- The Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) certification program has been designed for systems engineers, technical support engineers, systems analysts, network analysts and technical consultants who take a series of exams to gain certification in Windows 2000 and 2003.
- The program was designed for information technology professionals who have worked with Windows operating systems and servers, especially their design and implementation, for at least a year. The MCSE is considered one of the top certifications for computer engineers.
- The certification for Microsoft Windows 2000 is appropriate for people who work in small and medium-sized companies, who are expected to be skilled in the design, implementation, administration and installation of programs, infrastructure and networks connected to the operating system.
- Certification for Microsoft Windows 2003 requires take more exams than for Windows 2000, but professionals that are certified in the earlier version can take two additional tests to become certified in the newer version of Windows.
- Two of the benefits of certification are the opportunities to earn greater salaries and either keep a job or get a promotion. Redmond magazine's 2006 survey of information technology professionals found that 43 percent of respondents who had gained certification had gotten raises.
- Along with certification for engineers, Microsoft also offers a certification program for systems and network administrators, or those who manage and administer operating systems for businesses, who have six months to a year of experience.
