In-Depth

MCSE

The most sought-after of the premier Microsoft certifications.

• 06/01/2001

The MCSE certification is appropriate for people who hold these types of job titles: systems engineer or analyst, technical support engineer, network engineer or analyst, and technical consultant.

The MCSE currently exists in many forms: MCSE for Windows NT 4.0, MCSE on Windows 2000, and MCSE on Windows 2003. These are covered here. Following the creation of the MCSE-Windows 2003, Microsoft also created specializations: MCSE: Messaging and MCSE: Security. (These titles are covered separately.)

Microsoft expects MCSE candidates to have at least a year of experience implementing and administering a network with the following characteristics:

• 5 to 150 physical locations
  
• Network services and applications such as file and print, database, messaging, proxy server or firewall, dial-in server, desktop management, and Web hosting.
  
• Connectivity needs including connecting individual offices and users at remote locations to the corporate network and connecting corporate networks to the Internet.

Likewise, candidates should have a year of experience in administering desktop OSs and designing networks.

MCSEs receive the following benefits upon completion of requirements:

• Industry recognition of your expertise.
  
• The right to use the MCSE logo on business collateral.
  
• A certificate, transcript, wallet card, and lapel pin to identify you as an MCP to colleagues and clients.
  
• Access to technical and product information direct from Microsoft through a private MCP Web site.
  
• Discounts on products and services (such as a reduced price on the one-year subscription to TechNet or TechNet Plus during the first year of certification.)
  
• Invitations to Microsoft and MCP Magazine conferences, technical training sessions, and special events.
  
• An opportunity to join the MCP Database, a peer-to-peer database that allows registered members to locate others by geographic area who have similar interests.

There are two ways to achieve the MCSE on Windows 2000: the traditional way and the accelerated way. The following table shows those paths:

The MCSE on Windows 2003 requirements also diverges on two paths, one for those who plan to take the traditional route and one for those who plan to upgrade from MCSE on Windows 2000. The upgrade path is straightforward: Those who qualify are those who have obtained the MCSE on Windows 2000, and those who pass them immediately obtain the MCSE-Windows 2003. Unlike the 70-240, however, which was free, these ones are fee-based. This table shows the different paths.

For most, the MCSE on Windows NT 4.0 is a retired certification, since many of the exams have been discontinued. However, those who've managed some partial completion of the track and need only pass exams that are still live can obtain this certification. See the following table for all exams related to the MCSE on NT 4.0:

You must take exams in person at Prometric and VUE testing centers.