Windows 2000 track general - MCSE/MCSA: Where to start?

Author

MCSE/MCSA: Where to start?

saws

2002-07-23, 9:14 am

To all the MCSE`s and MCSA`s :
You have probably been asked these questions a thousand times but I am new to the forum, only starting the MCSE track and would really appreciate your advice:
Q1 Which MCP would be the best to start on first?
Q2 What Books/Study guides/websites or other materials did you use?
Q3 What was your own particular approach to studying for the tests?(Self study/college etc)
Q4 Which MCP`s (core/design and elective)did you opt for and why?
(In the case of core was it 2000,XP or .Net)
Q5 What impact has the MCSE had on your career?
Q6 Do you have any other advice for MCP newbies such as myself?

P.S. This is the best website Ive ever seen for people looking to improve their I.T. skills. Keep up the good work!!!

Sexy Lexy

2002-07-23, 5:30 pm

Hi and welcome to the club so to speak.

To answer your questions as best I can:

1) Start on either 210 or 215. I started on 210 then progressed to 215 as they are both related in theory and content.

2) To study I use the MS Press books (210 and 215 are spot on) Hands on with my own lab and I use this web site. Some complement the revision with transcenders but that's up to you.

3) Home study and a keen interest in the subject helps. Willing to learn and not just because of the ££££ signs as that is the wrong motivation in my opinion. You will need to dedicate your own time and money so do not under estimate what you are entering into (More nights than sleep before and exam is an example!!!!)

4) You have to sit four core exams:

210 - W2K Professional
215 - W2K Server
216 - Network Infrastructure
217 - Active Directory

Then I have chosen:

218 - For MCSA

And as I already hold MCSE in NT 4 I only have to take one design exam and I have chosen 219 as it is closely related to 217.

I think you will have to sit another two design exams (7 exams in total for MCSE)

I opted for W2K Professional as my core because it is related to more than just the 210 exam but I'm hoping to take 270 (XP) as well.

5) Erm, non at the moment but I shall start looking for alternative employment when my MCSE is finished in a few months.

6) My advice is get hands on experience. Buy the MS press books as they cover more material than the old MS Press NT books used to for the exams. Post on here for topics or areas you are unsure about. If you feel brave then always ask for a link on the subject as it proves you are willing to learn as long as you get pointed in the right direction (Most are willing to provide links and they do help out, trust me I have asked for enough)

Help others when they need help, such as this.

Here's to your MCP in 2000 and to a new member of the forum.

Welcome aboard.

anthonie

2002-07-24, 2:42 am

Welcome aboard. Let me provide you with some feedback too.

quote:
Q1 Which MCP would be the best to start on first?

I'd say it's best that you study for 210 and 215 together. This is because server (Windows 2000 Server) and client (Windows 2000 Professional) work together. You can't have server without thinking about the clients, and vice versa. And hence, you'll find a lot of topics or exam objectives overlappings.

quote:
Q2 What Books/Study guides/websites or other materials did you use?

I used the MS Press Training Kit which consists of 4 books. For extra references, it's always best to check from Microsoft TechNet website. For exam preparation, Transcender is a good choice which a lot of members here use and will recommend.

quote:
Q3 What was your own particular approach to studying for the tests?(Self study/college etc)

If you plan to do self study, make sure that you can set up a small network of at least a server and a client and gain lots of hands-on skills.

quote:
Q4 Which MCP`s (core/design and elective)did you opt for and why?
(In the case of core was it 2000,XP or .Net)

I did 210 simply because 270 wasn't available then. As for the design paper, do whichever one you feel more comfortable with.

quote:
Q5 What impact has the MCSE had on your career?

It helped me get my current job as a Systems Engineer.

quote:
Q6 Do you have any other advice for MCP newbies such as myself?

Go to Microsoft MCP website. Read as much information as you can. Learn about the requirements for each cert. Then decide which cert you want to get. If your ultimate goal is to get MCSE, you might want to consider getting MCSA on the way.

Hope this helps. Good luck to you!

Sponsored Links