Is now a good time to start MCSE?

[astaylor]

I recently graduated college in Information Systems and i am looking to start with the certification path. My concern right now is, do you all here think it is worth it to start the MCSE at this point? I know with work and self studying at nights it will probably take me about a year to complete.

Let me give a scenario of what i'm worried about. It is about that time when Microsoft is starting to change everything, with Vista and a new version of server sometime in the near future i assume. What to happened to everyone that was half way through the MCSE 2000 when the MCSE 2003 started. Did you have to retake all tests or did your tests still count and you only had to take a few for 2003 and they combined to make a full certification? Or did you just finish the mcse 2000 and then take the 2 tests to upgrade to 2003? I know they have a Vista test right now, but does that count towards MCSE 2003 still or is it going to count towards like an MCSE 2007?

I'm worried that if i start now i will run into problems with being outdated before i can even finish, but on the other hand i don't really want to sit on my butt and wait for the next version. I thought about doing CCNA now and by the time i am done with that they might have the new MCSE tests out, but networking with Cisco equipment isnt my strong point. Any thoughts/helpful information that you have would be greatly appreciated as i'm sure other people out have this same concern. thanks!

-drew

 

[Wishdiak]

amgb,

As plenty of people here have pointed out, too many certs with too little experience on your resume/CV can be a detriment. Since you have the degree, getting some experience on your resume/CV would probably be your best bet.

On the outdated certification front, plenty of places are still using Windows 2000 for their servers and workstations. MCSE 2000's are still in demand, so MCSE 2003's will probably be needed for a few more years.

Although Vista has been released, many businesses are not keen on upgrading to it. I just had an interview on Wednesday, and the company is getting 300 more XP machines in July 2003. These machines are Vista-ready, but they don't trust the OS just yet.

Wishdiak
A+, Network+, Security+, MCSE: Security 2003

http://www.wishdiak.com

 

[astaylor]

Thank you for your response Wishdiak. You make a great point. We still have some servers running 2000 where i work, we also have not upgraded any machines to Vista yet. I guess i have just been second guessing whether or not i should go through with it right now or wait. You have helped to put my mind at ease about it.

I actually have about 5 years experience at this point with about 1 year working full time out of college instead of 32 hours per week for the 4 years i was in, doing the same work that i do now. By the time i get done with the cert, i will be sitting at about 2 years full time experience, which in truth isnt that much different from 32 hours per week. In fact, i have a lot of friends that work at companies that give them every other friday off, lucky bastards. So in that regard its pretty close. Thanks again for helping to reassure that its not too late!

-drew