MCDST & MCSE

Frozennova · 13 Mar 2010 at 23:06

As I'm returning to full time education later this year after an 18 month break since I left school I am looking at what comes next and I have decided I will take the following route

- BTEC National Award IT Practitioners ( Systems Support)
- Microsoft Certified Desktop Technician
- Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer

I start the BTEC at college in september and found the two microsoft ones here

However due to my relatively low income as all I currently have is GCSEs I would like to know if I can purchase the Course Materials (I've found them at a reasonable price online) and book the exams through Pearson Vue

Pestilence · 13 Mar 2010 at 23:34

frozennova said:
However due to my relatively low income as all I currently have is GCSEs I would like to know if I can purchase the Course Materials (I've found them at a reasonable price online) and book the exams through Pearson Vue

That's exactly what you do. Grab the course materials from online stores (the saving you make on them online is incredible), study and then book the exam at your nearest Pearson testing center when you're ready. Simple as that.

Most of the official MS training books come with a second-chance voucher as well, which is useful.

Frozennova · 13 Mar 2010 at 23:44

Thanks for that means I can save myself a huge chunk.

Any authors/books you could recommend.

Pestilence · 14 Mar 2010 at 00:27

The official MS books are about all you need, but for an added boost for the MCDST I'd heartily recommend getting the "Exam Cram" ones that come with mock test CDs. They're excellent.

zetec452 · 14 Mar 2010 at 00:29

I'd also recommend you setup a test lab, a decent PC with VMware or Virtual Box will do.

That way you can follow the examples and tests through the book. It is also fun to break stuff and try to fix it.

Frozennova · 14 Mar 2010 at 00:35

Im already competent with the hardware side of things and deal with all of the windows installations etc within my family so I have a good grounding knowledge.

Could anyone point me in the direct of the official microsoft textbooks as I can't seem to find them

EDIT: would these be the right ones for MCDST

http://www.waterstones.com/watersto...f-paced+training+kit+28exam+70-27129/3691186/

http://www.waterstones.com/watersto...f-paced+training+kit+28exam+70-27229/3691209/

Pestilence · 14 Mar 2010 at 00:57

You can get both of the MS books for the MCDST on the big river site (can we say the name yet?).

Frozennova · 14 Mar 2010 at 01:36

Could you possibly send me an email in trust with a couple of links of the full names of the ones to look out for it would be greatly appreciated

m4cc45 · 14 Mar 2010 at 11:15

I should point out that although you may know how to install Windows, etc. it really doesn't mean anything. With the exams you have to think how Microsoft would do it. There is a lot of cross over with domains, AD, DNS, DHCP, etc. even in the MCDST exams. So, as JonRohan suggested, a decent lab is essential if you want to learn.

M.