Multiple Microsoft Certification Paths at once?

bcairns

Hello -

Just curious what you all think....

I have been a programmer for years and got thrust into a network admin job, I had originally thought of getting an MCPD (C# enterprise level) and stopping at that.

But now that I am doing both Server Admin and Programming, I want to get both an MCSE and an MCPD.

Just passed 70-270 (XP tward MCSE) last friday and starting on 70-290 this weekend...my question is should I do one path at a time or chase both at once.

Not sure if it is evn possible but would I be able to go after both certification paths at once and maintain my sanity

Some of my friends say do both at the same time to get them both out of the way, and yet others are saying focus on MCSE and then once obtained go after an MCPD to avoid getting burned out.

blargoe

If you're not administering Microsoft firewalls, routing, DNS, etc., then you should stop at the MCSA IMO. Sounds like you already have a full plate.

Slowhand

My first thought would be to do them one at a time. At least, one test at a time. It depends on your level of experience, though. If you feel like you can breeze through the MCSD tests, and that your prior programming experience is enough to "know" you can pass those tests with minimal amounts of review, I'd say focus your studies on the MCSE and take them however you feel you can. The same goes if you feel you have admin experience enough so that you can review for the MCSE tests.

Feel your way through, figure out what's going to work best for you, in your situation, and take on the work you think you can handle.