Which core exams to take first?

Dr_Atomic

For someone who hasn't taken a test yet toward the MCSE (except Security+), which of the core exams would one start with? You have them for the networking systems, the client operating systems, and the design exams. Where to begin? My friend here in the NOC also told me that in pursuing the MCSE, one automatically obtains the MCSA on the way. Seems I've read that that's not necessarily true?

I saw the suggested requirements for the 70-298 exam - "Designing security for a Windows Server 2003 network," and it said one needed at least a year of experience implementing this kind of work. Well, duh. If I had a job doing this, I wouldn't need to take and pass this test. But even mentioning this makes me wonder if I need to take other tests before this one?

Some overall suggestions would be quite helpful. Thanks.

Tyrant1919

The core exams 290, 291, 293, and 294 should generally be taken in that order. I believe most people take them in that order as they generally build upon each other.

Client exam you'll need 70-270 or 70-620. XP and Vista respectively. Either one will work, just take whichever one you feel liketaking :^). I heard 71-680 may meet the client requirements too, but I'm unsure.

Design exam doesn't require any experience at all. It just gives you a hint of what level it may be at I guess.

If you get MCSE and not MCSA, there's something wrong. The only real way to do it is to ententionally try and take lame elective exams. If your elective exam is one of the ones listed below, you will not recieve MCSA.

70-301 Managing, Organizing, and Delivering IT Projects by Using Microsoft Solutions Framework 3.0
70-285 Designing a Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 Organization
70-282 Designing, Deploying, and Managing a Network Solution for a Small- and Medium-Sized Business
70-281 Planning, Deploying, and Managing an Enterprise Project Management Solution
70-289/70-287 if you take another design exam as an elective... seriously... just try something else.