2nd Generation Certification Track Opinions!!!

[MITPRO]

Hey guys,

I really do not know if anyone is researching or keeping up with microsoft. It is crazy that as soon as i receive my MCSE: Security at the end of March, i really do not know what will be the best track to take for the new generation certifications..should MCITP, or 2008 server fully, or exchange server 2007, or forefront security...etc....you guys get the picture.

I can't determine what combination will be best in the IT industry at this time. If it is not all microsoft, what other outside certs should i obtain? I do plan on staying with the security track. I will be working on my Forefront Security for exchange Server 2007, CEH, CHFI, CNDA, SSCP, CISSP...but i also want to be current with microsoft.

If you guys think maybe it is all wrong..let me know. If i am on the right track feel free to post your opinions or suggestions.

This will really help me and others on there next move.

Thank guys.

Do not pray to have an easier life, pray to be a stronger man!!!

B.S. Computer Information Systems
Masters of Information Technology in Network Security
CompTIA A+, Net+, Security+,
MCP, MCSA: 2003
70-298 (In-Progress)
70-299 (In-Progress)
MCTS: Exchange Server 2007 (In Progress)
MCTS: Server 2008 (In Progress)
MCTS: Windows Vista (In P

 

[theravager]

Exchange is fairly rapidly growing area and the 2007 exchange exams are ridiculously easy compared to previous versions.

Study up for 4-5 hours and all three exams should be easily passable as nearly all the exam questions have a obvious answer + 3 bad ones as opposed to most m$ exams having 2 right answers with one being more right.

 

[MITPRO]

You said all three exams. Are you meaning, both the 2 exchange 2003 and the 1 Exchange 2007 exam? I have been thinking about not taking the exchange 2003 cert becasue 2007 is already available. The IT department is planning on upgrading from 2003 to 2007, so my hands on will be out the window.

Thanks for replying. I am really looking foward to a lot of feedback and suggestions. If you feel from experince that 2003 is still a cert to obtain, i may consider it. I probably would have 2007 before 2003.

Do not pray to have an easier life, pray to be a stronger man!!!

B.S. Computer Information Systems
Masters of Information Technology in Network Security
CompTIA A+, Net+, Security+,
MCP, MCSA: 2003
70-298 (In-Progress)
70-299 (In-Progress)
MCTS: Exchange Server 2007 (In Progress)
MCTS: Server 2008 (In Progress)
MCTS: Windows Vista (In P

 

[theravager]

Sorry I confused you i meant the new 2007 cert.

MCITP: Enterprise Messaging Administrator

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcitp/exchange2007/messaging/default.mspx

 

[MITPRO]

This is one of the tracks i had plans on. I am just not sure about others. They are all focused on a specific specialty. This is how Microsoft design the second generation exams. No more, 7 exams to fullfill requirments. You could have a 2008 active directy exam passed and you are TS and will get hired off of that cert alone....I am really just trying to see if others have views on where i am going with this. I will definetly obtain my MCITP in exchange 2007.

Do not pray to have an easier life, pray to be a stronger man!!!

B.S. Computer Information Systems
Masters of Information Technology in Network Security
CompTIA A+, Net+, Security+,
MCP, MCSA: 2003
70-298 (In-Progress)
70-299 (In-Progress)
MCTS: Exchange Server 2007 (In Progress)
MCTS: Server 2008 (In Progress)
MCTS: Windows Vista (In P

 

[kmcferrin]

I think that you may be looking at this from a slightly skewed angle, and that's why you're confued. Up to the 2003 exams, there were several different ways to get and MCSA or MCSE that demonstrated different skill sets. Because of this, everyone was thinking 'just get an MCSE and you'll be fine'. Now with the new certs they've targtted them to specific job roles rather than general roles. Before a Security, Messaging, Infrastructure or other engineer wuld just be an MCSE. Now there are separate and specific certs for messaging, database, infrastructure, and (probably coming soon) security. So the question becomes more a case of 'what are you doing' or 'what do you want to be doing', and then following the cert path that matches. The whole point is that you will specialize in a specific skill set instead of being a generalist, and this will allow you to develop more in-depth knowledge in your area of specialization. If you go out and get MCITP certs in messaging, security, enterprise administrator. database, etc then you run the risk of being thought of as an exam jockey rather than an engineer with in-depth knowledge in all of those areas. It's the classic 'jack of all trades and master of none' problem.

For me personally, I'm about to finish MCSE:Securty. After that I will take the upgrade exams for MCTS on Server 2008. then finish the MCITP. After that I'll probably take a break or pursue non-MS exams. If my focus going forward is going to be security then I will work on things like CISSP or GIAC certs because in the security field those certs are more highly valued than certs on MS security products (Forefront? Seriously?).

________________________________________
CompTIA A+, Network+, Server+, Security+
MCP, MCSA:Security 2003

 

[MITPRO]

Wow..we have soemthing in commen. I will be MCSE: Security as of tuesday the 18th. I will be taking the 70-298. I scored a perfect score on the 70-299. I was planning on taking the upgrade exam when it releases and the the two others to become MCITP on Server 2008. THen i planned on getting my non-MS certs such as CEH, GIAC, and CISSP. My company does not plan on implementing 2008 as of now or next year anytime, so i was also going to get my MCITP in EXchange Server 2007 becasue this will be implemented the last quarter of this year in our company. So i will be getting plenty of experience with exchange before actually working with Server 2008.

Do not pray to have an easier life, pray to be a stronger man!!!

B.S. Computer Information Systems
Masters of Information Technology in Network Security
CompTIA A+, Net+, Security+,
MCP, MCSA: Security
70-298 (In-Progress)
70-299 (Passed)
MCTS: Exchange Server 2007 (Pending)
MCTS: Server 2008 (Pending)
MCTS: Windows Vista (Pending)

 

[kmcferrin]

Sounds like we're on very similar paths. I'm doing the 70-294 this afternoon and the 70-298 next week (already did the 70-299). Since my employer is a Microsoft Partner they were able to send me to one of the preview classes for the Server 2008 MCTS upgrade exam, so I'm in pretty good shape there. I just need to complete the MCSE before I take that exam.

________________________________________
CompTIA A+, Network+, Server+, Security+
MCP, MCSA:Security 2003

 

[MITPRO]

This is crazy!!! Our IT department just became a partner as well. How were you able to be sent to preview for the upgrade exam? What do i need to ask them to do? I signed up for the convention they have coming in may in Ft Lauderdale florida, that i will be attending. As i understand they have not released the upgrade exam yet. Once i am done with this exam, i am going to purchase study material to help me prepare for this exam. Do you have any suggestions on study material? Please let me know. I undersrtand i asked a lot, but i have always been excited about education and career advancement.

Do not pray to have an easier life, pray to be a stronger man!!!

B.S. Computer Information Systems
Masters of Information Technology in Network Security
CompTIA A+, Net+, Security+,
MCP, MCSA: Security
70-298 (In-Progress)
70-299 (Passed)
MCTS: Exchange Server 2007 (Pending)
MCTS: Server 2008 (Pending)
MCTS: Windows Vista (Pending)

 

[kmcferrin]

The upgrade exam for MCSE to 2008 gets you the three Server 2008 MCTS certifications (Network Infrastructure, AD, and Application Deployment). I believe that it was released about a week and a half ago.

The class is something that you'll have to keep your eyes open for. If you are associated with an MS Partner then you should get regular email for the Partner Program, and they usually list upcoming training opportunities. It was listed a Server 2008 Partner Preview class in an email that we received in December, and it was a 3-day class that was only $399. When we got to class we were told that it was the same curriculum that is used to teach for the upgrade exam. Because it is so inexpensive compared to most classroom learning, spots tend to go very quickly.

If you're not getting the partner program emails then you will need to associate your certifications with your company. This also helps your employers partner profile by demonstrating that they have certified professionals on staff. You'll have to get a partner number from whoever runs the partner program at your company, then you can tie your MCP profile to the partner company (you can also remove the connection if you leave the company) and sign up to receive the partner emails. I usually get 1-2 messages a week about training opportunities and promotions.

________________________________________
CompTIA A+, Network+, Server+, Security+
MCP, MCSA:Security 2003

 

[MITPRO]

Thanks for the information. i will definetly pay for the class if i can before taking the exam. I was going to use sybex books and testout suite to prepare for the upgrade exam.

Do not pray to have an easier life, pray to be a stronger man!!!

B.S. Computer Information Systems
Masters of Information Technology in Network Security
CompTIA A+, Net+, Security+,
MCP, MCSA: Security
70-298 (In-Progress)
70-299 (Passed)
MCTS: Exchange Server 2007 (Pending)
MCTS: Server 2008 (Pending)
MCTS: Windows Vista (Pending)