aquiring IT qualifications, help

Angst · 12 Jan 2010 at 22:32

I am currently studying for my A levels but i would like to get a few extra qualifications under my belt as well.
I have been researching and the 3 that i keep seeing recommended are the compTIA A+, A+ essentials and MCDST. The comptia website seems pretty straight forward and i have signed up and have requested more information but with regards to the MCDST i am not sure how to proceed. There are many websites like the one below that offer online courses but i am not sure how the exam situation works with them.
http://www.sandline-training.co.uk/Products/MCDST.htm
Now I know that lots of you guys are will most likely have these qualifications or similar So I am just in need of some advice.

m4cc45 · 12 Jan 2010 at 22:40

With any Microsoft qualification you don't have to attend a course. When you take your first Microsoft Exam you create a MSN Name (like a hotmail address or your proper mail address) and then you arrange an exam with Prometric:
http://www.prometric.com/default.htm

Once completed this will generate your MCP ID (Microsoft Certified Professional) and you then use this ID on the rest of your exams. The MCDST exams aren't that hard but you have to know how Microsoft asks questions and also then know how to answer them.. It sounds more cryptic than I mean it to and there is a lot of cross over in exams. Best thing maybe to buy the books on it and read them, see if you understand it and see if you actually like learning it - no point in continuing to pay for expensive courses if you don't.

Take a few practice questions on line. I can't stress it enough how differently Microsoft ask questions - there may be two right answers but it's the best answer that gets the points. Pass mark is 700/1000 points (so 70%).

Good luck.

M.

JayMax · 12 Jan 2010 at 23:08

Also, a Prometric Microsoft exam costs £88 per MS module. If you self study compare the cost of this to the likely 4 figure sums you will pay for course materials from training providers.... when you can get the course materials and books waaay cheaper...

Angst · 12 Jan 2010 at 23:15

Ok thanks guys, ill look into prometric in the next few weeks when ive finished my current set of exams.

Pestilence · 13 Jan 2010 at 00:22

phill0i said:
Ok thanks guys, ill look into prometric in the next few weeks when ive finished my current set of exams.

To add to the above, check online book stores for the MCDST and A+ training materials. The Microsoft ones specifically can be found for a fraction of the RRP.

Those, coupled with Exam Cram software is enough to see you walk through those exams. Note that if you DO go for help on websites or via software, make sure you're not using cheat sites like Testking - these don't impart knowledge, they simply hammer the answers to specific questions into your head.