General MCSE advice

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Hello All,
Im hoping someone can give me allittle advice (push) in the right direction. I graduated from Uni doing Computer Science in 2008, im currently just doing a admin job and want to get into a networking support job, but everything im looking for is asking for Microsoft Certified with experience. im gaining the experience where i am because im the network officer for my department aswell as doing my own case work, but i need MC. So the advice im looking for is:-

would it be best to go for the MCSE for my first qualification? or MCSA or something else?? im thinking MCSE because its got all the MCSA modules and more.

To keep the cost down (I aint got too much cash). is there websites, books, etc which you can suggest for me to learn myself, instead of taking courses online or in classes which costs big money and take the exams seperatley? also im not too sure how much each exams costs?

I see a look of books out there (nutshell, etc) but Im not sure what one would be best. Im hoping theres one out there which is good, covers all the modules and aint too costly. or am I asking for too much.

One last thing, just to make sure im clear on how i can be MCSE, would I be right in thinking:-

Taken from the Microsoft Certification Road Map,

least 1 x Client, 4 x Core and 1 x Design

70-270 - Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows XP Professional (MCSA/MCSE)

70-290 – Managing and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Environment (MCSA/MCSE)
70-291 – Implementing, and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure (MCSA/MCSE)
70-293 - Planning and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure (MCSA/MCSE)
70-294 - Planning, Implementing, and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Active Directory Infrastructure (MCSA/MCSE)

70-298 - Designing Security for a Windows Server 2003 Network

and that will give me a MCSE. I know this might sound silly and common sense but i just want to make sure.

Thanks all.
Guy

 

Thanks Jim,

Would it be best to do the MCSE first, so it show im experienced in MS, then go for Cisco Quals?

That was my plan,

Cheer
Guy

 

you shouldn't really be going for the MCSE unless you have the appropriate experience. Microsoft state you need 12-18 months as a systems engineer before attempting it.

The are certifications for people with experience (in a job) like the MCSA and MCSE and certs for people without experience such as the MCDST.

 

Thanks Kev,

I support about 25 colleuges, i do all the basics like you mentioned but not so much the more advanced. I got an ideaof the more advanced stuff for uni modules like Networking, internet and communications etc, but want to know more.

ill have look at MCSA and if it looks to hard ill go for A+, Network+ and the MCDST.

Looking at the modules for MCSE I thought I covered most of that, but obviously it goes a lot deeper than fist thought.

If i first completed all the modules which are in both MCSA and MCSE, can i then choose which away to go from there.

Any good books out there for A+, Network+ and the MCDST??

Cheers all.
Guy

 

Guy, like you I have a Computer Science degree, if your degree covered computer architecture and basic networking you might decide not to take A+/N+ as electives, I took the Security+ as my MCSA elective as I thought it offered better value for money than the A+/N+ or MCDST.

I second what Ken was saying, The MCSE is definitely not for people that just dabble with Microsoft administration.

 

Cheers Kev,

ill look into them books.

dmarsh, As it looks you was once in the same boat as me, what would you suggest i do? go onto MSCA? or MCDST?

Cheers all.
Guy

 

Right, I finally think I know my plan.....

Would I be correct to say:

1st

Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician(MCDST)

70-271 - Supporting Users and Troubleshooting a Windows XP Operating System
70-272 - Supporting Users and Troubleshooting Desktop Applications on a Windows XP Operating System

This will give me the MCDST and count as 1 Elective exam passed for the MCSA.

2nd

Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator(MCSA) = 1 x Client, 2 x Core and 1 x Elective

70-270 - Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows XP Professional (CLIENT)
70-290 – Managing and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Environment (CORE)
70-291 – Implementing, and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure (CORE)
Plus the MCDST for the elective.

This will give me the MCSA and the Client and 2 Cores for th MCSE.

3rd

Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer(MCSE) = 1 x Client, 4 x Core and 1 x Design

Client already done in MCSA.
2 Cores done in MCSA.
70-293 - Planning and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure (CORE)
70-294 - Planning, Implementing, and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Active Directory Infrastructure (CORE)
70-298 - Designing Security for a Windows Server 2003 Network (Design)

Can you upgrade this way???????

Obviously this will take a long time but something to work towards in the future....

Totalling 8 exams x £88 a pop = £704 without traveling costs

Cheers
Guy

 

​

 

Cheers Ken,

Thats cleared it all up for me.

Ill order the MCDST books tonight and get to work.

Guy