I always recommend beginning with a firm foundation in computing essentials. In my opinion, the way to do this is through CompTIA’s A+ and Network+.

CompTIA defines the A+ certification as 

From there, the Network+ exam is a natural extension of the basic skills learned through A+. It tests knowledge of network cabling and topologies, protocols and standards, network implementation and support. This certification requires passing a single exam, priced at $199.00. CompTIA recommends the tester “have around nine months of field experience in network administration and support” before approaching this exam. With that in mind, one should use this time to obtain hands-on experience working as a PC Technician or in a helpdesk environment.

My next recommendation is the MCSA (Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator) certification. I like the MCSA because it provides an additional, mid-level certification for those who wish to demonstrate a proficiency in “managing supporting, and troubleshooting” existing Microsoft networks, but who are not quite ready to design enterprise level networks. These technicians should have six to 12 months of experience “managing and supporting desktop servers and network operations.” Target job titles at this stage include “systems administrator, network administrator, information systems administrator, network operations analyst, network technician, or technical support specialist.”

There are four steps to achieving the MCSA:

The elective (met by passing the A+ and Network+)

1. Exam 70-218: Managing a Microsoft Windows 2000 Network
2. Exam 70-210: Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional, or Exam 70-270, Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows XP Professional (either of which will fulfill the core operating system requirement)
3. Exam 70-215: Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows 2000 Server (the core networking system requirement)

Exam 70-218 is the only MCSA specific exam, as the rest are also part of the MCSE certification track. I recommend Exam 70-270 for Windows XP over Exam 70-210, since Windows XP is rapidly becoming the standard on business desktops and should prove the most useful for future certification. The cost of each Microsoft exam is presently $125.00.

We end the quest for certification with the MCSE. MCSE’s “plan, design, and implement Microsoft Windows server solutions and architectures.” They need at least a year of experience “analyzing business and technical requirements, and planning, designing, and implementing solutions with Microsoft products and technologies”—though two years of experience is often recommended before taking the design level examinations (which is why I view the MCSA as an important middle step in the certification process). Possible job titles following certification are “systems engineer, network engineer, systems analyst, network analyst, or technical consultant.” 

The total requirement for MCSE is seven exams. Two of these requirements are met through Exams 70-270 and 70-215. The remaining core networking system exams are Exam 70-216: Implementing and Administering a Microsoft Windows 2000 Network Infrastructure and Exam 70-217: Implementing and Administering a Microsoft Windows 2000 Directory Services Infrastructure.

There are several choices to make when determining which design exam to prepare for. However, I recommend Exam 70-219:  Designing a Microsoft Windows 2000 Directory Services Infrastructure. This exam deals with the design of Active Directory directory services — the central, most important aspect of properly implementing a Windows 2000-based network. Demonstrating mastery of this topic is critical to a successful Microsoft networking career.

Two electives are needed to complete the MCSE certification. I feel this is an opportunity to round out the tester’s skill set. My first recommendation is Exam 70-224:  Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Exchange 2000 Server. Exchange is Microsoft’s premiere electronic messaging (e-mail) platform, and has a large installed base on Microsoft corporate networks. E-mail is so ubiquitous across small and big business alike, that not having exposure to a messaging system is inexcusable. 

My final recommendation is Exam 70-227: Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft ISA (Internet Security and Acceleration) Server 2000 Enterprise Edition. Network security is a major concern in business today. ISA is one of Microsoft’s solutions to providing security, through its firewall and Internet connection features. Firewalls deter Internet hackers from intruding upon the corporate network, and proper firewall implementation is key to maintaining a viable network. Being able to smoothly integrate these protections into your Windows 2000-based network is important.

For those who are working on the budget, the amount needed to complete this total certification track of 11 exams over a two-year time frame would be $1477.00 or (2x$139.00) + (1x$199.00) + (8x$125.00).