Adding in the cost of examination fees as an inclusive element of the package price and presenting it as a guarantee for your exams is a common method with many training course providers. However, let's consider what's really going on:

Of course it isn't free - you are paying for it - the cost has just been rolled into the whole training package. It's everybody's ambition to qualify on the first attempt. Going for exams in order and funding them one at a time sees you much better placed to get through first time - you prepare appropriately and are conscious of what you've spent.

Isn't it outrageous to have to pay the college up-front for examination fees? Go for the best offer at the appropriate time, instead of paying a premium - and do it in a local testing centre - rather than in some remote place. Is there a good reason to pay interest on a bigger loan than is necessary because you've paid early for exams when you don't need to? Huge profits are netted by organisations charging upfront for all their exams - and then hoping that you won't take them all. It's worth noting that exam re-takes through companies with an 'Exam Guarantee' inevitably are heavily regulated. They'll insist that you take mock exams first until you've demonstrated an excellent ability to pass.

Average exam fees were 112 pounds or thereabouts in the last 12 months when taken at local VUE or Pro-metric centres throughout the country. So why pay hundreds or thousands of pounds extra for 'Exam Guarantees', when it's no secret that the best guarantee is consistent and systematic learning, coupled with quality exam simulation software.

As can be seen here, the 'MCSA' and 'MCSE' accreditation tracks aren't very straightforward to comprehend. Before you decide to commit anything for what may seem like a good 'MCSA' or 'MCSE' package, its normally wise to discuss all your options with a training-advisor. The simple truth is there are a number of excellent lower priced training programs available, and really a few rather bad high-priced ones. You simply cannot evaluate a training course on the price alone. A good deal more relevant is the calibre of the training method (for example is it multimedia?), the extent of support (is it truly round the clock?) and just how good is the exam prep material?

In order to obtain the complete MCSA you need to take 4 specific MCP examinations (MCP stands for 'Microsoft Certified Professional'). Three of these are 'core' examinations that have to be taken, & one is an 'elective'. A more and more important and completely acknowledged 'elective' is the 'CompTIA Security+' , which for obvious reasons is starting to become a lot more popular with trainees. In order to successfully achieve your overall 'MCSE' you have seven 'MCP' examinations to pass. These particularly stress network-design, security and systems planning.

Training time is generally established as close to 300 to 350 hrs for the 'MCSA' & 500 to 550 hrs for the MCSE, assuming high quality multi-media training materials, 24-hour entry to student-support, & some effective examination preparation software. This means it's feasible, when you've got experience, to do all of them via part time learning in eight to twelve months. If you're new to the IT industry though, think about starting with CompTIA 'A+' & Network+ first. Details of these accreditations are available on their particular sections on this site, however this will add 200 hrs or six months of part time training into the mix, possibly a little longer.

Although often grouped alongside one another, the 'MCSA' & MCSE are essentially meant to fulfil 2 distinctive purposes. Coaching to become a 'Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator' ('MCSA') is the platform for Networking and senior-support careers and server administration. Anybody interested in technical systems roles, managing the functions of a mid-sized or small company-network might go for an 'MCSA'. You'll derive a lot from this work if you're a highly organised problem solver that looks forward to a strong technical challenge. It is quite a people-oriented role with a lot of variety, as the work effectively entails support and interaction with all the network users.

The 'MCSE', alternatively, is geared towards planning, design & project management; in other words a rather more senior level of responsibility. If you should aspire to network management, senior-administration, technical consulting or project management, or you intend to progress toward a higher-level I.T. security job, then this is the route to look at. The 'MCSE' is possibly not as well-known for it's teaching on leadership & creative problem-solving skillsets, which are also necessary for those working in senior technical careers.

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