Which Order to study MCSE exams? 1

[seji]

Hi All,
I am self studying for the MCSE exams as a
'computer knowledgable career changer'.
I started on the 70-270 Win XP exam, however, upon taking a quick look through the other exams,(290/291/294 etc.)
it makes me think that taking the exams in numerical order may not be the best from a learning and understanding point of view.
What order would you recommend?

"Hindsight can be put to good use if it's someone else's!"
Many Thanks,
Seji.

 

[mrdenny]

When it comes to the MCSA/MCSE exams numerical order is actually the best method. The exams all build off of each other in breadth of knowledge.

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

 

[Wishdiak]

seji,

I agree with mrdenny for the most part. 70-291, and 70-293 all build off of each other in that they include material from earlier exams.

70-294, on the other hand, is all Active Directory, and assumes that you have the skills to configure and maintain your network infrastructure. In other words, 70-294 is a layer higher than the other MCSE core exams. I'd still recommend taking 70-294 after 70-290, 70-291, and 70-293 first, since you'll need the downlevel knowledge to configure and maintain your network.

From there, one elective and one design exam will get you MCSE certified.

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

http://www.wishdiak.com

 

[mdevinc]

If you take all 7 tests and become an MCSE, doesn't that make you an MCSA by default as well? Can you hold both titles at the same time?

Mike
MCP

 

[pagy]

It does not make you an MCSA as well, these are essentially 2 seperate certs. You can hold both at the same time.
For example I'm an MCSE but not an MCSA.

Paul

MCSE 2003

"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
Albert Einstein

 

[mrdenny]

It all depends on what exams you take. If you take the right exams you can pick both certs up without any extra certs.

Only a few certs can be used as an elective for both. Most electives can only be used for a single 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

 

[quadsevens]

It does not make you an MCSA as well, these are essentially 2 seperate certs. You can hold both at the same time.
For example I'm an MCSE but not an MCSA.
Paul

MCSE 2003"

So did you take one of these for your MCSE elective?

70-229, 70-281, 70-282, 70-285, 70-297, 70-298, 70-301?

If you get your MCSE you have taken the core exams for MCSA (290, 291, and one of the following 210, 270, or 620) so the only other test needed would be the elective. There are 17 electives that would count towards either the MCSA and the MCSE with only 7 counting towards MCSE only. So unless you took one of those 7 electives wouldn't you also be an MCSA??

I am new to the Microsoft certs so if I am wrong take it easy on me.

 

[pagy]

I took the following;

70-270
70-290
70-291
70-293
70-294
70-297
70-282

Which means I hold an MCSE but not an MCSA. If I wanted an MCSA I would only have to do 1 more exam, something like 70-284 or 70-620.

Paul
MCSE


"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
Albert Einstein

 

[jakechaffee]

If you do what Paul did and throw in the 70-620 you can come out with 3 certs. MCSA/MCSE and i think its MCTS (correct me if i'm wrong) which basically says you can troubleshoot and navigate windows vista. I'm about to take the 620 and from what i heard it's a simple test if you have used Vista on a technical level at all. Simple questions like whee to find something in control panel, how to turn off windows aero, network sharing center. Basics of troubleshooting.

Jake Chaffee
"There are 10 types of people in the world. Those who can read binary and those who can't."

 

[enzii]

hello form montreal, canada

quick question, going for my MCSA exams, got all my material lined-up, my transcended exams all-lined up, anyone have some tricks on how to study and plan out how i can study for this ?

any specific hours a day ?
i would appreciate any help anyone has on how to study for this, and tricks would be welcomed

thank you all for taking the time in reading my post...


cheersm


enzii

 

[Wishdiak]

enzii,

The best approach is probably just to focus on the one exam that you'll take next.

Personally, I spent about 2 hours per day either reading, watching CBT's, or going throught practice exams before taking each exam, and then moving on to the next one.

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

http://www.wishdiak.com

 

[DanMIS]

I just finished my MCSA: Messaging, and took these tests: 290, 291, 270, 284. Next are 293,394 293 297 for MCSE and then maybe 285 for MCSE: Messaging.

My study method is to look at the objectives from MS, get a couple of study guides (usually MS blue book and Sybex), and skim through the books at a high level. I am a sys admin at work, so I can do hands-on on most topics.

Then I take a couple of practice tests and see what areas I need to focus on for a while. When I feel comfortable that I can pass the test, I take it. So far I've been passing each test the first time, but sometimes very close (I actually got a 700 on one test!).

I'm already in a good IT job and just need the cert. So the way I study doesn't make me qualified to be an absolute expert, but I pass the tests. As I hit areas we use at work, or could be used better, I focus on them too since it's my job, but areas I'll never use I only memorize for the tests.

Dan

CCA Citrix 4.0
MCSA: Messaging 2003