A person with job familiarity can be differentiated from an expert by earning a certification in their profession, regardless of whether their expertise lies in configuring firewalls or debugging network problems. Microsoft and Cisco Certification, two of the most well-known names in the information technology sector, each have rigorous certification courses and certificates designed to provide students an in-depth grasp of the product suites they offer.
The two qualifications appear comparable, and many individuals are unsure whether one would be more beneficial to their particular lines of work. This tutorial will examine Microsoft certificates and Cisco Certification, as well as discuss the differences between them to assist you in deciding which type of certification is best for you.
Certifications awarded by Microsoft
Microsoft provides a diverse selection of educational opportunities and certifications designed to meet the needs of a wide variety of IT workers. For instance, the Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) certification is designed to validate the expertise of individuals who have real-world experience working with Microsoft Windows servers and networks. A Microsoft-based network must be designed, installed, configured, and troubleshot, all of which are skills that the student must demonstrate to get this certification.
To acquire the highly coveted MCSE accreditation, students who enroll in the MCSE course will be required to do well on five tests. Working with Windows Server and SQL Server is the primary emphasis of the first three tests of this certification.
Advantages of Obtaining a Microsoft Certification
One of the most significant advantages of having a Microsoft certification is that its meaning will be entirely universally understood. Even if you are speaking with someone who has no background in information technology, they will be able to realize that having a Microsoft certification demonstrates that you have an in-depth understanding of Microsoft programs and servers and can work around problems that are associated with the program.
This may be helpful information when looking for jobs at smaller organizations where the IT department does not have as much experience as important data centers. A Microsoft certification is an excellent asset and fact to include in your curriculum vitae; doing so will immediately set you apart from the other candidates competing with you for the position who do not have a professional certification.
Challenges for Obtaining a Microsoft Certification
You will need to retake the exam to maintain your MCSE certification after it has expired for three years. During this period, MCSE-certified professionals are tested to verify that they are up to date on the most recent Microsoft technology.
Although becoming certified in Microsoft isn’t exactly a walk in the park, some people claim that getting certified in Microsoft is more straightforward than getting certified in Cisco. In either case, you will be asked to acquire a significant amount of information and strategies to pass the test. It is essential to remember that the test can be challenging; there are occasions when two of the answers to a question can provide the same outcome. Nevertheless, the appropriate response will be Microsoft’s recommended procedure for carrying out that particular activity or approach.
Why Should You Get a Certification from Microsoft?
Because Microsoft certificates are geared toward Microsoft technology, it’s possible that the abilities you acquire during training for a Microsoft certification won’t be transferable to other operating systems. Even though not all networks are based on Microsoft technologies, employers understand that certifications demonstrate a willingness to learn and understand various platforms. Therefore, it is true that Microsoft certifications could open up new opportunities for you. [Certifications] demonstrate [that] [you] [are] willing to learn and understand various platforms.
The fact that Microsoft certifications are more widespread contributes to the fact that some individuals find it simpler to prepare for them. This indicates that a significant number of materials are available online for anyone preparing for the examinations; in fact, you can even obtain mock exams online, which might be of use to you in your preparations.
Cisco Certification
CCNA stands for Cisco Certified Network Associate and is another popular credential for IT workers. This certification is intended for IT professionals with expertise working with Cisco routers, switches, and other IT equipment.
Cisco Certification Benefits
Individuals studying for Cisco certifications get valuable knowledge for installing, commissioning, and configuring firewalls, routers, and servers. This knowledge can be applied in a variety of contexts. The certification demonstrates that individuals can design, establish, install, and maintain networks, including wide-area networks (WAN) and local area networks (LAN).
There are a few different specialties available within the CCNA certifications based on the field that you choose to work in. These specialties include switching, routing, service provider, and data center. The number of examinations you have to take will vary depending on your chosen area.
Challenges for Obtaining a Cisco Certification
After three years, CCNA credentials become invalid. After an individual’s certification has expired, they must recertify themselves by preparing for and passing the most recent exam. Former students have speculated that obtaining a Cisco certification is more challenging than getting a Microsoft certification. Acquiring any professional IT certification is challenging, but it has been suggested that obtaining a Cisco certification is more complicated than obtaining a Microsoft certification. The language used in the Cisco tests is, for some individuals, difficult to comprehend.
Because there are many more questions on Cisco tests than on Microsoft exams, it can be challenging to find practice questions comparable to the problems on the actual exam.
