Test recomendations?

[jet042]

I'm looking at getting both an MCSA and MCSE. I think that I can do it with only eight exams (if I understand how they carry over correctly). Does this exam layout sound reasonable? How long should I expect this process to take from beginning to end?

MCSA:
*70-290
*70-291
*70-270
*70-299

MCSE:
(first three above plus)
*70-293
*70-294
*70-297
*70-298

 

[mrdenny]

Yes you can do it in 8 exams.

The length of time needed to pass the exams will depend on how much knowledge you already have on these topics, as well as how much time you can put into studying.

If you don't know the topics very well, and you don't have much time to study then it could take a year or two or more. If you have been a systems admin or systems engineer for years already then you could pass the tests in a couple of weeks with minor studing.

In theory if you knew all the material (and you didn't like your self very much) you could to all the exams in about 3 days. A Couple of hours per exam, 2-3 exams per day. Granted most people would rather kill them selves than put them selves through this kind of knightmare.

How much experience do you have? These exams are not easy, and are geared for people who have been in the field for several years.

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

 

[jet042]

I have been working with Sever 2003 for about a year. I've been actively maintaining AD on that server for the last eight months. In that time, I've set up four other DC's using Server 2003 and I maintain them as well.

My hope would really to be to get the MCSA in about 3 months and then get the MCSE over the following 6 to 9.

 

[Wishdiak]

jet042,

You should check the MCP site and look at the options for MCSA and MCSE.

Your first list will get you MCSA. If you throw an elective into that mix (such as CompTIA Security+), you can get MCSA: Security with 5 exams.

From there, 70-293, 70-294, and 70-298 will earn you MCSE: Security without having to take 70-297. I can verify that this is true, as I've done it to get my MCSE: Security.

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

http://www.wishdiak.com

 

[astaylor]

I just had a quick question about this topic.

If i were to take

70-270
70-290
70-291
70-284

to become MCSA, and then take

70-293
70-294
70-297


Wouldn't that make me MCSA and MCSE certified?
I'm just a little confused about taking 8 exams to get both certs.


-drew

 

[mrdenny]

Yes that you get you both certifications for only 8 exams.

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

 

[astaylor]

but i only listed 7 exams

all of which satisfy mcsa and mcse, thats whats confusing. i dont see why 8.


-drew

 

[mrdenny]

Typically you would need 8 exams. Because of the elective you selected for the MCSA you don't actually need a second elective.

Most elective exams can only count for either the MCSA or MCSE. Exams 70-089, 70-227, 70-228, 70-284, and 70-350 can count as the elective for both certs. Check out footnote 4 at

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

 

[astaylor]

Thanks for clearing that up mrdenny!

It was confusing me a little.


-drew

 

[guidomyte]

You can do it in 7 exams man.

I did.

70-227
70-270
70-290
70-291
70-293
70-294
70-298 (Pending)


70-227 Passed
70-270 Passed
70-290 Passed
70-291 Passed
70-293 Passed
70-294 Passed
70-298 ?
70-284 ?
70-285 ?
640-801 ?
640-861 ?