Which exam should I take first

Guys, I was looking for a bit of advice. I have set my eyes on the MCSE, to complete it within 14 months is what I am looking at. Anyways, would you suggest going after the Server exams first or the client exams (eg. the 270 or 271). I have over 3 years experience administering windows XP PCs and am quite familiar with 2003 too. Advice is very welcome. Thank you!

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KGhaleon

70-270, I suppose? That's the first one that I'm taking. So far the exam seems fairly detailed and more difficult than I was expecting. Sigh, microsoft...

sthomas

Just an FYI but 70-271 does not count as the client exam for MCSE. You can take 210 (Win 2000 Pro), 270 (Win XP Pro), or 620 (Vista). Most people start with the client exam but some like to start with 290 which is a Server exam.

Essendon

Thank you for your advice guys. Is there really a good or preferred or widely used path to go around tackling the MCSE, in terms of taking which exam first or is it just personal choice?

dynamik

As mentioned above, you cannot use the 271 for the MCSE. That's for the MCDST. You should review the requirements here: http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcse/windows2003/default.mspx

There is no set order. I did 290 first, but 270 would have been just as easy. There is a lot of overlap, so regardless of which one you start with, the second will be a tad bit easier. Once you learn ntbackup, performance monitor, file and folder permissions, etc., it's going to be the same for the other. You could also start with the 620 exam since that will count towards the MCSE and the MCITP: Enterprise Administrator.

Essendon

Thank you dynamik for that tip on perhaps taking the 620. I think I ll go in for the 290. Will keep the forum posted.

Tryntotechit

Good Luck on the mission MCSE. I started with 270 personally. It was my first Microsoft class in school, so I kind of started that way cause I had too. It should be easier on the second exam because you have to get used to how the Microsoft exams are setup. Good Luck.

Essendon

Thanks a million guys...I have just a PC to atleast start the long process of becoming an MCSE...hope it behaves and lives upto to the rigors of the exam.