MCSE 2003 boot camp

Discussion in 'Training & Development' started by Sparky, May 2, 2006.

  1. Sparky
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    Sparky Zettabyte Poster Moderator

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    Have anyone been on one and passed?

    The reason I’m asking is that I was chatting about certs with my boss today and we were wondering how anyone could pass the MCSE in 2 weeks as some companies advertise.

    Surely there must be some braindump material used :blink
     
    Certifications: MSc MCSE MCSA:M MCSA:S MCITP:EA MCTS(x5) MS-900 AZ-900 Security+ Network+ A+
    WIP: Microsoft Certs
  2. zimbo
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    zimbo Petabyte Poster

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    As soon as i saw the title i wondered... the question is sparky do you want to be an 'MCSE" or an MCSE. I study every night for 2 hours atleast and its taken me since October to start 291.. so yes im sure braindumps are used on these boot camps and they cost a fortune! :blink
     
    Certifications: B.Sc, MCDST & MCSA
    WIP: M.Sc - Computer Forensics
  3. simongrahamuk
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    simongrahamuk Hmmmmmmm?

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    I know someone that went on a six week residential MCSE bootcamp and passed all of the exams, but this guy was fairly clued up on the material before he went on the course.

    I think you're right though, there must be some sort of braindump material involved, it takes me more than six weeks just to get through a book! :biggrin
     
  4. Modey

    Modey Terabyte Poster

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    Six weeks sounds like a real challenge but two weeks is just insane. I can't see how someone could possibly have all the concepts sink in, in such a short time. They would have to be doing an MCP every two days at the very least!!!
     
    Certifications: A+, N+, MCP, MCDST, MCSA 2K3, MCTS, MOS, MTA, MCT, MCITP:EDST7, MCSA W7, Citrix CCA, ITIL Foundation
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  5. Sparky
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    Sparky Zettabyte Poster Moderator

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    I wouldn’t actually consider doing one of the so called ‘boot camps’. I’ve studied for years at university so I wouldn’t consider taking any shortcuts now.

    I just can’t get my head around some of the time scales some companies advertise. I have all the MS press packs lined up in my home office (which is now a server room!) with 4 servers and 3 PCs so I can do some testing while I’m studying. How could all of the material and labs be studied in that time??

    I’m thinking there *might* be some brain dump material used by these companies, either that or they teach you how to pass the exams. For example you might understand the basic concepts to pass but have no other knowledge than that.

    Anyways, back to the books! :study
     
    Certifications: MSc MCSE MCSA:M MCSA:S MCITP:EA MCTS(x5) MS-900 AZ-900 Security+ Network+ A+
    WIP: Microsoft Certs
  6. Boycie
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    Boycie Senior Beer Tester

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    the only thing i can think of is that the people they accept must already know everything they just need to be brushed up and given the "nudge" to sit the exams...
     
    Certifications: MCSA 2003, MCDST, A+, N+, CTT+, MCT
  7. Sparky
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    Sparky Zettabyte Poster Moderator

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    Yeah, in some cases the candidate might have been working in IT for years and just really needs to be shown how to understand how Microsoft test people with their crazy questions. :biggrin
     
    Certifications: MSc MCSE MCSA:M MCSA:S MCITP:EA MCTS(x5) MS-900 AZ-900 Security+ Network+ A+
    WIP: Microsoft Certs
  8. mattwest

    mattwest Megabyte Poster

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    Yeah i can see how this could maybe be used by someone who is a windows whizz as a refresher before taking the xams, but personally i prefer taking one subject at a time.

    I've got three exams to go for my MCSE on 2003, passed one, one this friday and one left after that. I'd say for me personally 2 months is the minimum i'd spend preping for an exam - reading, practice and questions....
     
    Certifications: See my signature...
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  9. Clyde

    Clyde Megabyte Poster

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    generally the idea is you get the materials up front, study them and then when you sit the bootcamp, its rammed down your throat and you sit the exams while its fresh in your mind. Great if you do the job and need the cert, but not the right approach for a newbie...

    and yes, some will illegally use dumps, but thats life, not all companies or trainers are ethical.
     
    Certifications: A+, Network+, Security+, MCSA, MCSE
    WIP: MCITP
  10. Keimos

    Keimos Byte Poster

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    Hi Sparky,

    Yes people have passed, but maybe not all the exams at once.

    As you may have realised, boot camps are for people who already have a certain amount of knowledge.
    If you have that, then a boot camp works but on the other side, go for is the flexible approach.

    There are good training companies that realise this and will make sure that you pass tests before even bringing or inviting you to the centre, so as to ensure that you know your stuff before having all the information stuffed into your head in preparation for the tests.

    As an individual, if you have no depth of experience then a boot camp is a no, no. For somebody who is experienced then it is the quick route to get certified.

    In answer to some doubters, braindumps are not used.

    Generally the good guys will provide all the learning stuff at least two months before and will leave the boot camp dates flexible until you have reached a certain grade or passed the required assessments. If that is not avialable do not use them.

    Microsoft Certs are courses that you can learn very well through simulated training as you are using an OS, most of the time, and will get virtual hands-on training. What the boot camp will do is to provide the touchy feely side of things.

    I personally, am neither for or against them but you as an individual need to make the choice as whether they are suitable for you. As has been said above, people have taken months to pass one exam, let alone seven.

    My personal advice is never take more than two in any day, unless you really know what you are doing.

    Thoughts and personal experience

    Keimos
     
    Certifications: Microsoft Office Specialist

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