Reply to: Self Study / Home Kits (MCSE)

[gables]

It seems pretty comprehensive, I've taken the view that all the info is in there to pass the exams, it is Microsoft's training kit after all. The simulated exams look genuine and you can customise them to focus on a particular area, which I think might be useful.

HTH

[Cactus]

Hi Cactus,

I bought this kit http://www.dabs.com/productview.aspx?QuickLinx=3SHP it seems pretty comprehensive. I went this instead of some CD only based kits as I can read it at any time.

HTH

Nice1 Gables thats exactly what I linked too, although you've found it cheaper than I did I like the Idea of paper based stuff as some of the CDs I've got are useless and takes a long time to get to the place where I left off. I'll possibly mark the pages and highlight stuff too.

How did you find the content?

I'd give you a precious advice. Dont go for MCSE , go for Vista/Longhorn knowledge.

Thanks, but by the time a company is ready to migrate to Vista it'll be at least 2009. I'd quite like to get involved in migration projects so I'll keep my options open.

[2uk]

Hi All,

I'm looking to start my MCSE 2003, think it's about time that I finally sat down and did it. I don't particularly want to get into the discussion on its value. IMHO I've done alright without it so far. But it gives me something to fall back on hopefully it will be of some use and I might actually learn something from doing it. (i.e. some SQL and more in-depth Exchange Stuff).

There have been a couple of roles in the past where my C.V has been rejected by agencies based purely on the fact that I don't have an MCSE. It's almost as if the certification was used as a filter. "Yes you have the relevant experience blah, blah, blah, but my client specifically specifies that anyone I put forward has to have the certification".

So to get past that filter and hopefully be able to apply for those roles with slightly better daily or hourly rates I think it's about time that I hit the books.

I've tried some of the sample Learnkey CD's but I think I need some form of classroom style folders or literature to help me absorb it better (after all the subject is fairly dull). Including that I need Lab exercises etc. and tips to pass the exams.

I'm currently thinking of getting these...
http://www.microsoft.com/MSPress/books/6274.aspx
Found them for approx £90. Does anybody else know of anything that would suit me better?

Does anybody have any opinions on the CompTIA + Certifications? Better to go with these or down the MCSE route?

I'd give you a precious advice. Dont go for MCSE , go for Vista/Longhorn knowledge.

[Back In Business]

I've had my MCSE details on my CV since '98. Nobody, not even one agent/interviewer/etc. has ever even asked me about it let alone told me to get the paperwork out.

I'm not saying that it's a completely pointless exercise just take ratewhore's advice and do it in South Africa, that way you'll see a benefit.

[gables]

Hi Cactus,

I bought this kit http://www.dabs.com/productview.aspx?QuickLinx=3SHP it seems pretty comprehensive. I went this instead of some CD only based kits as I can read it at any time.

HTH

[Cactus]

Why did you rate your own thread a 5 *?

I didn't think that anybody took any notice of the rating.... clearly I was wrong... sorry for clicking .... We are touchy today!

download the CBT nuggets there whiteboard lectures and I found with the books worked out well so far.

I think I understood this. Thanks Mictech.

Bricklaying and chippying is something to fall back on, not an MCSE...

That's me fooked then!

I totally agree Buffoon but if it means me spending a few quid, getting something out of it and playing the game so that I can honestly put it on my C.V then that's what I have to do. Especially as I'm choosey where I want to work.

If you need a book to pass an MCSE exam, then I think you're in the wrong profession...

Helpful Robert! Thanks.

[ratewhore]

do it in south africa. at least you'll get a nice holiday out of it and you can put it through the books...

[Cowboy Bob]

If you need a book to pass an MCSE exam, then I think you're in the wrong profession...

[Cliphead]

Years ago I was asked if I had MCSE cert so I added it to my CV. Never been asked again.

[marcus2704]

I was thinking of getting that training set also, does anyone know when the next MCSE certifications will be out to incorporate Vista etc?

[freakydancer]

Are we the most impressionable people in the world?

I mention this thread was rated by the OP and then all the threads suddenly have ratings.

you and your big mouth!!

bloody kids.

[bogeyman]

Are we the most impressionable people in the world?

I mention this thread was rated by the OP and then all the threads suddenly have ratings.

There! See what you've done now?

I hope you're please with yourself!

[ratewhore]

But it gives me something to fall back on hopefully it will be of some use and I might actually learn something from doing it. (i.e. some SQL and more in-depth Exchange Stuff).

Bricklaying and chippying is something to fall back on, not an MCSE...

[Sockpuppet]

Are we the most impressionable people in the world?

I mention this thread was rated by the OP and then all the threads suddenly have ratings.

[Buffoon]

... but my client specifically specifies that anyone I put forward has to have the certification"....

More agent lies.
It is either some excuse for rejecting you on other grounds, or part of their marketing to the client such as "our contractors are the best, they all have MSxx".

Most client requirements are no better than the proverbial fag packet and that includes those that have gone through HR and are on the official forms. The exacting requirements are the agent’s attempts to match that poor specification as close and best they can. No considerations of the true requirements of the client or the ability of the candidate enter into this.

I'm glad that I am out of this silly game now.