MCSE Certification
MCSE Certification
MCSE Certification, MCSE Certified, MCSE Certificate, MCSE Credential
MCSE Certification
A Step Ahead…
By Payal B. Words: 506
To cope with the increasing demand of an individual's expertise and up gradation in the IT field, a gamut of Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) programs are offered by Microsoft; the most popular being MCSE or Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer. MCSE certifications give a complete knowledge about Windows Networking and Windows Applications in the domain of Windows Server 2003. Earning this credential qualifies an individual to be technically capable of analyzing and implementing the business requirements in networking and client-operating systems. It also provides the expertise in Active Directory which is used in the strengthening of IT systems.
The minimum requirement to achieve the MCSE certificate is the individual’s experience in devising, deploying, constructing and troubleshooting network systems for at least one year. The MCSE certification on Windows Server 2003 consists of seven exams: four exams on networking systems, one exam on client operating systems, one exam on design and one elective exam. The MCSE certification on Windows Server 2000 also consists of seven exams: three exams on networking systems, one exam on client operating systems, one exam on design and two elective exams. However, MCSE certification on Windows Server 2000 is for individuals working in mid-size or large corporations consisting of complex computing architectures.
If an individual is already MCSE certified on Windows Server 2003, he/she can upgrade to Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) and Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) on Windows Server 2008.
Microsoft also offers specialization in two areas: MCSE Messaging on Windows Server 2003 and MCSE Security on Windows Server 2003. Certifications in MCSE Messaging and MCSE Security are also offered on Windows Server 2000.
Microsoft offers a variety of modes in the preparation for the MCSE exam. Options include self study training kits, distance learning offered by Microsoft, Microsoft Press Books or online resources and practice tests. Various websites such as learningtree.com, mcsecourse.com, mcseguide.com, mcsedirectory.com and mcsetutorialsonline.com assist in the preparation for achieving the MCSE certification. NIIT is another leading institute offering training for attaining the MCSE certification. Hands-on experience is also a cost-effective way to prepare for the exam. Sites such as measureup.com and selftestsoftware.com offer practice tests for an individual’s own assessment.
Prometric, an autonomous testing organization with more than 3000 locations worldwide, governs all the Microsoft Certified Professional exams. The usual fee per exam is US $125; though prices vary in currency and taxes as per the region. Most of the exam format comprises of multiple choice (single or multiple answer questions), drag and drop, hot area and active screen questions, build list and reorder questions, case studies and create a tree questions. However, some skills are judged by a lab-based testing. The career prospects after earning the MCSE credential paves the way for job roles such as systems/technical support engineer, network/system analyst, and technical consultant.
Due to changes in technology and new versions, Microsoft credentials can be valued less, but by no means expire. Clearing the MCSE exams is a tough task. Nevertheless, a long path of hard work will carve a niche in this competitive IT world.