MCP exam 70-215

[Fathoms Down]

I hate to agree but most IT "qualifications" are pretty much worthless these days. There is a site out there (actualexams.com?) which actually has the actual questions asked on the exam. I caught a couple of my guys using it a while back and was pretty disgusted.

I'll drop you a PM on the best way to learn the ropes

[JAG]

Originally Posted by RonProwse

Its interesting that Ben mentioned the BrainDumps these are great for getting the exams out the way but Microsoft are ramping up the new exams by including simualtions that you have to complete, these sort the men from the boys!

Ian i hope you have a few PCs at home to set yourself up a lab as this will help ram home the theory.

One thing i do see all the time and i love every chance to test people on is the BS they put on their CV's, you soon know if the guy is a geek or is stringing you BS.

Ron

Yep, got a couple of machines at home to set up a network.
I've been working in a Windows NT/2000 environment for about 6 years. I fell into it really after being in the communications field for 5 years, was asked if I wanted to join the IT Dept and said yes. So for the last few years I've worked in a Trading Floor environment as a 1st/2nd line support guy, dabbling in networking occassionaly (but my knowledge in networking is poor). Quite a bit of experience with AD and the usual stuff 2nd line deal with but never actually taken any exams. So, as a way to further my knowledge and try to get a couple of qualifications should I feel the need to move on, I thought I'd see what's available.

Cheers,

Ian

[JAG]

Originally Posted by Fathoms Down

I hate to agree but most IT "qualifications" are pretty much worthless these days. There is a site out there (actualexams.com?) which actually has the actual questions asked on the exam. I caught a couple of my guys using it a while back and was pretty disgusted.

I'll drop you a PM on the best way to learn the ropes

Cheers Nick

[thehappychappy]

The old chestnut of Vendor led qualifications.

These could be compared like for like with some well known diving qualifications.

Essentially all that you have by gaining the award is the minimum level of knowledge to pass that exam in the vendor’s eyes.

These rarely reflect the real heterogeneous - multi vendor, multi budget, ever expanding, corporate takeover "real world ".

Every single IT Landscape across every single organisation you will ever encounter is different from the last.

Personally id ask myself why I need the qualification?

To keep my job?
To earn a bonus?
To help me in career marketplace?

Is the knowledge more important than the qualification?

To most organisations I have ever encountered I would answer yes however the opposite is exactly true of all the recruitment agencies / pimps that you will encounter.

What matters most to them are the keywords / qualifications because they are so limited in knowledge or wisdom all they can do is filter applicants by supposed minimum standards.

Unfortunately working in IT means you will have to go through agencies and therefore probably be better off with the qualification although when you get to the interview then it’s the knowledge that counts and any CV BS or qualifications without experience or knowledge to back them up will be spotted by any credible person interviewing.

In other words, put the effort in, take your time and gain experience in a controlled environment and what matters with the knowledge is the practical wisdom that comes from knowing any product in a real environment.


Note: Just read back and I didnt really add anything to this thread at all.. mmh time to go diving and shut up.... Seeing as I typed all this I am going to post it anyway

[kuki9591]

Originally Posted by RonProwse

Ian i hope you have a few PCs at home to set yourself up a lab as this will help ram home the theory.

few virtual options available now:

Microsoft Virtual PC 2004

VMware Free Virtualization Products

both free of charge.

Mike

[Neil M]

I still have 216 to do to become MCSA, then 1 more elective and a design exam left to do..

just struggling to fit it in at the moment!!!

p.s. Azlan in wakefield do Sat exams