not cram) your certification objectives? Now and then with certification, the going gets tougher. It is a shame that many spend so much to acquire certification resources, but they never really get off the mark when it comes to effort.

Candidates who are successful in certification ALL possess the drive and motivation to succeed and advance their careers. Success with certification costs more than just training, certification tools and materials; without effort you’re going nowhere.

3. Going to sleep after getting certified
Many certification candidates believe that once they are certified they no longer have to work to increase their skills (value). It will be a big mistake for any professional to simply bask in the euphoria of getting certified and forget about continuing requirements. Once you achieve the certification you must set new goals. As stated earlier certification is not an end in itself. It is a career development driver. At each stage in your career you have to ask yourself: Where am I? Where do I want to be? How do I get there? If you stand still, your technical skills will stagnate.

To stay ahead, you have to keep on learning. If you don’t continuously develop your self the value of your certification falls. How can you hate continuous self-development and hope to succeed in the IT industry? It’s no wonder that re-certification requirements are becoming more common. Going to sleep after getting certified means you wasted your time and money. Don’t become a dinosaur. Look here for More on lifelong learning:

http://www.jidaw.com/dinosaur1.html

4. Failing to prepare equals preparing to fail
Poor preparation is a major killer of certification aspirations. It is not enough to choose a training center. Many fail because they choose the wrong training center. How did you marry your training with your exams? Do you need or did you take any time for revision after training? Did you go for the test without knowing the exam simply because you’re an expert on the field? What are your study habits like? Are you a smart guy that doesn’t need to study? Or are you the cramming expert? If you prepare for certification based on cramming, you fool no one but yourself.

And you have to be truthful to yourself; do you have the work experience needed for that certification? Too often candidates don’t prepare well due to overconfidence, ignorance of preparation options and poor personal organization. How can you succeed if your arrangements are too little, badly organized, and too late? Look here for More on certification preparation options:

http://www.jidaw.com/article5.html

5. Unrealistic expectations
Going into certification for the wrong reasons breeds unrealistic expectations which eventually leads to frustration and dissatisfaction. Here are some of the expectations: “A certification is required to get a job in the I.T. industry. Certifications are my ticket to success. Get certified and get your dream job! Certification rules the IT industry. Certification is a goldmine. A guarantee of career success.” But is certification really your gold card to IT career success? Failure to understand what certification is all about leads to unrealistic expectations

Let’s smash these myths to smithereens once and for all. Certification is no guarantee of career success! Period! In most cases, it takes experience, dedication and a lot of hard work to ensure IT career success. There are no free giveaways in life.

It’s not certification, but job effectiveness and planning that count most. You must consider these two factors in making any certification decision. Employers aren’t just paying for a piece of paper–they want job effectiveness. You must not only be able to do the job assigned; you must do it meeting high standards, within budget and on time. Certification tests product knowledge, logical thinking, and problem-solving approaches. But clients and employers demand the combination of experience, knowledge and skills. Certification can’t give you experience.

The real world is more complex than the world of certification. Quite often you have to get your hands dirty to gain important knowledge that is not tested in any exam.

Furthermore certification focuses to a large extent on technical skills. You cannot succeed in IT with tech skills alone. Do you know how to deal with customers? “More often the industry is looking for those who have experience, skills, and a solid ethics attitude first, before education”. To succeed in IT you need people skills, resourcefulness, knowledge, experience and a corporate focus.

So, if you are considering going in for a certification program, make sure you understand what you are signing up for, and your likely future once you complete the program. Get informed from career counselors, past candidates, IT managers and from industry, to have a more realistic view of the value of the certification programs as well as its likely future prospects, and how it fits into your career strategy. Look here for More on the realistic approach to certification:

http://www.jidaw.com/realistic.html

Mistakes are not the end of the world
So have you made mistakes? Who hasn’t, you ask? First face the facts. You don’t help yourself by living in denial. It can be painful when we make mistakes. But at the same time don’t let mistakes shut you down. Continue with your high energy, positive outlook. What is important is how we respond. The solution is not to worry or moan. Self-pity is wasteful and pointless. You have the ability to turn your minus into a plus. Try to look at the process as a learning experience. Learn from mistakes, get over them and put them to positive use.

Have you invested, or are you about to invest, in certification? The success of your certification choices depends on a sensible combination of career focus, planning, resourcefulness and hard work.

Avoiding certification mistakes is about being wise in your decision-making. You need more sense than skills to create your amazing future.

All the best in your IT Career!

About the Author
Jide Awe is a writer, speaker and IT consultant that deals with career, training and certification issues. welcomes the opportunty to share his experience through interviews, articles and speaking engagements. Jide Awe is the Founder of http://www.jidaw.com, an IT Career portal.

by Geetu Ahuja

Microsoft certifications are one of the most widely acclaimed, pursued, and achieved technical certifications in the IT industry. The demand for Microsoft Certified Professionals in the job market is increasing every year.

Microsoft offers a number of certification levels depending on specific areas of proficiency and nature of job. Some of the certifications pertaining to networking are:

1. Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP)
2. Microsoft Certified System Administrator (MCSA)
3. Microsoft Certified System Engineer (MCSE)

Each certification level has certain exams associated with it. You can decide the appropriate certification exam based on your experience, skills, and interests.

Benefits of Microsoft Certifications

1. Microsoft Certifications provide a standard method for testing employee skills. The certifications provide employers a valid benchmark for evaluating the employee’s abilities. This will provide you the recognition and reward as per your expertise.
2. Microsoft Certifications offer prospective employers a baseline to judge your knowledge, skill, and expertise in the field. Certifications can provide added advantage if you are at the same level of experience as another person without certifications.
3. Certifications are a valuable tool if you have no or very little experience. The certifications that you hold can prove and reassure your employers and consultants about your knowledge in the field. This will help you secure good job as well as negotiate a good salary.

Pre-Requisite Experience (Recommended) for Microsoft Certifications

To pursue this certification you should have at least 1 year of experience in:

1. Implementing and administering a network operating system in environments with 50 to 26,000 supported users, in approximately 3 to 150 physical locations.
2. Implementing network services and applications such as file and print services, database services, messaging services, proxy server or firewall services, dial-in server services, and Web hosting.
3. Implementing and administering a desktop operating system.
4. Designing a network infrastructure with 3 or more domain controllers.

Significance of Microsoft Certifications for Microsoft Windows Server 2003

Microsoft has developed independent certification requirements for Microsoft Windows Server 2003. An aspirant can certify directly for MCSE/MCSA in Windows 2003 if they are new to certification process. If the aspirant is already a certified MCSE /MCSA in Windows 2000, then they can follow the upgrade path for MCSEs in Windows 2000 to secure Windows 2003 Certifications. If the aspirant certifies in MCSE for Windows NT4.0, they can earn MCSE in Windows 2003 by following the upgrade path for MCSEs in Windows NT4.0.

The exams are slightly more challenging than their Windows 2000 counterparts, but they will actually test your hands-on knowledge since that is the most important part of ensuring that a certification is credible.

Exam 70-290: Managing and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment

Exam 70-290 is the first in the series of the core exams for MCSE certifications.

When you pass the Managing and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment (MCSE 70-290) exam, you achieve Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) status. You also earn credit toward the following certifications:

• Core credit towards Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) on Microsoft Windows Server 2003 certification
• Core credit towards Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) on Microsoft Windows Server 2003 certification

MCSE 70-290 exam objectives are:

Objective 1: Managing and Maintaining Physical and Logical Devices

In this objective you will need to demonstrate expertise in managing and maintaining physical and logical devices. As an administrator, you should understand Basic and Dynamic disks, RAID configuration and troubleshooting, driver signing, and the use of tools, such as Device Manager and Hardware Troubleshooting Wizard. Familiarize yourself with Device Manager and the warning and disabled icons found when problems are present on installed devices.

Objective 2: Managing Users, Computers, and Groups

This objective includes many topics, so you should be prepared to face many questions that fall into this category. Have a healthy introduction to profile management, user and group accounts, permissions, and troubleshooting. Practice a lot on GPOs and perform a variety of administrative tasks, including configuration of desktop settings, control of security settings, assignment of scripts, redirection of folders, and software distribution. Also, get a clear understanding on inheritance and filtering.

Objective 3: Managing and Maintaining Access to Resources

Knowing how to configure, monitor, audit and troubleshoot NTFS permissions based issues are one of those most important areas that you need to know this concept thoroughly and also be sure to brush up on your share permissions and share/NTFS permissions interaction. Do not forget to brush up on how folder and file permissions can change or stay the same when copying or moving within a drive or between drives.

Objective 4: Managing and Maintaining a Server Environment

In this objective you’ll find questions from topics, such as Event Viewer, System Monitor, software updates (including the functionality of Microsoft’s Software Update Service or SUS), Remote Assistance, disk quotas, print queues, performance objects and IIS 6.0. Spend time understanding IIS topics around Web sites, Virtual and physical directories, files and host and cname records in DNS. New to Windows Server 2003 is SUS. Understand clearly how SUS is used for deploying and managing client and server critical updates.

Objective 5: Managing and Implementing Disaster Recovery

In this objective you’ll find questions on ASR, VSS, backing up files and system state data, configuring security for backup operators, verifying backup jobs, managing media, restoring and scheduling backups and recovering from server hardware failures. You should take some extra time to get familiar with the various types of backups that Windows Server 2003 supports, as well as the various configuration options that are available to you. Practice making backups of different types and then practice restoring them.

MCSE 70-290 Exam Model

Most of the questions in the MCSE 70-290 exam are multiple choice type. The questions require the “best” answer from several close responses. Other questions may present an implementation scenario, requirements, and a proposed solution and then ask if the solution meets all of the requirements or combinations of the primary and secondary requirements. Microsoft has introduced some testing innovations for the certification exams. These question types present a more realistic visual representation of the tasks a MCSE would do in future. These are:

• Hot Area Questions – This type of question requires indicating the correct answer by selecting one or more elements within a graphic.
• Active Screen Questions – This type of question asks you to configure a dialog box by changing one or more elements.
• Drag and Drop Questions – This type of question asks you to drag source objects to appropriate targets within a work area.
• Build List and Reorder Questions – This type of question asks you to indicate the correct answer by building an answer list. In a Build List and Reorder question, you need to build a list by dragging the appropriate source objects to the answer list and then placing them in the correct order based on criteria defined in the question.
• Create a Tree Questions – This type of question asks you to create a tree structure. You indicate the correct answer by dragging source nodes to the correct locations in the answer tree. Nodes consist of text and a small icon.
• Windows Simulation Questions – This type of question asks you to indicate the correct answer by performing specific tasks such as configuring and installing network adapters or drivers, configuring and controlling access to files, and managing hardware devices. Many of the tasks that systems administrators and systems engineers perform can be presented more accurately in simulations than in most traditional exam question types.

You can get hands-on experience on new set of questions that are available in Whizlabs MCSE 70-290 Exam Simulator. This will help you plan your study regime to ensure success.

Passing Score

Microsoft has normalized scoring for all MCP exams, so the same passing score applies to all exams. 700 is now the minimum passing score for all MCP exams. However, the maximum score (which used to top out at 1000) varies per exam, depending on the complexity of the skills measured.

Time Limit

The exam duration is 175 minutes with 45 questions. You will have plenty of time to answer the exam questions, so there is no need to rush. If you have spare time available, you can double check the questions and ensure that you have read them correctly and actually answered the question as intended.

Exam Result

Instead of reporting results based on major categories for exam objectives as it used to, Microsoft is now providing numerical scores and bar graphs for “skills clusters”. Visually, the bars in the exam report show you how well you fare in each skills cluster. If bars that represent cluster scores are close to one end of the graph, they indicate stronger skills; bars near the other end indicate weaker skills. Please store your exam results in both paper and electronic format for later reference.

Sample Questions

Question 1

You are a systems administrator for TicTacToe Toy Manufacturers. All servers in the company run on Microsoft Windows Server 2003. The company’s Active Directory infrastructure consists of a single domain hosted on two domain controllers named Tic1 and Tic2.

Tic2 experienced a hard disk failure, and hence has been taken offline. Tic2 remained offline for some days while all Active Directory updates were made to Tic1. You proceed to restore the data from backup while ensuring that the latest Active Directory changes are replicated to Tic2.

How should you restore the lost data from backup?

Choices:

1. Perform authoritative restore on Tic1.
2. Perform normal restore on Tic2.
3. Perform primary restore on Tic2.
4. Perform authoritative restore onTic2.

Correct Choice: B

Explanation:
Choice B is the correct answer.

During a normal restore operation; Backup operates in non-authoritative restore mode. That is, any data that you restore, including Active Directory objects, will have their original update sequence number. The Active Directory replication system uses this number to detect and propagate Active Directory changes among the servers in your organization. Because of this, any data that is restored non-authoritatively will appear to the Active Directory replication system as though it is old, which means the data will never be replicated to your other servers. Instead, if newer data is available from your other domain controllers, the Active Directory replication will update the restored data. Hence, choices A, C, and D are incorrect.

Question 2

You are a systems administrator for Blueberry Packaging Industries. All servers in the company run on Microsoft Windows Server 2003.

You create a folder named Custom Package on the company’s file server to contain the company’s files. You share this folder as Custom Package. The folder is configured with default NTFS permissions and default share permissions. The file server is located in a secure room.

Within the shared folder, Managers should be able to add and change files and subfolders. Employees in the Sales and Packers department should be able to change and delete files and subfolders. All other employees should only be able to view the files.

All Sales employees are members of the Sales domain local security group. All Managers are members of the Managers domain local security group. The Packers are members of the Packers global security group.

How should you modify share level permissions on the Custom Package folder so that the appropriate users have the minimum required privileges? (Choose all that apply)

Choices:

1. Grant Change share permissions to Managers.
2. Deny Full Control share permissions to Managers.
3. Grant Change share permissions to Sales.
4. Grant Full Control share permissions to Sales.
5. Grant Change share permissions to Packers.
6. Grant Full Control share permissions to Packers.
7. Deny Full Control share permissions to Everyone.
8. Remove Everyone from the share permissions list.

Correct Choices: A, C, and E

Explanation:
Choices A, C, and E are the correct answers.

Change permissions allow the users to create, delete, and change any files and folders in the shared folder, provided the users have appropriate NTFS permissions on the files and folders. The default NTFS permission in Windows Server 2003 is Read for Everyone and the default share level permissions grant Read access to Everyone. You should not remove Everyone from the share permission list. By default, share level permissions grant Read access to Everyone.

How to Prepare for Microsoft Certification?

Following are the steps to prepare for Microsoft certification.

1. MCSE exams are not easy, as advertised on many websites. The MCSE Certifications are tough, so plan to put in a lot of time and effort getting ready for your certification exams. Get all information you can about the certification exams and then start working towards your goal.
2. Get hands on experience. The first step in the preparation for any Microsoft Certification is hands on experience with the related product. For MCSE, the aspirant needs to have at least a year of working experience and for MCSA, the minimum recommended time of experience is 6 months. If you are not working anywhere, it will help, if you can volunteer your IT skill services to gain valuable experience.
3. You can set up a small network at home to practice. Setting up the home network will give a great opportunity to learn. You can practice the lab exercises in the home network as and when you study. This will give you a better understanding of the theories than just studying the exam guides.
4. Get trained in the related product. If possible, try to get training in the related product in a Microsoft Authorized Training Center. You can use training resources to supplement your skills and experience. You can also use the Microsoft Official Curriculum for the related exam as well as Microsoft Press books that are available for the exam.
5. For Exam 70-290, the main areas that you need to concentrate are
   • Automated System Recovery (ASR)
   • Diskpart utility
   • Diskraid utility
   • Emergency Management Services (EMS)
   • File Replication Service (FRS)
   • Group Policy Management Console (GPMC)
   • Open File Backup
   • Password Backup and Restore Wizard
   • Remote Assistance
   • Remote Desktop
   • Shadow copying of shared folders
   • Software Update Services (SUS)
   • Virtual disk service
   • Permissions -Share and NTFS
   • Users, Computers, and Groups
6. Use the preparation guide of the exam that you want to take and read it thoroughly. You should know all the exam objectives of MCSE 70-290 covered in the exam preparation guide.
7. Use practice test software packages. Whizlabs MCSE 70-290 Exam Simulator is an example.
8. Do NOT use Braindumps. Braindumps might help you get the certification, but you will lack important practical knowledge about the product. Hence, your prospects of landing a good IT job will be less. Some brain dumps deliberately mislead you. So BEWARE!
9. You can participate in any online discussion forum, where you can participate in an ongoing dialogue and even ask doubts if you have any. You are sure to get the right guidance.

You’ve learned the details about the MCSE 70-290 Exam, its pattern, objectives etc. Download the MCSE Exam Preparation Guide to learn how Whizlabs can help you achieve the MCSE credential.

Resources

Exam simulators

Whizlabs MCSE 70-290 Exam Simulator

Besides identifying your weak areas and giving you a feel of the exam environment, Whizlabs Exam Simulator nurtures your potential to acquire domain expertise so that you not only succeed in your certification exam but succeed in your career too.

Articles on Windows 2003

1. Microsoft’s Windows 2003 Server Home Page
2. What’s New in Active Directory
3. Windows Server 2003 Demos
4. Windows Server 2003, Standard Edition

Microsoft Online Resources

1. TechNet : Designed for IT professionals, this resource includes Howto’s, best practices, downloads, technical chats, and much more.
2. MSDN : The Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN) is a reference for developers, featuring code samples, technical articles, newsgroups, chats, and more.
3. Training & Certification Newsgroups : A newsgroup exists for every Microsoft certification. By participating in the ongoing dialogue, you take advantage of a unique opportunity to exchange ideas with and ask questions of others, including more than 750 Microsoft Most Valuable Professionals (MVPs) worldwide.

About The Author

Whizlabs (www.whizlabs.com), an ISO 9001:2000 certified company, is a leading provider of IT skill assessment and certification exam preparation tools. Whizlabs’ suite of offerings include “IT Certification Exam simulators and Instructor-led, Online Trainings” for various exams by Sun, IBM, Oracle, Microsoft, PMI, BEA, Cisco, and other leading IT vendors. Whizlabs also offers “IT Skill Assessment Management Solution” for Corporations, Training Institutes, and Universities.

Whizlabs provides 24×7 customer support to be able to assist its clients

by John Gall

In the years of the dot com boom and bust, the Microsoft MCSE Certification has gotten its eye blackened over an over. Paper Microsoft MCSEs who were excellent at finding brain dumps and passing exams gave the Microsoft MCSE Certification a bad name.

What used to be a guarantee of a nice salary is now ridiculed in some ignorant circles. After working in the Information Technology field for twelve years I still believe the Microsoft MCSE Certification is worth every dollar you spend and every hour spent in study and practice. I’ll share my history with the Microsoft MCSE Certification and why I still believe its a valuable certification credential.

My History: Pre Microsoft MCSE

When I started out as a PC LAN Analyst I wanted to someday run my own shop. The best way I felt to get there was to study for the much sought after Novell CNE and Microsoft MCSE Certification. Because I worked in a Novell environment and had no opportunity to work with Windows NT I started on my Novell CNE Certification. I went book by book purchasing them on eBay and reading while I worked a second job. The CNE was also an easier certification to get as the answers to the exam came direct from the books.

Microsoft’s MCSE Certification exams tend to generalize on the concepts from the books rather than the text verbatim. Once complete with the CNE I had a full understanding of Novell’s File Server and their weak attempt at a firewall/web server. I understood archaic technologies like IPX and Token Ring as well as networking technologies used today such as Ethernet, and TCP/IP I at least had enough knowledge to perform well at my job and work as an IT Consultant where I formed my own business Gall Consulting which runs today as a successful income.

After getting my CNE Certification I finally got a job running my own show. I had one Novell 3.12 server which ran the entire company. Within a year we began to work with Microsoft Windows NT 3.51 and NT 4.0 was just on the scene. I began the lengthy study of the seven Microsoft MCSE exams. When I had completed the Microsoft MCSE certification a year later I was like Yoda around the job. I had a complete set of knowledge about Windows Networking and Windows Applications. Because I completed the entire set of Microsoft MCSE exams and coursework I knew the technology and the theory behind the technology. This led to high performance as a Senior LAN Administrator. Rather than a swiss cheese education I had a thorough understanding of Microsoft Windows technology and could adapt to new situations easily.

NT 4.0 to Windows 2000 MCSE

When Windows 2000 Server and Active Directory was released we faced a problem. My small Novell to small Microsoft NT Domain, had grown to a world wide enterprise with five domains including various trusts going everywhere. DNS was handled by our UNIX group and we had to find a way to learn a new technology, create a single corporate Active Directory Domain and use Dynamic DNS on our Windows Active Directory domain controllers yet co-exist with our UNIX administrators who were none to happy to have to share DNS. Faced with this challenge I returned to what worked in the past. I studied for the Windows 2000 MCSE Certification

As I did before I started at the beginning and worked my way through each course and exam until I had completed my Windows 2000 MCSE Certification. By now I had a great career as an IT Operations Manager and no one was going to hire or pay me extra just for getting my Microsoft MCSE Certification. This is the true value of the certification. It started as my drive to obtain career credentials and became a vehicle to ensure I had an entire breadth of knowledge that would let me take on monumental tasks.

Needless to say, today we have a single corporate Active Directory domain with a few sub domains necessary for DMZ areas. Our DNS works so well the UNIX group asked us to take over and we’re able to build on Active Directory as a source of valuable corporate data. My point in this article is to look at the Microsoft MCSE Certification as a way to ensure you have all the knowledge rather than just what’s necessary in the short term. Knowing why something works is much more powerful than knowing just enough to build it in the first place the coursework involved in the Microsoft MCSE Certification provides this.

I can say without fail, EVERY Information Technology professional I’ve worked with that had a Microsoft MCSE Certification performed at a MUCH higher level than those who only had on the job experience or had only studied what they needed to complete their daily tasks.

About The Author

John Gall is a full time IT Manager and IT Consultant in Minnesota. He runs several websites as a hobby featuring content similar to that in this article.
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http://www.microsoftclassaction.com