Microsoft training, my best path?

Fantom · 2 Dec 2009 at 15:15

Hi all,

I am looking at furthering my training with microsoft, I currently have an ageing MCSA with the following exams:

291 Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure

290 Managing and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment

270 Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional

272 Supporting Users and Troubleshooting Desktop Applications on a Microsoft® Windows® XP Operating System

271 Supporting Users and Troubleshooting a Microsoft® Windows® XP Operating System

Is there anyone who could tell me a possible path of exams to take in order to gain MCSE?

Also whether or not exam 284 - Exchange 2003 would help me to get an MCSE?

Many Thanks in advance

Badboy2k3 · 2 Dec 2009 at 15:33

Use the cert planner on the MCP member site.

Edit: Don't think 284 will help get it, it will just mean you're MCSE with exchange, if you want security you do it with ISA.

RiPz · 2 Dec 2009 at 15:38

is it really worth doing a qualification in an ^n-2 product ? surely the Server 2008 etc. exams are out soon, if not already?

XeNoN89 · 2 Dec 2009 at 15:53

go for a windows server 2008 MCITP

Knubje · 2 Dec 2009 at 16:09

XeNoN89 said:
go for a windows server 2008 MCITP

This, MCITP is the way forward now with the new software. There is probably an upgrade exam or two you can do to bump up your MCSA.

Indy500 · 2 Dec 2009 at 16:11

Knubje said:
This, MCITP is the way forward now with the new software. There is probably an upgrade exam or two you can do to bump up your MCSA.

Not every business upgrades as soon as a new OS arrives... nothing wrong with doing the Server 2003 modules.

Showboat · 2 Dec 2009 at 16:16

Depends on how far along you towards the MSCE 2003, if you only need few more exams, you may as well do it, fairly easy to study for and pass.

You can then do the 2003-2008 upgrade exam, which rolls up 3 of the 2008 exams into one.

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/certification/mcse.aspx#tab2

Indy500 · 2 Dec 2009 at 16:19

Showboat said:
Depends on how far along you towards the MSCE 2003, if you only need few more exams, you may as well do it, fairly easy to study for and pass.

You can then do the 2003-2008 upgrade exam, which rolls up 3 of the 2008 exams into one.

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/certification/mcse.aspx#tab2

Fantom detailed in the OP that he's already done 5 of the exams. Hence me suggesting the remainder of the 2003 MCPs.

Showboat · 2 Dec 2009 at 16:23

But only 3 count towards the 2003 MCSE, 271 and 272 dont count towards it.

So he needs both:
Planning and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure
Exam 70-293
Planning, Implementing, and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Active Directory Infrastructure
Exam 70-294

One of the following:
Designing a Windows Server 2003 Active Directory and Network Infrastructure
Note You can apply this exam toward either the elective requirement or the design requirement—not both.
Exam 70-297

Designing Security for a Windows Server 2003 Network
Note You can apply this exam toward either the elective requirement or the design requirement—not both.
Exam 70-298

And also 1 elective exam (loads to choose from and i think COMPTIA which he prolly already has would count)

Indy500 · 2 Dec 2009 at 16:41

Showboat said:
But only 3 count towards the 2003 MCSE, 271 and 272 dont count towards it.

So he needs both:
Planning and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure
Exam 70-293
Planning, Implementing, and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Active Directory Infrastructure
Exam 70-294

One of the following:
Designing a Windows Server 2003 Active Directory and Network Infrastructure
Note You can apply this exam toward either the elective requirement or the design requirement—not both.
Exam 70-297

Designing Security for a Windows Server 2003 Network
Note You can apply this exam toward either the elective requirement or the design requirement—not both.
Exam 70-298

And also 1 elective exam (loads to choose from and i think COMPTIA which he prolly already has would count)

You'd need five exams to get the equivalent level in Server 2008. Three versus five, seems a no-brainer to me, especially as the OP is likely to be far more familiar with 2003 to start with. Haven't seen many support roles requiring 2008 qualifications, they might be desirable but not essential.

Fantom · 2 Dec 2009 at 16:55

Showboat said:
But only 3 count towards the 2003 MCSE, 271 and 272 dont count towards it.

So he needs both:
Planning and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure
Exam 70-293
Planning, Implementing, and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Active Directory Infrastructure
Exam 70-294

One of the following:
Designing a Windows Server 2003 Active Directory and Network Infrastructure
Note You can apply this exam toward either the elective requirement or the design requirement—not both.
Exam 70-297

Designing Security for a Windows Server 2003 Network
Note You can apply this exam toward either the elective requirement or the design requirement—not both.
Exam 70-298

And also 1 elective exam (loads to choose from and i think COMPTIA which he prolly already has would count)

Could I not use one of my existing mcp's as an elective?

Thanks for all the responses guys, will read in more detail when i get home.

Cheers

Showboat · 2 Dec 2009 at 17:05

All the electives are listed, and those two aren't one of them, so that's 4 exams you would need for MCSE 2003.
Might wanna consider the 2008 route, having to do these things every few years is a pain in the ass, and any employeer would look more favourable on the more up to date accreditation. Even if they aren't readily using it they won't wanna spend money training people when they start using it, there's little difference and most jobs i've seen ask for 2003 mcse or 2008 equivalent.

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/certification/cert-windowsserver.aspx#tab3

Good luck with whatever route you choose and keep at it!