Life After the Exam
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[edit section] After the Examination
With any luck, you will come out of the exam room with a glistening smile and a small slip of paper with a number higher than “700” on it. Of course, this is not the end of the 70-270 (Windows XP) exam process, but rather, the beginning. A plethora of career paths, certification tracks, and educational opportunities will await you as a successful candidate for certification in the area of Windows XP installation and administration. The options you choose are entirely your own decision; however, we would like to give you some guidance as to these options for your future and your pursuit of further knowledge.
[edit section] The Recursive Track: More Certifications!
Of course, 70-270 is one of many Microsoft examinations that can lead to your certification in Microsoft software and components. Upon passing any Microsoft exam you will automatically become an MCP, or Microsoft Certified Professional. This is a rather blasé designation as many technicians and administrators hold it. However, the several Microsoft-sponsored certification tracks, including the MCSE and MCSA tracks, hold much weight with potential employers and even count towards credit at many major universities. The MCSE, for example, requires six additional certification exams in several other areas (read more about the MCSE and its requirements in our article, MCSE and Your Future). However, Microsoft Certified Systems Engineers tend to be paid up to more and have longer, more rewarding careers than their non-MCSE counterparts. There are definite advantages to holding MCSE certification that are opened to you as a result of your passing the 70-270 exam, a core requirement for the MCSE.
Interestingly enough, Microsoft offers CompTIA credit towards the MCSE certification. Specifically, the MCSE Security certification requires the standard (core exams) as well as the Network+ and Security+ designations from CompTIA. This is but one option of how different certifications from different providers can be combined to achieve a wider career goal.
[edit section] The Educational Track
The 70-270 Windows XP examination covers a wide variety of material that is often reflective of college or university-level courses. As a result, many accredited universities offer college credit for successful 70-270 exam candidates. Anybody who wishes to pursue a long-term educational goal, especially in computer science, has something to gain in taking the Windows XP exam as the certification is much cheaper than a college class and requires a much smaller work effort.
Some of the majors that often offer replacement or acceleration credit for the 70-270 include:
- Computer science
- Systems administration
- Network engineering
- Network analysis
- Programming or algorithms
[edit section] The Career Track
Of course, passing the Windows XP exam will qualify you to receive MCP (Microsoft Certified Professional) status. We would highly recommend that any candidate for the 70-270 exam also be a candidate for the MCSE accreditation, but holding an MCP in this area alone is often more than enough qualification for potential employers. By passing this exam, you demonstrate to potential employers not only your aptitude in Windows XP installation and management, but also your ability to successfully study for and excel in tests of technical analysis and knowledge.
Some careers open to Windows XP (70-270) certified professionals include:
- Systems engineering and administration
- Help desk and support
- Data processing and analysis
- PC technician
- Network administration and support
- Technical Writing
- Systems analysis
[edit section] More on MCSE
Hopefully, this guide has opened your eyes to some of the options available to the MCP certified individual. We sincerely hope that you will be successful in all of your future endeavors as an MCP, and hopefully, an MCSE. Read more about the MCSE specifically and the components of an MCSE certification in our article on the MCSE.
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Categories: Microsoft | MCSA | MCSE
