MCSA exams

[MITPRO]

Hey Guys,
I have been in the IT industry for 5 1/2 Years. I have Bachelors in Computer Information System and Masters of Information Technology. I am Comptia A+ and Net+ Certified. I am almost Thorough in Vista, but i have been study for the MCSA Exams.

Long Story Short.....

I am on the 2003 R2 and XP sp2 track (All Up to date exams. I have been becoming bored with the long questions, and sometimes i feel some of the information i take in leaks out because it is so much, and on top of it all, I am an IT Manager who is busy day to day with Systems and networking. I am trying to find a good source or way to tackle this exam head on. I am spending more time study this material for the exam, that i still do not feel comfortable taking it. There has to be away to shorten this time so i can pass this test first time. I have been through training classes and hands on is not the problem. Its the material.

Someone please help me...I am losing my head with this studying.

 

[mrdenny]

There is no trick get around knowing the software. If do don't know the software that is being covered then you won't do well on the exams.

The Microsoft Press books come with good sample tests that you can take to guage where you are without having to pay up and take the full exam.

You should also look into the Exam Insurance program that Microsoft has setup. Basically you buy the insurance and if you don't pass you can retake the exam. If you do pass then you get a discount on your next exam.

Denny
MCSA (2003) / MCDBA (SQL 2000)
MCTS (SQL 2005 / Microsoft Windows SharePoint Services 3.0: Configuration / Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007: Configuration)
MCITP Database Administrator (SQL 2005) / Database Developer (SQL 2005)

--Anything is possible. All it takes is a little research. (Me)

http://www.mrdenny.com

 

[MITPRO]

I looked into the insurance, but my school, i guess, does not offer it. I attend Fasttrain, which give prometrics exams. This is where i test. Can you give me advice on how to obtain this?

My intentions was not to try to get around it, but to speed up the study process. Some real good material that would help me get back on track. Everything is spaghetti now.

 

[mrdenny]

Here is the URL with the Exam Insurance information

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/offers/insurance/default.mspx.

Denny
MCSA (2003) / MCDBA (SQL 2000)
MCTS (SQL 2005 / Microsoft Windows SharePoint Services 3.0: Configuration / Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007: Configuration)
MCITP Database Administrator (SQL 2005) / Database Developer (SQL 2005)

--Anything is possible. All it takes is a little research. (Me)

http://www.mrdenny.com

 

[MITPRO]

I need to ask, how long did it take you to obtain all those certs? where did you find the time? I know i could do the same, but i know after i receive this mcse, the only other exam i will look into is vista and longhorn and i am done. I have been schooling all my life. I already have a masters in information technology and i am only studying for the certs so i can teach and consult.

 

[mrdenny]

According to my transcript (I had to look, because I didn't know the dates) I passed by first exan Jun 01, 2004. My most recent was 2/1/07, so about 3 years total. There was a large gap of almost a year where I didn't take any exams between getting my MCDBA SQL 2000 and starting the SQL 2005 exams.

I didn't really study for any of the exams. Almost all the info came from my work in the field. I'd read the MS Press book the days before the exam to catch any last minute items (when there was a book available), them take the exam. Almost all of the MCTS and MCITP exams were taken as beta exams before they were released so there wasn't any study material available.

If memory serves the only two exams that I took for the new certs which weren't beta exams was one of the two exams for the MCITP: Database Developer exam and the upgrade exam from MCDBA SQL 2000 to MCITP: Database Administrator.

Denny
MCSA (2003) / MCDBA (SQL 2000)
MCTS (SQL 2005 / Microsoft Windows SharePoint Services 3.0: Configuration / Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007: Configuration)
MCITP Database Administrator (SQL 2005) / Database Developer (SQL 2005)

--Anything is possible. All it takes is a little research. (Me)

http://www.mrdenny.com

 

[MITPRO]

Lucky you. I am trying to be on top as well. It the time between work and studying to get the certs. I will definetly become certified. I have a long road ahead. I wanted to be a DBA about 3 years ago, but unlike you, it was hard for me to take off in the field. Honestly a degree seperates your status, but certs gets the job. Before i knew it, i had a masters in NEtwork Security. I figured with that degree, i would obtain certs surrounding my studies.