I have had rigorous and comprehensive IT training in CompTIA A+ over the years from testout.com. I started out on my path to obtain my CompTIA A+ initially at PC Age Career Institute in Iselin, NJ (where I completed 8.0 credits for about $4,000 through a government grant in mid-2016). I prepared there for the two exams needed to obtain the cert. I did great on both exams through self- study after my courses ended and became certified in mid-2019; though it took quite some time because I worked a part time job outside of IT and wanted to ace the exams none the less.
I first became aware of Microsoft’s support website from a past contract job years ago, that lasted a little over a year, as a desktop support technician where I would use their knowledgebase to aid in solving issues end users had with their OS and apps. At some point afterwards I found it hard getting a job in IT so it was recommended by my career counselor that I get a certification to aid in finding employment. I have a bachelor’s of science in BMIS (Business Management Information Systems).
Later on, I discovered "Microsoft Learn" while increasing my skillset in Active Directory, among other Microsoft product offerings, using Microsoft docs (home for Microsoft’s technical documentation) and joined and become an active member. I found out about Microsoft Learn looking for ways to learn more about how to utilize Microsoft products.
As of late, testout.com has a new offering (as of 2021) to aid in passing Exams "MD-100: Windows 10" and "MD-101: Managing Modern Desktops" to obtain the Microsoft 365 Certified: Modern Desktop Administrator Associate cert. I’m seriously considering taking their newest offering as it would be a natural continuation or progression for me from their previous CompTIA A+ offering.
I have used Microsoft Learn to get started on their path to the MS 365 cert, unknowingly though, getting into advanced topics of their product offerings relating to system administration tasks but I am still figuring how to use their platform to help obtain the cert. As, I am already familiar and thrilled with testout.com and its true to life simulations, instructional videos, text lessons, quizzes, and certification exam prep materials. However, Microsoft Learn may be an essential part of the process (as they give the exams and offer learning paths).
So, in closing, my questions for the Microsoft Tech Community and Microsoft employees are:
- First, most importantly, has anybody wanted to get their Microsoft 365 Certified: Modern Desktop Administrator Associate cert as it has no proposed prerequisites and it certifies you to do desktop administrative tasks among other things: to engage in and retain gainful employment, stay current and be future-ready, and secure an in-demand job in the current job market as the COVID pandemic unfolds?
- Second, has anyone obtained their Microsoft 365 Certified: Modern Desktop Administrator Associate cert already and if so, what learning resources did you use to obtain it successfully?
- And Third, is it only recommended for someone who has a current job doing the tasks covered in the cert? Because, I want to acquire it to be able to do the tasks that it covers and hopefully land a doing them based on my robust fundamentals from CompTIA A+ and being a Printer Support Analyst/Desktop Support Technician.
I’d appreciate the community’s honest and thoughtful feedback as this is a cert that interests me.
