MCSE Certification
Free MCSE study resources
Microsoft's official MCSE web page
The MCSE certification (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer) is undoubtedly the most widely recognised certification to come out of the Microsoft camp. As of 2007 there were over 300,000 people around the world who are MCSE qualified.
The MCSE is primarily aimed at candidates with approx. 1-2 years of work experience and is intended to demonstrate knowledge and proficiency in all aspects of designing, installing, configuring, and troubleshooting network systems.
For many years now the MCSE certification has been the backbone of certification offerings from Microsoft and, despite the introduction of Microsoft's new generation certifications (intended to reflect current technologies), the MCSE looks certain to keep it's position as the most widely sought after Microsoft credential by employers, at least for some time to come. And this continued demand in the market place for the skills and knowledge reflected in the MCSE exams means that Microsoft should continue to offer the MCSE certification (albeit on older platforms) for the foreseeable future. Indeed, Microsoft have stated that the new generation certifications are not intended to replace the MCSE as different skill sets are tested.
Candidates wishing to become MCSE certified can choose between the main MCSE track or one of two specialization tracks for either Windows 2000 Server or Windows 2003 Server:
Main track:
MCSE on Windows 2000 Server (7 exams)*
MCSE on Windows 2003 Server (7 exams)
Specialization tracks:
MCSE Messaging on Windows 2000 Server (8 exams)*
MCSE Messaging on Windows 2003 Server (8 exams)
MCSE Security on Windows 2000 Server (8 exams)*
MCSE Security on Windows 2003 Server (8 exams)
*In reality however, many of the exams for the MCSE Windows 2000 tracks have been retired (including all of the 'required' exams) which makes it impossible for anyone just starting out to complete any of the MCSE Windows 2000 tracks (main or specialized). This means that those candidates who are just starting out on their MCSE journey must opt for a Windows 2003 track. However, anyone who has already completed all of the 'required' exams for any of the Windows 2000 tracks can still complete their MCSE Windows 2000 credential by completing the necessary number of Windows 2000 elective exams.
To become MCSE qualified a candidate needs to pass either seven or eight exams, depending on which track is being pursued. These are a mix of 'required' (compulsory) exams, and elective exams. In some cases, candidates can use third-party credentials, such as those from CompTIA, or Microsoft's own MCDST as credits toward an elective exam. The exams can be taken in any order, but only once all seven (or eight) exams have been passed will the candidate earn the MCSE title. An MCP credential is earned, however, for each and every exam that is passed.
To pass the MCSE candidates must achieve a scaled minimum score of 700 on each of the exams. Microsoft scale and grade each exam differently however, so a pass mark of 700 is not necessarily a 70% pass mark. The actual percentage pass mark is likely to vary slightly from exam to exam. Candidates will be informed of a pass/fail result at the end of their test.
Candidates who fail any of their MCSE exams on their first attempt may retake the exam (after paying the appropriate fee again) anytime after a 24-hour stand down period. Further fails require the candidate to wait 14 days between attempts (with a maximum of 5 attempts in any calendar year).
The MCSE certification is a lifetime credential meaning that there are no obligatory upgrades required to remain qualified. The credential is, however, tied to the platform on which is was gained, so candidates can choose an upgrade path if they wish to keep their certification up to date.
The exams typically cost US$125 each, although there may be local currency variations depending on the candidate's location, and can be taken at any Pearson VUE or Thompson Prometric testing center. Check with your local testing center for up-to-date price information. Keep in mind that there are discount vouchers available for the exam that not only reduce the cost of the exam but also include free training material (read more about MCSE exam vouchers). Discount vouchers can be bought through independant third-party suppliers.
