Western Governors University Questions and Answers / Threads related to WGU

spiderjericho

ERP, I'm sorry to hear. As someone who already had all of the major certifications prior to enrolling @ WGU, the only "benefit" is the transfer credit.

I'd prefer the degree to CCNA, etc. my opinion would change if it included VCP, Netapp/EMC, SANS

erpadmin

spiderjericho wrote: »

ERP, I'm sorry to hear. As someone who already had all of the major certifications prior to enrolling @ WGU, the only "benefit" is the transfer credit.

I'm not out yet...I still have until the end of the month to get the 643 done. But it has not been easy, and the fact that I'm on my fourth attempt is really disheartening.

In the beginning, the appeal of having both the degree and the MCITP:EA (MCSE-like cert) was very appealing....but it has been grueling to get the MS stuff done with everything else going on. I just wouldn't want to see anyone else go through what I've gone through. The MS exams are NOT easy, by any strecth.

Of course, if you're coming into WGU with an MCITP:EA (or even an MCSE in 2K3 at least), then yeah, definitely go NDM. Or maximize the degree with certs like CCNA that are already in your posession. I'm just talking about folks like myself who had to do most of the certs already. (After A+/Network+)

KeithC

erpadmin wrote: »

Of course, if you're coming into WGU with an MCITP:EA (or even an MCSE in 2K3 at least), then yeah, definitely go NDM. ..

I have not started the MCITP track yet so I can not say for sure if a lot of knowledge get's passed down (maybe some theory like GPO and group nesting). My term is ending this month and I plan on staying in the NDM program. Possible in about three or four months maybe I'll agree with others who feel going for the general track would be better.

Just to clarify WGU will not transfer credits from the MCSE 2003 to satisfy for the four MCIPT classes.

erpadmin

KeithC wrote: »

I have not started the MCITP track yet so I can not say for sure if a lot of knowledge get's passed down (maybe some theory like GPO and group nesting). My term is ending this month and I plan on staying in the NDM program. Possible in about three or four months maybe I'll agree with others who feel going for the general track would be better.

Just to clarify WGU will not transfer credits from the MCSE 2003 to satisfy for the four MCIPT classes.

It was never my intention to state that an MCSE 2003 will replace the MCITP:EA 2008 requirements. However an MCSE 2003 should do well with the MCITP:EA exams (especially since GPOs and group nesting and NTFS permissions are discussed in the exams.) As long as that MCSE was earned legitimately, he/she should have no problem.

spiderjericho

Yeah, the new exams are more about the new "Microsoft" way of doing things. They're difficult. A friend once told me Microsoft server exams are more for those with 5 years of experience with their products.

I don't see an issue with the Sec+, Net+, A+, CCNA and M$ exams, but it's asking a lot for students to pass the MCSE ish family of certifications plus client. I think the client is the worst. I remember the XP exam. It was ridiculous.

KeithC

erpadmin wrote: »

It was never my intention to state that an MCSE 2003 will replace the MCITP:EA 2008 requirements. However an MCSE 2003 should do well with the MCITP:EA exams (especially since GPOs and group nesting and NTFS permissions are discussed in the exams.) As long as that MCSE was earned legitimately, he/she should have no problem.

I am sorry I did not mean to make my whole reply towards you stating the MCSE would satisfy the requirements for the MCITP classes.

I only wanted to provide for future prospective students that although WGU still list the MCSE under their "Transferable IT Certifications for WGU’s Online IT Degree Programs" and even if the certification was earned less then five years ago it will not be accepted towards AHV1, AIV1, BHV1, and BIV1.

Psoasman

KeithC wrote: »

I am sorry I did not mean to make my whole reply towards you stating the MCSE would satisfy the requirements for the MCITP classes.

I only wanted to provide for future prospective students that although WGU still list the MCSE under their "Transferable IT Certifications for WGU’s Online IT Degree Programs" and even if the certification was earned less then five years ago it will not be accepted towards AHV1, AIV1, BHV1, and BIV1.

I'm glad they don't. If that were the case, I'd have to do about 8 classes to get my B.S.

Psoasman

erpadmin wrote: »

It was never my intention to state that an MCSE 2003 will replace the MCITP:EA 2008 requirements. However an MCSE 2003 should do well with the MCITP:EA exams (especially since GPOs and group nesting and NTFS permissions are discussed in the exams.) As long as that MCSE was earned legitimately, he/she should have no problem.

Having done the MCSE earlier, there are a lot of knowledge that will help with server 2008 R2. I recently passed the 640 exam and after going through the material, there are some changes, but a lot of stuff, like trusts, GPOs, groups, users, etc still apply. I think it would be tougher to start with the 2008 exams, without having some experience in the field or previous study.

ajs1976

Thanks for the replies. I have a call with an enrollment counselor next week, but not looking at starting for a few more months.

erpadmin

Psoasman wrote: »

Having done the MCSE earlier, there are a lot of knowledge that will help with server 2008 R2. I recently passed the 640 exam and after going through the material, there are some changes, but a lot of stuff, like trusts, GPOs, groups, users, etc still apply. I think it would be tougher to start with the 2008 exams, without having some experience in the field or previous study.

"Experience" is relative...as you have no doubt witnessed just in this thread and others.

Yes I have "experience"...real world experience with Windows Servers since NT 4.0 and every subsequent version since. However...that "Microsoft Way" can be pretty brutal. The issue isn't can the exams be passed...they can....but can they be passed within the timeframe alotted AND will there be undue pressure.

It's gonna be interesting the next couple of days. Sunday I'll have an answer for you.

Valsacar

I have to ask, MS exams hard? I've found the 3 or 4 I've done easy as heck, as have everyone I work with (many with MCSE/MCSA, and the new versions). Not talking about ****, just mostly needing no study just experience.

jmasterj206

Valsacar wrote: »

I have to ask, MS exams hard? I've found the 3 or 4 I've done easy as heck, as have everyone I work with (many with MCSE/MCSA, and the new versions). Not talking about ****, just mostly needing no study just experience.

Read: Microsoft Certification Exams Are Getting Harder

From my understanding this has already been implemented. Look at the 70-642 for example. A year ago everyone was passing easily and now most people aren't passing or generally scoring in the 700's. I will say that I found the Win 7 configuring exam a walk in the park compared to the 70-642, but that is just me.

erpadmin

jmasterj206 wrote: »

Read: Microsoft Certification Exams Are Getting Harder

From my understanding this has already been implemented. Look at the 70-642 for example. A year ago everyone was passing easily and now most people aren't passing or generally scoring in the 700's. I will say that I found the Win 7 configuring exam a walk in the park compared to the 70-642, but that is just me.

I agree with this 100%. From what people on TE were preparing me for for the 680 exam, I thought I would get a 1st attempt fail on that too. I've only started using Windows 7 for like a few months prior to taking the exam, but I had been reading up on it in both Technet and the MSPress guide. I was studying Windows 7 deployment a lot (which has helped me somewhat for the 643, but not enough.) I expected to pass the 643 in one shot as well.

They have only gotten harder. They are doable...but then again "doable" is relative too, I suppose.

Hypntick

Valsacar wrote: »

I have to ask, MS exams hard? I've found the 3 or 4 I've done easy as heck, as have everyone I work with (many with MCSE/MCSA, and the new versions). Not talking about ****, just mostly needing no study just experience.

They're a lot more difficult than I was lead to believe at first. However as Erp said, they can be done. Hopefully by them making them harder it increases the value in the eyes of the employer.

Zislatik

Thanks for the replies guys! I really appreciate the insight. I was thinking the software emphasis was closer suited to my long range goals ans the fact that it had the most certifications (eiighteen) was a plus. I do realize that some of the included certifications are more fluff than bite but they are certs none the less. No program would have everything I want since I am wide in knowledge and experience but thin in my depth of knowledge. I have been a support specialist and only placed in admin roles in a limited fashion. I will think about the suggestion to do just the IT degree but the software emphasis cert might not be as difficult as the networking programs since it only has the MTA's.

Thanks,
Zis

Psoasman

jmasterj206 wrote: »

Read: Microsoft Certification Exams Are Getting Harder

From my understanding this has already been implemented. Look at the 70-642 for example. A year ago everyone was passing easily and now most people aren't passing or generally scoring in the 700's. I will say that I found the Win 7 configuring exam a walk in the park compared to the 70-642, but that is just me.

I agree they are getting harder and I think one of the reasons is the dirty, rotten dumpers out there.

Valsacar

Psoasman wrote: »

I agree they are getting harder and I think one of the reasons is the dirty, rotten dumpers out there.

How would that do anything? If you're using **** you're memorizing the questions and answers. Making the questions harder would do nothing against someone memorizing the answers.

If you want to combat dumpers, without going the CISSP route, you need a huge bank of questions, constantly updated, randomized order of answers, etc.

spiderjericho

Yeah, I think unless you work with Server 2008 R2 and Win7 in a Enterprise or Medium sized business or are a previous MCSE, these exams are going to be hard.

Realistically speaking, an MCTIP/MCSE are comparative to a CCNP or similar, I don't agree with WGU requiring students to get the cert. I really think they should replace it with VCP, CEH, etc.

That's a lot to ask of their students. From the number of failure posts I've seen and from personal experience, it's going to make the honest students switch majors, dishonest ones **** or the masochists keep trying.

Not to say people aren't passing, but they wouldn't have instituted the fundamentals if there wasn't an issue, especially with the CompTIA and CIW overlap.

Psoasman

Valsacar wrote: »

How would that do anything? If you're using **** you're memorizing the questions and answers. Making the questions harder would do nothing against someone memorizing the answers.

If you want to combat dumpers, without going the CISSP route, you need a huge bank of questions, constantly updated, randomized order of answers, etc.

My response above to agree that the questions are getting harder, partially due to brain dumpers. It would hard to memorize 1/2 page of text and the possible answers. Now, have the test be 40-50 questions and that's a lot of memorizing for the poor guy. The 293/294 exams were especially wordy.
Microsoft is going to have to walk the line of making the tests challenging enough to validate a person's knowledge, while at the same time, keeping them so hard that people will simply give up on taking the exams.

NOC-Ninja

Does anybody have info about the free admission fee due to referral? I think a WGU is suppose to sent me their email address. I have a friend that is interested. I told him that there's a way to get in for free. Thanks

erpadmin

NOC-Ninja wrote: »

Does anybody have info about the free admission fee due to referral? I think a WGU is suppose to sent me their email address. I have a friend that is interested. I told him that there's a way to get in for free. Thanks

Your friend can only be referred by either a current WGU student, or alumni in order to get the fee waiver.

You can PM me his first and last name and email address. He'll then be emailed with a code for the waiver.

GardenStateBoss

Hello everyone I would like to know how many CU/credits I'll be able to transfer with
MCITP: Enterprise Administrator on Windows Server 2008, Comptia A+, Linux+, Security+, Network+. thanks in advance

erpadmin

GardenStateBoss wrote: »

Hello everyone I would like to know how many CU/credits I'll be able to transfer with
MCITP: Enterprise Administrator on Windows Server 2008, Comptia A+, Linux+, Security+, Network+. thanks in advance

See here: http://www.wgu.edu/wgu/prog_guide/BS_IT_NTDM.pdf

And Here: Transferable IT Certifications

Both of which are here: Network Design Degree | Online IT Degree | WGU College of Information Technology

Speaking as someone who really is a Garden State Boss [or rather will be one some day, but I do have boss-like qualities in all senses of the word ], I can tell you that you'll definitely want to get the Network Design and Management degree if you do hold an EA. I just earned mine not even a few hours ago with months of HARD study......do you have past college as well?

GardenStateBoss

Besides the certs mentioned, no I don't have any prior college. thanks for your prompt reply. According to WGU if I'm correct I should have at least over 60 CU with my previous certifications.

erpadmin

GardenStateBoss wrote: »

Besides the certs mentioned, no I don't have any prior college. thanks for your prompt reply. According to WGU if I'm correct I should have at least over 60 CU with my previous certifications.

I think certs by themselves will waive up to a quarter (at least that's what the perpetual WGU ad on TE on the top of the forum page says.)

You might want to call up the enrollment counselors and see what's up. I can tell you though that the regular GE courses at WGU are not something I'd recommend for someone who has no college experience. You might be better off doing a semester to a year at whatever county college you're close by. There were at least a couple of courses I was glad I transferred in. At least one course I hated doing...good thing about WGU enrollment counselors is they won't put a high pressure sales tactic on you. They don't need to because enrollment is growing quite nice. Still...they can always use more Jersey representation.

ajs1976

Another question. If WGU receives all of my transcript by the end of the month, but I do not plan on starting until May, will my transcripts be evaluated when they are all received so I can see the results or will I have to wait until April?

Thanks

swild

I applied in August to start in December and didn't get my transfer evaluation until November. When I pushed my start date back a month, they did another transfer eval.

2syk

I have currently been trying to get enrolled in WGU since December and I've had non-stop bad-correspondence from my enrollment counselor and a persisting inability to start my schooling.

Is anyone else having this problem?

I work during the day and apparently if you work during the day and live on the west coast, then there is only one rep who can help you, and he lags at a professional level.

I work 7am-330pm doing tech-support for software, databases, and networks. I am constantly doing something there so talking to someone on the phone during those hours is not very easy and email correspondence for enrollment seems to be nil.

I can understand why that would be, but for a simple question such as "What items can I take care of now that are somehow stopping me from being enrolled?" doesn't need to be answered with an appointment invitation for a phone call that is too late for the current next months enrollment period.

And calling the main line only has the operator ask me the same scheduling question.

I WANT TO GO TO SCHOOL!

Why does it need to be so hard? I've taken the intake exams, submitted all of my necessary documents and transcripts, and have done every step I've been given so far and verified that they have been completed.

The dreaded intake interview is going to put me back another month. In reality it's not a huge amount of time, I could simply study for the sec+ test and ace it the second I'm enrolled in. But I have been attempting to get in since the end of november and have finished every assignment by the deadline that I'm given.

Will it be like this with the mentors once I'm enrolled? I assume that most students of WGU work during the daytime and school during the night time. Am I going to have to request hours off in the middle of my work day just to keep correspondence with someone who is a mentor for AN IT PROGRAM?

I didn't know email was such a new thing that it cannot be used by someone teaching a computer related area.

/end of rant

I needed to get this out somewhere.

I just don't want this to be like every other school I've been to where I'm held back by others agenda and not allowed to learn at my own pace. This was originally my reason for looking into WGU, but sadly in the entirety (short 3 months) of my relationship with them, I'm losing hope.

Psoasman

2syk wrote: »

I have currently been trying to get enrolled in WGU since December and I've had non-stop bad-correspondence from my enrollment counselor and a persisting inability to start my schooling.

Is anyone else having this problem?

I work during the day and apparently if you work during the day and live on the west coast, then there is only one rep who can help you, and he lags at a professional level.

I work 7am-330pm doing tech-support for software, databases, and networks. I am constantly doing something there so talking to someone on the phone during those hours is not very easy and email correspondence for enrollment seems to be nil.

I can understand why that would be, but for a simple question such as "What items can I take care of now that are somehow stopping me from being enrolled?" doesn't need to be answered with an appointment invitation for a phone call that is too late for the current next months enrollment period.

And calling the main line only has the operator ask me the same scheduling question.

I WANT TO GO TO SCHOOL!

Why does it need to be so hard? I've taken the intake exams, submitted all of my necessary documents and transcripts, and have done every step I've been given so far and verified that they have been completed.

The dreaded intake interview is going to put me back another month. In reality it's not a huge amount of time, I could simply study for the sec+ test and ace it the second I'm enrolled in. But I have been attempting to get in since the end of november and have finished every assignment by the deadline that I'm given.

Will it be like this with the mentors once I'm enrolled? I assume that most students of WGU work during the daytime and school during the night time. Am I going to have to request hours off in the middle of my work day just to keep correspondence with someone who is a mentor for AN IT PROGRAM?

I didn't know email was such a new thing that it cannot be used by someone teaching a computer related area.

/end of rant

I needed to get this out somewhere.

I just don't want this to be like every other school I've been to where I'm held back by others agenda and not allowed to learn at my own pace. This was originally my reason for looking into WGU, but sadly in the entirety (short 3 months) of my relationship with them, I'm losing hope.

You definitely need a new enrollment counselor. You might try calling and requesting a new EC. Mine was great, I received emails updates several times per week, along with weekly phone calls to check in. Once you are enrolled, your mentor will be assigned to you. He/she will be your point of contact throughout your time at WGU. Each course also has a course mentor, you can communicate with. Nice thing about the mentor is they have access to the course mentor's calendar, so they can schedule time for you, with the course mentor.
I work long swings, so I do all my weekly phone meetings - which take around 15-20 minutes in the morning. If you need later hours, be firm and tell them that.

Psoasman

ajs1976 wrote: »

Another question. If WGU receives all of my transcript by the end of the month, but I do not plan on starting until May, will my transcripts be evaluated when they are all received so I can see the results or will I have to wait until April?

Thanks

Since they are so busy with enrollment, your transcript evals will be done in April, so they can focus on the students starting earlier. That being said, they may get done early or you could request they do so.