MCSA Specializations

Raekwon

I was wondering if anyone has done an MCSA Specializations? Are they worth while doing or would it be better to just skip it and go for an MCSE?

MCSA + Messaging (1 extra exam)

MCSA + Security (2 extra exams)

Shad0r

Raekwon wrote:

I was wondering if anyone has done an MCSA Specializations? Are they worth while doing or would it be better to just skip it and go for an MCSE?

MCSA + Messaging (1 extra exam)

MCSA + Security (2 extra exams)

The MCSA is a subset of the MCSE so any and all MCP exams you do to achieve it should count towards your MCSE.

Where are you getting the above information?

For the MCSA (messaging) track there are only 4 exams afaik.
For the Security track you are looking at one extra exam.

All of those exams should count towards your MCSE (7 exams) but I'd have to check that out.

You'll get a bunch of info:
http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcsa/default.mspx

Neil

Raekwon

I am an MCSA already so I was just wondering if the specializations are worth doing.

My info is all from the Microsoft learning site. Since I already hold an MCSA I would only need one extra exam for messaging (70-284) or two extra exams for security (pick from 70-299, 70-227, 70-350 or Security+).

mick.fr

Raekwon wrote:

I am an MCSA already so I was just wondering if the specializations are worth doing.

My info is all from the Microsoft learning site. Since I already hold an MCSA I would only need one extra exam for messaging (70-284) or two extra exams for security (pick from 70-299, 70-227, 70-350 or Security+).

I would recommend to go for security, as it has been said already, both security exams counts for an MCSE, plus the design exam, is pretty nice.

I do not think there is a point to mess around with Exchange 2003 anymore, Exchange 2007 is dramatically different and the whole architecture is completely different, you should focus on 2007 instead and in the mean time pass the design exam, plus some security stuffs (350, 299...)

aidan_walsh

I do not think there is a point to mess around with Exchange 2003 anymore, Exchange 2007 is dramatically different and the whole architecture is completely different, you should focus on 2007 instead and in the mean time pass the design exam, plus some security stuffs (350, 299...)

Many, many, many companies are going to be using Exchange 2003 for some time to come. Its not exactly the type of program that you can decide to change on a whim.

mick.fr

aidan_walsh wrote:

Many, many, many companies are going to be using Exchange 2003 for some time to come. Its not exactly the type of program that you can decide to change on a whim.

Nobody said to migrate right away on Exchange 2007, certainly not me.

I said the Exchange 2003 technology is well known, so if you want to stay in the loop, you should already prepare to work on 2007 and be ready when the final version of the exam will be released.

Then in a few months when the agencies will look for Exchange 2007 specialists, you will be ready :-) That's my all point here.

Raekwon

mick.fr wrote:

I would recommend to go for security, as it has been said already, both security exams counts for an MCSE, plus the design exam, is pretty nice.

Actually only one of the security exams are required as an elective for an MCSE (plus two cores and one design). So basically if I was to do two exams for the Security specialisation it would mean that one of the exams I do will not count towards an MCSE and I am not willing to fork out another €200+ (exam fee & books) if I don't really have too.

It's actually a tricky decision, consider the Exchange 2007 exam is on the horizon, but then again, would that not be in among the MCSA/MSCE 2007 track along with Vista?

donaghs

Depends what you feel you're up for. MCSE seems to be more highly respected and more in demand in job adds. But an MCSA is close enough in my opinion. I decided to do the MCSA as I didn't want to take on too much. I finally got the qualification after a year (taking breaks between exams). Now I'm going for the ISA exam to get the MCSA Security. Then I'm taking a break from exams to enjoy my time after work.

Basically MCSE is longer way of getting that qualification, but is worth a little more in the end.

mick.fr

Raekwon wrote:

Actually only one of the security exams are required as an elective for an MCSE (plus two cores and one design). So basically if I was to do two exams for the Security specialisation it would mean that one of the exams I do will not count towards an MCSE and I am not willing to fork out another €200+ (exam fee & books) if I don't really have too.

It's actually a tricky decision, consider the Exchange 2007 exam is on the horizon, but then again, would that not be in among the MCSA/MSCE 2007 track along with Vista?

Well security exams 350, 298, 299.
298 is a design exam, plus a security one. It is not required for MCSA: Security, but one design exam is required for MCSE, so why not taking the 298 because it will get you really close to the MCSE + MCSE: Security.

They are worth to have as you can get more money/better salary if you go them and know what you talking about.

For exchange cert, as Vista, they should be available by the end of February as far as I know.
But with this new thing MCTS (Technology specialist, I do not know how the MCSE will look like (Continued or replaced by MCTS ?).
I am not sure at this stage.

rooker7

I did both the :M and :S certs, I work in Security so the :S was a bit more interesting than the :M.

Of course market demand will be a drive in your decision but try to follow the route that you enjoy the most.