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    Hi

    have been in IT support ( Desktop ) for 4 years and would like to know what is the best way to go for MCSE based on my experience in IT field .

    Thanks
    Saturday, May 16, 2009 11:30 AM

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    Hello,

    Your best bet is to start with what you have the most experience with, XP, 2003, etc.. If you plan on self studying go put and pick up a book or two, most people here will recommend the MS Press books. Read through the books, do the exercieses. Set yourself up a lab of test machines (or use virtual). Take practice exams. Most MS Press books come with software with practice exams.

    Hope this helps.
    Eric
    Saturday, May 16, 2009 7:26 PM
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    Brian,

    I don't believe any of the Microsoft certs need to be refreshed. Maybe the higher level, Master, Architect. But MCSA, MCSE, these do not need to be refreshed. Once you earn your MCSE on 2000 or 2003 it is valid forever. Granted if you have your MCSE on 2000 its a bit outdated in most places but still a valid certification.
    Eric
    Tuesday, May 19, 2009 2:14 PM
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    They don't expire, but they do get obsolete. No one cares if you have an MCSE in Windows 2000 (although if you just put MCSE on your resume most companies won't even question it). I've never had a company ask to see my Microsoft transcript.

    To the OP: If I were you I would do MCSE for Windows Server 2003, but take the 70-620 (Vista) instead of 70-270 (XP). That way you only need two more exams to upgrade to MCITP: Enterprise Administrator for 2008 (70-647 and 70-649)
    Tuesday, May 19, 2009 4:25 PM

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  • Question
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    Hello,

    Your best bet is to start with what you have the most experience with, XP, 2003, etc.. If you plan on self studying go put and pick up a book or two, most people here will recommend the MS Press books. Read through the books, do the exercieses. Set yourself up a lab of test machines (or use virtual). Take practice exams. Most MS Press books come with software with practice exams.

    Hope this helps.
    Eric
    Saturday, May 16, 2009 7:26 PM
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    Hi,

    I would agree with Eric, but I would also add that you might be better off studying initially for the Vista qualifications instead of XP (although, there are plenty of companies out there refusing, as these will have a longer support life. The MCSE will stop being a supported when Server 2003 ends its life cycle, which isn't THAT far away, so working towards a new generation certification would make more sense.

    Personally I initally went for the MCDST, and upgraded it to MCITP - Enterprise Support Technician which also gave me an MCTS - Vista Configuration. From here I have started working towards MCITP - Enterprise Administator, which will give me another 3 MCTS qualifications on the way (AD, Networking Infrastructure and Applications)

    If you didn't want to start from the MCDST route you could always go for the MCITP - Server Administrator

    You should also note that the MCDST and MCSE qualifications need to be refreshed every three years, while the new generation certs are valid until the end of the relevant technologies lifecycle.
    MCDST
    MCITP - Enterprise Support Technician - Charter Member
    MCTS - Vista Configuration - Charter Member
    MCTS - Volume Licensing Specialist, Small and Medium Organizations - Charter Member
    MCITP - Consumer Support Technician
    MCTS - Windows Server 2008, Active Directory Configuration
    Tuesday, May 19, 2009 11:40 AM
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    Brian,

    I don't believe any of the Microsoft certs need to be refreshed. Maybe the higher level, Master, Architect. But MCSA, MCSE, these do not need to be refreshed. Once you earn your MCSE on 2000 or 2003 it is valid forever. Granted if you have your MCSE on 2000 its a bit outdated in most places but still a valid certification.
    Eric
    Tuesday, May 19, 2009 2:14 PM
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    I'm sure in my MCDST welcome pack it said it was only valid for 3 years and I would have to resit the exam after that time to keep it valid. Perhaps it has changed now, it was a couple of years ago, lol.

    MCDST
    MCITP - Enterprise Support Technician - Charter Member
    MCTS - Vista Configuration - Charter Member
    MCTS - Volume Licensing Specialist, Small and Medium Organizations - Charter Member
    MCITP - Consumer Support Technician
    MCTS - Windows Server 2008, Active Directory Configuration
    Tuesday, May 19, 2009 3:22 PM
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    Could be true about the MCDST exams, I am not sure about that one. But I am pretty sure MCSE, MCSA those don't expire.
    Eric
    Tuesday, May 19, 2009 3:37 PM
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    They don't expire, but they do get obsolete. No one cares if you have an MCSE in Windows 2000 (although if you just put MCSE on your resume most companies won't even question it). I've never had a company ask to see my Microsoft transcript.

    To the OP: If I were you I would do MCSE for Windows Server 2003, but take the 70-620 (Vista) instead of 70-270 (XP). That way you only need two more exams to upgrade to MCITP: Enterprise Administrator for 2008 (70-647 and 70-649)
    Tuesday, May 19, 2009 4:25 PM