MCST 70-260 vs MCP 70-270

I am halfway through working towards my first MCP 70-270, do people think I
should continue with this or should I do the MCTS 70-260 instead, and work
towards server 2008 instead of server 2003 MCSE? This is a long term plan, as
I am currently working full-time and trying to complete this in my own time.

 

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/newgen/default.mspx

Microsoft changed several with the new generation of
certifications. If you're currently learning for 70-270, continue
to do that and complete the exam. XP will still be used for the
next few years.

If you want to continue your certification, the easiest path
would be to complete MCSA on 2003 by doing 70-270, 70-620 (the
Vista Exam), 70-290 (Server 2003), 70-291 (Server 2003 Network).

With this, you can upgrade to TWO WS2008 MCTS credential with a single
exam, but not an MCITP credential. With an MCSE you can gain
three MCTS credentials, but you will need three more exams, but
only get one more MCTS credential.

So in the end it depends on what you want to achieve. If you have
a lot of experience with WS2003, XP and some with Vista, MCSA2003
with 70-620 as an elective should be pretty easy for you, without
much learning.

If you've done that and still think you want to make it toward
MCSE - you can. You need two more core exams (70-293, 70-294) and
a design elective (70-297 or 70-298).

 

I am not currently working for an IT company but am look to retrain myself
using Microsoft self placed training kits, So do you still think I should be
trying to pass exams that will have news version out soon?

Thank
Mark p

 

Then you're not exactly the target group for a Microsoft
certification anyway.

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

quote:

| An MCSE candidate should have at least one year of experience
| implementing and administering a network operating system in
| environments with the following characteristics:
|
| 200 to 26,000 supported users
|
| Five to 150 physical locations
|
| Typical network services and applications including file and
| print, database, messaging, proxy server or firewall, dial-in
| server, desktop management, and Web hosting
|
| Connectivity needs including connecting individual offices and
| users at remote locations to the corporate network and connecting
| corporate networks to the Internet
|
| In addition, an MCSE candidate should have at least one year of
| experience in the following areas:
|
| Implementing and administering a desktop operating system
|
| Designing a network infrastructure

But if you still feel like doing at least some exams, try to get
through 70-270 and 70-620.

 

thanks for your help

 

Mark, I have to agree with Lukas and the information he's provided you.

In addition to the information Lukas presented, the following articles are good
reading for someone in your position.

Ask yourself, Why Certify: http://www.certguard.com/Why-Certify.asp

Ask yourself if you have the experience to Earn your certifications:
http://www.certguard.com/Certification-and-Experience.asp

If you STILL feel the need to certify:
http://www.certguard.com/Seven-Steps-to-Certification-Success.asp

 

Thanks guys
Maybe it is a bit of a dream for me.

I only have a 5pc LAN running XP-pro and a evaluation copy windows server
2003r2 on and old dell server in the shed and the bottom on the garden.

Have fun
mark

 

I sense a bit of sarcasm there Mark.

Please, don't take this the wrong way, we're not saying you shouldn't be in IT,
all we're saying is that the MCSA and MCSE requirements call for much more than
you are currently capable of working with. 5 is far from 200.

Get the experience, before you attempt those certifications. Believe me, it will
make a world of difference when you do actually attain those certifications.

In the meantime, maybe you would be better off to complete the MCDST. By doing
so, you will be continuing on your path to certification as well as building
your foundation of knowledge.

 

Thank you very much for your time

all the best mark