would it be worth my time to get my MCDST?

Tryntotechit · 06-18-2009, 04:49 AM

Since I'm getting my MCSE and have my other certs, would it be worth while to get my MCDST? Thanks everyone.

dynamik · 06-18-2009, 05:19 AM

Don't think so. Are you looking for entry-level work?

Tyrant1919 · 06-18-2009, 05:22 AM

Don't do it! It's a trick! But seriously, no. Unless you have an urge just to take it for fun.

Tryntotechit · 06-18-2009, 05:41 AM

Thanks guys. I am sort of looking for entry level work cause I don't have much experience so far. However, I'm not planning on staying at that level for long so I will plan on not getting that cert. The way things looked, the MCDST was an entry level cert. I just figured I would ask and see what u thought. Thanks again

djhss68 · 06:10 AM

I don't have any IT experience so the MCDST is what I am currently working on ATM. I figured it would probably do me more good to obtain that first, rather than jump straight into the MCSA/MCSE track. Probably be better suited towards obtaining a Help Desk/Desktop Support position.

I would say if you have none to little experience, MCDST first. If you have workplace exposure to Server 03, then skip it.

Synthros · 06-18-2009, 06:07 PM

I don't think it would be worth it in your case, especially considering you already have your MCSA. I would just stay on the MCSE track and finish that up.

Psoasman · 06-18-2009, 06:30 PM

I think its worth getting. I got mine after getting my MCSA. Its an easy cert and has pretty good name recognition. You can always get it, then do the upgrate to MCITP EST.

brad- · 06-18-2009, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Psoasman

I think its worth getting. I got mine after getting my MCSA. Its an easy cert and has pretty good name recognition. You can always get it, then do the upgrate to MCITP EST.

Thats the biggest thing. It isnt hard, and with one more test, the 70-621, you can pick up 2 more certifications for resume fodder. So, you could get 4 certs with 3 tests. MCP (271), MCDST (272), MCTS:Vista (621), MCITP:EST (621). For people new to certs, that is a quick and easy way to get some paint on your resume - and costs less than the two A+ exams.

However, given what you already have, its like getting your B.S. and going back for a different minor. I cant see it being worth your time or money unless an employer requires it.

PeacePromoter · 06-19-2009, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brad-

Thats the biggest thing. It isnt hard, and with one more test, the 70-621, you can pick up 2 more certifications for resume fodder. So, you could get 4 certs with 3 tests. MCP (271), MCDST (272), MCTS:Vista (621), MCITP:EST (621). For people new to certs, that is a quick and easy way to get some paint on your resume - and costs less than the two A+ exams.

However, given what you already have, its like getting your B.S. and going back for a different minor. I cant see it being worth your time or money unless an employer requires it.

Hey, can you please elaborate about what you said about getting MS certs in place of A+ (Essentials + IT Technician).

I am starting my career in System Admin and was about to purchase the A+ voucher. If what you suggest is cheaper, then i will go for that instead. Please let me know which tests i need to take and what cert i would get

Thanks in Advance

brad- · 01:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeacePromoter

Hey, can you please elaborate about what you said about getting MS certs in place of A+ (Essentials + IT Technician).

I am starting my career in System Admin and was about to purchase the A+ voucher. If what you suggest is cheaper, then i will go for that instead. Please let me know which tests i need to take and what cert i would get

Thanks in Advance

A+ is 2 exams. Each exam is $168 USD. 2x221 = $336
MCDST is 2 exams. Each exam is $125 USD. 2x125 = $250.
Vista Upgrade for DST is 1 exam @ $125 USD. 250+125 = 375.

So, you can get an A+ that never expires for $336.
Or, you can get MCP, MCDST, MCTS:Vista, MCITP:EST for $375.

Its an old debate. On one hand, A+ never expires while M$ certs will. On the other hand, M$ certs are cheaper, but show skill with a specific technology.

It really doesnt matter which one you do, IMHO.

https://store.comptia.org/default.aspx

I wanna say when I did them in late 2007 they were more expensive.

Psoasman · 06-20-2009, 02:29 AM

PeacePromoter,

You will need some electives if you are going for the MCSA. You can use COMPTIA for those. Its not bad to have A+, especially if you aren't strong on hardware. It has wide name recognition as well.

PeacePromoter · 07:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Psoasman

PeacePromoter,

You will need some electives if you are going for the MCSA. You can use COMPTIA for those. Its not bad to have A+, especially if you aren't strong on hardware. It has wide name recognition as well.

Ya, i am even getting A+ for $125 each here at a local test center. I don't know how, he may be having some bulk discount vouchers

djhss68 · 06-20-2009, 07:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brad-

A+ is 2 exams. Each exam is $168 USD. 2x221 = $336
MCDST is 2 exams. Each exam is $125 USD. 2x125 = $250.
Vista Upgrade for DST is 1 exam @ $125 USD. 250+125 = 375.

So, you can get an A+ that never expires for $336.
Or, you can get MCP, MCDST, MCTS:Vista, MCITP:EST for $375.

Its an old debate. On one hand, A+ never expires while M$ certs will. On the other hand, M$ certs are cheaper, but show skill with a specific technology.

It really doesnt matter which one you do, IMHO.

https://store.comptia.org/default.aspx

I wanna say when I did them in late 2007 they were more expensive.

I thought the MS certs didn't expire?

qwertyiop · 06-20-2009, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djhss68

I thought the MS certs didn't expire?

The old ones don't but the new MCTS exams do expire

Xcluziv · 06-23-2009, 04:24 PM

Generally, how long do the certs last?

Quote:

Originally Posted by qwertyiop

The old ones don't but the new MCTS exams do expire

breaker · 06-26-2009, 10:05 AM

It was going to be 3 years but they changed it

The Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS), MCITP, and MCPD credentials—Microsoft certifications for new technologies—are aligned with the Microsoft product lifecycle, and will retire when Microsoft discontinues mainstream support for the underlying technology. When a certification that you have earned retires, the record of your certification remains on your transcript, allowing you to retain documentation of your certification history.

djhss68 · 06-26-2009, 11:46 PM

I guess all those people who got MCTS for Windows Vista are gonna get screwed over.

Unless they support Vista for as long as they did XP, which I highly doubt.