Which Exchange Certification should I knock out?

Agent6376

I just got my MCSA (70-270, 70-290, 70-291, A+/Net+) and I plan on finishing out the rest of the AD exams, but I'd like to specialize in messaging.

My question is although Exchange 2k3 is "old" technology, would it be suggested to take 2003 first then later on get 2007? Should I go straight for 2007? I'm not sure if Exchange 2003 lays a foundation that I would benefit more from when it came time to take 2007, or if the materials are comparable and it's fine to dive right on in.

Thanks in advance for any insight.

dynamik

You're not going to miss out of any foundation from 2003. There have been significant changes between versions, and anything that's stayed the same is going to take as much to learn no matter which one you start with. Also, the 2010 beta was recently released, so keep that in mind as well. However, it might be good to learn 2003 if you work with it or are going to be migrating from it. It depends on your situation.

Agent6376

Sounds good to me. I currently have a position that involves little to no server management and I certainly don't deal with Exchange. I think I'll go straight to 2007 because by the time I actually land a job as an admin I'm sure 2003 will be antequated.

Also, a couple of questions that maybe someone can help with as well.

1. Microsoft's site just updated my score from this morning, but it's not giving my title of MCSA, only MCP from 70-270. Does the process of validating the status of a candidate differ from adding the completed tests to the transcript?

2. For you network admins out there: Where did you land a job as an admin when you didn't have the experience to back it up? I work for Geek Squad and I enjoy the field, but our scopes are limited to small businesses that generally don't require even a quarter of the things that I've learned in the last two months. I really want to expand out to much more in-depth scopes of work, but it's hard to find (and I dont blame)

A. An employer who is willing to take on noobies to manage their business network.
B. Junior network admin positions in my area.
C. An employer who isn't going to lowball you to take as small of a salary as possible.

If I could just get my hands into some real server and network management, I believe it will help me in not only my future career, but also my studies as they relate to real world experiences.

Any feedback would be appreciated!

Paperclip

I would think more in terms of getting in to more of an internal desktop support position first. Many of these, you get to mess with AD and NTFS permissions on servers and all that, so it's not the same as consumer desktop support. And may offer more upward mobility as well.

How long has it been since you cleared all of the MSCA requirements? I would give MS a good couple of weeks to update.

blargoe

I'd do Exchange 2007, but I'd do it last, after all the AD stuff. You have to understand AD and networking before you will be able to be competent at Exchange.

Agent6376

**UPDATE**

My Microsoft Transcript now reads MCSA 2003 .

My only concern with desktop support in a structured enviornment is that usually the pay is fairly low (from what I've seen). With Geek Squad I'm currently running around 35 a year and I'd really hate to take a pay cut =\.

Daniel333

The reality is you are expected to know all of it. I still have customers with Exchange 2000 and other clients I am sure will be on 2010 the day it comes out.