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What's the best path?

Question
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I currently hold the following certifications:
A+, Network+, MCP, MCSA 2003
Having already obtained the A+ and Network+ certifications, I only needed to pass the following three exams to obtain the MCSA 2003:
70-270 -- Installing, Configuring, and Administering Windows XP Professional
70-290 -- Managing and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Environment
70-291 -- Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure
I am now looking to upgrade to MCITP Server Administrator
The upgrade path consists of the following two exams:
70-648, 70-646
The 648 is an upgrade exam which is a composite of the following two exams:
- Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory Configuration
- Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure Configuration
My concern is that the 70-648 might be too advanced for me considering that I have not completed any course work or taken the 70-293, 294 (2003) which seems to be the equivalent of the above two exams.
Can anyone tell me if I should go ahead with the upgrade or if I should consider taking the 293 and 294 first and then the 70-648?
Thursday, December 15, 2011 4:27 AM
Answers
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It all depends on whether you're happy sitting two extra exams (70-293, 70-294). It's also unlikely that doing these exams will provide you with sufficient skills to sit 70-648 as most certifications require some hands-on experience, not just study experience.
Jeff Wharton
MSysDev (C.Sturt), MDbDsgnMgt (C.Sturt), MCT, MCPD, MCITP, MCDBA
Blog: Mr. Wharty's Ramblings
MC ID: Microsoft Transcript
Please mark answered if I've answered your question and vote for it as helpful to help other user's find a solution quicker- Marked as answer by Mr. Wharty Thursday, February 2, 2012 7:30 AM
Thursday, December 15, 2011 4:48 AM -
The upgrade exams are the only way to upgrade your MCSA 2003 to MCITP Server Administrator. Taking 640 and 642 don't qualify for that.
- Marked as answer by Mr. Wharty Thursday, February 2, 2012 7:30 AM
Thursday, December 15, 2011 7:23 PMAnswerer
All replies
-
It all depends on whether you're happy sitting two extra exams (70-293, 70-294). It's also unlikely that doing these exams will provide you with sufficient skills to sit 70-648 as most certifications require some hands-on experience, not just study experience.
Jeff Wharton
MSysDev (C.Sturt), MDbDsgnMgt (C.Sturt), MCT, MCPD, MCITP, MCDBA
Blog: Mr. Wharty's Ramblings
MC ID: Microsoft Transcript
Please mark answered if I've answered your question and vote for it as helpful to help other user's find a solution quicker- Marked as answer by Mr. Wharty Thursday, February 2, 2012 7:30 AM
Thursday, December 15, 2011 4:48 AM -
Thanks for the quick reply Jeff,
Do you think its better or even possible to take the 640 and 642 in place of the 648?...Will that qualify?
Thursday, December 15, 2011 5:07 AM -
The upgrade exams are the only way to upgrade your MCSA 2003 to MCITP Server Administrator. Taking 640 and 642 don't qualify for that.
- Marked as answer by Mr. Wharty Thursday, February 2, 2012 7:30 AM
Thursday, December 15, 2011 7:23 PMAnswerer