MCSE Boot Camps

Once, way back for NT4, and once for Win2K3.

I had the experience on both platforms, so I wasn't looking for a shortcut. I went primarily to get a dump on how 'MSFT saw things'; since real-world problem solving and MSFT problem solving tend to be two quite divergent paths (more so on NT4 exams than on Win2K3...but still). There are also some language tricks you need to get around (questions tend to be written in a clunky manner, in my opinion).

That said, I was surprised (both times) that most of my 'classmates' had little to no working knowledge of the platforms. At first, I thought to myself 'surely, they'll bomb in the tests'.

NOPE!!

The 'practice tests' so closely mirror the real tests, the only skill you need to have to pass is short-term memorization. For example, this "If Charlie had 5 bucks, and Susan had 2 bucks, how many $1 glasses of lemonade could they buy?" in the practice test prepares you for "If Charlie had 2 bucks, and Susan had 7 bucks, how many $1 glasses of lemonade could they buy?" on the real test.

Without naming names (never know in today's society), I will say that one of the training centers opened up new horizons for the participants, and the other allowed students to use their global knowledge base to effectively gain employment opportunities.

Would I do it again??? Honestly, it would depend. If an employer required certification, and was going to pay...sure, why not. Of my own volition...probably not.

Whatever you decide, for the sake of your career, make sure you have solid knowledge of the platforms, regardless of any certifications or training. Nothing says 'exit interview' quicker than starting a new job as the ballyhooed hire with all the certs, only to get railroaded by a fairly routine problem within your first few weeks on the job (I've seen it happen numerous times).

Best of luck!

Guaranteed pass.
Some a guaranteed job.
You too can get a job the pays XXXXXXX

And quick..

Short cuts lead to long delays.

If you go in pretty much knowing your stuff, but want to know how to pass, fair enough, though personally I think you'd be better off going alone.

If you are going in fairly ignorant. Then not only are you going to get found out. You de-value the very qualification that is apparently so valued.....

Never been to one, never will. If the priamry appeal is to greed, then the people offering it are judging you by their own weaknesses.