The Grocery List PT. 2

Grocery List:

•  CompTia Network+ 
• ETA- May 1st
• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
• ETA - June 30th
• Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS- Windows Server 2008)
• Active Directory Config, Exam 70-640, Q3 2011
• Network Infrastructure Config  Exam 70-642, Q4 2011
• Citrix Certified Administrator (CCA)
• XenApp for Windows Server 2008.  EST: Q1 of 2012

So there it is folks, the road map I created for myself in my new career.  It puts things in perspective of where I am at and where I need to be.  For the most part, this will be self study until maybe the MCTS.  I have little to no experience in WS2008 so it might be good to get formal training for that.  Network+ is an entry level, very broad course.  A Jack of all, master of none type.  The CCNA will provide a little more depth in network infrastructure, this might be an "extra" certification, as it is mainly with the early layers of the OSI model. My boss has mentioned to me he needs another CCNA to offload some of the work so I think it'll be an easy fit for more experience.  Plus, astute readers would remember I took some of these classes in high school anyway so it shouldn't be too hard. 

The Citrix platform sits on top of Windows Server 2008.  It seems to me you can't really get a grasp on Citrix until you have the knowledge of Server 2008.  There are a few different paths for the MCTS, this is the administrator flavor.  There is an enterprise flavor that require 4 more tests but I am not sure that is the direction I want to take.  It is easy to dilute yourself in this industry it appears.  There are so many paths, versions and different competitors, it is easy to spend time and training in an area that may (or may not) have any relevance to your specialty.

As far as the dates go, there is a reason for the date for the CCNA.  Tom and I bet each other that if I can get those two certifications by July, than he will treat me to a dinner at Fogo De Chao.  Never been but it looks and sounds amazing.  If I don't, I have to play chef and cook up some Kobe Steaks for him and his wife.  These things are like $20+ a lb.!  In any case, definitely a motivator!  Should be a great few months!

Till next time...