MCSA to MCSE

dpoland

I'm planning on taking a few courses at my local college so i don't have to self study. Is there enough overlap so that I can pass MCSA then just take a few more tests to 'upgrade' to MCSE?

there's a lot of grey area on the mcsa/e website..

I guess what I'm asking is, what tests should I be taking that I can quickly get my MCSA then take the rest of the tests to upgrade to MCSE instead of trying to go straight to MCSE?

Repo Man

70-290 and 70-291 are required for the MCSA along with one elective and one client exam. The easiest way would probably be to take the 70-620 Vista client exam and Comptia Security + for the elective but I think you'd be cheating yourself by just going for easier exams IMO.

Either way once you have done those you need to pass 70-293 and 70-294 and one of 70-297/70-298/70-285 for the MCSE.

dpoland

Repo Man wrote: »

70-290 and 70-291 are required for the MCSA along with one elective and one client exam. The easiest way would probably be to take the 70-620 Vista client exam and Comptia Security + for the elective but I think you'd be cheating yourself by just going for easier exams IMO.

Either way once you have done those you need to pass 70-293 and 70-294 and one of 70-297/70-298/70-285 for the MCSE.

Ok, so I could do this:

70-290
70-291
70-620 (Vista instead of 7? why not 680?)
+ an elective

Then I would be MCSA.. and at that point I take:
70-293
70-294
+elective

Then I would have MCSE.

Not its more clear. Thanks.

What electives would work well to complement my goals? I would like to get into general sys admin type work.. I was thinking exchange but those seem to be retiring in March 2011?

gateway

Yes, at that point you would be an MCSE.

Repo Man suggested the Vista exam because you asked for the easiest route, and the 620 is much easier than the 680 hence it was said that you would be cheating yourself going for the easy ones.

If I were you I would go for the Win 7 exam instead. At least at that point you could add the 685/686 for MCITP:EDST/EDA which will be worth their weight in gold soon as Claymoore's recent post suggested.

HTH

dpoland

Yeah, I said quickest, but I guess I meant least complicated. It's late..

I want the most relevant and worthy of course.

Thanks, you both have been a great help.

gateway

No problem, best of luck with it

dpoland

Ok, I read Claymoores post.. and it makes sense. Especially when you have MCSE's on NT4 that never upgraded but still run around with the MCSE title. He makes some favorable points.

So lets start from scratch then?

MCITP:EA

Exam 70-640

Exam 70-642

Exam 70-643

Exam 70-647

+ windows 7:

70-680
70-681

6 exams and I have MCITP:EA.

I could add 646 and have SA.. or 686 or 685 for desktop admin or support.. or I guess both at some point?

Or is there a better path with MCITP?

My only worry is how well I can apply my classes to the MCITP tests, I think they may be geared around MCSE, though it does mention use of 2008. I'll talk with someone in the dept tomorrow hopefully.

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