~!!*!!~ The Very Basics of MCSE ~!!*!!~

Aspiration2030 · New Member Joined: 04 May 2006 Posts: 16 Location: India

Hi everyone,

I am currently working on Mainframes and AS400 technology. So, I have no idea even on the basics of MCSE examination. I am so desperate to do MCSE certification in the next few months. Also, I have gone through some sites where from I got the details that to get MCSE certification, we need to pass out few exams as listed below:

Core Exams: Networking System (4 Exams Required)
Core Exams: Client Operating System (1 Exam Required)
Core Exams: Design (1 Exam Required)
Elective Exams (1 Exam Required)

Now my doubt is, should we need to take up all these exams at the same time? Or can these be taken up one by one?

If so, as suggested by many others in this forum, I would preferrably start with 70-270 (Windows XP Professional ).

I feel so bad that I have not done any worthy certifications till date Sad

I would like to do my first certification on MCSE Smile

And I'm pretty sure that almost 99% of all you guys have done your MCSE certifications. So considering me as totally new to this field of certification, please suggest me on how to go about this and also kindly throw some more lights on this MCSE certification as on what basis are these exams to be taken?

Also, can anyone please tellme that "Will I be called as a MCSE certified person only if I complete all the exams i.e.,
Core Exams: Networking System (4 Exams Required)
Core Exams: Client Operating System (1 Exam Required)
Core Exams: Design (1 Exam Required)
Elective Exams (1 Exam Required)

Question

Sorry if I am being so dumb, but as i said I am pretty new to this.
Kindly bear with me and Help me out guys Very Happy

MCSE_Newbie · **Post subject:** **Posted:** Thu May 04, 2006 2:12 pm

Do you have any experience with Windows operating systems?

The MCSE is a tough track and with experience it will really test you, without experience you will find it very very difficult not to mention expensive.

I would recommend sitting the exams one at a time.

The XP professional exam is the recommended starting point and is probably the easiest of the exams.

Once you pass your first MS exam you will be certified as a Microsoft Certified Professional - MCP

Once you complete the MCSE track you will be MCSE.

You could also go for MCSA which is in between MCP and MCSE.

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcse/windows2003/

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcsa/windows2003/

Aspiration2030 · New Member Joined: 04 May 2006 Posts: 16 Location: India

Thanks for your suggestion on this Smile

I have now got an overview i would say.

I will be now going through the links which you have provided me and will get back to you if I have any further queires (could be silly but thats the only way for me to learn, i believe Wink

)

Also, yeah I have worked on Windows Operation System. By the way mate, what do you exactly mean by "experience on Windows OS"? Are you referring to the applications in Windows OS (like MS Office, etc) or something on the security and other jorgans? Because I have no idea on the how the Windows OS has been designed but I have worked on their few applications.

I got no idea on administration, security and other stuffs on Windows. However I have taken up the challenge to learn them and pass out Smile

A quick question, What other exams in addition to 70-270 should be taken up to be MCSA?

Once again thanks Smile

MCSE_Newbie · **Post subject:** **Posted:** Thu May 04, 2006 2:49 pm

I am refering to the actual OS itself - Windows 2000 server or Windows server 2003 - Depends on which MCSE track you plan to go with.

You will need to know how to install (attended and unattended) the OS / troubleshoot the OS etc.

Secure the server etc.

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcsa/windows2003/

The link above tells you exactly which exams qualify for MCSA certification.

Also review the exam requirements so you know exactly what you are going to get tested on, that way you know if MCSE is the right cert for you.

Good luck, any questions post them on the forums.

Aspiration2030 · New Member Joined: 04 May 2006 Posts: 16 Location: India

Thats precise and very useful mate Smile

Thanks for your time in guiding me.
I am so greatful for the initiative you have taken in guiding me.
And yeah I wil surely make the best use of this forums to pass out this exam with high score.
Once agen thanks for your kind help mate.
Have a nice day ahead Smile

jasonboche · **Post subject:** **Posted:** Thu May 04, 2006 3:24 pm

Keep us posted on your progress.
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MCSE_Newbie · **Post subject:** **Posted:** Thu May 04, 2006 5:15 pm

No need to thank me bud.

Happy to help.

Cormac Doyle · **Post subject:** **Posted:** Fri May 05, 2006 5:30 am

Just a quick side-note

Why do you want to switch from Unix/AIX support to Windows support - there's more "competition" in the Windows job market, which lowers average wages ... If I had your experience, I'd be looking at specialist Unix certifications, not the MCSE.

Cormac
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jack murdock · **Post subject:** **Posted:** Wed May 10, 2006 5:30 pm

Aspiration2030 · New Member Joined: 04 May 2006 Posts: 16 Location: India

UNIX??!! What are you all talking about mates? Surprised

I got zero experience in Unix! Just knew its theoritical concepts though.
I am fully into AS400 OS and Mainframes! We aint using Unix in here.
I just wonder what had made you guys relate Unix with legacy systems? Confused

Kindly letme know as i got no clue on this!
Thanks Smile

MichaelW · **Post subject:** **Posted:** Wed May 24, 2006 5:55 pm

I am an ex-mainframer who is now in the Windows world so perhaps I can offer some advice.

Any company running mainframes will most likely have Windows technology running. For me our mainframe communicated with branches running a server and multiple workstations so I could at least get some hands on by offering to work on problems with branch communications.

I got serious with it a couple of years ago and started getting the certification. I passed the exams to get a MCSA on W2K. It was pretty much paper certification but I did try and get as much exposure through my work and a home lab.

Doing the certification and working the contacts was enough to get me into some interviews and I am now working at a company that supports Windows for small businesses, doing everything from WSUS rollout to PC repair.

The mainframe is a great server platform but it is mature and a poor choice when looking to move jobs. All the best on reinventing yourself and know that it can be done.

Regards, Michael, who has been working in IT since 1979.

johndoe · Moderator Joined: 09 Aug 2005 Posts: 967 Location: USA

I would definitely check the exam overviews (especially the audience part). The track you are asking is for people who wish to design/administer windows environments.

Having AS400 and mainframe skills will not pay off too much, if any, for these tests. If you are breaking into the windows world, you may want to start with the basics. Taking the A+ and then the Network Pus exams offered by Comptia. This will then give you the basics of the Windows operating systems and the related hardware. This will be helpful because it gives you the basics and will also prepare you somewhat for the MCSE Course. This is the track that most people take, however, they are not prerequisites (I know I probably butchered that word, but I am too lazy to look it up or spell check it).

All of that being said, I will tell you to go for it if this is what you want to do. However, if it is not something you would enjoy doing, you are looking at an expernsive way to a job you won't like.

If you do want to do this, my best advice is to get a couple computers and a few good books and do the labs so that you can get a lot of hands on experience. Hands on will help you the most for any path you choose. Good luck on whatever you decide.
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