Certification guru Patrick Regan explains the new Microsoft certs and reveals which Cisco, project management and security certs are worthwhile.
Certification guru Patrick Regan explains the new Microsoft certifications and reveals which Cisco, project management and security certifications are worthwhile.
Moderator-Julie: Welcome and thank you for coming. Our guest today is certification guru Patrick Regan. Patrick has penned over a dozen books, written the study guides for the A+ certification exams for Cisco Press and is currently writing an Exam Cram on Windows Server 2008. When not writing books, Patrick is a senior network engineer at Pacific Coast Companies supporting a large enterprise network and a celebrity blogger for Microsoft Subnet.
Patrick_Regan: Hi all.
Moderator-Keith: PRE-SUBMITTED QUESTION: Hi Patrick, I am completing a Masters of Information Technology Degree in March. However, I have limited work experience in IT. What certifications do you recommend to enhance my chances of employment in this field?
Patrick_Regan: You need to figure out where you want to focus. You need to choose at least one major vendor certification. Then you might consider some other certifications that will supplement that certification. For example, you can go for the MCSE (or MCITP for Windows Server 2008), then include the smaller certs on Exchange, SQL, CRM or SharePoint. You can also follow up with non-Microsoft certifications such as Cisco’s CCNA, CompTIA’s Security+ or (ICS)2’s CISSP. Other certifications to consider would be the Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) and Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP). Ones that I am not as familiar with, but that you might want to consider, are the Oracle database certifications and SAP certifications. One last one to mention, which requires a technical background but not necessarily deep technical knowledge, would be the PMI Project Management Professional. It is often difficult for employers to find a good experienced project manager of IT projects.
Rocky: Hi, I’m 59 years old with an BS in computing technology. I graduated in June 2007. I have two associate degrees in engineering. I want to get my first job in IT and it has been hard. I am concerned that my age and the fact that I’m entry-level in the field is causing me difficulties getting a job. Any suggestions?
Patrick_Regan: Getting your foot is in the door is one of the hardest things. After you get in, it is much easier. I don’t think that a person’s age is as big a factor as it used to be. You will find that the computer geeks that began when computers were new are maturing. Microsoft MCSE and other certs will help you get interviews and then your knowledge will be what carries you though the interview. While you don’t have much IT experience, you most likely have an understanding of the business world, something that is as important as the technical skill. Since you don’t have much experience, you need to focus on reading blogs and other forums to learn what problems are encountered and how to deal with those problems. You can then razzle-dazzle them with your knowledge and that will go a long way.
DaveM: Is it worth the bother for an enterprise IT person to get certified in Vista? What kinds of things can you learn through that certification program that you can’t learn easily any other way?
Patrick_Regan: If you are already certified in Windows XP, you don’t necessarily need to get certified in Windows Vista unless you are going for the MCITP Enterprise certification. If you are upgrading from the MCSE to the MCITP, you will not have to take the Windows Vista exam. But nonetheless, you still need to learn Windows Vista. You will find that Windows Vista offers new technology that was not available in Windows XP. For example, IPv6 is going to become much more popular during the next few years, so you are going to have to deal with the new DHCP servers that will be handing out IPv4 and IPv6 addresses. You will also need to understand how the NTFS file structure and permissions differ so that you know what changes need to be done on login scripts and group policies. Since more emphasis is being put on mobile computers, you need to learn the options Windows Vista has for file and data synchronization with mobile computers. Lastly, don’t forget that you may need to learn how to deal with User Access Control, those dreaded pop-ups that come up asking if you should do something on Windows Vista.
DaveM: For brand new computer engineering graduates, what kinds of certifications do you recommend?
Patrick_Regan: As a computer engineer, I think of the programming and development. training that Microsoft offers. Multiple certifications are aimed at software development. Much like the network certifications such as the MCSE program, you need to realize that software development changes often. However, if you can stay current or semi-current, you will find that you will be in high-demand. Currently, Microsoft offers two developer certifications. The Microsoft Certified Application Developer (MCAD) credential provides industry recognition for professional developers who build powerful applications using Microsoft Visual Studio .NET and Web services on the Microsoft .NET Framework 1.0 and Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1. Developers who use the Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 and Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 should consider the new Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) and Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD) credentials. While some may not consider this as “real programming: of the type that you might find in Delphi, C++ or C##, you will find it more then challenging since you are trying to tie into the Windows operating system with the same look and feel as other Windows applications. You also may be called to interface with a SQL database or interface with other applications.
Meb: What blogs and forums do you recommend reading?
Patrick_Regan: Microsoft actually has a couple of blogs. One is the Technet blog and another is the Microsoft discussion group. These will give you good feel for what problems are out there and what technology is becoming popular.
Rocky: From a networking standpoint, what are the areas where Cisco and Microsoft meet? Also, how is the cooperation between these two companies regarding that area of the network?
Patrick_Regan: Basically, the cooperation is touch and go. For example, Cisco is still working on getting a VPN client that works 100% with Windows Vista, even though Windows Vista has been out for a year. The next security features have prevented some features such as auto-connect, to function properly. And with the separation of testing centers, I see a little bit of friction. But then in other places I see that they work close together.
JoeAdmin: With all of the brain dumps available on the Web leading to people with “paper certifications,” are the Cisco professional level certifications still relevant? A number of colleagues of mine have argued that the only Cisco cert worth having these days is the CCIE, and that working towards any of the professional level certs is a waste of time. I’d appreciate any insight you could give to this debate.
Patrick_Regan: With the many dumps available online, you will find that the Cisco Professional level certifications are still relevant. Even taking the CCNA exam, you must know how to do subnet masking and converting IP addresses to binary format to answer questions and to do it almost without thinking. If not, you will run out of time and if you leave any questions unanswered, you automatically fail. The Cisco exams are changed frequently, often adding new questions. And lastly, they have multiple questions where you have to program or configure the switch, router or other device, something that usually requires several commands.
The same can be said for the Microsoft exams. While there are plenty of dumps out there, which I am sure devalue the certification to some extent, Microsoft is watching for people who are cheating on these exams. If you use this material and are caught, you can be decertified and disallowed from future exams. Microsoft is also attempting to add more hands-on portions on their exams to weed out those people who do use dumps. Lastly, there is the job interview. Any company that is looking at hiring someone should always test the person’s knowledge. It won’t take long to determine if someone really knows the material or not. So if you look at taking shortcuts by doing these dumps, you will mostly only be hurting yourself.
Servergal: What kinds of ways can you recommend to get Microsoft training on the cheap? Any freebies or demo classes worthwhile?
Patrick_Regan: If you can find it, the right book always helps. Of course, you also need to be able to get the software and load it on the computer and play with it. Then when you are ready to take the exam, the Exam Cram books are in-depth enough to learn the technology and prepare you for the exam without getting too lost in the fluff. Also you would be amazed at what you can find just searching around on the Internet including what is on Microsoft’s Website.
JasonW: Mr. Regan, in the WAN area, what do you feel is the hottest certification track or single certification? MPLS? Also, what is your take on the new developments of “network coding,” and what books would you recommend for future learning? Thank you!
Patrick_Regan: If you are looking at WAN arena, you need to look at the Cisco certifications. The first one will be the CCNA. Then you can either go for the some of the professional certs or go for the big one, the CCIE. Some people go for the professional certs first, then upgrade to the CCIE. Unfortunately, the CCIE is very difficult to pass. It is not that it is necessarily difficult, but you must do it the Cisco way or fail. You could find a solution in two minutes to a problem and the Cisco way may have been longer, but for the exam, the Cisco way is the correct method. I am not much of an expert on network coding.
Bobm: Any recommendations about certifications if you are more hardware oriented?
Patrick_Regan: What do you mean by hardware oriented? WAN? LAN? or PC?
Bobm: What I mean by being hardware oriented is PCs or LANs primarily.
Patrick_Regan: Typically, for a PC technician, there is only one cert to get and that is the A+. While the A+ is really only a basic PC technician, it has enough clout and recognition to get your foot in the door. I used to recommend the Network+ exam, but a lot of the material has been brought into the A+ exam that is not necessary. There is not a specific LAN hardware cert to go except the CCNA, which test switches and routers and TCP/IP in general.
SpyMaster: Wondering about Java certifications. Do they guarantee a job?
Patrick_Regan: With any certification, there is no guarantee. Think of a certification as being a foot in the door to get an interview. Then when you interview, you will really show them what you can do. As a Java programmer, it really helps to have some nice razzle dazzle applications so you can show them what you have created – not that it looks pretty and flashy, but that it also has a concrete function that a company may want.
FlyboyC172: What is the highest sought-after certification by employers in the job market today? What is the best way to obtain these certs?
Patrick_Regan: I am not 100% on the exact rankings but the Cisco CCIE is very high. Also the CCISP is high if you want to specialize in security. The CCISP usually goes well with a Cisco security certification or a Microsoft MCSE certification.
Moderator-Keith: PRE-SUBMITTED QUESTION: How does the release of Windows Server 2008 impact Microsoft’s certification programs?
Patrick_Regan: When Microsoft releases a server operating system, they retire the older certification. So in this case, Microsoft will be retiring the Windows Server 2000 MCSE program. Therefore, you should expect the Windows Server 2003 MCSE program to be around for a minimum of three more years. Another change to the program is that Microsoft will not be continuing the MCSE program for Windows Server 2008. Instead, it has been replaced with the Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP), which you will find is very similar to the MCSE program. If you compare the MCITP Enterprise and the MCSE Windows Server 2003, you will find that the two tracks are very similar. For the workstation requirement, Windows Vista exam replaced the Windows XP exam. Both tracks have an Active Directory exam and a Network Infrastructure exam. The Windows Server 2008 Application/Platform Configuration exam replaces the Windows Server 2003 exam. With the Windows Server 2003 exam, you would take one design course plus one elective, while the MCITP has the Enterprise Administrator exam which includes advanced topics including design.
StevenB: Cisco CCNA Question: What is the best material to prepare you for CCNA – software, simulations and/or books? What specific ones do you prefer?
Patrick_Regan: Of course, I would recommend the Exam Cram books, but then again I’ve written some of them. I also know that Que is about ready to release a whole new set of books for the newer exams. I would also try to acquire RouterSim, which allows you to build a network consisting of multiple subnets, switches and routers. If you programmed all of the routers and switches properly, you should be able to ping from one side to the other. The Sybec book for the CCNA is good also.
Rocky: I felt that after graduating with my BS in Computing Technology and my knowledge that a job would be waiting for me somewhere. I know computers well. How long should it take to obtain a certification? Will the standard Microsoft certs and Cisco certs offer a good base for understanding where the Internet and corporate internets meet?
Patrick_Regan: I would expect to put in about six months for a Microsoft certification and three months for the Cisco cert. Of course, this will greatly vary from person to person. One thing that I have learned is if you take courses, take the exams shortly after the completion of the course. I have seen many students spend tons of money, go though the classes but never get certified. Then they forget what they learned in class so they have to start all over again.
Moderator-Keith: PRE-SUBMITTED QUESTION: What’s the best way to come up to speed on OCS and other unified communications technologies?
Patrick_Regan: OCS is short for Office Communication Server, which replaced Live Communication Server (LCS). I think the best way is to find a good book, but I tend to be a visual learner. I find that most people are hands-on users. They like to dive right into it. Since this tends to be a more specialized service, finding a training center that offers how to install and configure OCS is an excellent way. Other people who have a good working knowledge of Microsoft products and technology may try to find a good book or research the online documents and other Websites. When you are ready to build, you will need at least one server to get it off the ground. It always seems different when you are reading about something then when you actually implement it. Of course, before you jump right in, you need to learn what it can do and how to design it so that you determine if you want to build it on one server or multiple servers.
Karra: I am graduate student. I do not have a lot of industry experience, but I have a masters in telecommunications and a bachelors in electronics. I am a certified Network Associate from Cisco. What do you think would be the right kind of job for my experience? (I am interested in working in Layer 2 and Layer 3.)
Patrick_Regan: You have a lot education and you can do something with that. You may look at project management. If you can strengthen that and combine it with your technical background and communications major, that is very powerful. Of course, when you learn about project management, you will find that there are unique challenges with IT projects because you often deal with unknowns, which are hard to plan for. Unless you are really strong in the Microsoft environment, you would look for a job to support switches and routers. What will make or break you is how well you interview and how well you show them that you really know your stuff. Expect an entry level job but within a year or so, you will be able to move right up or move on to a better job.
Rocky: Can you talk a little about the new Cisco cert, CCENT?
Patrick_Regan: Sorry, I am not up on that one.
Jthatcher: Are Microsoft and Cisco certifications now targeting IT Job Roles more than their products or technologies? Will this mean they intend to target new customers beyond the traditional certification customer audience? What people, companies, or audiences do they target?
Patrick_Regan: Oh for sure. When you go for the Microsoft certification, they are touting more of the new technology and less emphasis on some of the basics. For example with the new Windows Server 2008 certification, they will be focusing on the new features of terminal services, Sharepoint and IIS 7.0 on the application platform but less emphasis on basics such as NTFS. Cisco is not as bad since they are trying to get the most from their products. While these certifications are job role focused, they are also product focused. When you take a Microsoft exam, you are expected to answer the Microsoft way in order for your answer to be considered correct. And the same can be said about Cisco.
Moderator-Keith: PRE-SUBMITTED QUESTION: What if I need to learn a few technologies for work (like everything there is to know about Exchange), but my job doesn’t require me to actually get a certification. Cost isn’t an issue (I can get reimbursed). Is it better to just take the spot training for technology classes that I need — or should I go ahead and get certified?
Patrick_Regan: If your job requires you to work with Microsoft technology, you should always strive for certification. Of course, you need to keep your company happy, so you need to learn the skills that you need to learn to do your job. But if you strive to go for the Microsoft certification, it will only enhance those other skills. While some people may take classes to prepare for Microsoft Exchange, it is essential that you understand disk management, NTFS security, Active Directory and DNS, all of which are focused on in other exams/courses. The MCSE ensures that you have the basics of networking. Therefore, even if you don’t actually take these other exams, it will only help you if you learn those skills. And if you plan out your exam preparation and exams, the MCSE certification will only make you more marketable within your own company or elsewhere.
Rocky: What is the progression with the MCSE exams? Is the MCP the first cert you take?
Patrick_Regan: When you take many of the exams toward the MCSE, you will get a MCP certification. Therefore, like I said in one of my recent blog posts, you will get some benefit right from the start from the MCP, including access to solutions that are not available to the general public.
Karra: What are the various certifications needed to be an expert in Layer 3?
Patrick_Regan: The Cisco CCNA, is a good one to cover both Layer 2 and Layer 3. Then if you want to go more into the other routing problems, then go for the professional certification for routing from Cisco.
Brownmcse: What about Security+?
Patrick_Regan: I recommend the Security+ to be coupled with the CCNA or Microsoft certs. It is a nice supplement and is the one that has the second most recognition from COMPTIA after the A+. Eventually, you would like to go for the CCISP, but you need a couple years of documented experience before you can do that.
Rocky: What about getting both the MCSE and the CCNA? We were told by one instructor that the areas where the two meet might be important enough to focus on.
Patrick_Regan: They are important enough and they give you focus on both hardware (Cisco) and software (Microsoft). This allows you to support a small to medium size company, which would have a person who wears multiple hats.
Moderator-Julie: We have about 10 minutes remaining. If you have any questions for Patrick, send them in now. He’ll get to as many as he can.
Rocky: How did you go about learning enough to write over 10 books? I really want to learn everything I can.
Patrick_Regan: Really, when I wrote my first book, I treated it as a research project. I knew a lot about computer and networking but still had holes in what I felt I needed to know. So when I planned my first book, I wanted to learn about those areas. I researched them and learned what I could and tried to get some hands-on experience. You need to be open and eager to learn
DavidM: Hi, Patrick, I am a network routing engineer (mostly Cisco) but as Windows provides more and more networking and security features and I see more and more Windows Networking on job specs, I would like to supplement my Cisco certs with Windows. Which Windows cert is most focused on networking and security? And are there any special Websites or books focused on Windows networking and security?
Patrick_Regan: You can go for the new 2008 certs, either enterprise (which is equivalent to the MCSE), or server. The server would be a good fit because it is only four exams and it doesn’t have you focus on the workstation, you focus on network services that make the entire network work.
Moderator-Keith: PRE-SUBMITTED QUESTION: What’s up with beta exams? Do they count toward credential?
Patrick_Regan: Beta exams do count toward certification if you pass. The advantage is that you often don’t have to pass if you can acquire the code that allows you to take the exam for free and gives you an opportunity to get certified before anyone else. The disadvantage is that you will not get the test results immediately after taking an exam. Since they are grading how well the questions are written, they use beta testers to validate the test questions. After they get enough testers, they will throw out some questions that are judged as bad questions and then re-grade the exams. They will then release the exam results. If you pass, you get credit for that exam and any certifications related to that exam. By the way, the MCP Flash newsletter that is available to MCPs will let you know when some beta exams are available.
Meb: Is there a single place where one can find a listing of all of these certifications and what technologies/products they cover? Say a directory of some kind?
Patrick_Regan: Look at CramSession. I find it very helpful.
Servergal: Are there any Linux certs that are worthwhile?
Patrick_Regan: The Red Hat Engineer cert is always a good one and would be equivalent to the MCSE for Microsoft. There are a couple other ones but Red Hat still has the biggest share of the market.
Karra: Do you recommend CCVP over the CCNP?
Patrick_Regan: I am not up on the CCVP, but any professional certification is worth having from Cisco. CCNP focuses on switches and routers.
Apeterson: Doesn’t the CISSP require five years now of security experience?
Patrick_Regan: Yes, something like that. That is why I recommend taking the Security+ until you get that experience.
lyr9144: This may be a tad off topic — but thoughts on the value of project management certs? I’ve read (recently here on NW and elsewhere) they are in vogue, and that the demand is waning for hardware- and software-oriented certifications.
Patrick_Regan: The PMI is the one to go for. It is the granddaddy of them all and the only one that I know that is worth having. However, it also requires a certain amount of documented experience.
Rocky: I noticed the breadth of topics of the books you authored. Once you know the technology is it hard to keep all the info both separate and cohesive at the same time?
Patrick_Regan: It is a challenge and sometimes I look back and need to take a double-look at what I have written. I am constantly rewriting. It is often like a doing jigsaw puzzle, putting the pieces together.
Rocky: I noticed you haven’t mentioned video training, yet. What’s your opinion?
Patrick_Regan: Video training is good as long as you get someone who knows what they are doing from a visual standpoint.
Karra: Are there any certifications for network management?
Patrick_Regan: None that stick out. Cisco has a simple technology one aimed at management, but nothing else that I know.
BartKnight: What are the trickiest Microsoft lab portions of any certification and what’s the secret to doing those portions well?
Patrick_Regan: People see the Microsoft lab portion as an opportunity to show that you actually know how to use and configure the software component being tested. As long as you have worked with the technology, you will most likely breeze through the lab portion questions. However, if you have not dealt with software component, you can find this a huge time sync which may prevent you from answering later questions in the exam if you run out of time. One of the biggest tips to give for these types of questions is to follow exactly what they are asking for, do no less, do no more, since the end result is being graded and if the end result does not match the correct answer, you get it wrong.
TomKat24: What’s up with Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist? Is that a cert that is worth the bother?
Patrick_Regan: The Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) is the replacement for the Microsoft Product Specialist. While you go for the more advanced certification such as the Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP), the MCTS will give you some benefits, including access to search the Microsoft Product Support Knowledge Base that is not available to the general public. And it gets you automatically subscribed to MCP Flash. This monthly newsletter announces program updates; training, exam, and credential availability and retirements; special offers for MCPs; and some job-hunting “bells-and-whistles”. Also some of the MCTS certs such as Exchange, SQL, SharePoint and CRM can make you stand out from others.
RandyBear: Of all the certifications you’ve earned in your own career, what was the hardest and why?
Patrick_Regan: Often, your first full certification such as Microsoft MCSE, Cisco CCNP or other similar certifications is the most difficult. After that, you get better in taking IT certification exams in general and you have a pool of knowledge to pull from rather then learning everything from scratch. For me, the first one I learned was the Novell Certified Network Engineer for 3.12. Back then, I had to learn the OSI model (which was new to me) and all of the different protocol suites and their related protocols. Today, the main emphasis is on TCP/IP, while I also had to know IPX/SPX, NetBEIU/NetBIOS, AppleTalk, DEC and SNA. Since then, I have a much better understanding of the OSI model and how the various protocols fit together, which allows me to use a protocol analyzer to analyze packets and to get an overview of networking in general. Eventually, I acquired the MCSE for Windows NT 4.0. After that, it became easier for me to get the MCSE for Windows 2000 and eventually MCSE for Windows Server 2003. All of this experience (test experience and job experience) then helped me get other certifications.
Moderator-Julie: Our time is up but I want to thank you all for coming and to thank Patrick Regan for sharing his expertise.
Mark your calendars more chats at 2 p.m. EST. No registration necessary.
— January 10, Nicholas Carr’s Big Switch
— January 15, Demo’s Chris Shipley on Hot Technologies for 2008
Patrick_Regan: Bye all. I have enjoyed this very much.
