Introduction and request for advice...

Hello,
I'm new here and wanted to introduce myself. I've been in the IT field for about 13 years now, and 10 of those were with my current employer. For reasons beyond my control I need to jump ship and this economy is not going to cooperate.
I've decided to pursue a few certifications and update others to backup my experience claims on the ol'resume. To that end I spent a few weeks getting my shiny new CCNA certification. And now I'm looking to update my tired old MCSE NT4 certification.
A long time back I passed that monster Windows 2000 Upgrade exam but did not finish it by taking the two required elective exams. According to the MS certification planner I need to take two tests to get the MCSE 2000.
I need help deciding between the 70-297 and 70-298. Not sure which one is harder and I'm pressed for time so the easier route would be best. Also, how "real-world" are the MS exams now days?
The same question about 70-285 vs. 70-284 For Exchange 2003.
I've been managing a six site Windows 2000/2003 network for about 5 years now. So real world design and operations are in the bag. I know that I'm lacking the "exam knowledge" required to pass these beasts.
Thanks for your advice guys! This seems like a great place to learn.
I'm new here and wanted to introduce myself. I've been in the IT field for about 13 years now, and 10 of those were with my current employer. For reasons beyond my control I need to jump ship and this economy is not going to cooperate.
I've decided to pursue a few certifications and update others to backup my experience claims on the ol'resume. To that end I spent a few weeks getting my shiny new CCNA certification. And now I'm looking to update my tired old MCSE NT4 certification.
A long time back I passed that monster Windows 2000 Upgrade exam but did not finish it by taking the two required elective exams. According to the MS certification planner I need to take two tests to get the MCSE 2000.
I need help deciding between the 70-297 and 70-298. Not sure which one is harder and I'm pressed for time so the easier route would be best. Also, how "real-world" are the MS exams now days?
The same question about 70-285 vs. 70-284 For Exchange 2003.
I've been managing a six site Windows 2000/2003 network for about 5 years now. So real world design and operations are in the bag. I know that I'm lacking the "exam knowledge" required to pass these beasts.
Thanks for your advice guys! This seems like a great place to learn.
Comments
To be honest, I'm not sure you can upgrade it anymore. The 2000 exams have retired, strange that the cert planner says you can upgrade to MCSE 2000 by taking the 297 and 298 but I'v never heard of that before.
Take a look at http://www.techexams.net/forums/other-microsoft-electives/23327-mcse-nt4-need-know-best-route-upgrade.html
Good luck with whatever you choose! The CCNA and the MCSE in my opinion sit well together.
It's all broken down here: MCSE Certification | MCSE Training | Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer
It's pretty straight-forward.
If you're looking for a new job don't specify your MCSE on your resume but leave that detail for the interview. A lot of people are in your situation so don't feel alone.
Are you telling him to not list the MCSE at all or to leave off the fact that it is for windows NT?