Welcome to Self Study Certs!

Earning IT industry certification does not require spending thousands of dollars on instructor led training. You can learn the material on your own and on your schedule. Using affordable materials, and dedicating a reasonable amount of time towards study, It is possible to earn many certifications without ever setting foot in a classroom. SelfStudyCerts.com exists to share information on using self study techniques to attain this goal. Let us be your one stop shop for learning about certifications, testing, and study materials.

Our certifications area has information on the popular offerings from CompTIA (A+, Network+, Server+, Security+, Linux+), Microsoft (MCP, MCSA, MCSE, MCDBA), Cisco (CCNA, CCDA, CCNP, CCDP), and Citrix (CCA, CCEA). To help you prepare for testing, study materials are listed from the top publishers such as Sybex, Microsoft Press, Cisco Press, and Osborne. These materials come from top authors in IT certification such as James Chellis, Todd Lammle, and Michael Meyers.

Just Starting Out?

In addition to the general certification content on this site, take a look at the Ten Steps to Computer Certification on the Cheap. Here you will find a complete plan of study for gaining several industry certifications to advance your career in IT support. If you follow through you will earn the following (in order): A+, Network+, MCP, MCSA, MCSE, MCDBA, CCNA, CCDA, CCNP, and CCDP.

The plan is flexible and you don't have to follow it exactly. If you are not interested in the CompTIA exams, start with the Microsoft MCP. If you are inerested in network hardware more than operating systems, start with the Cisco CCNA. From the suggestions here, you will hopefully be able to chart your own course.

The MCSE 2003 is Coming!

Added: 13 April 2003

Microsoft is updating their MCSE and MCSA certifications for the new Windows Server 2003 being released in spring of 2003. Starting in summer of 2003, you will be able to earn your MCSE on Windows Server 2003 or MCSA on Windows Server 2003. Study materials are being announced now, but don't expect them to be available before late summer or early fall of 2003.

If you haven't started your studies yet (or are already working on), don't put it off. The MCSE on Windows 2000 and MCSA on Windows 2000 will still be valid until the Windows 2000 product line is retired around 2006. Your MCSE or MCSA on Windows 2000 can be upgraded with two tests (70-292 and 70-296) for MCSE or only one test for MCSA (70-292). These tests are not like the monster needed to upgrade your MCSE on Windows NT 4 to Windows 2000. They will be similar to any other Microsoft test and have the same retake policy.

Keep checking back to see what materials have been announced and when they will be available.