Hello my name is Keith. I would like to ask anybody that would care to respond, what is the best way to go about getting certified is Websphere Application Server 6.1 ND? Where did most of you start? and how I could learn via online self-study vs. spending an arm and a leg? Would anyone mind being a Mentor? Thanks, Keith

If your focus is only on the certification, you can probably buy the test itself and answers online.    Because of this, I feel actually having the certification is less valuable and might not be a worthy pursuit. 

For real learning, look to install and uninstall WAS in a standalone config, then federate to a network deployment config, then add IHS.  Next install and troubleshoot a sample app.  If need be, take one of the IBM classes in WAS, doesn't matter which OS.  

Thanks Susan, but I would like to start from the beginning and work with others in training. Any suggestions?

I attended the WAS V7 Administration course (www-304.ibm.com/jct03001c/services/learn...) It was a remote classroom sertup, which was pretty good, but not perfect.  It was definately better than learning on your own, but the instructor was in Denver, CO and I was in Columbus, OH.  The price is $3125 for a 5 day course.  In retrospect,  it was definately worth the cost.

The course was populated with a mix of people using WebSphere on Linux, AIX, and Distributed systems.  The benefit was that even if you did something correctly, odds were high that someone else may not have.  When this happened, most people jumped in and tried to help out and we all learned a good amount of how to troubleshoot issues.

This past year, I attended IMPACT 2010 in Las Vegas.  While it's a conference, the amount which you can learn is fantastic.  I highly recommend trying to attend next year's IMPACT conference in April (again in Las Vegas.)

As Susan called out, there's nothing better than hands on experience, even if you do it on your own. 

I'll also agree with Susan that I (personally) don't find certifications incredibly valuable in my job.  ALthough, if you're a consultant, they do indicated that you're well rounded in all aspects of WebSphere (and let me tell you, if you pass the test, you do understand most of the core concepts!)

I've taken one of the tests for WAS 7 at IMPACT (it was free with my paid attendance.)  It definately was not easy.  I found that the areas which I knew, were those I dealt with first hand.  Those I didn't know were because I didn't work with the suite in that specific capacity.

As Susan called out, there are places where you can pay and take a pre-test, too.  They are pretty reasonable, all things considered.  But, with all things IBM, nothing is free ;-)

Is there anything specific you're looking to learn?

Hi Erik,

I am just looking to get enough training to feel comfortable enough to support the Application Server. Currently I have access to the apps and file systems. I have not had access to the actual console though. I am looking to switch jobs and get into an Admin role. Was going to take a course on V5 but think that's going to far back, when everyone is looking for ND support and Load Balancing with the newer versions.

Here's a link to the WebSphere Application ServerSupport Lifecycle... www-111.ibm.com/software/support/lifecyc...

What you'll find is the V5.0 went out of support on 9/2006, V5.1 went out of support on 9/2008, and v6.0 is going out on 9/2010.  You might be able to still find classes on these versions, but IBM has/ is officially sunsetting them.

I'd recommend a MINIMUM of WAS V6.1m but based on the standard 5+1 support model from IBM, I'm betting that V6.1 will be entering EOM (End Of Marketing) around 6/2011 & a EOS (End Of Sales) date around 6/2012.

Where I'm going is that if you're looking for training in WAS, definately get it in WAS V7 (which was introduced in 10/2008 and should approach EOM until 10/2013.)

Also, between V5 & v6, numerous changes to the admin interface were made, not to mention the application server itself.  V6 is very similar to v7, but v7 has much more robust features (like CIM!!!)  Also, managing previous versions of application servers in a mixed environment through one console is easy in v7 (I can't speak to V6 as we didn't do this then...)

Sorry for the above tangent...

If you're looking to get into administration, take WAS370.  It was a great course and is probably exactly what you're looking for.  I believe IBM also offers a distance learning course which you do on your own, but it doesn't sound like you're interested in something like that.  The WAS 370 course will give you the understanding of the administrative console and due to the V6.1 likeness, the concepts could mostly be applied there too.  Coming out of the class, I was well equipped to assume my new role as an WAS administrator.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Erik

Erik, I sent you an email.