13 replies to this topic

[ipchain]

The long journey has come to and end today, as I finally reached the MCSE 2003 status!

That's right folks, I passed 70-298 today with a score of 946.    

Overall, the case studies were very long to say the least, but the format was somehow easier than what I had imagined. You're given a menu on your left-hand side that you can use to browse through it, and that definitely does make things easier.

I am EXTREMELY pleased with my result, and I look forward to starting my studies for CCNA soon, after a great weekend!

Do not be fooled, while it may seem I rushed through it, it took me 7 months to pass 6 exams ( In Order: 70-270, 70-290, 70-291, 70-293, 70-294, 70-298 ). Having A+, Network+, and Security+ helped a lot, as they completed 2 electives, and the knowledge obtained from them served as a base for many of the things I learned throughout these 7 months.

Now onto the good stuff...

My exam consisted of 5 case-study scenarios, ranging from 4-10 questions with a total of 35 questions.

You're timed in each scenario, and once you click on "end it" there's no way to modify your answers --  you need to move on to the next scenario, so very extremely careful.

The time varied depending on the scenarios, ranging from 15 to 29 minutes, depending on how many questions you were required to answer.

This particular tests does exactly what it is designed to do -- it tests your understanding about security.

Topics range from IPsec/VPN to EFS, GPOs, PKI, Auditing, Security Templates, SUS, 802.1x, WEP, etc.

The best thing I can suggest is that you know certificate services inside and out. I believe every scenario had at least one question referring to PKI.

IPsec was also heavily tested, along with Security Templates. Make sure you're extremely familiar with these topics, and please do know how to design them as again your ability will be tested.

What's next for me? Well, I'm very interested in obtaining my CCNA, and who knows if I do like networking, I will continue to pursue my CCNP as well -- that is of course, after a long, and very joyful weekend!

Good Luck to those of you pursuing this cert!

Edited by ipchain, 11 May 2007 - 08:44 PM.

[lde]

CONGRATULATIONS!  Inspiration for those of us who have much farther to go.

[jnorman10]

Big Time CONGRATS mate!!!!!!!!!!!

You've busted your arse, you deserve it....

Cheers and good luck!!!

- J Norm

[Quinntessential]

Congratulations IP on finally getting your MCSE 2003

That must feel like a giant weight that has been lifted of your shoulders now that you have achieved that.  

I wish you all the best for your CCNA studies.

[EclipseAgent]

Congrats.. This test was my least favorite.. since reading is not my forte..

[James]

Congrats IP to yet another acomplishment  

Wish you luck for the CCNA .

[24giovanni]

Great job IP, very impressive work on achievements.

[ipchain]

Thanks guys, for all your replies.

I ought to admit I finally saw the horizon, after a long 7 months.

For those of you currently pursuing this certification, it is worth every minute of your reading. I cannot possibly express the vast amount of knowledge you will gain from it, so stop hesitating and get on the horse!

Microsoft has not updated my transcript yet, and I took the exam on Friday, but boy am I looking forward to finally seeing that credential being on my transcript!

Thanks again fellows,

IP    

[pete071]

... late again
... but great news, great score and big congratulations on your achievement - extremely well-deserved and reward for your effort  

[manatwork]

Do not be fooled, while it may seem I rushed through it, it took me 7 months to pass 6 exams ( In Order: 70-270, 70-290, 70-291, 70-293, 70-294, 70-298 ). Having A+, Network+, and Security+ helped a lot, as they completed 2 electives, and the knowledge obtained from them served as a base for many of the things I learned throughout these 7 months

Congratulation, IP and thanks for the tips above!
I just get started so it might take my average joe mind longer than 7 months to comprehend the certification.

[buff529]

Congrats!!!

I am currently working on my Security+/70-298 to finish up my MCSE. What did you use for study materials for your 70-298? I'm working with the 2830B MOC book, but the labs, for the most part, need special configurations, and i don't have that information.

I was considering getting the MS Press Training Kit, since i've had fairly good luck passing all my other MCSA/MCSE exams with them, but i read the reviews on Amazon and it was a total mixed bag. Ususally the Training Kit has labs and gives you the configuration information for the lab machines.

Any suggestions?

Thanks

[wendypeterson]

  Congrats!!!

I am just passed my Security+ TODAY.  I need 70-298 to finish up my MCSA 2003:Security. I have to echo: What did you use for study materials for your 70-298? I have no material yet, and want to purchase the best prep.

Any feedback would be appreciated!

Thanks
Wendy

[ultracool]

  Congrats!!!

I am just passed my Security+ TODAY.  I need 70-298 to finish up my MCSA 2003:Security. I have to echo: What did you use for study materials for your 70-298? I have no material yet, and want to purchase the best prep.

Any feedback would be appreciated!

Thanks
Wendy

Grats! Im onto 270 and then Security+ too. Noticed Security+ seems to have A LOT OF MATERIAL compared to microsoft exams. I do wanted to quote you on 298 exam for MCSA Security... I don't see it in the list for MCSA Security in the MS page. I do see 298 as REQUIRED for MCSE Security. Can anyone confirm this? Because my path was going to be the following:

290 (MCP),291,270,Security+ (MCSA), 299 (MCSAS), 293,294 (MCSE), 298 (MCSES)

But given that Wendy states that she is going to get 298 for Security i would rather take 298 first... (seems like its the right order and rather even numerical? lol) I wonder if the website has that mistake or not  

[dianaa_amc]

PLZZZ GIVE ME LINK FOR 70-298 TEST INSIDE PDF FILE , I HAVE TO TAKE PRINT OUT .PLZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ