Damm I'm Confused

I see so many various opinion's on this site regarding MCSE Tracks. I have completed the following exams...

70-210
70-290
70-291
70-293
70-294

I am currently working on 70-298, if I complete 70-298 and Security +, will I the have MCSE Security Specialization ? If I am understanding correctly from the Microsoft site, I am on the correct path for the Security Specialization.

Am I missing anything ?

Cheers
Colin

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doom969

When you complete 298, you will still be missing two specialisation exams:

"Security specialization: core security (two exams required)"

So you would need sec + AND 70-299 or 70-350 or 70-227

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcse/security/windowsserver2003.mspx

Hope that helps

doom969

BTW, I'm just curious as to what ressources you are using to prepare for 70-298.
I am preparing for 298 also, and using mspress and examcram at this point.

Ty !

Irish Man

Hello doom, I am just about to start using MSPRESS but will most likely buy the Exam Cram book also.

So that mean a total of 8 exams for the security specialization ? Wow thats a lot !!

doom969

Irish Man wrote:

So that mean a total of 8 exams for the security specialization ? Wow thats a lot !!

Thats correct, so if you do 298 now, the exam after that (suppose : 70-350) will earn you Mcse, and then the next one(Sec+) will earn you Mcse+S.

Thats a lot of material to cover

Good luck in your studies

Irish Man

Wow thats a ton of study to get Security Specialization. I wonder how tough the Security + exam really is ?

ANy Ideas doom

doom969

I dont really know. I guess it depends on your background.... Since its vendor neutral, i'd guess that its broader in terms of subjetcs covered...

You can download the exam objectives here:
http://certification.comptia.org/resources/objectives.aspx

I havent really checked them since i plan on going with 299 myself.

snadam

Irish Man wrote:

Wow thats a ton of study to get Security Specialization. I wonder how tough the Security + exam really is ?

ANy Ideas doom

Allow me to chime in

Sec+ is one of those exams where if you know your stuff, and DO NOT take the exam lightly, you'll do fine. I found myself ready after reading 2 books, CBT, and a few practice exams. Total study time was about 2 months (with 1 month of hardcore studying). My security experience before the exam was minimal.

The Sec+ forum is full of people with good insight on preparation for the exam, you should check it out when you get a chance.

RobertKaucher

Irish Man wrote:

Wow thats a ton of study to get Security Specialization. I wonder how tough the Security + exam really is ?

ANy Ideas doom

I studied for the Sec+ for two weeks (passed) and the the 298 for one week (passed). I believe the Sec+ skills were fundamental to the 298 material as 298 is more specific yet very conceptual. I did not find either test very difficult. So basically I agree with snadam. The 291 and 293 were tons harder. I have no special background in security but made it a concern for my studies in all other tests on the MCSE track, so most of the 298 was review of what I had used on other tests.

If possible I would suggest Sec+ first and then 298. But this should depend on your certification strategy. I did the following: 270, 290, 291, 293, 294, 350, Sec+, 298. I took the 350 after the 293 and 294 because my MCDST gave me the MCSA credential.

Set your strategy to your goals and specific situation as well as your strengths. I know you are currently studying for the 298 but if you did very well on the 291 and 293 it might be easy for you to knock out the 350 with just a week of labs and prep. and then you will have the MCSA. Then Sec+ and MCSA security, then 298 and MCSE/MCSE Security. It's also cool to have your last two tests earn you two credentials each.