MCSE Path 1

[TheSponge]

Hello,

Im now ready to start my MCSE, I have been using a very good Training provider for my A+ and CCNA,

However, I am so confused as to the correct path in acheiving an MCSE?

there seems to be so many options and paths, I want to do it in Server 2003, is this a set path? or do I have to choose my modules?

Once i achieve certain areas of the course, do I become an MCP automatically? I was told that an MCSE is equivalent to 4 MCP`s?

Any help would be great, Ive scowered the net, but it still isnt quite clear.

Thanks

 

[Wishdiak]

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcse/windows2003/

Wishdiak

http://www.wishdiak.com

 

[TheSponge]

I have been to this site, I can see what exams I need to get, does this also qualify me as an MCP?
Thanks

 

[Wishdiak]

TheSponge,

I understand you now. If you were to pass one Microsoft exam in the MCSE 2003 path (such as 70-270) you would be a Microsoft Certified Professional. If you were then to pass another Microsoft exam in the MCSE 2003 path (such as 70-290), you would still be a Microsoft Certified Professional, until you have passed enough to upgrade your certification to MCSA or MCSE.

Is that clearer?


Wishdiak

http://www.wishdiak.com

 

[TheSponge]

Much clearer, Thankyou,

So if I pass 1 of the first MS Exams, do I get sent something to say I am an MCP?

and then just keep sending my other results through untill I have the full MCSE?
Thanks

 

[Wishdiak]

TheSponge,

Yes, but...

You need to log into the MCP section of Microsoft's site using your MCP ID (which will be on the score report for passing a MCP exam) and request a welcome kit. From what I've heard, it takes about 6 weeks to get the welcome kit, which comes with a spiffy card saying that you're a Microsoft Certified Professional.

I'm still waiting for mine.

Of course, I only assume that the process is the same for earning the full MCSA or MCSE. I guess I'll find out when I get there.

Wishdiak

http://www.wishdiak.com

 

[Overclocker]

Wishdiak,

Yes, you'll get another welcome kit when you achieve MCSA, MCSE, etc.

"If time travel were possible, I'd go back and choose NOT to attend SCD

 

[Wishdiak]

Overclocker,

"Another" assumes that I eventually get the first one. It hasn't been six weeks, so I'll put my cynicism aside.

I take it that I'll need to request those welcome kits and wait for over a month for those as well, but on the upside, I'll finally be able to buy those swanky MCSA or MCSE shirts from Microsoft.

Wishdiak

http://www.wishdiak.com

 

[TheSponge]

He He...

All clear now, Thanks Guys...

PS, In your opinions, how long would you say on average does it take to get an MCSE?

1 year? (Doing 5 days a month constant study)

 

[Wishdiak]

TheSponge,

Why only 5 days a month? It really depends on how much hands-on experience you have, and how much you can get while you're studying.

I found the A+ and 70-270 exams to be pretty easy, since I had plenty of experience with troubleshooting hardware and Windows XP.

Server 2003 was another matter, and I finally had to go out and invest in a machine to run the evaluation software on.

Realistically, to get MCSE in a year, you'd need to take an exam about every two months, and I think that 5 days a month of studying might not be enough, but your milage may vary.

Wishdiak

http://www.wishdiak.com

 

[TheSponge]

No what I mean is the company I work for is putting me through the MCSE,

For each part of the course I spend 5 days away in a classroom for constant study 9 hours a day,

I also work as IT administrator with Windows 2000 Network, so I am in the enviroment everyday,

I am wondering if this is enough?

Your thoughts would be appreciated,

Thanks

 

[Wishdiak]

TheSponge,

You have a few options. If I were a Windows 2000 Administrator already, I'd go through the MCSE 2000 track, and then take the two upgrade tests for MCSE 2003, but that's just me.

How much you can absorb in 40 hours per month (assuming you get a lunch each class day) is entirely up to you. I don't see why you couldn't as long as you have time to study.

Wishdiak

http://www.wishdiak.com