Good cert to learn active directory

Which of the the microsoft certs would be the best way to get some good experience with AD?

I understand the basics but would like to get a little more familiar.

Find more posts tagged with

SAVE $250 on Your Microsoft Boot Camp — Use Code "EXAM26"

Exclusively for TechExams members for Infosec Boot Camps starting before April 30, 2026

View Microsoft Boot Camps

Comments

dynamik

294 is the general AD cert and 297 is for planning and design.

liven

Dynamik

you rock.

Do those test apply to MSCA/MSCE security???

sthomas

This one would also be a good one.

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/exams/70-640.mspx

Also, to answer your question above 294 counts towards MCSE and you would want to do 298 instead of 297 if you want MCSE: Security. 297 is the active directory design exam.

dynamik

liven wrote:

Do those test apply to MSCA/MSCE security???

294 is a required part of the MCSE. When you get to the design option, you can either do 297 (AD Design) or 298 (Security Design). So you would end up taking two design exams if you wanted to go through both AD exams and get the security specialization. In all honesty, 294 should be sufficient for what you're doing unless you see yourself doing AD design.

294: http://www.microsoft.com/learning/exams/70-294.mspx
297: http://www.microsoft.com/learning/exams/70-297.mspx
MCSE:S: http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcse/security/windowsserver2003.mspx