MCSA/MCSE Beginner

[cch1986]

Hi there... This thread is for the attention of people who have attempted or completed MCSA/MCSE.

I have been considering and changing my mind about attempting these courses. I am 21 years of age, I am a very able person when working with computers and I enjoy the networking side very much.

Although I have not attempted any qualifications in this area before I have a good general understanding and willingness to learn.

I am just looking for some advice about the best ways to approach my studies and how to make it as easy as possible. When I say this I mean obtaining the right learning material etc... I am unsure about how 'hard' the courses are and how long they could take me to complete. I work full-time so I would be studying in my spare-time. Is hands-on experience a MUST? Or can it be done purely through books? These are the kind of things I need to know.

ALL info is appreciated. Thanks

 

[paulhthomas]

Hi cch196. Thanks for the post.
The exams can be passed just by reading the books, no question about that, I've done it myself.
However, there are certain people that won't agree with this as they think it takes something away from them having had a few years experince with the products, whereas you've got the same MCP with no experience!
The problem I found is without these skills, depending on what your working on or for who, you're not allowed to work on something without prior knowlegde of the product. The only way to get this is by reading the book and fdoing the labs!
I've done 5 MCP's now, got my 6th exam next week. For all the exams, I've only used the MS Press books as well as the CBT Nuggets videos.
Again, there's a load of peope tat will slate the MS books, but I'm of the opinion that if it's not in the book, it won't be in the exam!

Good luck with you studying, doing it in your spare time is what I'm doing is hard work and takes a lot of commitment.

Paul

Paul Thomas
Network+ - Passed
70-210 - Passed
70-290 - Passed
70-291 - Passed
70-293 - Passed
70-294 - Passed
70-284 - Working Towards

 

[DanMIS]

Paul - Good input.

I have 7+ years experience, but now my current job wants me to be an MCSE. After studying for just a few days, I see that there is a lot you will learn from certifying regardless of your experience level.

CCH - it's definitely possible to pass without any experience, but it will be a challenge to get hired without the experience. If you want an IT job get some experience wherever you can.

Good luck.

Dan

 

[mrdenny]

While you can pass the cert exams without the actual on the job experience, getting the job with the certs and no experience isn't much better than not having the certs.

For almost every employeer experience counts. Having the certs will simply give you that little edge over the people with out the certs.

Experience will also make passing the tests much easier. The tests are designed to test a person who has a couple of years experience with the systems.

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)

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

http://www.mrdenny.com

 

[cch1986]

Thanks for replies so far. Somebody who I knew gave me the CD-ROM's that they used to do MCSE. They are a good few years old though. Now looking at the MS website I see the exams are based around Server 2000 and Server 2003. Which path would you follow and why?

Also, I attended an interview when I was 17 at a private training centre. It was quite dear but they guide you through the course and also gave you the hands-on skills that were required in the training centre. If I could get an afternoon in there once a week do you think it would benefit me more and be worth the money? I think they quoted me about £2000 for MCSA!

Thanks

 

[Wishdiak]

If I could get an afternoon in there once a week do you think it would benefit me more and be worth the money? I think they quoted me about £2000 for MCSA!

I don't really see how spending £2000 would be to your benefit, unless you're unable to set up a test lab at home, or some other compelling reason. Does that £2000 include books and exam vouchers?

As paulhthomas stated, it's quite possible to pass the exams by reading the books and doing the exercises.

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

http://www.wishdiak.com

 

[NickFerrar]

You haven't really said why you want to get an MSCA/MCSE, is it because you're looking to move jobs or is it just a personal goal?

And yes as has been stated you can pass the exams just through theoretical knowledge however its much easier if you've got practical experience as you will generally understand things a lot better. You only need a couple of PCs + MS's free Virtual Server and 120 day free trials of server products to set up a useful test lab.

I really wouldn't look at paying for training at this stage unless you're looking to switch jobs asap and have spare cash... even then I'd do one of the core MCPs first just to give yourself an idea of what you're getting into. And don't be put off if you fail your first exam, they take soe getting used to and even experienced people with MCP's already still fail them.

 

[paulhthomas]

I agree with Nick. it's a lot of money to spend if you have the time to study from a book and to do the labs, if you haven't and you need an mcsa asap then yes perhaps it would be your best option.
MS make software such as virtual PC, virtual server, and evaluation versions of their software readuly available on their website so why not take full advantage.


Paul Thomas
N+, MCP, MCSA

Network+ - Passed
70-210 - Passed
70-290 - Passed
70-291 - Passed
70-293 - Passed
70-294 - Passed
70-284 - Passed
70-297 - Loading...