Upgrade MCDST to MCSA

I found out today that I have the ability to transfer my old "MCDST for Windows XP" into a Server 2012 MCSA with one exam! My only concern is that the one exam covers all of the other 3 exams for Server 2012. There's study guides for it, but I'm unsure if I should go for it or not.

I did intend to start on Server 2016 in about 4-5 months, but do you think it's worth going for this MCDST to MCSA upgrade? The exam is this one:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/learning/exam-70-417.aspx

I'm unsure if I should take it, as this would be my very first Windows Server exam other than the MTA I'm taking tomorrow.

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Comments

djrabes

If you feel comfortable with it, go for it. I'm surprised you can update XP to Server 2012 though!

It means you'll have to do 1 less exam to get your MCSA: Server 2016 as well, you'll get two MCSAs so that'll build your skills and scope of Server Administration.

Good luck with your MTA exam! Hope you pass

Phalanx

I thought it was weird too, but here it is:

and then just take this exam:

I'm torn between taking it or not.

djrabes

I would say go for it. There's no major rush but it seems like a good way to get some Server qualifications on the board.

Phalanx

Do you think I should purchase the 70-417 guide or go for all 3 of the full exam study guides? I do have an ITPro.tv and CBT Nuggets account also. I'm leaning to the single book as it would focus things a little more, and I can use the videos to cover the other books/exams. Thoughts?

stryder144

Oddly enough, it also covers people who taken the 70-686 exam. So instead of three exams you can take two (if you don't already have the 686 completed) and then the Upgrade exam. Interesting and tempting, actually.

Cisco Inferno

Whats weird is MCDST is like how to tshoot windows xp and IE6.

I have no idea how this is even allowed. The 417 exam is absolutely rough and covers all 3 exams.

Unless youve worked as a systems admin for a while, I would take the three exams as they are instead of failing this over and over.

Phalanx

Cisco Inferno wrote: »

Whats weird is MCDST is like how to tshoot windows xp and IE6.

I have no idea how this is even allowed. The 417 exam is absolutely rough and covers all 3 exams.

Unless youve worked as a systems admin for a while, I would take the three exams as they are instead of failing this over and over.

Yeah, I've worked as a systems administrator for some time with 2003/2008/2012 so I feel comfortable around servers. I'm doing my MTA for Server Admin tomorrow, so after that we'll see.

Cisco Inferno

Stick with CBT nuggets for this. The virtual labs are great! look at my created threads for links and reviews.