Certifications, euch

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Microsoft MCSA

Microsoft Certified Administrator: Security: http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcsa/windows2003/default.mspx

Familiarity and facility with Windows client and Server technologies. Ability to deploy and Support Windows PCs, Servers and small Windows networks.

Total of four Prometric exams @ $125 USD = $500: eg:

* Exam 70–290: Managing and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment
* Exam 70–291: Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure
* Exam 70–270: Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows XP Professional
* Exam 70-299: Implementing and Administering Security in a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network

MS notes: Exams 70-227, 70-350, and the CompTIA Security+ certification all satisfy both the MCSA elective requirement and an MCSA: Security specialization requirement.
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Microsoft MCSE

Microsoft Certified Engineer: Security: http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcse/windows2003/default.mspx

Familiarity and facility with larger (enterprise) Windows networks. Ability to plan,design, support, and administer these networks including their Active Directory system and all appropriate security technology.

Total of Seven Prometric exams @ $125 = $875: eg:

* Exam 70–290: Managing and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment
* Exam 70–291: Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure
* Exam 70-293: Planning and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure
* Exam 70-294: Planning, Implementing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Active Directory Infrastructure
* Exam 70–270: Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows XP Professional
* Exam 70-298: Designing Security for a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network
* Exam 70-299: Implementing and Administering Security in a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network

If the MCSA:Sec above is completed first, then only the bolded exmas in MSCE:Sec are required, reducing the exam fee to 3 @ $125 = $375 for the 'upgrade'
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CompTIA Security+

CompTIA Security + : http://certification.comptia.org/security/glancebox.aspx

A general exam in security technology and practices designed for techs with a couple years experience and solid networking fundamentals.

One Prometric Test @ $244

All CompTIA exam rates: http://certification.comptia.org/resources/registration.aspx
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Linux Professional Institute LPIC

Community influenced, distribution inclusive (if not neutral) Linux certs

Junior Level Linux Professional (LPIC-1): http://lpi.org/en/lpi/english/certification/the_lpic_program

Two Prometric or VUE Tests @ $100 = $200:

* 101
* 102

Advanced Level Linux Professional (LPIC-2): http://lpi.org/en/lpi/english/certification/the_lpic_program

Two Prometric or VUE Tests @ $100 = $200 :

* 201
* 202

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RedHat RHCT, RHCE

RedHat CT and CE : https://www.redhat.com/training/rhce/courses/path.html

RedHat's RHCE is the most popular and recognized Linux certification. It's a solid offering, if RedHat/Fedora specific. Unlike the other Linux And MS certs, RedHat exams are lab based, only given at select locations and times, and are more closely tied to their training offerings. This all serves to increase their value and expense.

RedHat Certified Technican RHCT: RH202 .5d $349

RedHat Certified Engineer RHCE: Rapid : RH302 1d $749
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Sair Linux Certification LCA,LCE

Sair: http://www.linuxcertification.org/index.html

Sair's offering was early to market, and still has it's adherents. Sair's exams cover comprehensive knowledge of Linux/Unix system administration with a distribution-inclusive philosophy. The exams were tough enough and covered the material well.

Sair Linux Certified Administrator: http://www.linuxcertification.org/level1.htm

four Prometric exams @ $99 = $400

* Linux Installation and Configuration: 3X0-101
* Linux System Administration: 3X0-102
* Linux Networking 3X0-103
* Linux Security 3X0-104

Sair Linux Certified Engineer: http://www.linuxcertification.org/level2.htm

four Prometric exams @ $99 = $400

* Core Concepts and Practices 3X0-201
* Apache Webserver 3X0-202
* Samba Resource Sharing 3X0-203
* Sendmail Mail Systems 3X0-204

Comments

[suri.livejournal.com]

So the question is: how many do you want to do and how much money and time do you have to invest in obtaining them? Without all the pieces up front and a plan of attack, I'd say do a bit more examining before attempting.