MSCE and MSCA

[ShaiGar]

I got a tentative offer for a job as a trainee Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator from an old friend...

Unfortunately this means that I'll have to pass MCSA, not a hard thing in and of itself, but I have certain morals about using microsoft products, or rather not using them. Already told my mate that I would accept the job if his proposal for more resources and staff comes through okay. However does anybody here know more about the MCSE courses?

I'd be looking at getting both Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator and Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician.
(somehow i dont think i'd be allowed to give the advice "switch to unix")
I have to take these courses because all of my computer knowledge is self taught with no gold embossed papers to back my knowledge up.

Are these courses truly worth it? Beyond "for a job".

[snoogit]

the MCSA is really just something tacked onto an MCSE. It's a great compliment to a degree, but on its own might not seem as remarkable. The first two exams of the MCSE are the same as the first two of the MCSA. While the MCSA covers netowrk administration, the MCSE continues with teaching about active directory, and goes more in depth with network infrastructure.

[Kevin]

I'm new here, but will still throw in my $.02. * *;)

I started to take a course similar to the Desktop Tech and was pretty unimpressed with Microsoft's course logic. *I'm completely self-taught myself, and am no longer interested in any MCSE courses. *

Great "for a job", but practical? *Hardly. * I really enjoyed the layout of some CompTIA courses I took - mainly because I did in fact learn something from the studying. *

[ShaiGar]

Thanks guys. Looks like i'm going to be bored out of my mind

[ShaiGar]

turns out he meant that all i need is my MCP qualification. one exam