Hello everyone, I am a test engineer having all the basic ideas and practical knowledge about w2k pro/server administrations like configuring domains/servers etc. I am thinking about MCSA exam. Which is really better in job market MCSA or MCSE. I am a bit confused about it. Also how much time should i take to prepare before taking the exam for MCSA. Is there anybody having knowledge about these ?? Any valuable suggestions welcome. thanks in advance. binil

Unless your employer is paying, don't waste the money. Right now the certs aren't worth it in seeking employment. You would be better off learning a breadth of technologies such as Windows Server 2003, Cisco, Red Hat, Free BSD, firewalls etc. This is much more valuable than the certs. I am curently a MCSE, MCP, CCNA, CNA, etc but find that the experience and real world exposure are what people are looking for. Now, off my high horse, if you want to pursue Microsoft certs then go for the MCSA first. All of the tests will be applicable to the MCSE track. Buy the books from a used book store. Spend a couple of days on each test by studying and cramming then go take the test. DO NOT waste money at a bootcamp or career school. They will take your cash and laugh all the way to the bank.

this question can best be answered by looking at the IT cert forums. to pass the w2kpro cert test you'll have to know server. to pass server you have to know everything else. do not expect to see 100% server questions. expect to see, at most, 40%. everything else will be on infrastructure, etc. are certs worth it? some say that the cert will only get you an interview. what they want is experience. if you have just the cert and no experience, they will not likely hire you.

Thank you very much for your kind responses. What u actually meant by cert ? MCP is really for programmers know ? u mean like server 2003 is better than MCSA ? that certification is not yet started? I am currently looking for some jobs in sys admin side, which everyone is asking for some certification like MCSE . I am still bit confused. Also thank thanks aloto bdx1 for your kind suggestions.

MCP is not programming alone, you can be an MCP in Windows 98, or MS Word. It just means Microsoft Certifited Professnal, nothing more. Certification does get your foot in the interview door, experince will get you the job. And if you do get the job, the cert will get you more money in the offer. At least thats how if worked for me. And not all skools are a waste of money, most are, but the local community college has some excellent classes, half the cost, real world learning and certs too. Shop around and buyer beware.

Thnks Rick for the usefull suggestions ...