My path to MCSA.

CaptainCharisma

I'm looking for some advice here. I'm starting to work on the exams needed for MCSA and I'm trying to decide the order in which I should take these exams.

A few things to keep in mind are that I am trying obtain my MCSA around mid August and after I've obtained it, I will continue on to MCSE. My reason for the August time frame is because I want to try to get a new job around September and I'd like to put the MCSA on my resume.

The order in which to take the MCSA exams is what I'm having trouble deciding. I was thinking about two paths:

1. 70-270
2. 70-290
3. 70-620
4. 70-291

or

1. 70-270
2. 70-620
3. 70-290
4. 70-291

I've already started studying for 70-270. I'm taking the 70-620 as my elective because of time constraints and because it will apply to later certifications that I may go for.

The reason I'm having trouble deciding the order to take them in is because of the fact that I've heard the exams overlap and taking for example 290 after 270 is beneficial. Is taking 291 directly after 290 as beneficial as taking 290 after 270? I don't want to take 620 after 291 because I do plan to start on 293 then.

Also, for the 70-620 do you think that the MS Press book, labs, and the technotes here are enough study materials? I didn't want to go overboard with materials for the 620 because of how easy I've seen people say it is.

Thanks.

astorrs

I would go with your second order. can't speak to materials, do note that the 620 exam was just revised and now includes sims.

dynamik

I'm going with the 3rd option, do 620 last and reward yourself with an easy exam at the end.

MS Press and some hands-on will get you through 620.

undomiel

I'm with dynamik on this one, save the 620 for the end.

270->290->291->620

TechStriker

How about 270->290->284->291

I passed 270 on to 290 and 284

CaptainCharisma

How much DNS is required in order to pass the 284? I ask because DNS is a weak area for me at the moment.

dynamik

I see a lot of people recommend taking 291 and 293 first.

CaptainCharisma

Thats what I thought dynamik.

Also I think I'm going to take my exams for MCSA in the order you suggested and take the 620 as my 4th exam.