There are a lot of different exams which are all at the MCTS level.

Basically there are two levels for Microsoft Certs.  MCTS (Microsoft Certified Technical Specialist) and MCITP (Microsoft Certified IT Professional).  The MCTS exams are designed to show breath of knowledge in a specific technology such as Windows 2008 or SQL Server 2008, etc.  The MCITP exams are designed to show depth of knowledge in a specific job function such as Database Administration, or Enterprise Administration.

Every MCITP exam requires a specific MCTS certification be earned before you can earn the MCITP exam.

The most recent MCSE certification that you can earn is for Windows 2003.  At this point all products have transitioned to the MCTS/MCITP certifications.

If you want to really show a high level of knowledge you can look at the MCM and MCA certifications.  The MCM (Microsoft Certified Master) requires at least two MCITPs as well as several weeks of training at Microsoft's office.  The MCA (Microsoft Certified Architect) requires that you hold an MCM certification and complete several weeks of training at Microsoft's office.

The MCM and MCA each cost over $10,000 (US) to obtain.  The MCTS and MCITP just require taking the tests which will run you $150 (US) each.  

Denny
MVP
MCSA (2003) / MCDBA (SQL 2000)
MCTS (SQL 2005 / SQL 2005 BI / SQL 2008 DBA / SQL 2008 DBD / SQL 2008 BI / MWSS 3.0: Configuration / MOSS 2007: Configuration)
MCITP (SQL 2005 DBA / SQL 2008 DBA / SQL 2005 DBD / SQL 2008 DBD / SQL 2005 BI / SQL 2008 BI)

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Unelss there has been a change in the past month the MS exams are $125 each.  The training course for MCA and MCM is actually around $18,000, and you have to apply to the program and be accepted based on the certifications that you have and the strength of your work experience.  The OP is many years away from being able to be accepted into either program.

The MCTS is focused on a single technology.  Usually you just pass a single exam to earn the MCTS.

The MCITP is, as was stated, focused on a job role.  To earn an MCITP you will need to pass multiple MCTS exams related to that job role, and then pass an PRO exam to earn the MCITP.

There is no direct successor to the MCSA and MCSE certification, but they roughly map as follows:

MCSA --> MCITP: Server Administrator
MCSE --> MCITP: Enterprise Administrator

That assumes that you did not earn any specialization with your MCSA/MCSE certification, as there are now MCITP certs for Exchange, SQL, Sharepoint, etc.

In summary, there are many more options than there were before, you will need to specialize.

________________________________________
CompTIA A+, Network+, Server+, Security+
MCTS:Windows 7
MCTS:Hyper-V
MCTS:System Center Virtual Machine Manager
MCTS:Windows Server 2008 R2, Server Virtualization
MCSE:Security 2003
MCITP:Server Administrator
MCITP:Enterprise Administrator
Certified Quest vWorkspace Administrator

Thanks for the input everyone. I can always count on Tek-Tips for guidance and help.

 

-Todd-
CCNA, A+

**Mathmatics affects 7 out 5 people each day**

Any suggestions on practice tests? I have the study material and am going through it right now. I do fine practice tests pretty helpful to find my weak areas that I need to focus on. Of course I am not looking for those "brain dump".

I did like How2Pass.com for my CCNA. It had 400+ questions and they gave the reason for the answer, which was very helpful. I just need to find one for the MCTS certs.

-Todd-
CCNA, A+

**Mathmatics affects 7 out 5 people each day**

If you use the Microsoft Self-paced Training kits they come with practice tests from Measureup.  I thought those were always decent.

Then there's Transcender.

________________________________________
CompTIA A+, Network+, Server+, Security+
MCTS:Windows 7
MCTS:Hyper-V
MCTS:System Center Virtual Machine Manager
MCTS:Windows Server 2008 R2, Server Virtualization
MCSE:Security 2003
MCITP:Server Administrator
MCITP:Enterprise Administrator
Certified Quest vWorkspace Administrator

Thanks kmcferrin, I'll check both of those out.

-Todd-
CCNA, A+

**Mathmatics affects 7 out 5 people each day**

You can also check this site for practice tests:

Selftestsoftware.com

MeasureUp and selftest are sites which are recommended on the Microsoft website for the objectives of each exam. For instance see:

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/exam.aspx?ID=70-536#tab3

and look for the section "practice tests"

IT Courses

 

FYI to all test takers..
Those who are going for the MCTS, I was going to do Server 2008 Active Directory Configuration 70-640. Come to find out that the english test is 83-640. Same material as 70-640. It's just that 70-640 is not offered in english.  

-Todd-
CCNA, A+

**Mathmatics affects 7 out 5 people each day**

That is correct.  The 83- numbering indicates that it is a simulation exam.  If I'm not mistaken, in addition to the typical Q&A portion of the exam there are several labs that run in virtual environments that you will have to complete.

________________________________________
CompTIA A+, Network+, Server+, Security+
MCTS:Windows 7
MCTS:Hyper-V
MCTS:System Center Virtual Machine Manager
MCTS:Windows Server 2008 R2, Server Virtualization
MCSE:Security 2003
MCITP:Server Administrator
MCITP:Enterprise Administrator
Certified Quest vWorkspace Administrator

You can check if the site you are using for your test questions is legal. The site is called certguard.com

As of right now the 83- exam is no longer. You can take the 70- (640) in english. I am doing this tomorrow. Hopefully I'll pass and be able to have a life again :P

-Todd-
CCNA, A+

**Mathmatics affects 7 out 5 people each day**

Sniffer2112, how did you do? What did you end up using or finding the most beneficial in your self training? I'm looking to take this test too and want some direction. thanks

I finally passed. I'm not sure what to tell you Primeaum. I used SelfTest and when I took the exam, there were things in there that I know I never saw in any test questions or even in the readings. When I took it again, there were more questions and mentioning of Windows 7.  

-Todd-
CCNA
MCTS: Sever 2008 AD Configuration
CompTIA: A+, Security+

**Mathmatics affects 7 out 5 people each day**