Is the MCSE track still worth it?

hudsonmw

I'm curious if pursuing the MCSA/MCSE track is still worth it when MS has their MCITP track out there for Windows 2008. What are the advantages/disadvantages of both over the other?

Is the MCITP track more for someone who already has a really strong server background or would you be able to understand the material?

thanks!

steve13ad

Microsoft certifications don't expire until the technology is retired

Q. How long will the certification be valid?

A.

Today, most of our Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS), Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP), and Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD) exams retire when Microsoft discontinues mainstream support for the related technology. The certification will still appear on your transcript but will be listed in an inactive section with an expiration date. In most cases, an upgrade path, which allows candidates to earn the certification with fewer exams (usually one), will be available for individuals who hold the certification on the previous version of the technology.

The legacy Microsoft certifications, such as Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) and Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA), currently do not expire, but some may no longer be awarded because all exams are retired or because Microsoft has ended extended support for the technology. In most cases, individuals who hold the certification on the previous version of the technology can earn the certification on the next version of the technology with one upgrade exam.

To maintain the relevance and value of our certifications and ensure that candidates possess up-to-date skills on technologies that are constantly changing, recertification may be necessary for some certifications. In these cases, the certification will remain valid as long as the candidate continues to recertify at appropriate intervals.
Note that Microsoft reserves the right to retire exams and certifications as well as change our recertification policy at any time.

bertieb

If you're very well versed in 2003 and can knock out all the exams in a few weeks, then go ahead.

Otherwise, I'd recommend going for the MCITP in Server 2008. Windows 2003, although in use in a lot of places is old and besides, Server 2012 is just around the corner. We get a lot of work helping customers move from 2003 to 2008 and in rapidly increasing numbers too!

Have a look through the following thread started by Claymoore;
http://www.techexams.net/forums/mcts-mcitp-windows-2008-general/61258-mcse-dead-long-live-mcitp.html

Shelpdogg

I am in the same thought process as some of you. Got my MCP and immediately started studying for the 70-290. Personal things started coming up and had to take a break from the studying and now want to get back to it to finish my MCSA/MCSE.

Looking at the forums and reading threads like these are making me think twice about pursuing these certs. I work with servers now and have (2) 2008 machines that I can play around with.

May have to consider going the MCITP:SA route.......

dylanf

I am new to these boards, they are great. I have already passed 70-270 and A+ and Net+ so I am going for it. I need 70 290 and 70 291. I have a book on the way. It has been a long time since I passed those tests, but if I am only 2 tests from MCSA then it is on. I know these are kinda older but whatever, I am going to get those letters and then work on upgrading to something a little more current. And there are plenty of place still using 2003, let alone 2000. So if you can knock them out then do. If you are starting fresh then maybe one of the other paths would be better.

xenodamus

To me, the MCSE only makes sense if you can knock it out quickly. We don't know what the retirement schedule will be for the core exams. So if you're going to spend several months on each one, you may run out of time.

Dakinggamer87

I still think the MCSA/MCSE certification track is still valuable with Server 2003 being supported till 2015 so I plan to finish it!! I can always decide to upgrade later to MCITP down the road

mikedisd2

What's all this about knocking out 7 MCP exams "quickly"? Anyone who could do this would be a well seasoned Wintel engineer and would not be asking if it was worth doing.

At this point, I would advise anyone looking to start to go for the MCITP. I feel companies are losing interest in the MCSE as Server08 is now taking the priority of focus.

If you're somewhat into the MCSE track, it's definitely worth finishing though.

hyperrawr9000

If 2003 is going to be supported till 2015, I don't think the exams will expire until the same time. Oh and I'd still rather tell someone I'm a MCSE than a MCITP:EA or whatever. I dont think most people are going to know the differences between the MCITPs anyways.

xenodamus

mikedisd2 wrote: »

Anyone who could do this would be a well seasoned Wintel engineer...

Exactly. If you aren't already experienced with 2003...move on to 2008.

The only reason I see to do the 2003 track at this point is to validate experience you already have. Now is not the time to learn Server 2003.

-Foxer-

mikedisd2 wrote: »

What's all this about knocking out 7 MCP exams "quickly"? Anyone who could do this would be a well seasoned Wintel engineer and would not be asking if it was worth doing.

At this point, I would advise anyone looking to start to go for the MCITP. I feel companies are losing interest in the MCSE as Server08 is now taking the priority of focus.

If you're somewhat into the MCSE track, it's definitely worth finishing though.

I agree with this 100%

SneakDogg

This is very confusing as far as timing of these technologies. I studied Server 2003 in school and only graduated last year. I was thinking of following up on my a+ and net+ by going for the MCSA - since you can use Comptia exams for the electives. But now that doesn't seem like such a good idea and you can't use your CompTIA certifications on the new track (as I understand it). On top of that, it appears that Windows 8 server is coming out next year.

paulm187

It is worth it if you have already started on the track or have extensive experiance with Windows 2003 technology. The exam prep manuals & software are mature for this track as it has been out for longer. Once you pass the MCSE you only have two upgrade exams to do for MCITP:EA in the Windows 2008 track provided you chose the Windows 7 client exam. Also you can do the Secuirty+ specialisation which you can't currently do on Windows 2008.

If you are starting on this road, then it is best to do the Windows 2008 track. I started MCSE couple of years ago but didn't complete it because I was already in the IT industry and was very busy (and lazy . But now I want to finish it and upgrade to Windows 2008.