Where to Start?

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I am new to the Windows world. I've spent the last 18 years working in an all Apple environment (K-12 school) but I need to learn/get certified in Windows to get a job "in the real world."

That being the case, which of the classes/certs should I start with? I'm guessing it is one of the following:

1. MCSA Windows 10 - 70-697 (UPDATED 2018)
2. MCSA Windows 10 - 70-698 (UPDATED 2018)
3. Windows 10 (MD-100)
4. Managing Modern Desktops (MD-101)
5. MTA Windows Operating System Fundamentals - 98-349 (UPDATE 2018)

Could someone advise me where to start and the order to take them?

Thanks.

@aeryk-pierson said in Where to Start?:

70-697

Hallo,
these certs are retired:
MCSA Windows 10 - 70-697 (UPDATED 2018)
MCSA Windows 10 - 70-698 (UPDATED 2018)

You can watch the videos, but you can't get certified anymore. The videos are still useful.

Start with the Fundamentals and if it is too easy then go up with MD-100 and MD-101.
The MS link is this: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/learn/certifications/m365-modern-desktop?wt.mc_id=learningredirect_certs-web-wwl

I hope I could help a bit, but I don't like the new Microsoft certification pathway. At least the MS certs don't expire and they are "cheap".

@Stefan-Waldvogel

Though I didn't know the certs for the MCSA were retired, I had the feeling that some of the "beginner" videos were redundant, which is why I asked. Thank you for the info. It is very helpful.

My initial idea was to watch the CompTIA Fundamentals and A+, but since I haven't had any experience with Windows I thought I'd start there. Do you know if the CompTIA certs more desirable (as far as getting a job)? Or does it all depend on the job?

Hello @aeryk-pierson ,

Welcome to the wonderful world of Windows!

I would recommend starting with the Windows 10 (MD-100 exam). This exam focuses on deploying, managing and maintaining Windows 10. It reminds me of a more traditional approach to managing the client, locally installed, configuring settings, etc.

Then I would suggest the Managing Modern Desktops (MD-101 exam). This exam also deals with managing Windows 10 devices, but focuses on more modern management techniques. Things like using Windows Autopilot to deploy the OS, joining devices to Azure AD, using Intune to manage devices and apps.

With these to exams, you will have the skill set to manage Windows 10 in any environment, on-premises, hybrid, or cloud-only.

Also, once you pass both exams, you will receive the Microsoft 365 Certified: Modern Desktop Administrator Associate certification!!

The 70-697 and 70-698 exams have both been retired. They are worth watching, much of the information is still relevant, but I wouldn't spend too much time on them. Watch them when (if) you have spare time.

Then I would shift focus to Azure. Most organizations have moved at least some resources to the cloud. Depending on your experience, AZ-900 (Azure Fundamentals) or AZ-103 (Azure Administrator) might be a good place to start. AZ-900 if you are brand new to Azure, AZ-103 if you are familiar with Azure.

Microsoft is releasing updated exams for Azure, for example AZ-103 is being replaced with AZ-104. This isn't supposed to happen until early April 2020, but something to keep in mind as your studies progress.

Hope this helps!.

Let me know if you have any more questions, about exams or as you are studying!

@Mike-Rodrick

Thanks. I'm sure I'll have LOTS of questions, but this gives me a good road map for courses to watch and certs to take for the next few months. So I might be quiet cause I'm so busy. Ha!

@aeryk-pierson said in Where to Start?:

CompTIA Fundamentals and A+

These are beginner certs. A+ is for a help desk position. At least in my area you will earn about $17/hour and it is easy to find a job.

I don't know where you are and the job situation there. You have to do a quick research. What are your career goals? If you know the local market and your interests than I can give you more information.
Network+ is the entry level cert for network, but if you want to work in that area you need CCNA. The salary with a CCNA is much higher, but this exam is harder.
Your local community college should have the best price and if to talk to them they will find a way to make it cheaper for you. You can study alone and save money, but it is not the same. You need hands-on experiance.

Windows certs are useful for Sys-Admin jobs, but in my area there aren't a lot of sys-admin jobs.

In my area security, cloud, programming and bigdata is the big thing. Hunderts open jobs even big companies cannot find enough people. If you attent a information technology community college class you will get job offers.

@aeryk-pierson said in Where to Start?:

Do you know if the CompTIA certs more desirable (as far as getting a job)?

Difficult question, in my area you need very often CompTIA certs.(A+, Net+, Sec+) because it is a requirement (DoD8270). If you are new, you have to pass the required certification in 6 months and the employer sometimes pay for it. Check the requirements in your area.