Question on being on the right track for MCSA
 

I want to achive my MCSA. I have my MCDST now, and im about to take my 70-620
exam. From there I was told the only other 2 exams I would need to achive my
MCSA are 70-290, 70-291. Is this true?
Also, should I take 70-621 instead of 70-620?

Glenn

Re: Question on being on the right track for MCSA
 

On Tue, 19 Feb 2008 11:15:01 -0800, GlennS
<GlennS@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:

>I want to achive my MCSA. I have my MCDST now, and im about to take my 70-620
>exam. From there I was told the only other 2 exams I would need to achive my
>MCSA are 70-290, 70-291. Is this true?

Yes.

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mc...3/default.mspx

>Also, should I take 70-621 instead of 70-620?

Could do either. 70-621 would have the advantage of taking your mcdst up
to mcitp enterprise support.

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/exams/70-621.mspx

Personally I am skipping all Vista exams and sticking with the XP track
(until Vista is replaced). I took 70-270 as my client exam.

Re: Question on being on the right track for MCSA
 

"PAJ" <MBLOSSOMpaj-news@news-only.co.uk> wrote in message
news:nrbmr3163lstbg7e194ajolclcgjvrhp4k@4ax.com...
> On Tue, 19 Feb 2008 11:15:01 -0800, GlennS
> <GlennS@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:
>
>>I want to achive my MCSA. I have my MCDST now, and im about to take my
>>70-620
>>exam. From there I was told the only other 2 exams I would need to achive
>>my
>>MCSA are 70-290, 70-291. Is this true?
>
> Yes.
>
> http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mc...3/default.mspx
>
>>Also, should I take 70-621 instead of 70-620?
>
> Could do either. 70-621 would have the advantage of taking your mcdst up
> to mcitp enterprise support.
>
> http://www.microsoft.com/learning/exams/70-621.mspx
>
> Personally I am skipping all Vista exams and sticking with the XP track
> (until Vista is replaced). I took 70-270 as my client exam.

I have to agree that if you hold MCDST, it would seem that 70-270 would be a
lot easier for you since most of it is crossover material from 70-271. That
was the path I initially took. Still, you should review the test objectives
and see what you are more comfortable with.

John R

Re: Question on being on the right track for MCSA
 

Well, I just took both courses in Vista, so i think i would probably rather
take a vista test. Whats the real difference with between the 620 and 621
tests anyways?

"John R" wrote:

>
> "PAJ" <MBLOSSOMpaj-news@news-only.co.uk> wrote in message
> news:nrbmr3163lstbg7e194ajolclcgjvrhp4k@4ax.com...
> > On Tue, 19 Feb 2008 11:15:01 -0800, GlennS
> > <GlennS@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:
> >
> >>I want to achive my MCSA. I have my MCDST now, and im about to take my
> >>70-620
> >>exam. From there I was told the only other 2 exams I would need to achive
> >>my
> >>MCSA are 70-290, 70-291. Is this true?
> >
> > Yes.
> >
> > http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mc...3/default.mspx
> >
> >>Also, should I take 70-621 instead of 70-620?
> >
> > Could do either. 70-621 would have the advantage of taking your mcdst up
> > to mcitp enterprise support.
> >
> > http://www.microsoft.com/learning/exams/70-621.mspx
> >
> > Personally I am skipping all Vista exams and sticking with the XP track
> > (until Vista is replaced). I took 70-270 as my client exam.
>
> I have to agree that if you hold MCDST, it would seem that 70-270 would be a
> lot easier for you since most of it is crossover material from 70-271. That
> was the path I initially took. Still, you should review the test objectives
> and see what you are more comfortable with.
>
> John R
>
>
>

Re: Question on being on the right track for MCSA
 

"GlennS" <GlennS@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:50C055CC-25FC-415D-81B3-1977EBDEA979@microsoft.com...
> Well, I just took both courses in Vista, so i think i would probably
> rather
> take a vista test. Whats the real difference with between the 620 and 621
> tests anyways?
>

620 = MCTS - Vista Config
620 + 622 = MCITP - Enterprise Support Technician

621 + MCDST = 620 + 622

621 is an upgrade test that, in combination with your MCDST, will give you
both MCTS - Vista Config, and MCITP - Enterprise Support Technician. 621 is
a combination test of elements from both 620 and 622. Should you decide to
take 621, be sure you understand all of the objectives for 620 and 622. If
you take 620 and 622 seperately, you accomplish the same thing as taking 621
(with MCDST in hand).

621 without MCDST is of no value. However, I believe you did say you have
MCDST.

And yes, if you feel more comfortable with the Vista route, then by all
means proceed in that direction.

John R

Re: Question on being on the right track for MCSA
 

I guess my thinking is why not just take 620 if my main goal is the MCSA and
not upgrading my mcsdt. do you know what im saying? Plus.. it sounds like 620
would be easier than 621.. :)-

"John R" wrote:

>
> "GlennS" <GlennS@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:50C055CC-25FC-415D-81B3-1977EBDEA979@microsoft.com...
> > Well, I just took both courses in Vista, so i think i would probably
> > rather
> > take a vista test. Whats the real difference with between the 620 and 621
> > tests anyways?
> >
>
> 620 = MCTS - Vista Config
> 620 + 622 = MCITP - Enterprise Support Technician
>
> 621 + MCDST = 620 + 622
>
> 621 is an upgrade test that, in combination with your MCDST, will give you
> both MCTS - Vista Config, and MCITP - Enterprise Support Technician. 621 is
> a combination test of elements from both 620 and 622. Should you decide to
> take 621, be sure you understand all of the objectives for 620 and 622. If
> you take 620 and 622 seperately, you accomplish the same thing as taking 621
> (with MCDST in hand).
>
> 621 without MCDST is of no value. However, I believe you did say you have
> MCDST.
>
> And yes, if you feel more comfortable with the Vista route, then by all
> means proceed in that direction.
>
> John R
>
>
>

Re: Question on being on the right track for MCSA
 

"John R" <jsr^^^813@zoom^^^internet.net> wrote in message
news:OdW5LLzcIHA.748@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl:

> "PAJ" <MBLOSSOMpaj-news@news-only.co.uk> wrote in message
> news:nrbmr3163lstbg7e194ajolclcgjvrhp4k@4ax.com...
> > On Tue, 19 Feb 2008 11:15:01 -0800, GlennS
> > <GlennS@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:
> >
> >>I want to achive my MCSA. I have my MCDST now, and im about to take my
> >>70-620
> >>exam. From there I was told the only other 2 exams I would need to achive
> >>my
> >>MCSA are 70-290, 70-291. Is this true?
> >
> > Yes.
> >
> > http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mc...3/default.mspx
> >
> >>Also, should I take 70-621 instead of 70-620?
> >
> > Could do either. 70-621 would have the advantage of taking your mcdst up
> > to mcitp enterprise support.
> >
> > http://www.microsoft.com/learning/exams/70-621.mspx
> >
> > Personally I am skipping all Vista exams and sticking with the XP track
> > (until Vista is replaced). I took 70-270 as my client exam.
>
> I have to agree that if you hold MCDST, it would seem that 70-270 would be a
> lot easier for you since most of it is crossover material from 70-271. That
> was the path I initially took. Still, you should review the test objectives
> and see what you are more comfortable with.
>
> John R

On that note, MCDSTs will be thoroughly surprised if they think that
sitting the 70-270 will be easy. Remember your boy scout motto: Be
Prepared. Just sayin'.
--
Michael D. Alligood, MCITP, MCTS, MCSA, MCDST
The I.T. Classroom - http://www.theitclassroom.com/
CertGuard, Inc. - http://www.certguard.com/

Re: Question on being on the right track for MCSA
 

"GlennS" <GlennS@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:696CC284-6293-4175-8E7B-33FEB43DDEBB@microsoft.com:

> I guess my thinking is why not just take 620 if my main goal is the MCSA and
> not upgrading my mcsdt. do you know what im saying? Plus.. it sounds like 620
> would be easier than 621.. :)-
>
> "John R" wrote:
>
> >
> > "GlennS" <GlennS@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> > news:50C055CC-25FC-415D-81B3-1977EBDEA979@microsoft.com...
> > > Well, I just took both courses in Vista, so i think i would probably
> > > rather
> > > take a vista test. Whats the real difference with between the 620 and 621
> > > tests anyways?
> > >
> >
> > 620 = MCTS - Vista Config
> > 620 + 622 = MCITP - Enterprise Support Technician
> >
> > 621 + MCDST = 620 + 622
> >
> > 621 is an upgrade test that, in combination with your MCDST, will give you
> > both MCTS - Vista Config, and MCITP - Enterprise Support Technician. 621 is
> > a combination test of elements from both 620 and 622. Should you decide to
> > take 621, be sure you understand all of the objectives for 620 and 622. If
> > you take 620 and 622 seperately, you accomplish the same thing as taking 621
> > (with MCDST in hand).
> >
> > 621 without MCDST is of no value. However, I believe you did say you have
> > MCDST.
> >
> > And yes, if you feel more comfortable with the Vista route, then by all
> > means proceed in that direction.
> >
> > John R
> >
> >
> >

Let's just put things into perspective here.
1.) You are going to run across a lot more Server 2003 networks still
running Windows XP clients than Vista.
2.) Do you have experience in configuring Vista? Minus the courses you
just attended.
3.) Concentrate on the technology and not the certifications. You will
earn them in time. There is no need to rush this.
4.) If you are concerned solely on being certified no matter what,
please make sure for the rest of us that you deserve the designation.
And I don't mean by just passing an exam.

--
Michael D. Alligood, MCITP, MCTS, MCSA, MCDST
The I.T. Classroom - http://www.theitclassroom.com/
CertGuard, Inc. - http://www.certguard.com/

Re: Question on being on the right track for MCSA
 

On Tue, 19 Feb 2008 15:07:42 -0500, "John R" wrote:
>"PAJ" wrote:
>> Personally I am skipping all Vista exams and sticking with the XP track
>> (until Vista is replaced). I took 70-270 as my client exam.
>
>I have to agree that if you hold MCDST, it would seem that 70-270 would be a
>lot easier for you

Nothing to do with it being easier. Vista sucks and has a small install
base compared to XP, in my experience (which is what counts).

Re: Question on being on the right track for MCSA
 

"Michael D. Alligood [CertGuard, Inc.]" <mdalligood@bellsouth.net> wrote in
message news:uCj43J0cIHA.4696@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
> "John R" <jsr^^^813@zoom^^^internet.net> wrote in message
> news:OdW5LLzcIHA.748@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl:
>>
>> I have to agree that if you hold MCDST, it would seem that 70-270 would
>> be a
>> lot easier for you since most of it is crossover material from 70-271.
>> That
>> was the path I initially took. Still, you should review the test
>> objectives
>> and see what you are more comfortable with.
>>
>> John R
>
> On that note, MCDSTs will be thoroughly surprised if they think that
> sitting the 70-270 will be easy. Remember your boy scout motto: Be
> Prepared. Just sayin'.
> --

Absolutely. Nobody should take any test lightly, 270 included. However, I
did find that 270 and 271 were somewhat similar, although 271 looked at XP
from a user/tech support side and 270 looked at it more from an
administrator point of view.

My point was that if the OP had MCDST, then he is probably already "up" on
XP, but if he wants to go after 620 instead of 270, there is nothing wrong
with that. He mentioned that he took some classes, but he didn't mention
his experience level. If he reviews the test objectives and feels he could
pass 620, or at least gear up for it quicker, go for it. You know that I
preach experience.

Even though XP currently has a much larger installed base than Vista does,
some day the opposite will be true. If his company or the companies he
plans to work for are early adopters, 620 (and the MCTS it brings) may be
more important to him, especially given that he has already demonstrated a
skill level with XP in his MCDST. My company is finding it difficult to
purchase replacment hardware now with XP, and we have been given marching
orders to come up to speed on Vista, quickly. Given that we do a good bit
of ASP hosting, we are even now getting pressure to provide user level
support for our customer's Vista machines as it relates to our hosting
environment.

So, eventually, it all comes back to what the OP wants, which is why my
prior post ended with "you should review the test objectives and see what
you are more comfortable with." The definition of "comfort", I'll leave up
to the OP.

John R