Gaining an MCP (Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) in general)

Member Name: jorindel

Product:	Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) in general
Date:	04/04/01 (197 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: proof of knowledge, more £££, status, great career prospects

Disadvantages: cost, bowing to the one you serve (Microsoft), often poor study material

I have been studying for various MCP's over the last year now. Before I began studying I wasn't employed in a support or networking environment, so the intention was to use this as a way of getting my CV noticed.

MCP's actually form the individual components of the full MCSE. To gain the MCSE in Windows NT4 you are required to pass 6 indidual MCP's. Microsoft have now seen fit to make the NT4 exams obsolete and you are only able to take core exams in Windows 2000. To my knowledge, you now need to gain 7 MCP's on the 2000 side to achieve the MCSE.

As we all know Microsoft has domination in a lot of areas in computing, and the certification field is no exception. There are other exams out there, the most well known probably being Novell's CNA and CNE. Before embarking on study for Microsoft qualification it is definitely worthwhile checking out the others.

Adding MCP to your CV will help it toward the top of the pile in the HR offices. MCSE will see it sitting proudly on top. However it is important to remember that reading and passing exams is no substitute for experience. If you intend to study for any of the networking exams I would advise getting hold of three pc's and making a mini network. Actually seeing and experiencing the topics covered in the books can really boost your progress.

One of the biggest problems I found when I began studying was the distinct lack of useful study material. Granted, there are hundreds of books out there covering the exams but unfortunately most are inadequate. They tend either to contain too much information or information that does not actually pertain to the passing of the exam. This is mainly due to Microsoft's reluctance release exam details to publishers.

There is one particular useful study aid I have found called Braindumps. This is a very contentious area as many have said it is cheating. Braindumps have been set up by many people a
nd consist of a forum where people post (from memory) the questions they have received on their exam. These are then discussed and answers suggested. Personally I found these sites to be a great source of exam question preparation. Make sure you find out the answers to all posted questions and satisfy yourself that the answer is correct.

In conclusion I would recommend studying for your MCP/MCSE. Whilst they are expensive and the failure rate is high they provide they perfect foot in the door. Just go to any job website and see how much money is being offered for holders of the MCSE - surely enough incentive in itself.

Exam fee = £65.00 per exam
Books for self study = approx £50 per module

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