MCSE 70-290 Book recommendations?

I'm just starting out with the MCSE certificate, and I was wondering which book do you guys recommend.

There's the MCSE Self-Paced Training Kit: Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Core Requirements, Exams 70-290, 70-291, 70-293, 70-294 from Microsoft, but I read that the book isn't rate very well.

So I'm not sure which one to get.

Find more posts tagged with

SAVE $250 on Your Microsoft Boot Camp — Use Code "EXAM26"

Exclusively for TechExams members for Infosec Boot Camps starting before April 30, 2026

View Microsoft Boot Camps

Comments

zlh081

Hi,new guy
This is right place and you can find alot of things.OK I am same to you and try to buy follow books recommend by forum users.

Mike Meyers' MCSE Windows Server 2003:70-290,70-291,70-293,&70-294(Mike Meyer'sCertification Passport S.)
Cost is 52.49 pound
Mike Meyers' MCSE/MCSA Windows Server 2003: Environment (Exam 70-290) (Mike Meyer's Certification Passport S.)
Cost is 19.56 pound

RZetlin

I decided to go with the MCSE Self-Paced Training Kit: Microsoft Windows Server 2003. My package came in today by mail.

I'm going to take the plunge into the world of MCSE.

ajs1976

I try to use a mix of books. A study guide like the MS Press or Sybex books and a review style book like the Passport or Exam Cram 2 series.

The MS Press are long and dry, but have a lot of lab exercises.

matttupper

For commuting and travel reading the Exam Cram 2 book is great as you don't have any practicals and it's a sensible size.

Other books seems to be a bit hit and miss. Check out the reviews in Amazon for real opinions

garv221

Exam Cram2 worked 4 me. I don't like thick books full of the obvious.

deltax

Hi garv221,

How helpful is Exam Cram2 with new exam format? Is it OK if I don't need to read other references such as TK or MOC?

Please advise.

netcom2000

I see that you have th A+ certificate, I would recommend that you study for the Net+ cert before going into server side of things, especialy 2003 server, as the Network + gives you the benefit of undderstanding the fundamentals of Networking, the Net+ is a key certificate to the World of networking, as a foundation certificate.

Just my two penneth worth.

RZetlin

netcom2000 wrote:

I see that you have th A+ certificate, I would recommend that you study for the Net+ cert before going into server side of things, especialy 2003 server, as the Network + gives you the benefit of undderstanding the fundamentals of Networking, the Net+ is a key certificate to the World of networking, as a foundation certificate.

Just my two penneth worth.

I started studying my Network+ but I decided to switch to MCSE for more job opportunties.

I have looked over a lot tech support job postings and I have never seen one that states, "Network+ Certification required".

But have seen a lot of tech support job postings that requires "MCSE certification" or Active Directory knowledge required.