Certificati​ons (SCNS, MSCE, etc)

Is anyone here SCNS TPD certified, or MCSE certified, or anything else certified?

I'm wondering a few things; what are good certifications for someone that wants to be a mix between a developer and a server/network administrator.

Also, anyone who is certified can you PM me or add me to MSN so we can discuss the exam.  I don't feel like buying a $700.00 study package when I can just study a bit about it and prepare based on what others tell me, and thne just pay the $150.00 testing fee.

Another questions is are the certifications actually worth anything, or would it be better to...

1. Go for an associates degree in computer science
2. Get some certifications (above).
3. Rely on my experience in the industry to show the employer that I know what I'm doing.

Thanks,
Travis

I am MCAD Certified, but I have never got a job or project becuase of it. It's a big plus, but not a requirement (here in Holland).

It all depends on the market of the country and the pickyness of your employers. Personally, I wager a degree higher then certification. Certification will only get you onto projects and a degree will get you a better job IMHO.

The certifications I did, where a big eye opener for Microsoft technologies. They tend to have some questions about features you wouldnt use in the field, wich force you to look around in the framework or server. The questions where a bit..... odd.

I did no do any payed studies, I just studied in my own time.

I would say that a degree is priority number one, experience number two and certifications number three. But if you don't have one or two, I'd say number three is a must.

Maddus Mattus said:

I am MCAD Certified, but I have never got a job or project becuase of it. It's a big plus, but not a requirement (here in Holland).

It all depends on the market of the country and the pickyness of your employers. Personally, I wager a degree higher then certification. Certification will only get you onto projects and a degree will get you a better job IMHO.

The certifications I did, where a big eye opener for Microsoft technologies. They tend to have some questions about features you wouldnt use in the field, wich force you to look around in the framework or server. The questions where a bit..... odd.

I did no do any payed studies, I just studied in my own time.

I would say that a degree is priority number one, experience number two and certifications number three. But if you don't have one or two, I'd say number three is a must.

Good deal.  Great response Maddus; in response to your MCAD certification -- how was the process layed out?

You stated that you studied on your own what you thought was going to be on the test; that's great.  What happend after that?

I'd assume you scheduled an exam for the required items through a testing center?  Upon passing the exams (how long did you have to wait before you found out you passed each exam), what was the next step -- did Microsoft automatically know you passed and send you a certification letter with certificate in the mail, or how exactly does the process continue after you take the tests.

Thanks,
Travis

P.S.; I've got lots of experience, but no degree -- thus being the reason why I am thinking of certifications.  I have many certifications through ExpertRating, but as it seems they are not an industry recognized certification leader/partner -- so I'm thinking of MCITP for Server Administrator and Database Administrator, and then SCNP for Network Security.  Any further advice is appreciated.

Maddus Mattus said:

I am MCAD Certified, but I have never got a job or project becuase of it. It's a big plus, but not a requirement (here in Holland).

It all depends on the market of the country and the pickyness of your employers. Personally, I wager a degree higher then certification. Certification will only get you onto projects and a degree will get you a better job IMHO.

The certifications I did, where a big eye opener for Microsoft technologies. They tend to have some questions about features you wouldnt use in the field, wich force you to look around in the framework or server. The questions where a bit..... odd.

I did no do any payed studies, I just studied in my own time.

I would say that a degree is priority number one, experience number two and certifications number three. But if you don't have one or two, I'd say number three is a must.

Degree definatly some companies wont touch you without.

However a degree is going to take a lot longer and be more expensive to study for than one of the Microsoft qualifications although I guess the complete set would take a while.

A degree will never be out of date either whilst some of the mcp stuff is out of date almost as soon as you have done it.

I have two of the microsoft mcp exams (asp.net and some solutions architecture one). The ASP.net one was well worth while but the solutions one I felt was a waste of time.  As Maddus says you get some weird questions and some are particularly estoric containing some feature you would never use although I suppose the exam is supposed to show a broad knowledge.  Having Designing and developing solutions architectures with .net does however sound cooler than it is and didnt do any harm for getting freelance work  

To study for them both I bought the microsoft study guides for them and a practice test thing. I would be surprised if you can pass them without at least a look through a study guide. Even if you have been using a product for years there will be features you have missed and remember you are answering the questions how Microsoft want you to not how you would might do it...  (a good rule is its the answer which puts the ms product in the best light but maybe im being cynical!)

alexmac said:

Maddus Mattus said:

*snip*

Degree definatly some companies wont touch you without.

However a degree is going to take a lot longer and be more expensive to study for than one of the Microsoft qualifications although I guess the complete set would take a while.

A degree will never be out of date either whilst some of the mcp stuff is out of date almost as soon as you have done it.

I have two of the microsoft mcp exams (asp.net and some solutions architecture one). The ASP.net one was well worth while but the solutions one I felt was a waste of time.  As Maddus says you get some weird questions and some are particularly estoric containing some feature you would never use although I suppose the exam is supposed to show a broad knowledge.  Having Designing and developing solutions architectures with .net does however sound cooler than it is and didnt do any harm for getting freelance work  

To study for them both I bought the microsoft study guides for them and a practice test thing. I would be surprised if you can pass them without at least a look through a study guide. Even if you have been using a product for years there will be features you have missed and remember you are answering the questions how Microsoft want you to not how you would might do it...  (a good rule is its the answer which puts the ms product in the best light but maybe im being cynical!)

I would say read through the book/material etc then book when your happy with the material through a testing centre. You wont have to wait long for an exam.

The exams give you the result at the end when your there. They then print out a transcript at the centre. On the 1st one I passed a few weeks later they sent a card and certificate. I didnt get a certificate for 2nd exam.

Travis H said:

Maddus Mattus said:

*snip*

Good deal.  Great response Maddus; in response to your MCAD certification -- how was the process layed out?

You stated that you studied on your own what you thought was going to be on the test; that's great.  What happend after that?

I'd assume you scheduled an exam for the required items through a testing center?  Upon passing the exams (how long did you have to wait before you found out you passed each exam), what was the next step -- did Microsoft automatically know you passed and send you a certification letter with certificate in the mail, or how exactly does the process continue after you take the tests.

Thanks,
Travis

P.S.; I've got lots of experience, but no degree -- thus being the reason why I am thinking of certifications.  I have many certifications through ExpertRating, but as it seems they are not an industry recognized certification leader/partner -- so I'm thinking of MCITP for Server Administrator and Database Administrator, and then SCNP for Network Security.  Any further advice is appreciated.

We had some hardcopies of the Microsoft Press Books laying around for all examns, so I borrowed those and did the learning in my own time.

Made the labs and wrote down some key elements for further study online. MSDN and the blogosphere are great pools of knowlidge.

I started out with the SQL Server 2000 exam. Depending on the test center, you get a computer in a room and you get asked about 50-70 questions. Mostly multiple choice (hate those) or chosing the best three options (loathe those) or placing something in the right order (loathe and hate those). Then after you complete the test you can review your answers and submit them. You instantly know if you passed or not, and Microsoft gets notified. The printout of your score is your certificate. Nevertheless, I failed my first exam. Went back to studying, hard this time. Passed for SQL Server, Web, Win and Webservices. I did Web and Win on the same day, those two are cake.

If you have no degree and experience, I would suggest you get the certifications. Then you can always say in interviews; "I don't need no stinking degree. I am a selfmade man. I have experience and I have the certifications that can prove I am competent". Go for the one that suits your field of work the most., there are pages on the MSDN with roadmaps for the examns. Check them out!

First off, good luck on your education.  I currently hold a number of certifications, including an MCAD Charter Member cert. I have recently passed a few more exams as well, since my company is paying for the exams.

I firmly believe that the answer to your question really depends upon the employer. That being said, I view certifications as "gravy" on biscuits. If you're looking for a good solid development job, there are a number of things people look for. My experience shows me that work experience was paramount. People want to see what you have done, who have you worked for, etc., before they hire you. The second thing is an education. I got a *lot* more calls back when I finished my undergrad Comp. Sci. degree. I had even better responses when I completed my Graduate degree in Software Engineering. The certs were really good to show I learned new technology and kept up to date. But, I have not heard of someone getting a job based purely upon certifications.

You might be able to find a mom and pop outfit that would hire you on certs, but I'd go for education WHILE working in the industry. You'll be glad you did.

Lastly, DON'T SPEND THAT MUCH MONEY ON CERT PREP!!!!!

Your best bet is to go to the FREE MSDN website and the Microsoft learning website. They clearly explain WHICH aspects of a technology is being tested for and which aren't. Get the MS press books for those.. I just passed a WSS 3.0 Developer exam, and my prep cost under 100 bucks (1 practice exam and 1 MS Press book). There are also websites out there to help you prep, although I wouldn't go for a brain-dump place: not only is it borderline cheating, but you don't really learn much.

Best of luck to you. Let us know how it goes.

@Travis H: i`m  MCSE certifide, but i do`nt have a job jet  i`m traing to

 

1 hour ago, Alathwari wrote

@Travis H: i`m  MCSE certifide, but i do`nt have a job jet  i`m traing to

 

You bumped a 2.5 year-old thread for this?

1 hour ago, Alathwari wrote

@Travis H: i`m  MCSE certifide, but i do`nt have a job jet  i`m traing to

 

1 minute ago, spivonious wrote

*snip*

You bumped a 2.5 year-old thread for this?

And the first-class spelling, grammar, and punctuation clearly demonstrates this person is an ideal candidate for any MCSE position.

I thought a prerequisite for undertaking the MCSE was being fluent in English?