Got to upgrade from MCSE 2003 to MCSE 2012 - recommended path?

Discussion in 'Windows Server 2003 / 2008 / 2012 / 2016' started by Spidey76, Sep 4, 2012.

  1. Spidey76

    Spidey76 Bit Poster

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    Hi all,

    I've got a MCSE 2003 + Windows 7 MCITP. I was planning on doing the 70-649 upgrade exam and the 70-646 to get the MCITP:EA on Windows 2008. However, with Microsoft changing things around and the retirement of these exams in July 2013 I was wondering what is the best path to follow. Ultimately I would like to get the MCSE on Windows 2012 Server Infrastructure and then Private Cloud. I've done some research on the various tracks and would appreciate your comments.

    Phase 1 - MCSA 2008

    Option 1 - To upgrade from MCSE 2003 to MCSA 2008

    1. Exam 70-648: TS: Upgrading Your MCSA on Windows Server 2003 to Windows Server 2008

    2. Exam 70-646: PRO: Windows Server 2008, Server Administrator


    Option 2 - Direct path to MCSA 2008

    1. Exam 70-640: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuring

    2. Exam 70-642: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure, Configuring

    3. Exam 70-646: PRO: Windows Server 2008, Server Administrator



    Phase 2 - MCSE 2012

    Option 1 - Upgrade from MCSA 2008 to MCSE 2012

    1. Exam 417: Upgrading Your Skills to MCSA Windows Server 2012

    2. Exam 413: Designing and Implementing a Server Infrastructure

    3. Exam 414: Implementing an Advanced Server Infrastructure


    Option 2 - Direct path to MCSE 2012

    To MCSA 2012

    1. Exam 70-410: Installing and Configuring Windows Server 2012

    2. Exam 70-411: Administering Windows Server 2012

    3. Exam 70-412: Configuring Advanced Windows Server 2012 Services

    From MCSA 2012 to MCSE 2012

    1. Exam 70-413: Designing and Implementing a Server Infrastructure

    2. Exam 70-414: Implementing an Advanced Server Infrastructure


    It looks like the shortest route would be to do Option 1 - the upgrade exams to MCSA 2008 and then upgrade to MCSE 2012 which will be a total of 5 exams. However I'm hearing the upgrade exams are hard and the study material from Microsoft doesn't include R2 revisions. Perhaps then it makes sense to do the MCSA 2008 directly using Option 2, and then upgrade to MCSE 2012. This will include a total of 6 exams so a bit longer.

    On the other hand I can completely skip Windows 2008 and do the MCSE 2012 exams directly which will be 5 exams but will be missing out on the Windows 2008 certs. What do you think? How do you plan to upgrade your certs to Windows 2012?

    Thanks
     
  2. JK2447
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    JK2447 Petabyte Poster Administrator Premium Member

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    Hi, sure one of the Microsoft Forum Leaders will answer this better than me but if you've got a 2003 MCSE, the Win7 client, I'd go for 70-649 which gives you three MCTS certs, then the Pro Enterprise Admin exam 70-647. That should make you 2008 MCITP: EA and 2008 MCSA. From there take 70-246 and 70-247 to become a 2012 MCSE Cloud. 4 exams in total unless I've made a mistake (which is possible).
    Cheers
    Jim

    PS All depends on what you work with etc. I'm guessing you're a Server/Wintel engineer covering the usual technologies.
     
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  3. Spidey76

    Spidey76 Bit Poster

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    Well I have decided to go with Option One and do the upgrade to MCSA 2008

    1. Exam 70-648: TS: Upgrading Your MCSA on Windows Server 2003 to Windows Server 2008

    2. Exam 70-646: PRO: Windows Server 2008, Server Administrator

    The time it would take to do the upgrade to MCITP:EA could be better spent upgrading to MCSE 2012 Server Infrastructure. Once I've got the MCSA 2008 I'll work on upgrading to MCSE 2012.

    Thanks
     
    Last edited: Sep 8, 2012
  4. bax

    bax New Member

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    I'm at the exact same cross roads. I have my MCSE 2003 and looking towards MCSE 2012

    I am now looking to take the direct 2012 route for some of the reasons you stated above (no 2008 R2 in the upgrade exams and hearing also that the upgrade exams are tricky as they are so broad). That and the fact it is 5 exams for both routes...

    Although I've just noticed that the 2012 books aren't out until Feb at the earliest.
     
  5. Theprof

    Theprof Petabyte Poster

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    Hi Spidey,

    I know its a bit of a confusing situation, I am in a similar boat as well. With Microsoft changing some things around, it doesn't always makes it easy for us to follow sometimes.

    The exams themselves are not expiring, Its actual MCITP:EA/SA credential that is going to expire. What that means is that the MCSA 2008 is actually made up of the same exams as some of the MCITP exams. So if you were to earn and MCITP:EA on Windows Server 2008, you'd actually be also earning the MCSA 2008.

    If you look here, you'll see all the exams that are going to be retired next year. You'll also notice that some exams are going to remain and be applied to the new MCSA 2008 while other exams are going to be retired. For MCITP:EA on Windows Server 2008, it says the following:

    The path you have chosen is a good one, nothing wrong with doing the upgrade exams. The upgrade exams are usually tough because they encompass a lot of material from multiple exams.

    I've always liked doing the upgrade path because it doesn't hurt having another cert, especially a cert like Windows 2008 where a lot of the companies are still using and still upgrading to this OS. It all comes down to what you can do and if you have the time to sit down and pass the exams, not everyone can. Fortunately we have options :D

    Good luck!
     
    Last edited: Nov 16, 2012
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