Should I take 70-218?

Right now I am planning on going with the MCSE:Security track. This includes (for me) the exams 70-214, 70-215, 70-216, 70-217, 70-220, and 70-270. Although you need 7 exams, I am using my Security plus for my elective. Now, since 70-218 isn't included even as an elective, I'm wondering whether I should take it anyway. If I pass it right now I would become MCSA, and that would look nice on my resume, instead of a bunch of MCPs. Once I pass 70-214, then I would get MCSA:Security. This would be nice to have for when I apply to jobs during the time before I have MCSE. It seems strange that by taking the MCSE:Security path, you will never obtain MCSA. So, I guess my question is, should I take 70-218 just to have MCSA in the meantime? Give me your thoughts.

Cheeblie

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RussS

The way I look at it - if Microsoft succeeds in pushing MCSA for system admin then it could be worthwhile. At your age you certainly have time on your side to work your way to whatever area you wish to place yourself.

cheeblie

So, no one else has any opinion on this matter?

(Just trying to move the topic to the top)

Cheeblie

bellboy

i see nothing in eventually working towards mcse and picking up the likes of mcsa, mcdba along the way.

a lot of people say that if you have already done 216 and 217, then 218 is more like a revision exercise.

cgracia

bellboy wrote:

i see nothing in eventually working towards mcse and picking up the likes of mcsa, mcdba along the way.

a lot of people say that if you have already done 216 and 217, then 218 is more like a revision exercise.

I disagree. If I'm going to pay a buck-twenty-five (that's ghetto speak for $125) per exam, I might as well get more for the money. If I replaced 70-220 with 70-218, I can be an MCSA, MCDBA, and MCSE all in one swoop...plus study and pass the Comp-Tia Security+ exam and I'm an MCSE Security (for a total of 8 exams I suppose...but that's why I'm having Security+ dead-last). These certifications would make you look invaluable to your employer and can either guarantee you job security or a job depending on your current situation....

My advice is to get all the certs you can within the 7 tests. To put MCP on your resume though is like begging your prospective employer to pat you on the head and say "Good job, boy...here's your treat...." as opposed to "You're hired...."

My point isn't to say that getting MCPs by itself isn't important, but most employers wanna see at least 4 letters when it comes to MS certs. I hope to start my trek to MCSE-land shortly. Good luck whatever you decide.

cheeblie

I have decided to take the 70-218 because I want the MCSA. Also, if I take my tests in the correct order I can get 4 welcome kits.

MCSA, MCSA:Security, MCSE, and then MCSE:Security. I would really like all those lapel pins and certificates.

I may also take 70-224 just so I can get some minor experience with Exchange Server. I think that would be another very valuable skill.

Cheeblie

jrowe

if you don't do 220 you won't get the security qualification because it's the only core design exam option, you need it for MCSE-security
comptia security+ can only replace 227
http://www.microsoft.com/traincert/mcp/mcsesecurity/windows2000.asp