MCSA/MCSE or MCITP

So, I currently have passed 70-270, 70-680, and Security+. My original plan had been to get my MCSA and then parlay that into MCSE eventually. I am scheduled to take 70-290 the first part of July. My question is, should I even still be pursuing MCSA/MCSE or should I just eschew that for MCITP?

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earweed

This question has been asked a lot in these forums. A lot depends on what you do now, is your current place of employment using Server 2k3 or 2k8 or both? If you go ahead with your MCSE it'll only take you 2 or 3 tests to get the MCITP:EA. There are a lot of things to consider.

sambuca69

Aren't they supposed to retire those tests this year? or was it next year?

Deesiel

Many employers are still using 2003, so I think it's a good idea to start with MCSA/E, then compliment it with MCITP...

IT_FAN

I have both certs (MCITP-EA and MSCE). Here's the difference:

MCITP: Server Administrator

The MCITP: Server Administrator identifies you with the knowledge and skills to perform day-to-day management of servers in Windows Servers 2008. While it's not a direct match, many people associate the MCITP Server Administrator as being similar to the MCSA in Server 2003.

The skills include:

Handling day-to-day management of the servers
Handling software distribution and updates
Monitoring and auditing servers
Troubleshooting issues

MCITP: Enterprise Administrator

The MCITP: Enterprise Administrator identifies you with the knowledge and skills needed to perform advanced networking tasks including infrastructure design using Windows Server 2008 products. While it's not a direct match, many people associate the MCITP Enterprise Administrator as being similar to the MCSE in Server 2003.

The skills include:

Enterprise systems administrator
IT systems administrator
Systems architect
Network administrator
Enterprise security administrator

bradtechonline

Personally I would go for 2008 Server.. You will see a lot of 2003 Server, and even maybe 2000 Server around.. Mainly on App Servers etc.. 2000/2003 will come in useful for when you want update your Domain Controllers. 2003 is still lean, and mean IMO..

Devilsbane

sambuca69 wrote: »

Aren't they supposed to retire those tests this year? or was it next year?

I have not heard of a date being realesed yet. There are several exams slated to be retired October 31st of this year, but all that really does is take away some of the possible options to take. You can still get both. My guess would be 12/31/2010 at the earliest.

As to answer your question, I would go the 2003 route. Get it while you can. A lot of companies are still using 2003 and an MCSE is a great title to have. 10 years from now you can use it as a easy way to show that you have been in the field for a long time.

Edit: Also consider how vested you already are. The 290 is scheduled, so all that is needed is the 291. Why quit now? Your real question should be: upgrade to MCSE or go over to MCITP, in which my advice would still be get the MCSE while it is still available.

Another edit: Just checked out phoeneous' link. The MCSE 2000 stuff wasn't retired until 2008. So by that timescale, 2003 has at least into 2011.