How much time does it take to study for and pass the MSCE cert? also, how much does it cost?

Answer 1

I achieved by MCSE in 5 months doing self-study after hours. I bought the books from a bookstore.

But it depends on your dedication: it's a lot of work.

Remember one thing: knowledge without the experience is not worth much and experience without knowledge is questionable. The 2 complement one another.

Answer 2

IMHO, it cost more than it's worth.
I could pass the MCSE, but why? I've never had any need for it and nobody has offered me any more or less money because of having it or not having it.

I have however met at least a few individuals that were certified, either Microsoft and/or Novell, but had no idea what they were doing. They could study and pass a test but had no real working knowledge of whatever the certification said they were an "expert" in.

So the real question is why do you want the certification?
Does an employer or client require it, etc?
There a quite a few companies that list it as required when a demonstrated equivalent knowledge and experience will suffice.
Many narrow-minded HR depts make it a requirement and have no idea how to evaluate technical personnel for IT positions, in which case I probably wouldn't happy working for such an employer.

Answer 3

I have some developer-related certifications, not that one or any like it. But I just want to tell you not to pay too much attention to the naysayers.

It is not at all uncommon for an "experienced" person to fail a certification test miserably. You can work with a technology for years without realizing you don't really know it as well as you thought. The studying that I did for Java, Oracle, and Microsoft certifications paid tenfold. It wasn't because some prospective employer valued it (a great many do), but because it improved my skills measurably.

It can't hurt, you know? Don't listen to the "experts" who supposedly can't be bothered to take a test and prove their knowledge. But do understand that they do have a valid point, book knowledge or test-taking skill is no substitute for experience.

Answer 4

when I took the MCSE prep class in '98 it was round $4,000. how much it times it takes to study and "pass" the test is up to your level of dedication...