Starting MCSA 2003 Tips

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.

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Comments

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.