What is the proper certification path for becoming a network administrator?

What is the proper certification path for becoming a network administrator?

I currently hold an A+ certification. The course direction that has been suggested for me is the following:
  • Comptia Network+
  • MCSA with MCDST
  • CCNA
    • Do you think this a good plan for becoming a network administrator? I am currently in my mid-to-late 40s. I am looking for a career of 20 to 25 years. Do you think this a good direction to head into? Thank you!

      Requires Free Membership to View

      Login

      By submitting your registration information to SearchWinIT.com you agree to receive email communications from TechTarget and TechTarget partners. We encourage you to read our Privacy Policy which contains important disclosures about how we collect and use your registration and other information. If you reside outside of the United States, by submitting this registration information you consent to having your personal data transferred to and processed in the United States. Your use of SearchWinIT.com is governed by our Terms of Use. You may contact us at webmaster@TechTarget.com.

    Given your age, I'd like to know more about your educational background and prior work experience. Without that information I can only say that the course direction being recommended for you is a decent start into entry-level network technician and junior administrator work. However, to become a serious, senior-level network administrator you'd want to go after MCSE or the newer MCTS/MCITP certifications as well (and I'd also strongly recommend getting to the Windows Server 2008 curriculum which launches next February, as soon as you can).

    Windows Server 2003 is all well and good, but with a new version immanent, you might be better off waiting six months and starting right out with the latest and greatest Windows Server version, plus the certifications that go with it. You could, for example, tackle Network+ and CCNA first, then dig into the new Microsoft curriculum a little later, and save yourself the need to retool anyway in the next two years.

    Once you get into the field, if you like the work, there's no reason why it can't see you all the way through to retirement age. At 55, so far it's working for me -- it should be able to do likewise for you.

    Best of luck with your career planning and training.

    This was first published in October 2007

    Join the conversationComment

    Share
    Comments

      Results

      Contribute to the conversation

      All fields are required. Comments will appear at the bottom of the article.
      Back to top