Advice Please - Best Way to Do MCSD

[pendragon]

Hi all

 

Having fun trying to figure out how best to study for MCSD.

 

Are books Like Microsoft�s MCAD/MCSD Self Paced Training Kit: NET Core Requirements any good?

 

Can anyone recommend a decent set?

 

Or should I just bite the bullet and buy one of the Computer based training kits that are out there and do it that way.

 

All comments would be gratefully appreciated as this could turn out to be VERY expensive

 

Thank You

[Denaes]

I have the Microsoft Set. It could be good depending on how you learn.

 

I personally learn best by doing and figuring out how to apply the new knowledge. These books don't take that into consideration.

 

They just talk and talk, give you code samples, then baby-step walk you through a project or two at the end of each chapter.

 

It does have questions in the back of each chapter and most are conversational rather than programmical.

 

I'm nearly done with the windows programming book right now. Take that for what it's worth. This should have everything they're going to test on, I'm not sure if this is the best way for you to learn the information.

 

Does anyone know if you can get the MCAD and then upgrade it to the MCSD?

[PlausiblyDamp]

The MS certifications are given out based on the qualifications you have, not what you want (if that makes sense).

i.e. If you have the requisit exams for the MCAD you get the MCAD, if you then do a few more and qualify for MCSD you are both an MCSD and an MCAD. If you did a couple extra that could get you your MCDBA and now you would have all three qualifications to your name.

Also your transcript on the MS web site tracks them all and when they where achieved - if you upgrade to the 2005 versions (whatever they will be called) you would have both the existing and the new to your credit.

[Denaes]

Thats good to hear. I'm going to get my MCAD then move onto my MCSD.

 

Here in the States, it's the opposite with colleges. If you get a degree in Application Development, then take the 5 extra classes required to major in Database Theory, you don't get both degrees.

 

I think it's a money issue. Where the schools want so much money per degree granted or something like that. Otherwise I'd have two degrees as I meet the requirements for Applications Development and Database Theory at the school I graduated from. :rolleyes:

 

I suppose I was fearing something like the same from Microsoft where they would force you to pay for and take tests over again for multiple certifications.

 

So if requirements overlap, you can apply the tests (required and elective) you took from one certification to another certification so long as they're all legal choices?

[Nerseus]

That's odd, Denaes. I would think of you have all the credits required for two majors then you GET two majors: Bachelor of Science in Application Development and Bachelor of Science in Database Theory - IF those are two degrees. I would bet there's just one: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science.

 

At my university we had "options", so you could get a BS in CompSci, Science Option or BS in CompSci, Math option.

 

You can also get a Major and a minor, in some areas. The credits I needed for a BS in CompSci got a math minor for example.

 

-ner

[pendragon]

Thanks Denaes, I think I will get the books. I have also found a company that does online training but they give you access to all the Microsoft & Cissco course so if I get it done quickly then I can do other ones as well.