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Q1) I hold MCSE (NT) and MCSE+Internet certificates, and currently working for MCSE (2000). How do I upgrade to MCSE+Internet certification? (From Joseph Connelly) 

ANS) Microsoft has announced that an upgrade path to MCSE+Internet certification is not planned. Most of exams leading to the MCSE + Internet certification have retired on February 28, 2001. This means that all candidates who earned the MCSE+Internet certification by February 28, 2001, will retain their certification until December 31, 2001. 

MCSE+Internet is meant for professionals who work with sophisticated Intranet and Internet solutions. According to Microsoft the current MCSE (2000) and MCSD certifications test many of the skills and job functions earlier covered by MCSE+Internet. Further, exams planned for the Microsoft .NET platform and the operating system following Microsoft Windows 2000 (code–named "Whistler") will cover even more of these skills. 

However, Microsoft has not ruled the possibility of introducing a future certification “to meet the needs of the unique job function of Internet professionals”. But “such a certification would not be considered an "upgrade path" to the current MCSE+Internet credential”. 

Experts feel that there is scope for a new post- MCSE certification to replace MCSE+I. 

Follow up to last week’s Cert Advisor

Q2) Where can I find MOUS testing centers? Do MOUS tests have the same format as the MCP tests? (From Julie Cho)

ANS) The format of MOUS tests is different from MCP tests. MOUS tests are not multiple-choice examinations. They are hands-on tests, which require candidates to perform a series of tasks to demonstrate their skills. Each examination is conducted within a "live" Microsoft Office application. As tests usually have a time limit of one-hour, candidates really need to be proficient with the concerned application. 

You can locate testing centers for MOUS exams at www.mous.net/testing/locator.asp

Select questions & answers

Q3) What is AIX for Solaris Administrators Project (ASAP)? (From C.Steinberg)

ANS) ASAP is reportedly a training program IBM is offering for Solaris administrators on AIX. AIX is an IBM Unix system that is competing with Sun's Solaris. ASAP also prepares Solaris administrators for IBM certification exam on AIX system administration. It has been reported that by creating a better professional base to support AIX and wooing Solaris administrators to switchover over to its Unix system, IBM is trying to compete with Sun more effectively in the server market.

Q4) Is it true that individuals can get CompTIA membership? What is the value in it? (From Arnold Marshall) 

ANS) CompTIA has formed an association, which is open to its certified professionals. This association aims at “sharing knowledge and creating a networking forum among CompTIA certified members” and already has over 6,000 members.

As a member you will get, among other things, a membership certificate, 25% discount off CompTIA exams and access to member’s only area of the CompTIA web site. 

Membership charges are affordable ($59.00 for 12 months). For more details and to join please visit: http://www.comptia-itpro.com/home.htm

Share your cert-experience

**How tough is it to be an MCSE without experience? Our member ‘Jay’ shares his experience. 

“I became a full time (8:30am to 4:30pm) student for twelve straight weeks starting on June 26, 2000, though it cost me a fortune. I also practically locked myself in my bedroom for six months, as I had to pass all the (MCSE NT) tests before they retired on December 31, 2000. There was too much at stake. By the grace of God, and by the hard work I put in, I managed to pass all tests. I felt like, I was on top of the world. I passed my last test (TCP/IP) on Dec 26, 2000 and since then, I swear I'm not exaggerating, I must've sent out over a thousand resumes with no luck. Everyone wants experience. I'm beginning to feel very hopeless and also am mad at myself for putting myself in this mess. I would like to know if you folks have any suggestions, because I think another three months and I'll probably forget half of what I had learned with so much interest and excitement.”

(We agree with your statement that employers do press for experience. MCSEs, without experience, may have to start at entry-level jobs particularly in the present economic situation. If you refer to our archives you will find that we have covered this issue in detail. We also have listed a few suggestions – many compiled from experiences of our members – on how to find entry-level jobs. We know it is tough, but don’t think there is a case to feel hopeless. You have to stay current in what you have learnt so far and persist. Persistence is a crucial differentiator between winners and losers. Wishing you all the best. – CertAdvisor)

**Should middle age career changers return to college? Our member John Carlson continues the debate and says no. (Please see the archives to read about the experiences of other members.) 

”You learn more on your first three weeks on the job than you do in two years in college. I get paid about 25 percent more than anyone, who went to college, in my company because while they were learning English, calculus, statistics, and a little computer networking, I was out learning how to deal with customers, and do the actual job. Once, I went to the community tech college and found out that in the Computer Science course one-third of the credits did not even concern with a computer. What a waste of time and money!”

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