take which mcse tests first?

Hi, you could take TCP/IP first if you have a good grounding in both nt server and nt workstation (since the test includes configuration details for the OS'). If you decide to take tcp first, follow that with either workstation or server, then enterprise (all 3 of these tests have some overlap). Many take net essentials last because it is tough (lots of memorization of cable lengths, etc) and because passing this test first does not give you mcp status (any of the other tests will). However, there is hard and fast rule about which test to take first - do practice tests and make sure you pass them with a good margin. Look at www.brainbuzz.com; www.certify.com; www.mcsetutor.com. This site recently had a download of a mcse test prep guide -search under mcse, tesing or certification to find it. Good luck.

If you take one of the "OS" tests first, and pass, you'll be a Microsoft Certified Professional. This won't happen if you take TCP/IP first.

I'd recommend you take NT Workstation first, because it's easier. Then take NT Server and NT Server in the Enterprise (on the same day if you can, because they're so similar; studying for one is like studying for the other).

When I got my MCSE, I took Workstation, then NT server and NT server in Enterprise on same day, then I did Networking Essentials, TCP/IP, and IIS 4.0. The last test caused me to get my MCP + Internet *AND* my MCSE on the same day.

I've talked with several other MCSEs who followed the same course, and thought it was a good way to go.

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I really think the order is unimportant. I personally took Net ess, then workstation, server, tcp/ip, then enterprise. I am currently working on exchange.
Personally for me, workstation was the hardest, but it, server, tcp/ip and enterprise have a great deal of the same stuff covered. I suggest doing those together.
I was planning on taking IIS instead of exchange, until I found out that IIS is being retired, and that exchange can be used as an elective for the 2000 MCSE.

May I suggest the following order.
NT Workstation
NT Server
Networking Essentials
TCP/IP
Server in the Enterprise
Exchange server

Keep in mind that most of these exams have been scheduled for retirement and (at least I hope) the win 2000 exams will be much more difficult.

I found that a good understanding of the OS was the best way to begin. I suggest Server in the Enterprise after TCP/IP and Net Essent because that exam involves all the previous topics. If you don't understand the operating system then you may have trouble understanding the relevancy of the other exams.

At the end of the day, it doesn't make a huge difference what order you take them in from the point of view of difficulty - sooner or later you have to do 6 of them! However it can be a good idea to pick up certifications along the way which means you have qualifications to show right from the first exam. The order I'd suggest is NT Server as this gives you your MCP and is the most useful. Then IIS and TCP/IP in either order, which will give you your MCP+Internet. Then take Workstation, Enterprise and Network Essentials to get your MCSE. To start with I'd take only one on a day - the tests take a bit of getting used to! The last three could easily be taken on the same day, although you'd probably be exhausted by the end of it!

I have my MCSE and got it in Dec 98. First, you should have a firm grasp of all concepts as it pertains to config and install of WinNT. I took Workstation, then Server then Enterprise Server. Then Network Essentials then TCP/IP then IIS4. The W/S/E tests flow from one to the other and info used in one will be useful in the next. The same goes for Net Essentails/TCPip/IIS4. Enterprise is an extension of Server which is a entenstion of Workstation.

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