MCSA - A Few Questions

Doire

I would like to achieve my MCSA but im confused about its content.

Can someone list each exam which needs to be passed before i can be MCSA certified?

I guess i should start with 270, 290 and then 291? How many do i need to apss to be MCSA

What kind of timeframe is needed to apss the exam. I kow each person is different but would it be 6 months? 1 Year?

I already have my A+ and N+. Does this go some way to achieving my MCSA? I read some posts about "electives"

Sorry for all the questions and thanks for any help.

murdatapes

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcsa/windows2003/default.mspx

Yes, A+ with the Network+ can count as an elective. How long does it take? Depends on the person and how much time you put into it. I had to take 3 test cause I had a+, and network+. The 3 test took me around 6 months last year, but that was because I studied not everyday or every other day.

Doire

Thanks so much for the link. Really helpful
So i have to do the following:

Exam 70-290
Exam 70-291

One from
Exam 70-6203
Exam 70-270
Exam 70-2101

What do they mean by "elective exams". As i have A+ and N+ i dont have to do the 4th exam??

Thanks

maumercado

With a+/Network+ or security+ you already have the elective, so you only need to do the 70-290, 70-291 and a client exam!

TopTech

Why not make the client exam the Vista 70-620 one?
It will expire later than the XP one and will get your first foothold on the MCITS path.

rwwest7

You need 70-290, 70-291, and 70-620. You also need to have Comptia send Microsoft your A+ and N+ info.

Doire

rwwest7 wrote: »

You need 70-290, 70-291, and 70-620. You also need to have Comptia send Microsoft your A+ and N+ info.

Why 70-620?

I thought i had a choice. 70-270 is one of the choices

undomiel

You do have a choice. The reason people recommend the 620 is that it also meets one of the requirements for the MCITP:EA/SA. Another reason people recommend it is that it is a much easier exam than the 270.

Doire

undomiel wrote: »

You do have a choice. The reason people recommend the 620 is that it also meets one of the requirements for the MCITP:EA/SA. Another reason people recommend it is that it is a much easier exam than the 270.

I'll stick to XP thanks.

ULWiz

I would also recommend the Vista 620 exam. The 70-270 is not a easy exam at all. I have seen people on this board fail the xp exam multiple times. The Vista exam is much easier and does give credit for future certs.

pmmcateer

I am also doing XP vice Vista. I failed on Tuesday going in with just experience so you will have to study the parts of XP you don't know about(there probably are a few believe it or not).

There are very few companies running to upgrade XP machines to Vista, and there won't be a demand for the certification. Hopefully Windows 7 is much better (I've heard good things) but yea, stick with what is in demand. Get the MCSA with XP then upgrade to MCITP. My 2c.