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I would greatly appreciate it if someone could advise me about a study matter. Is it worth studying for MCSD? Are the lots of job opportunities for MCSD. Which is better: MCSE or MCSD. Thanks in regards

I quess you people aren't really reponsive. Is my question that hard to answer?

Greenman wrote:I would greatly appreciate it if someone could advise me about a study matter. Is it worth studying for MCSD? Are the lots of job opportunities for MCSD. Which is better: MCSE or MCSD. Thanks in regards

Well it depends, do you rather want to be a developer or a systems engineer? They're two completely different fields.

People will reply. There are 100's of other posts aswell. Users on here dont look at topics with title like 'need help' or stuck, need help. Change your subject line and you'll get replies.

Welcome to the forum btw

silv3rback wrote:People will reply. There are 100's of other posts aswell. Users on here dont look at topics with title like 'need help' or stuck, need help. Change your subject line and you'll get replies.

Welcome to the forum btw

True, a descriptive title makes it much more likely that people will help you.

As OnlyOne said, MCSE and MCSD cover completely different fields of computing, the "best" one for you really depends where you're interests lie.

Here's the description of an MCSE:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MCSE wrote:Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (or MCSE) is the best-known Microsoft certification. It qualifies an individual of being able to analyze the business requirements for information systems solutions, and design and implement the infrastructure required.

And the MCSD:

The Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD) certification is the highest level programming certification offered by Microsoft. To fulfill the requirements of the certification, a total of five exams (four core exams, one elective exam) must be passed. Some of the core exams are also requirements for the MCAD. Microsoft has declared that this certification will be focussed towards the needs of developers using .NET Framework 1.0 and 1.1 versions. Developers using .NET Framework 2.0 and Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 are expected to consider undergoing Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) and Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD) certifications.

I havn't got the first clue on how you can study these things but Im guessing what I'd go with is 1st start with the MCSE and then move on to the MCSD...if thats possible.

Also consider, that more and more servers and moving to Linux...if there are cources on that, theres another option!

silv3rback wrote:Also consider, that more and more servers and moving to Linux...if there are cources on that, theres another option!

You rasise a good point, Windows is losing its market share rapidly . There's quite a few Linux courses available, most notably the LPI certification and the NCLP (Novell Certified Linux Professional).

Basically, if you want to be a Windows-qualified techie look at the MCSE, if you're interested in .NET development look at the MCPD or MCSD.

@Judas: I thought you might like that! I was thinking about doing those kinda courses a while back and I didnt even look at the Microsoft stuff. I think the Linux courses are the way to go

Thanks for the replies , but what I really would like to know is whether what qualification (MCSD or MCSE) will give you the best chance to get a job in the IT field in South Africa which is already so flooded.

I would also like a more basic description of what a MCSD and MCSE actually does in his occupation.

silv3rback wrote:People will reply. There are 100's of other posts aswell. Users on here dont look at topics with title like 'need help' or stuck, need help. Change your subject line and you'll get replies.

Welcome to the forum btw

I'm sorry I'm kinda new at this forum thing. How do I change the subject line?

As everybody has said they're both totally different qualifications so you need to decide what you prefer more, development or systems administration... There are about equal opportunities in both fields at the moment, and I have some developer friends that earn good money.

I'm an MCSE and there are lots of jobs available in SA at the moment, I actually took my CV off CareerJunction for the time being because I was getting about 3 calls a day for jobs! The main problem is getting that first job, but once that's done and you have some experience it gets much easier. I was lucky and started with a good job that paid well, and 3 years later I was earning 3 times my first salary, so you can move up quickly if you work hard.

BTW, to change your topic heading just edit your first post and change the heading...

MCSE = Networking & hardware

MCSD = Devlopment/Programming

Thats it summed up!