Class for MCSE or study by self ?

[nerd4life]

Topic is about it. I'm planning on getting my MCSE soon for 2k3 I'd imagine. I have about 4 years experience in computer support and have a good understanding of networks. Just finished up my CS degree also. Im thinkin I might as well buy the books and try and take the test if I can that way instead of having to pay and deal with a class in Houston.

Any comments ? Not sure if I would just waste money tryin to study by myself. I have no clue if the test they give are solely text-book based or if you HAVE to be in the classroom to pass.

Tim

[BUBBLE]

Well buddy I think i can help you in some way. I have some video cd's that teach abt the windows 2000. I got all the 7 cd's that you need to ass the MCSE. They are cbt nugget training cd's ad they are great too. I got them for a cheap price from a local reseller for a cheap price. (1 cd=$10) so if ya intrested send me some blank cd's along with them money to return them back so i can send them to you. I'm glad that some one ask this cause i want to help someone also who don't have money and time but need desprately to learn and pass these exams. PM me if ya intrested.

[computerbias]

Self study if you are diciplined enough, but if you lack at all & you will need the classroom to push you, Class..

[kevin_bouchard]

I'm currently taking a class for MCSE. Honestly it doesnt look to hard, and i just came out of high school(but i'm told i know lots). I would follow computerbias advise, as I should have just baught the book and studied for it. Two things I recommend is if you buy the book, try to get access to 2 computers one with w2k and the other with what ever server edition you will be studying for. This way you can do all the labs in the books. The second advice, is get a copy of testkings study guide before you take the exam. These things are amazing, every single exam i've taken the questions found in this study guide were pretty much on the exam. Its so close to the real thing that its almost cheating, but its allowed. If you can work on most of the labs, and read the book you should be in a good state to right the exam.

Hope this helps


Kevin

[su root]

I have self-studied for both of the certs that I have (non-Microsoft), and they turned out well, but I can dedicate myself to studying and self-testing, etc.

I have also taken classes for CCNA and CCNP. It's nice to have conclusive quizes that you can go over & find your errors.

From all that, I will tell you one thing: It's nice to hear from the expeiences of those who have written the exam.. they tell you where to concentrate a lot better than books will, and if you don't get something, you can get them, or other people in the class to explain it differently/better. If you can spare the time, take a class. I wouldn't recommend cram-courses though, unless you know the material already, and just need a refresher, as you won't remember much if it's a new course.

[Hexnan]

those 4 day MCSE boots camps seem the way to go. Im doing mine next year that way after a friend returned after a week in texas with all 4 certs for 1200 bucks ( i think). He got a nice raise afterwards too. Also if you fail once you get another shot at it that day......i dont know if thats good or bad =P


Hex

[Axis]

I got the NT4 MCSE awhile back. Don't spend any money. Go to the library or borrow books. Study and take tests.

Now I hate school more than almost anything.

The best advice I can give is don't try to learn anything important. Just figure out what they want to hear and give it to them. Microsoft is looking for "their" answer. It has nothing to do with reality most of the time. I think the less experienced or classroom fed person will have it easier that a person with true life experience. The questions that are situational based are not reflective of what you would come across in a real job.

Remember figure out what Msoft wants to see on the test and give it to them.

Like an education, certs do open doors but don't believe it's hype. After you get a few years under you and you are still surviving in a career sucessfully, this will tell you if you really posses true knowlege.

[nipster]

if you want my honest opinion??

chose another profession

do NOT waste your time on the MCSE or any other technical certs

they are useless, completely useless to someone not already in IT

There are thousands (millions?) of out of work IT PROFESSIONALS right now, who have years of real, proven experience who cannot get a job. What do you have to offer that they dont??

I have my NT mcse, CCNA/CCDA and CNA 4/5 and 10+ years in IT and recently had to go through the job hunt

an eye opening experience

I also never paid for any sort of formal training, i was either self taught or the company footed the bill

Right now, education and certs mean absolutely nothing. And if you want to make a career out of IT, you should rethink your career path

[nipster]

Originally posted by Hexnan
those 4 day MCSE boots camps seem the way to go


those boot camps are part of the problem...

[su root]

Originally posted by nipster
those boot camps are part of the problem...
I agree with that... in those, you do not learn, you are forced to absorb all the info and spill it on to a test.

The old saying that you forget 90% of everything within 24 hours still applies here.. you may walk out with certs, but you certainly won't be able to take them and pass a week or month later.