How to Become a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE)

The MCSE credential certifies you to analyze business networks, troubleshoot network problems, and install and configure various network components. Many network administration jobs require or prefer MCSE certification. Since Microsoft will soon retire the Windows NT 3.51 and Windows NT 4.0 tracks, the Windows 2000 track is the most sensible option to pursue.

Things You'll Need

• MCP Approved Study Guides
• MCSE Training
• Microsoft Practice Tests

Instructions

1. Review the different core and elective exams offered in the Windows 2000 track to assess which skills each exam tests. Determine which exams you want to take and which skills you'll need to acquire. (You'll need to pass five core exams and two elective exams to become certified.)

2. Understand that you'll be required to take the following four core exams to become certified: Exam 70-210: Installing, Configuring and Administering Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional; Exam 70-215: Installing, Configuring and Administering Microsoft Windows 2000 Server; Exam 70-216: Implementing and Administering a Microsoft Windows 2000 Network Infrastructure; and Exam 70-217: Implementing and Administering a Microsoft Windows 2000 Directory Services Infrastructure.

3. Select one additional core exam that reflects a specific skill that you have or want to develop. You can choose an exam that deals either with directory services infrastructures, network infrastructures, or network security.

4. Select two elective exams in the Windows 2000 track. The elective exam options include the three optional core exams and an additional exam dealing with upgrading from Windows NT 4.0 to Windows 2000. Note that exams listed as both core and elective count only once.

5. Select a Microsoft-approved training/preparation service. Several classroom and self-study options are available.

6. Assess your skills by taking a Microsoft-approved practice exam, available through Microsoft.

7. Obtain the exams you want to take and complete them.

Tips & Warnings

• MCSE certification focuses on Windows 2000 (formerly known as NT) because it certifies administrators for larger networks (more than 200 users). Other certification options are available for desktop operating systems (Windows 98).

• Microsoft recommends that Windows 2000 MCSE candidates have implemented and administered a network operating system for at least one year prior to pursuing certification. If you don't have on-the-job experience, you should take hands-on classes, usually offered through a community college or university extension program.

• If you have already passed three Windows NT 4.0 certification exams, you can take Exam 70-240: Microsoft Windows 2000 Accelerated Exam for MCPs Certified on Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 in place of the four core exams listed above.

• If you are network-certified through another body (such as Novell), you might be able to use this certification in place of one of the elective exams. Contact Microsoft for details on which certifications are acceptable.