Mcse?

[JonsMazda]

Any MCSE certified people in here? I have a few questions for you. :)

[chinsterr]

My dad took the course for work,
post up the questions and i will ask him ...

LOL he bought this "Cheat Guide" for the exams and it basically had all the questions in it ..

[JonsMazda]

1. Where did he get the cheat guide?
2. Which books are recommended?
3. How long did it take to complete all the exams to get the certificated?

Im thinking of taking the Windows 2003 Server MCSE exam. Not sure if Windows 2000 server is the way to go or 2003 Server.

THanks!

[Wild Weasel]

If you're doing it now, do the 2003 one. No point in learning 2000 these days. It's on it's way to obsolescence.

Hopefully this year I'll start my way toward certification as well. One of the perks of the new job I'm starting. :)

[chinsterr]

I think i have the cheat guide lying somewhere on the other computer.

He took 2000 and it took him 10months to do through IBM, but this was a few years ago (or more). He also said that they made it harder since he took it... the addition of more exams ? or something like that.

As for the books , they are stored away. The only thing thats out is his certificate.

[DrunknFoo]

If I find anything, I'll let you know

[SIM SIMMA]

If you are serious why would you go with a server OS that would be eventually phased out? It should not even be a question as to 2000 or 2003.

If you are serious what are your aspirations? Do you want MCSE? MCSA? so many different options you can take.

In regards to "cheat" books or what not. What is popular is visiting the dump sites.

This is an example: http://mcsebraindumps.net/

What people used to do is memorize a crapload of the questions and answers and pass strictly by doing that. But if you get hired for your "supposed" certification you may get bit if you don't know your stuff.

In my opinion there are way too many "paper" MCSEs out there... they have these glowing certs but know jackshit. I've seen it in interviews many times.

[JonsMazda]

I just want to get as much knowledge and certificates as I can. MCSE, CCNA, A+, MCSA, CCNP, and the list goes on and on.....

[chinsterr]

What people used to do is memorize a crapload of the questions and answers and pass strictly by doing that.


lol its funny you mention that, because it somewhat reminds me of my dad.... I guess the only difference is that he's been with IBM for over 30 years now and they let him take the course as a option. They probably don't care whether or not he actually knows the stuff, as long as he passed.

... i guess that doesn't say much for IBM ...

[SIM SIMMA]

Nah the difference is your Dad has work experience. Work experience is way more valuable than some crap Microsoft writes in a book. My issue with Microsoft certs is that you have to answer it their specific way or else it is wrong when they are so many other ways to do it... etc etc.

I am not certified and have been in the industry since 1999. I have yet to have a problem finding a job without being certified.

JonsMazda... you list a ton of different certifications... but is there something you want to aim towards within the industry? Taking all those would be nice and all but it will be time consuming and expensive. If you narrow down what you want to do you can cater your certifications to that area.

For example if you want to be more server/network related you really don't need to waste your time with A+... people who do desktop support and helpdesk usually do that one...

If you want the real money... get your Cisco certifications... they are not easy but will guarantee you jobs and money :) what is also huge now is network security...

[cereal83]

I was thinking about going for it but then realized, that piece of paper doesn't actually mean anything. Plus I don't use windows so it would be kind of pointless. A linux cert would be nice but then again, I think certs are a waste of money.

[ptwonline]

I was thinking about going for it but then realized, that piece of paper doesn't actually mean anything. Plus I don't use windows so it would be kind of pointless. A linux cert would be nice but then again, I think certs are a waste of money.

The "piece of paper" is like many other "pieces of paper"--it can help you get a job, or else get a higher salary.

It doesn't mean that you know any more or can do the job better, but it makes it easier for so many non-techie HR people to hire you since it allows them to cover their, er, selections.

[MattC]

you crazy tech people, all your schooling and certifications.

Be a designer jon! no schooling required, and if your good, theyt pay you buttloads of cash for it.

eventually when you work your way up to a managerial design job, you dont even have to design anymore, you have people to do that for you! :chuckle

[Wild Weasel]

Yeah... I've got no certification either. Just experience, and that's served me well so far.

Certification will get you in the door, but if you can't do the work then you're not going to get anywhere.

When I interviewed for the job I'm about to start, they asked me if I had any MS certifications. I said no, and asked whether they felt it was important.

They said they'd like me to have it and that they'd pay for the courses for me to get it. But they still hired me based on my knowledge and experience.

With that in mind, I'm going to get it because it's being made available to me.

I'm sure as hell not going to get it using cheat notes and what not though. If I'm going to do it... I figure it's to my own benefit to properly learn the material and pass the exams honestly.

[Flagrum_3]

Nah the difference is your Dad has work experience. Work experience is way more valuable than some crap Microsoft writes in a book. My issue with Microsoft certs is that you have to answer it their specific way or else it is wrong when they are so many other ways to do it... etc etc.

I am not certified and have been in the industry since 1999. I have yet to have a problem finding a job without being certified.

JonsMazda... you list a ton of different certifications... but is there something you want to aim towards within the industry? Taking all those would be nice and all but it will be time consuming and expensive. If you narrow down what you want to do you can cater your certifications to that area.

For example if you want to be more server/network related you really don't need to waste your time with A+... people who do desktop support and helpdesk usually do that one...

If you want the real money... get your Cisco certifications... they are not easy but will guarantee you jobs and money :) what is also huge now is network security...

Although I agree with most of your post, its not completely right...Several years back I decided to take some courses and try to get into the industry, I took many courses and got a dozen certifications including the MCSE, CNE, CCNA to name a few and I know I knew my stuff pretty good as the schools I choose, I choose specifically for the hands-on approach, none of this "cheat sheets". read a book pass a test type thing.But when I started looking for work, what do you think the first question was? What is your experience?... What a cluster****!! ...two years of applications, resumes, interviews...what a waste, not a single job offer and why because no experience, they all thought I was a "PaperMCNE"....My point, to the original poster,...before you start taking all them courses, test the market, go to some job fairs, or even call up some companies about probable employement before the courses....You might just save yourself alot of frustration.


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[cereal83]

The "piece of paper" is like many other "pieces of paper"--it can help you get a job, or else get a higher salary.

It doesn't mean that you know any more or can do the job better, but it makes it easier for so many non-techie HR people to hire you since it allows them to cover their, er, selections.

Yeah maybe but experience will go further then that piece of paper imo.

[SIM SIMMA]

I was just posting my experience. The sad thing with the industry is that it's a catch 22. IF you don't have the experience they won't hire... but some people won't hire you because you don't have the certs.

You're right though.... you'll have to apply and interview and see how it goes. My personal experience is that I have not needed my certs. Maybe I have been lucky and have found companies who hire more for soft skills assuming that with X amount of experience means you know your shiet.

I'm not saying don't go for certs... just saying there are tons of certified people out there that no jackshit.

[Wild Weasel]

Pretty much my experience. I don't think I've missed out on anything for not having the certs, but if they're being made available to me, I'm going to get them. Certainly won't hurt, I don't think.

[JonsMazda]

Only a diploma vs diploma & certificates, which one u think the company will take? well duh! lol...but where do I start since I don't have that much experience?

[cereal83]

I am usually in the room when my boss hires people. Some people come in with like 20+ certs but have no experience so we send them to the hills, a guy with even 6 months experience over a guy with 20 certs is better in my bosses opinion. These guys with the certs usually know nothing and we work with mostly linux and they have all these mcse's and ccna's and all that fun stuff but can do anything at our company.

[SIM SIMMA]

not always about all the certs.... and whatever credentials.... you can know everything but have ZERO soft skills... you still won't be hired.

nowadays people are looking for people that have the personalities to fit well within their organization and teams... seen people with excellent resumes that don't get the job because they have no communication skills or personality

[JonsMazda]

ah dammit....and i just bought $200 worth of mcse textbooks.......

[PlatMS6]

IT is very a cut-throat field...
If HR hires you based on your credentials (on paper) and soft skills.... and then you come to the team not knowing jack and asking bs questions out of the normal "training".... ure farking gone son :P

Its definatelly not a field where you can BS your way through it....only way that will work is if you start at a small company that isn't IT related at all but need IT support - hell and even then you will be walking on eggshells.

I suggest you forget certs - just read the material, and start at some company's local helpdesk... like level one support, where you will be front-line support and will learn all the basics....