293 in waiting

kovo

Just purchased the Sybex book for this exam. I was suprised how thick the book is compared to the 291 text book. It seems to go more in depth than 291 did regarding certain topics and seems more focused on security.
I passed 291 with a score of 914 and now after seeing the size og the 293 book might have to delay takin 293 for a few extra weeks.
Any comparisons of the 2 exams from anyone? Difficulty wise and topic wise?

Slowhand

I don't know how bad the 70-293 test is, I'm going to put the MS tests on hold until after I pass my CCNA. One piece of advice I can give you, if you're worried about the security aspects of the 293 test: take a pause and take Security+. You'll earn your MCSA, with the tests you've already taken, and you'll have an extra heads-up on security concepts, going into 70-293.

eurotrash

Difficulty-wise I found the 293 a bit easier than the 291, and topic-wise they did overlap a bit, but, as you know, lots on security.
Either way read the book and I'm sure you'll find out first hand.

kovo

I didnt realise getting Security + would give me MCSA. i was gona do 293 then Exchange 284 to get MCSA. Then prob 294 AD and 297 to get MCSE.
Personally id rather do 7 MS exams than do any comptia ones. I just feel MS exams are more prestigious even though comptia still add to MS credentials. if i get passed 293 then 284 and especially 294 im really lookin at hitting cause i work with AD everyday and group policies so AD exam il be very confident walkin in to, exchange might be a lil more tricky. Thanks for the heads up

Danman32

293,294 not required for MCSA but rather required for MCSE, as is 297/298 (your choice). For 297/298, you can use one for design requirement, the other for elective, but taking only one cannot be used for both requirements.

Choosing 298 for design and security+ for elective leaves you one test away from security specialization after completing the remaining requirements towards the basic cert.

LukeQuake

kovo wrote:

I didnt realise getting Security + would give me MCSA. i was gona do 293 then Exchange 284 to get MCSA. Then prob 294 AD and 297 to get MCSE.
Personally id rather do 7 MS exams than do any comptia ones. I just feel MS exams are more prestigious even though comptia still add to MS credentials. if i get passed 293 then 284 and especially 294 im really lookin at hitting cause i work with AD everyday and group policies so AD exam il be very confident walkin in to, exchange might be a lil more tricky. Thanks for the heads up

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcsa/windows2003/default.mspx

You only need one of the electives to get your MCSA mate.

kovo

I know 1 elective is for mcsa, didnt realise sec + counted towards it. Im going straight for mcse so i prefer to do 293 soon after 291 as i hear they r similar then go for 284 to get my mcsa title. 298 and security + wil give u MCSE Security specialisation wont it?

Slowhand

Yup, the Security+ can give you the security specalization for MCSE. If you go the route of 70-298 as your design, you only need one more elective, (such as 70-299,) if you've already got Security+. It's true, CompTIA exams aren't as sought-after as MCSE or CCNA, for example, but if you're looking to get into security, it's nice to have a second cert on top of the MCSE: Security.

Danman32

If you are intent on going for security specialization, why not take one of the security electives for MCSA? Then it can be used towards MCSE, and add one more security elective and you have the specialization.

284 would go towards messaging specialization for MCSA, but you also need 285 for messaging specialization as MCSE.