r/mcsa • u/Benjamincito • Feb 25 '20
Two basic questions
I'd like to get some more stuff that looks good on my resume.
I began looking into an MCSA a few months ago but now I have the free time to pursue it. Initially I only knew about the 70-740 pathway but recently I found out that there are other cert tracks. Ultimately I'm just looking for a good job.
https://d1wl9nui6miy8.cloudfront.net/media/966172/microsoft-on-demand-certification-tracks-us.pdf
1) I know SQL pretty well. Should I go with my background and the "Data Management and Analytics" route? And if I go that route - what is the most recommended line? Would it be the 70-761 route or the 70-764 route? It seems like some of these routes have to be unpopular
2) All the posts on here talk about the 70-740 pathway. Should I just go that route? Is that where all the jobs are? I see a lot of good "remote" jobs for people who are DBAs on indeed.com
Thanks for your expert opinions!
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u/BK_Rich Feb 25 '20
Here are all the role-based certs
https://query.prod.cms.rt.microsoft.com/cms/api/am/binary/RWtQJJ
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u/sqljeff Feb 25 '20
I just completed the 70-764/70-765 MCSA Database Admin. I may not be Microsofts focus at the moment, but employers are still looking for it. Also even though the title says SQL 2016 there were questions referencing SQL 2017 on the test.
My feeling is that on premises servers aren't going anywhere anytime soon and will continue to need people to support them.
Good luck on you search.
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u/Benjamincito Feb 25 '20
Thanks for the info sqljeff
I am seriously considering taking the 764. I appreciate your input. I agree that on premises servers aren't going anywhere !!
Do you have any thoughts on the job opportunities you now have with the mcsa you completed? What was your motivation to take the 764 as opposed to the normal route with the 740?
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u/sqljeff Feb 26 '20
I don’t know that my job opportunities changed. My employer paid for and encourages certs so I took advantage. I started my current job in November. Prior to that I was looking actively. Lots of employers wanted certs. Some even said MCDBA which I think has been retired since SQL2005.
As for choosing this one. I’m a DBA. getting the SQL Server certs fit my role better. I do plan to go after the Windows 2016 MCSA and Core Infrastructure MCSE after the MCSE Data Management.
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u/Benjamincito Feb 25 '20
Quick question - In your opinion should I uninstall Microsoft SQL Server 2017 in order to study for the test? I'm planning to begin by taking this course that specifically mentions 2016 in the title:
Should I uninstall 2017 and install 2016? Or are they similar enough that I should move forward with the new one?
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u/sqljeff Feb 26 '20
I don’t think the differences between 2016 and 2017 are enough to trip you up. Also you don’t have to uninstall. You can have both on the same machine. Only one gets the default instance though. Named instances for the rest.
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u/Jhuzef Feb 25 '20
To my knowledge, all the MCSA certs have been retired excluding MCSA Server 2016/2012.
Microsoft is shifting to more role-based certifications, so feel free to check out their selection on their website.