MCSA exam order

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Hello all

long time listener, first time caller. I have a few questions. I am about to sit my 70-621 in a few weeks, then start on the MCSA/MCSE.

Is there a particular order to sit these in, or just best to complete them in numbered order?

I already have the MCDST, and will have the 70-621 MCIPT:EST very soon, and will wait till the 70-682 is out before I tackle that one.

Secondly, any preference to the 70-297, or 70-298? That one is still a while off, so have not focused on it at all, but any info at this time would be good.

 

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Hi and welcome to CF, looks like you're on the right track. Just curious any reason why you're not working on the newer certs?

 

Not everyone goes straight to new technology when it's released, there is no reason to think that people shouldn't take the MCSA because it is still relevant.

 

Thanks for your replies and the welcome. To answer your questions, I am doing the desktop O/S exams as they are an easier path to the MCSA, plus they are more certs of the cv.

Secondly, my work is solidly XP/server 2k3 with very small bits of vista/Win7 and server 2008 thrown in. That will change in time, but only by my client's IT demands.

Thirdly, I am looking at going into IT consulting (small business) in 2-3 years, so I want proof to back up my experience. I have been in IT since 1993, but for the the 90's and a half of last decade I was working in novell netware shops; was only till about 2004 that I finally worked on my last netware server and started working with server 2k3. I hadn't needed any certs at that point, but I am wanting then now, so I feel I want to fill in all the blanks so to speak. I hope this makes some sense.

 

Just go for whichever you're strongest in first.
Apart from that, it doesn't really matter.

 

Awesome way to introduce yourself!! Welcome!

In my opinion, it makes the most sense to do them in numerical order. 290 and 291 are part of the MCSA, with 291 generally being regarded as harder than 290, and 293 and 294 are part of the MCSE, with 293 building off of 291.

I'd recommend taking whichever exam relates more to what you have experience doing. I took 70-298.

 

Concerning 297 and 298, the decision I guess is partly based on what suits your workplace's needs. Your IT manager or supervisor may point you in the right direction. Same with the elective paper; if your workplace uses SQL, it may suit to do the SQL elective, or the ISA elective if ISA is used at the workplace.

I agree with Boson's assessment; some papers feed off others and it is better to do certain papers in order when the material is fresh in the mind.

 

I did the following and found each one harder than the one before so am glad I did them in that order.

MCDST
70-270
70-290
70-291

Now thinking about MCSE