Adding messaging specialization to upgraded MCSE

blargoe

I was looking over the requirements for the messaging specialization at Microsoft's site. Nothing suprising, the 6 core (4 network, 1 client, 1 design) and 2 exchange exams. Then in the footnotes it said the 70-292 could be taken in place of 290 and 291 and 296 in place of 293 and 294, but no mention of replacing the design requirement. The eligible design exams listed are 297 and 298 which I have never taken. Shouldn't I be excluded from the design requirement too being as I'm already an MCSE 2003 by virtue of taking the upgrade exams, or do I have to take 297 or 298 in addition to 284 and 285?

SWM

As far as I am aware as you are a MCSE allready to add the messaging specialization all you need are the exchange exams 284 and 285.

Danman32

292 can replace 290/291 if you are an MCSA/MCSE 2000, 296 can replace 293/294 if you are an MCSE 2000. If you are an MCSE 2000, taking 292 and 296 alone upgrades you to MCSE 2003.
If you are not an MCSA or an MCSE already then you can't use 292 or 296.
However, if you have a messaging specialization on 2000, that specialization doesn't upgrade. You have to take the E2K3 tests.

So in my case, I am an MCSA 2000 messaging, but only plain old MCSA for 2003 (as well as plain old MCSE 2003)

Gabe7055

You don't have to take 297 or 298. There is a statment on Microsoft's website about not needing a 2003 design exam if you already passed a 2000 design exam. But you do have to take 285 which is a design exam along with 284 to get the Messaging specialization.