MCSE vs MCITP: Is the MCSE Still Worth It?

Posted on August 26th, 2009 by Gosia Grabowska

MCSE vs MCITP
A lot of IT professionals as well as entry level  IT guys and gals are still confused about which Windows Server certification they should work on. 

Which one is more valuable?  Which one is going to get you a better job?  Should you get your MCSE certification or go for the new MCITP?

These are all valid questions and they are not easy to answer. You have to keep in mind that one certification may work great for one person, and it may not work out so well for another. 

To make the right decision, you really need to take some time, evaluate your situation and your current position, and come up with a solution that will work for you. To help you get started I would suggest to take into consideration your current job situation and ask yourself these questions:

  • Is my company still using Server 2003?  If so, for how long?
  • Am I going to be involved with Server 2008 migration?
  • How long do I plan on staying with my current company?
  • Do I plan on getting a new job?
  • Do I want a promotion?
  • Do I want to completely change my career?

All these questions (and few more that you might come up with) will help you determine which certification path to go with. But here, let me clarify some info for you guys; let’s start with Windows Server 2003.

Windows Server 2003 MCSA/MCSE

The MCSA and MCSE certifications are very similar. In fact, 4 specific exams required for your MCSE will get you your MCSA in the progress. Then once you pass 3 additional exams you become MCSE certified.

So there are 4 exams required for the MCSA and 7 exams for the MCSE. As you can see the MCSE certification is a little more desirable than the MCSA because it’s more advanced and you’re required to know more (plus you need to pass 3 additional exams).

MCSA Exam Requirements

To become MCSA certified you are required to pass the following exams:

  • Exam 70-290 – Managing and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Environment
  • Exam 70-291 – Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure

And one of these two elective exams:

  • Exam 70-620 – TS: Configuring Microsoft Windows Vista Client
  • Exam 70-270 – Installing, Configuring, and Administering Windows XP Professional

Plus one additional exam, which is also an elective exam, from a list of about 20 exams to choose from. Here is the complete list — just make sure you’re looking at the Elective Exams under MCSA on Windows Server 2003.

This makes it a total of 4 exams — two required and two electives — to obtain your MCSA on Windows Server 2003.

MCSE Exam Requirements

Once you get your MCSA you will only need to pass the following 3 exams to become MCSE Certified:

  • Exam 70-293 – Planning and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure
  • Exam 70-294 – Planning, Implementing, and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Active Directory Infrastructure

And one of these two:

  • Exam 70-297 – Designing a Windows Server 2003 Active Directory and Network Infrastructure
  • Exam 70-298 – Designing Security for a Windows Server 2003 Network

For more information on the MCSE requirements, exams and their objectives, check out this page.

Windows Server 2008 MCTS/MCITP

Just like with MCSA and MCSE, the MCTS and MCITP certifications are also closely connected. You get one certification on your way to another, except that you earn your MCTS title after passing only a single exam. This is the complete list of the Microsoft exams that you can take to earn your MCTS credential.

It’s also good to know that by passing two of the MCTS exams, you get two MCTS certifications with two specific titles. For example, if you pass the Windows Vista – Configuration (70-620) Exam and the Windows Server 2008 Active Directory Configuration (70-640) Exam you have two MCTS certifications:

  1. MCTS: Windows Vista, Configuration
  2. MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuration

And you can continue to earn your MCTS certifications as you pass additional MCTS exams.

So … how do you earn your MCITP? 

MCITP Exam Requirements

Well first let me mention that there are two MCITP certifications for Windows Server 2008: MCITP: Server Administrator and MCITP: Enterprise Administrator.

For the MCITP Server Administrator Certification you will need to pass:

  • Exam 70-640 – TS: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuring
  • Exam 70-642 – TS: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure, Configuring
  • Exam 70-646 – Pro: Windows Server 2008, Server Administrator

For the MCITP Enterprise Administrator Certification you will need to pass:

  • Exam 70-640 – TS: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuring
  • Exam 70-642 – TS: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure, Configuring
  • Exam 70-643 – TS: Windows Server 2008 Applications Infrastructure, Configuring

Plus one of these:

  • Exam 70-620 – TS: Configuring Microsoft Windows Vista Client
  • Exam 70-624 – TS: Deploying and Maintaining Windows Vista Client and 2007 Microsoft Office System Desktops

And the final exam:

  • Exam 70-647 – Pro: Windows Server 2008, Enterprise Administrator

Notice that exams 70-640 and 70-642 are required for both the Server Admin and Enterprise Admin certs (so it’s probably wise to start with those two exams). The MCITP Enterprise Administrator, like the MCSE, is a bit more advanced and as you can tell, it requires more knowledge and more testing.

If you’re interested in learning more about the two Server 2008 MCITP Certs check out:

The “Other” MCITP Certifications

I know this is a little off topic, since we are talking about Windows Server certification paths … but I thought I’d mention it anyway.

You can get MCITP certified in SQL Server, Exchange, Windows Client and Microsoft Office Project Server — not just Windows Server. There are several options when it comes to earning your MCITP and it really depends on your personal interests and what you would like to do in the future.

Do you like doing support work and see yourself working at a Help Desk? (I worked at a Help Desk and really enjoyed helping people, it was also a really good experience for me.) If so, then the MCITP: Enterprise Support Technician might be the right choice for you.

If you enjoy working with databases then consider one of the SQL Server MCITP’s — there are 6 to choose from!

There are even two choices for your Server 2008 MCITP cert, that I mentioned above, so it’s a good idea to learn as much as you can about the different MCITP certifications before you decide which one is right for you.

Check out the MCITP list from Microsoft to learn more about your choices when it comes to earning your MCITP certification.

The Final Question: MCSE or MCITP?

Option 1: MCITP

To make the right decision, first consider your situation.

If you only passed one of the required MCSE exams and you don’t currently work with Server 2003 (or plan on working with it in the near future) then it might be more advantageous for you to switch over to Server 2008 and start working on your MCITP.

Option 2: MCSE

However, there are many people that already started working towards their MCSE but, for whatever reason didn’t complete it. Should they just abandon their MCSE path and switch to the new MCITP?  Well, it depends.

Think about the questions I posed at the beginning of this article and consider how many exams you still need to complete to earn your MCSE.

At this point it becomes a no brainer — if you already passed 5 of the exams and have only 2 left then you might as well finish your MCSE, since you have already invested a lot of time and effort (not to mention money) on this certification path.

Option 3: MCSE & MCITP

There are advantages to going this route — you earn your MCSE on Server 2003 and then take the additional upgrade exams to earn your MCITP on Server 2008.

The upgrade paths are an awesome shortcut. With an MCSE on Server 2003 (sorry Server 2000 doesn’t qualify for this upgrade) you can earn 3 MCTS certifications by passing a single upgrade exam:

  • Exam 70-649 – TS: Upgrading Your MCSE on Windows Server 2003 to Windows Server 2008, Technology Specialist.

After that you need only one exam to earn your MCITP Server Admin:

  • Exam 70-646 – PRO: Windows Server 2008, Server Administrator

Or two exams to earn your MCITP Enterprise Admin:

  • Exam 70-620 – TS: Configuring Windows Vista Client

    • or

  • Exam 70-624 – TS: Deploying and Maintaining Windows Vista Client and 2007 Microsoft Office System Desktops

    • and

  • Exam 70-647 – PRO: Windows Server 2008, Enterprise Administrator

Here’s some additional information on upgrading your MCSE to MCITP on Server 2008.

Where to Find MCSE and MCITP Training?

Whatever your decision is going to be — whether you want to finish up your MCSE or go for your MCITP — we got you covered! 

We have training videos that will help you earn both your MCSE and MCITP certifications. We also have training for those of you who are interested in the upgrade path from MCSA/MCSE on Server 2003. 

I took the 70-640 and 70-620 exams after watching our videos, just to test our instructors (I know, I’m evil ;) ) and I passed on first try — and so can you!

Here are links to all of our Windows Server 2003 and 2008 training videos:

MCSA/MCSE Server 2003 Training:

MCTS/MCITP Server 2008 Training:

Time to Decide and Get Windows Server Certified!

No more excuses! No more procrastinating! No more wasting time!

The new MCITP’s have been out for over a year now and it’s time for you to take action — either finish up what you already started on your MCSE path (then take the upgrade exams to earn your MCITP) or, if you think that completing your MCSE is a waste of time then start working toward your MCITP.  Either way, it’s time to make a decision and get certified.

I hope that my article will be able to help you make the right decision and remember, you can always post your specific situation in the comments below and I will try to help you as best as I can! Good luck!

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12 Responses to “MCSE vs MCITP: Is the MCSE Still Worth It?”

  • Jason Harry Says:

    August 26th, 2009 at 10:49 am

    Nice Post!!!

  • Jeremy Needle Says:

    August 28th, 2009 at 1:30 pm

    I’d say the problem w/ Micro$oft’s new line of certs is name-familiarity. Most IT recruiters, directors, managers, etc. haven’t heard of the MCITP or MCTS. Furthermore, most companies with a Windows infrastructure are still using 2003. Very VERY few companies I’ve consulted with have 2008, mainly because of application compatibility. Certainly adding a 2008 Domain Controller or File Server isn’t a big deal, but what about for your content management system? You have SharePoint 2007/2003 and Exchange 2007/2003 and these are all running on preexisting 2003 systems. [Possibly they've been upgraded to 2003 R2.] Or what about the companies 2005 Enterprise SQL Server running on a 2003 Cluster? Given what I’ve seen, I would say absolutely to have your 2003 MCSE and supplement it w/ 2008 certifications.

  • Juan Nieto III Says:

    August 28th, 2009 at 3:34 pm

    Ditto! I just finished my MCSE and I believe this is true in many organizations today. I dont believe its a waste of time to pursue your MCSE vs. MCITP. It will be around for a while. Although, it is still a great ideal to upgrade to MCITP afterwards.

  • Sudarshan Lohar Says:

    August 31st, 2009 at 11:18 pm

    Hello All,

    Thank you so much for the information provided…
    but can you please let me know if i need to have MCTS / MCITP Certification, i already need to be MCSA Certification holder.
    Waiting for your reply

  • Allan Says:

    September 1st, 2009 at 7:50 pm

    Most people who have some knowledge about MS certs will probably ask you “MCITP? What’s that?” and scratch their heads when you tell them that you are an MCITP-Enterprise Admin. The 4 letters that still get people’s attention are “M-C-S-E”. Let’s face it, MCSE has been around since the NT4 days. The ITP is really just a johnny come lately on the IT scene. The MCSE is still more worth it than the ITP stuff nowadays.

    Personally, I did both programs — the MCITP is a breeze once you pass the MCSE stuff…

  • sheriff Says:

    October 14th, 2009 at 8:54 am

    guys… i learn the complete coverage about MCSE OR MCSTP… with this coverage one thing i got cleared… i m right now looking for system admincertification… but not yet started any thing so far.. SO IT IS GOOD TO procced WITH MCITP ????????? AM I RIGHT guys???????

  • Alex Says:

    November 16th, 2009 at 4:24 pm

    For years i always said i would do my MCSE, as i always percieved it to be the gold standard of knowledge within the server field, which i always dreamed about. New versions of server came out, i would start reading up on it, and then the lack of motivation/laziness stuck, as i always found it too boring, despite having some decent books, decent systems etc, but never actually sat any exams.

    Ive started doing MCITP SA, and have passed the 70-642, and now doing the 70-640. I recognise i am lazy, and hate redoing stuff. EG to do the MCSE from scratch, then yet another set of upgrade exams, at another few months studying to change to the MCITP, when i could have had this from the outset, isnt my idea of fun. I also figure that Server 2008 is on SP2, and it came out in feb 2008, how ready does it have to be before it becomes the default?.

    While it is hard going and i am missing much free time etc, this is nothing compared with the amount that I HATE my current job, and its prospects, (despite it being for a large texan computer supplier), which is what gives me the motivation to do something about it.

  • Grant Says:

    November 22nd, 2009 at 5:01 pm

    nice post.

    i’ve gotten 4 of the MCITP: DA:EA:SA:EPM

    i still have both MCSE /MCSA 2003 as well so i would recommend getting both certifications as it will be better later on.

    any way Good post.

  • Simon Says:

    November 26th, 2009 at 5:38 am

    Really nice post. I am about to start my MCITP but it was a very tough decision on whether to take MCSE or go the MCITP way. I believe a lot of companies arestill using Server 2003 and will continue doing so for quite sometime. Currently where I am working, we are using Server 2008 and that was one of the reasons why I decided to go for MCITP Server Admin.

  • Ganesh Says:

    January 24th, 2010 at 4:36 am

    Very good post but still I am not able to come for a conclusion. MCSE or MCITP?? Actually I need to start from scratch, plz tell which one I can opt for?

  • jeremy needle Says:

    January 31st, 2010 at 6:15 am

    ====Ganesh

    Why not split the difference? Get MCSA 2003, then MCTS for 2008 Active Directory and 2008 Network Infrastructure.

    For the MCSA elective your best bet is probably 70-236, Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 as this will ALSO give you a 4th MCTS for Exchange 2007.

    And for the client take 70-680, and this will give you a 5th MCTS: Windows 7, Configuring

    The end result, you pass 6 exams and get 5 certifications. Hows that for playing the resume/certification game? *bemused chuckle*

    Exams Taken
    70-680
    70-290
    70-291
    70-640
    70-642
    70-236

    Certifications Earned

    MCTS: Windows 7, Configuring
    MCSA: 2003
    MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuring
    MCTS: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure Configuration
    MCTS: Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 – Configuration

  • Clayton Says:

    February 16th, 2010 at 5:17 am

    Jeremy you are all over it that was exactly my take on it what I am currently doing:

    Completed
    680
    290
    291

    Doing 236 next

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