MCSE Vista: Security+:

Discussion in 'Training & Development' started by CONTRACTOR IRISH, Jul 1, 2008.

  1. CONTRACTOR IRISH

    CONTRACTOR IRISH New Member

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    Hello Guys,

    1st timer here (nice friendly site), just looking for a bit of advice. I’m contemplating doing this MCSE 2week course with a training company. :rolleyes:Basically my situation is that I have been working in I.T Support for about 10years, the last 3 contracting. My roles have mostly been on-site engineer (6years) \ phone support\ remote support\ field support etc. I have some experience working\supporting multi-domain environments, some server2003, exchange, active directory and also some network. I would probably class myself as a solid 2nd line, although I have worked with some characters who have claimed to be 3rd that were probably 1st! I’m hoping the badges would provide a better income and open more doors for myself and would hope to specialise in a field after that, possibly SQL.
    I would basically like to know if you think I would be ready to take on this exam or if I would really struggle, I can’t really afford (financially) to take the course and fail the exam.
    The price quoted by the training company was originally 6.5-7k, they have mailed a discount price of 4.75k+vat, so I may still have a chance to haggle further?

    Cheers for your feedback in advance guys.
     
  2. Kitkatninja
    Highly Decorated Member Award 500 Likes Award

    Kitkatninja aka me, myself & I Moderator

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    No one can answer that but you, the best thing to do is to get something like Boson, Transcender, Preplogic test sims and see for yourself. You state that you do all of the above, however have you done/studied the objectives for the exam? Take a look and see. If you get a good score with the test sims and have checked out the objectives, all you may need is a brush up with something like Examcram. If not you can self-study with a couple of good books/CBT's or go take some classes.

    If you do decide that taking a class is the right thing for you, shop around... There are far cheaper providers out there, take a look at your local college (some of them are IT Academies), they may offer Microsoft/Comptia/Cisco courses and exams up to 50% cheaper than alot of private training companies.

    Hope this helps

    -ken
     
    Certifications: MSc, PGDip, PGCert, BSc, HNC, LCGI, MBCS CITP, MCP, MCSA, MCSE, MCE, A+, N+, S+, Server+
    WIP: MSc Cyber Security
  3. BosonMichael
    Honorary Member Highly Decorated Member Award 500 Likes Award

    BosonMichael Yottabyte Poster

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    If you've been working in IT for 10 years, you don't likely need a training provider... you just need to get some high-quality training materials and study. There's absolutely no need to go deeply into debt, especially since you mentioned you have financial concerns!

    The MCSE is not a race, so you don't have to finish it in two weeks. Many (but not all) of these boot camp companies use any means possible to help you pass the exams... including some less-than-honest methods, such as using braindumps: actual questions from the live exam. Using braindumps is (rightfully) considered cheating by Microsoft, Cisco, and CompTIA, which can get you decertified.

    My advice would be this: study for each exam until you understand the concepts completely. After all, you're not studying simply to pass the exams... but you're also learning how to be a better tech. Your experience will help you study faster since you'll probably be familiar with many of the topics already. :)

    Welcome to the forums!
     
    Certifications: CISSP, MCSE+I, MCSE: Security, MCSE: Messaging, MCDST, MCDBA, MCTS, OCP, CCNP, CCDP, CCNA Security, CCNA Voice, CNE, SCSA, Security+, Linux+, Server+, Network+, A+
    WIP: Just about everything!
  4. CONTRACTOR IRISH

    CONTRACTOR IRISH New Member

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    Cheers Ken\Michael,
    will need to have a good think before diving into anything.

    thanks for responses.
     
  5. onoski

    onoski Terabyte Poster

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    Hi Contractor Irish and welcome to CF:), with regards to the MCSE and judging from your current level of experience you're better off going the self study route. All you need to do is get the MS press study training books second edition and if you can also get TestOut sim and you'd be set to go.

    Best wishes:)
     
    Certifications: MCSE: 2003, MCSA: 2003 Messaging, MCP, HNC BIT, ITIL Fdn V3, SDI Fdn, VCP 4 & VCP 5
    WIP: MCTS:70-236, PowerShell
  6. CONTRACTOR IRISH

    CONTRACTOR IRISH New Member

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    Cheers for that Onoski, would probably be a good starting point for me,
    will keep you posted.

    Thanks,
     

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