david

So I have finally accepted that I can't be successful in the IT industry with just Cisco certifications (which sucks because Cisco is where its at!). I need to understand the server side of the equation, and Microsoft is a safe choice of certifications to acquire in order to be marketable in today's economy. With that in mind I will be pursuing the MCITP Enterprise Administrator certification and it's pre-requisites.

I have heard that Microsoft certification exams are much easier than Cisco exams in that they test you more on concepts and less on experience with the technology. So my question is this: Should I expect to spend less time stressing experience with the associated technology prior to the exam? Should I just get the concepts down and take the exam and worry about becoming proficient when I work with the technology on my own time/at a job? Can anyone provide any advice from experience on how the difficult the Microsoft certification exams are? Maybe even how they are in contrast to Cisco certification exams?

Thanks in advance for the insight/advice.

Kisses,
Brian

Unregistered

The main difference between the two, aside the number exams is what type of work each demands. A Microsoft server is supported on a weekly, if not daily. A Microsoft server has to keep track of users and computers, the IP numbering scheme, applications, e-mail, databases, and security operations. If one is a Microsoft engineer, one will work with the server frequently.

The Cisco network support is very different. Once a network is designed and the router is configured, one is unlikely to touch the router again for at least six months, maybe even a year. They are quiet workhorses. When the routing protocol is set up, the paths throughout the local network are laid out. The path to the Internet is also setup. One does not need to change it.

From a work perspective, most companies will hire a Microsoft Engineer to run the daily operations of the server. Companies will outsource router operations to specialists, for example, those with a CCNA cert.

The salary difference is also different. A Microsoft Engineer will typically start at 40-45 thousand. A Cisco engineer will start at 45-50 thousand. Then depending on technical skills and development, the two will probably max out in the 70 thousand range for the MCSE and in the 80 thousand range for the CCNA.

Finally, under Cisco, you can pursue other certifications like the CCNP and CCIE. The CCNP, Cisco Certified Network Professional has 4 exams. The CCIE, Cisco Certified Internet Professional, has two exams, a written exam and a two day lab exam. Microsoft has other certifications in its library, but the MCSE is their top Cert

swallwallsk

The statement made earlier was incorrect. The MCITP Enterprise is the highest certification available for the Microsoft track on Windows 2008. The MCSE was the highest on the older technologies but is no longer used for the Windows 2008 platform. The MCITP Enterprise consists of five tests total. If you have ample experience, it will still require additional study. Don't assume they are easy, that would be a mistake. The CCNA requires one comprehensive or two separate tests. The complexity of either track requires skill and knowledge. I have done them both and found that I studied equally hard for each. Take classes if you can, it helps. If you have a lot of experience in these areas (I did), you should do fine. Combining the two certs will certainly make you highly marketable in the industry. Good engineers that have experience in both areas can make anywhere from $65,000 to over $100,000 annually. If you wish to continue and get a security certification on top of that such as the CISSP (the highest security cert), that increases your salary potential. Note that the CISSP is more difficult.

Mary Winkler

swallwallsk You are right!

As I am moderating this forum also!. I found this question little bit buggy but I approve it as I don't have enough knowledge in this field.

Anyway thank for the nice guidance another member is asking something here,Worth the wait?

can you guide him!

lewiS

I will expand it even further: there are two more levels on certification provided by Microsoft: Microsoft Certified Master (MCM) and Microsoft Certified Architect (MCA). Have a look here: Certification Courses | Certification Training | Microsoft Certification

dick123

I think both are best and better for make a future.