Kevin Kwak’s Blog

After giving some thoughts and talking with some folks, I decided to add a new career goal to the New Year’s Resolution list (which by the way I am progressing well so far ). Computer/management information system courses were part of the major requirements and I’m glad it was part of the curriculum as it introduced information technology into my world. I pretty much aced the course and did well on the projects that had to do with Microsoft softwares and internet applications.

Even though information technology (IT) field is not where I currently work in, I always imagined myself being a computer/IT technician that solves complicated networking configurations or do simple tasks like building a top of the line gaming rig for my friends. It actually all started in my senior year at the high school when I met a guy who knew inside out of Microsoft softwares and used IRC and P2P programs at a time when I was busy online gaming. Visited his house and he had like three computers all networked and online. It was running Windows XP Professional and Windows 2000 Server. Back then I did not have a clue what networking was and the difference between Windows 2000 Server and Windows ME. Through him I was introduced to new computer technologies and my interests expanded from then on. I quickly learned how to build a computer from the ground up and learned the fundamentals of computer hardware and software. I then learned about the certifications computer technicians could earn through an examination offered by The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA). I was meaning to take the exam but the test guide book was thick as a bible and wasn’t persistent with the studying.

Now fast forward to 2008 and I am back in the certification track. With years of hands on experience with Microsoft operating systems and office suite along with various applications, it will not be very difficult to obtain the IT credentials and certificates now. And what better way is there to prove your expertise? Become a Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP)!

It is fairly easy to become a MCP since you need to pass only one of the many Microsoft exams. Note this: the Microsoft Office Specialist (Office 2003 and before) certification do not count towards the MCP, but the new Microsoft certifications for Office 2007 do grant you the Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) credentials. If you decide to put a Microsoft Office certification under your belt, best to read which certifications are available on the MCP webpage. My advice is to obtain the Microsoft Office Specialist Master for the Office 2003 software especially you job seekers.

My goal is to complete the Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) certification tracks. The MCSA concentrates on the Windows Server 2003 operating system where networking and domains are heavily used in mid- to large-businesses. The core and elective exams include the following:

Exam 70–290: Managing and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment
Exam 70–291: Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure
Exam 70–270: Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows XP Professional
One Elective

The MCSA certification tracks requires three less exams than the coveted Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) certification which is a prominent credential for any IT members. Did you know that these two credentials are available for Windows Server 2003, 2000, NT4.0 but not for the new Server 2008? The credentials are no longer available for Server NT 4.0 (obviously) and have recently phased out the Server 2000 operating system. The Windows Server 2008 introduced new certification tracks.

It is better late than never. Estimated time of completion for the credential will be before the end of 2009. Second thought, I think I could complete it by the end of this year just by self studying. No need to spend thousands attending technical schools or a college.

UPDATE: Read my MCSA progress journal to get the updates.