Member Avatar for paulwilko

Hiya

I am seriously considering changing my career path. I currently am in sales but am looking to go into IT.

I have a fairly good knowledge of pc's and networking and it has been recommended to me that i take the MCSE course which apparently is 7 exams.

My question is, have any of you taken this ?
Where did you do it ? Online or using the self paced pack that Microsoft have ?

Any help would be great

Thx

Paul

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For someone moving from sales into IT the most useful first step is to pick the job you actually want (desktop support, systems admin, networking, cloud, etc.) and use that to choose training. has already been looking at MCSE options and rightly points out instructor-led courses can speed learning — but the right route depends on time, budget and how quickly you need hands-on experience.

A practical, low-risk plan:

  • Scan UK job ads for the role you want and note the skills and keywords employers list. Use that to map required learning and certification.
  • Build a small home lab (VirtualBox, Hyper-V or VMware Player) and run evaluation ISOs from Microsoft so study is tied to real tasks. The hands-on work is what employers notice most.
  • If you lack formal IT experience, consider an entry-level vendor-neutral cert first, then move to Microsoft-focused qualifications once you have practical exposure.

Training formats each have trade-offs: bootcamps give structure and exam-focused coaching, self-study is cheaper but needs discipline, and part-time college or apprenticeships can combine learning with employer contacts. Ask any training provider for recent pass rates, what practical labs they include, and whether they offer exam vouchers or job-placement help.

Always start exam prep with the official objectives and practice labs, and save every small project or troubleshooting task for your CV. Microsoft’s certification pages show current exam paths and objectives (certification paths change over time), and Microsoft’s Evaluation Center supplies trial software for labs: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/certifications/ and https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/. For UK apprenticeship options see https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship.

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Member Avatar for hollystyles

I took MCSE in the windows NT4 days (before Win2k and active directory) I was lucky in that the company paid for a boot camp with Informatics Group (A microsoft approved training centre) It was 2 weeks and you take the exams as you go. It was good because the trainer told you exactly what you needed to know to answer the questions and you go straight in the exam room and pass the test. It's expensive though. I think it cost about £1900.00

Member Avatar for paulwilko

Thx for your reply

I know it is expensive.

If i did the self paced one, the kit is £90 plus each exam is £88.00 So would total near £900 if idid the Win XP one aswell !!

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