Starting MCSA 2003 Tips

WillTech105

Hello everyone. I have a question regarding the requirements to obtain a MCSA in Server 2003. I recently receieved my MCDST and now I was thinking of either doing the A+/Network+ exams or go straight for MCSA. I plan to eventually do Network Admin work but as of right now I a just a normal PC Technician.

Looking at MS' site, I saw there is 3 core exams and one elective to take. This is where I got llittle fuzzy on the details (MCDST was simple straigh tforward 2 exams).

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcsa/windows2003/default.mspx
Core Exams are two mandatory networking exams, and one client exam (it appears I have a choice between 3 of them).

The one elective exam it seems I have 17 choices. But since I already have my MCDST it appears it is considred an elective so I got that covered.


Another question is which is the "best" way to take these exams? Any "right" one to start off or does it matter what order? Thanks in advance.

sthomas

You can take the exams in any order you want. Most people take the client OS exam first and then take 70-290 and 70-291. You can either take 70-210 (Windows 2000 Pro), 70-270 (Windows XP Pro), or 70-620 (Windows Vista) for the client exam. Since you already have MCDST A+ and Net+ won't help you with your MCSA but they are still good to have IMHO. Most people take the following route for MCSA 2003.

A+/Net+ or MCDST or Security+ (Elective)
70-270
70-290
70-291

I hope that helps. Good luck!

WillTech105

Yes, I was considering doing the client first since most of what the exam is on I have a good grip on thanks to the MCDST exams. I was thinking of doing Vista/2000 but since 2000 is fading and Vista is brand spaking new in the workplace (not many offices will see if for years) I believe the best choice was the 70-270 exam.

And yes, I was thinking of taking the A+/Network+ just for kicks when I have the time for it. Since we're on the topic, whats the 70-270 consist of? Just a combo of the MCDST exams?

macado

I would take 70-620 Vista for your client exam.

In addition to completing your operating system elective, it will give you the MCTS: Vista (Microsoft Certified Technical Specialist) ceritification.

Alternatively, if you already have good experience with XP (since you already have MCDST) you can take 70-270 for your operating system exam and use 70-620 as your elective in MCSA. This would also give you the MCTS certification.

Then do 70-290 and 70-291.