BF2S Forums MCSA/MCSE - advice/comments?

I'm MCSE for Windows 2000.  I went to TechSkills for "classes," which were hardly more than a bunch of reading and videotaped lectures.  The labs were cool though; they have a lab network with a bunch of computers, and an image server so you don't spend all your time installing shit for the hands-on labs.  They also have practice tests, which are almost identical to the real thing.  They don't let you take the real tests until you score over 90% on the stiffest of the practice tests.  This is because the real things cost $250 each time you take them.  I never failed any.

My only gripe is that I paid for a 2-year membership to the school, rather than paying per-certificate (was planning on getting CCNA too, but slacked).  So it cost more than per-cert would have.  Books and tests were included, so I'll say I got just a tiny bit less than my money's worth.

From what I've seen, it's better to have a bachelor's degree and a few years of experience in IT.  But getting an MCSA/MCSE is a good way to "break in" to IT in the first place.  Spend money to make money, ya know?

So if you can find a program that's reasonably priced, go for it.  It kind of feels like they're just teaching you how to pass the tests, but you come out with a great understanding of M$ networking.

Just remember: when answering the test questions, the right answer is not always correct.  The Microsoft answer is.

I too am going to start MCSE courses.  I'm looking at a tech school that offers A+, MCSE 2000, CCNA, and the upgrade of MCSE 2000 to 2003.  The course costs $7k, but at least it's hands on.  Also a really decent school schedule, mon-thurs, 8am - 2pm.  Leaves me plenty of time in the afternoon to study and/or work a part time job PLUS the 3 day weekends. 

I really tried to do some homeschooling, but my motivation to study 100% at home wasn't there..

good luck!

I am in a 2 year AAS degree program at a tech school.  That degree itself can be a good way to get a job, but having the certs are even better.(along with the degree) I think just taking the courses in order to pass the cert exams can work, but ultimately when you look at price and what you get out of it, school + certs is the way to go. With an AAS + certs(or no certs) I can get a decent paying job. Plus with the AAS degree I can spend 2 years at a University and earn a BS and get a really good paying job.

Boils down to: do you want a quick fix to get a mediocre IT job or, step up and get an education plus a really good IT career?

Last edited by 123456789 (2006-06-18 08:02:59)

KungfuBeer wrote:

I am a MCSE, CCNA, and Dell Certified System Expert.  I did not go to school, just took the tests. 

Keep in mind that the school's only prepare you for the tests, not the real world.  I have had many ppl who have gone to school and they are not prepared for the what really happens in the "Live" world.

I am not discourging any of you from taking schools in order to earn your certification, but please realize that you will most likely not be up to par once you venture into the market.

Troubleshooting is a gift and not a formal teaching, if you really want to be great, you must live and breath this stuff.

I am a network engineer for the number one hotel timeshare division in the world, so I'm not blowing any smoke.

Keep your head straight and an open mind for learning something new everyday, if you don't know something, find out the answer - that is the secret to success in this business.

^^^^^

Case in point.  You can bypass school and get a good job.  The thing about schools is that they are not all created the same.  All my instructors are professionals in the industry with years of real world experience that they infuse into their lectures.  No video lectures or online courses. If you choose to go to school, make sure it is a good one. 

Remember that there is a lot more gained from a college degree than just the knowledge required to pass a cert exam.