MCSE is the premier Microsoft certification
program and is one of the most widely recognized, pursued,
and obtained technical certifications in the IT industry.
The MCSE certification proves your skills in managing
backoffice computer systems and networks that run on Microsoft
Windows 2000, XP and other Microsoft software Microsoft
Certified Systems Engineers, design and implement an infrastructure
for business solutions based on the Windows platform and
Microsoft Servers System (2003). Both of these MCSE tracks
include specializations in: - Messaging - Security.
There
are over 400,000 MCSEs nationwide. MCSEs with three to
nine years of experience have an average annual salary
of $52,700.
You can choose studying for the exam by using either of
the following options:
The MCSE credential is designed as an independent credential
that covers the skillset of Systems Engineer, Network
Engineer, System Analyst, Network Analyst, and Technical
Consultant.
Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) candidates
on the Microsoft Windows® 2003 track are required to pass
seven exams or the equivalent that include the following:
Core Exams (6 Exams Required)
 Four
operating system exams. Candidates must pass one exam
from each set of operating system exams—client operating
system and networking system—in the table that follows.
One
client operating system exam
One
design exam. Candidates must pass one exam that provides
proof of expertise for design skills for specific Microsoft
server technologies.
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Exam 70–290: Managing
and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003
Environment |
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Exam 70–291: Implementing,
Managing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server
2003 Network Infrastructure |
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Exam 70-293: Planning
and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003
Network Infrastructure |
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Exam 70-294:
Planning, Implementing, and Maintaining a Microsoft
Windows Server 2003 Active Directory Infrastructure
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Exam 70–270:
Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft
Windows® XP Professional |
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Exam 70-2101:
Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft
Windows 2000 Professional |
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Exam 70-2972,
3: Designing a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Active
Directory and Network Infrastructure |
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Exam 70-2982,
3: Designing Security for a Microsoft Windows Server
2003 Network |
Upgrade Exams (2 Exams Required)
Microsoft
has designed an upgrade path that will enable a current
MCSE to earn the Windows Server 2003 credential in a time-
and cost-effective manner.
Elective Exams (1 Exam Required)
Together with the core exams, the elective exams provide
a valid and reliable measure of technical proficiency
and expertise in solution design and implementation. MCSE
candidates should also have at least one year of experience
implementing and administering network operating systems
and desktop operating systems.
To learn more about changes in the certification policy,
see
the Microsoft Enhances Its Certification Program page.
Microsoft recommends that candidates have at least one
year experience implementing and maintaining a network
operating system in a typical medium to large organization,
one year experience implementing and maintaining desktop
operating systems, and one year experience designing network
architectures.
Microsoft
Certified Professionals Magazine's 2000 Salary Survey
found that the average MCSE candidate had 5.9 years for
experience while the average MCSE + Internet candidate
had 7 years of experience.
However, there are a number of courses available designed
to help less advanced students get up to speed on Microsoft
technologies and prepare for MCSE certification faster.
According to Microsoft Certified Professionals Magazine,
the average candidate in 1999 spent 361 hours preparing
for the MCSE exams and 364 preparing for the MCSE + Internet
exams.
It depends on how you prepare for the exams and how much
experience you already have. According to Microsoft
Certified Professionals Magazine, the average candidate
in 1999 spent $6,714 preparing for their MCSE exams and
$5,945 preparing for the MCSE + Internet exams.
Microsoft offers a number of benefits to MCSEs, including
use of the MCSE logo, discounts on software and training,
and free access to additional online documentation and
information. Please check with Microsoft for a list
of current benefits.
Upgrade Exams
Microsoft has designed an upgrade path that will enable
a current MCSE to earn the Windows Server 2003 credential
in a time- and cost-effective manner.
For the MCSE on Windows 2000 credential:
Networking: An MCSE on Windows 2000 has the option
to take only Exams 70-292 and 70-296, instead of all
four core network exams; however, an MCSE on Windows
2000 can elect to take all four core network exams.
Client: An MCSE on Windows 2000 has already passed
Exam 70-210 or 70-270, which also satisfies the client
requirement for MCSE on Windows Server 2003; therefore,
no action is required.
Design: The design skills required of an MCSE
on Windows Server 2003 do not differ significantly from
those required of an MCSE on Windows 2000; therefore,
no action is required.
Elective: Elective exams are required so that
candidates prove technical breadth, interoperability
skills, or additional technical depth. For MCSEs on
Windows 2000, the current MCSE credential satisfies
the elective requirement for Windows Server 2003 because
it proves the ability to support another version of
the platform; therefore, no further action is required.
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