Passed Network + Whats next?

ilyushkin

Hello,

I've just passed the Network + certification. Thank you very much for the very valuable informationhttp://www.techexams.net/co_netplus.shtml I used it as the addition to my Network+ examination kit.http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&q=Network%2B+examination+kit&cid=8700087861687328370

Now I would like to take MSCE exam. What books would you advice me to read/buy? I'm open for any helpful tips regarding MSCE certification. How difficult is it to pass MSCE? How many exams do I have to take? How much does it cost? How much time did you spend preparing for the exams... etc.

Thank you in advance!

dynamik

MS Press books are usually a good starting point. You can supplement them with CBT Nuggets, Syngress, Sybex, Transcender, Prep Logic, etc.

There's a minimum of 7 exams, more if you want to specialize. The exams cost $125 each, so you're looking at 150-500/exam, depending on what you decide to use for resources.

I did nine exams in about 16 months while working fulltime and going to school 1/2-full time.

ilyushkin

dynamik wrote:

MS Press books are usually a good starting point. You can supplement that with CBT Nuggets, Syngress, Sybex, Transcender, Prep Logic, etc.

There's a minimum of 7 exams, more if you want to specialize. The exams cost $125 each, so you're looking at 150-500/exam, depending on what you decide to use for resources.

I did nine exams in about 16 months while working fulltime and going to school 1/2-full time.

Thank you for your reply. I cant believe that I have to take that many exams Sigh. 7 * 150 = $1050 at least Thats very pricey But I guess that it worth it.... .

I just need to start preparing Thats the hardest part. (to start)

undomiel

You'll want to carefully go over this page: http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcse/windows2003/default.mspx to plan out your MCSE route.

Don't forget to check http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/partners.mspx in case you want to apply CompTIA certifications towards the MCSE. For the MCSE it is only Security+ but for the MCSA there's A+/Network+ or A+/Server+ that count towards it.

There's also the Messaging and Security specializations you would want to consider as well when planning out your MCSE route just in case you wanted to aim for one of those.

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcse/security/windowsserver2003.mspx
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcse/messaging/windowsserver2003.mspx

For study materials don't forget about the TechNotes on this site! I also cast my recommendation for the MS Press books. What I've looked at from Syngress as well has been pretty good.

ilyushkin

undomiel wrote:

You'll want to carefully go over this page: http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcse/windows2003/default.mspx to plan out your MCSE route.

Don't forget to check http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/partners.mspx in case you want to apply CompTIA certifications towards the MCSE. For the MCSE it is only Security+ but for the MCSA there's A+/Network+ or A+/Server+ that count towards it.

There's also the Messaging and Security specializations you would want to consider as well when planning out your MCSE route just in case you wanted to aim for one of those.

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcse/security/windowsserver2003.mspx
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcse/messaging/windowsserver2003.mspx

For study materials don't forget about the TechNotes on this site! I also cast my recommendation for the MS Press books. What I've looked at from Syngress as well has been pretty good.

Thank you very much. See you around, later

dynamik

Don't overwhelm yourself. Just pick a starting place (likely 620 or 270), and go from there. Don't worry about the subsequent ones until you're done with that one. You'll be done before you know it.