Overview

Think about getting my MCDST before June 30 before it retires ... or should I skip it and go for newer ones

I'm in the final stages of starting my MCTS 70-680 (Configuring Windows 7) with Open.IT This is the provider that Microsoft UK recomend. They have test centers all over the country.

I might have missed it above (and also be very late!), where are you based? I/We operate initially in Hampshire, but not limited to.

Any recommendations for a provider?

taking this exam in Feb, anyone have the course book 2nd hand i could nab? Thanks in advance

Edit to previous post - Do not train with Advent computing, their Terms & Conditions lock you into a joke of a training agency. Paying high fee's for a book, poor customer service and their support is non-existant.

MCP, MCSA and two exams away from MCSE, looking to finish 2003 and than re-certify 2008 when the courses become available.

I would look into immediate baseline needs, as your two techs go, something like the COMPTIA A+ would be a good starting point. You wouldn't need to spend a fortune on it. Theres a huge amount of information on the compTIA website so go take a look chap. From there you could look at Cisco/Microsoft certs, theres lots of information if you google it. Personally I train with Advent, which has advantages, at a price. CompTIA A+ > MCP > MCSE is the route I have almost finished paying for but no where near completing

Hi. I am new to this group [actually Edugeek groups so forgive me if I put a foot wrong] My employment at the moment is quite precarious. One thing I can do to help stabilise it is to identify suitable courses for my team [before the new term starts!] I have no formal qualifications in IT/ICT [i am trained as a scientist but I am working as Network Manager school in Herts. My team and I have been put through the mill as far as providers are concerned moving the network from Connect 2.4, through Classlink7 [ugh!] and we now have a vanilla network [mix of server 2003/2008 in a parent/child arrangement] I have taken a look at the courses that are available and I find it a little daunting to map a course through it all [both for myself and the two technicians that are working for me] I Would like to be able to do is to walk into the Head's Office with a fully 'fleshed out plan' for my team as far as training goes. He can then either accept it or reject it. Any suggestions?

I've done the MCSA/MCSE and MCDBA (dba was one extra exam on top of mcse carefully chosen electives!). All on Windows 2000 and SQL 2000. Am looking to upgrade to XP/Vista/7, 2003/2008 and 2005/2008. 2003 exams probably first, then the 2008 upgrade path. I've just left it too long to do the 2003 upgrade Really can't get myself motivated though

Just took online review test that I poured over the revision material for. Got 100%! I have been writing my notes in waaaaaay too much detail.

A+ is like the pre-requisite of the MCSE/CCNA stuff usually. Especially if you have signed up for a 'training programme'. I would work really hard on the A+ depending on your experience, it's not the hardest of exams if you work in the industry but the few hours extra you do is surely going to guarantee a pass. If you feel confident having taken examples/mock tests then you should be fine in the real thing! I'd possibly recommend the MCDST after the A+ as it will be a good next step up!

I'm studing towards an A+, kinda. Got myself a dvd traing thing off ebay, so been watching and listening to that. Me boss who's working towards a MCSA and has an A+ thinks i can pass it without any 'revision', but i think it's wise to go other everything anyway. I want to have/work towards an MCSE, anyone got any advice for me? A key question i have is if the A+ can count towards an MCSE, or do i need that and an N+? also what other qulifications are there that can compliment the A+ i no of CCNA and the microsoft ones - but are there any others? matt

Sparkeh, I hear you bud. Don't try to do too much for it mate, a pass is a pass at the end of the day and if ur moving onto higher certs then theres no point. Seems A+ is like the "Key Skills" that used to occur in secondary schools, boring, feels like a waste of time, but u just gotta get through it Keep going mate, email me if you need any resources, i found a few

Doing CCNA, which takes far too much time And want to get the book for MCTS - Vista and work through it then take the exam.

Working on A+ at the moment, finding it tough, not the difficulty of the content but its so boring I can't motivate myself. Do I really have to know exactly which chips go in which socket off the top of my head...yawn.

I hear that Andy, it's not exactly riviting stuff is it I found just hitting the workshop and absolutely blitzing the revision during your stay up there (providing you have a b&b). It worked for me and i'm now certified, especially helps having a day in the workshop then hitting the exam while it's fresh in the afternoon. I'd like to say the MCDST is much better, but you'll find out when you get there Keep plugging mate, it's not always the fastest approach that gets the reward in the end!

Hey, I'm also studying with Advent training doing the MCSE 2003 track, which I started 2 years ago, but I'm still doing A+ at the moment with about a month or so of re-revising I should be set to do my 220-602 technicians exam. I would have liked to pull my finger out and progress with studying but work and family commitments held me back, as I am now in a more relaxed working enviornment, I hope to get there ASAP. Regards, Andy Turpie

I received my MCSA in February, tempted to finish my MCSE but at the moment, looking to take a week bootcamp for my CCNA and do CEH & Security+ in my other week off - just need to find money for the exams on the latter 2. CompTIA is definitely a good route for neutrality and people are finally recognising the courses on CVs.

I'll kick things off by telling you guys what I'm upto at the moment with regards to my course with Advent Training. After being suckered in by the salesperson I started the CompTIA A+ about 2 years ago and quickly lost interest, having gone to one of the workshops they arrange for you I had a new revitilisation for getting through the certs. Passed my essentials and Technicians exams with relative ease and have now moved on the the MCDST stuff, which is a little like the A+ but alot better and a little more involving, having worked in the industry for 6 years in various roles I kind of find them mundane but at the same time I do learn little things that have certainly helped me recently. My plan is to get to at least "IT Professional" Standard by the end of the year and hopefully have my MCSE by the year after that. I'm studying the 2003 programme but it's all relative, and resonably easy to upgrade through your own learning, which i plan on doing! Anyway what you lot doing??