MCSE Constituent exams

MCSE is currently available in two tracks:
1. MCSE on 2003 Server path, and
2. MCSE on Windows 2000
If you are just starting, MCSE 2003 is preferred path. We will be discussing here MCSE on 2003 Server path unless otherwise specified.
MCSE candidates on the Windows Server 2003 track are required to satisfy the following requirements:
Core exams (six exams required)

• Four networking system exams
• One client operating system exam
• One design exam

Elective exams (one exam required)

Microsoft recommends MCSE candidates to have atleast one year of experience in the field of operation and maintenance of desk top computers, and networking. The exams available under different heads are given below. Microsoft normally make changes to the electives from time to time (i.e. removing an elective, and including another) depending on the current requirements, and technological developments. Normally core exams remain same for a given certification track.

Core Exams: Networking System (Four Exams Required)

Exam 70–290: Managing and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment

Exam 70–291: Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure

Exam 70-293: Planning and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure

Exam 70-294: Planning, Implementing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Active Directory Infrastructure

Core Exams: Client Operating System (One Exam Required)

Exam 70–270: Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows XP Professional

Exam 70-210: Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional

Core Exams: Design (One Exam Required)

Exam 70-297: Designing a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Active Directory and Network Infrastructure

Exam 70-298: Designing Security for a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network

Elective Exams(One Exam Required)

Exam 70–089: Designing, Implementing, and Managing a Microsoft Systems Management Server 2003 Infrastructure

Exam 70-227: Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2000, Enterprise Edition

Exam 70-228: Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Enterprise Edition

Exam 70-229: Designing and Implementing Databases with Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Enterprise Edition

Exam 70-232: Implementing and Maintaining Highly Available Web Solutions with Microsoft Windows 2000 Server Technologies and Microsoft Application Center 2000

Exam 70-281: Planning, Deploying, and Managing an Enterprise Project Management Solution

Exam 70-282: Designing, Deploying, and Managing a Network Solution for a Small- and Medium-Sized Business

Exam 70-284: Implementing and Managing Microsoft Exchange Server 2003

Exam 70-285: Designing a Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 Organization

Exam 70-297: Designing a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Active Directory and Network Infrastructure

Exam 70-298: Designing Security for a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network

Exam 70-299: Implementing and Administering Security in a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network

Exam 70–301: Managing, Organizing, and Delivering IT Projects by Using Microsoft Solutions Framework 3.0

Exam 70–350: Implementing Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2004

Exam 70–431: TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2005 - Implementation and Maintenance

Note that CompTIA Security+ and Unisys UN0-101 are recognized by Microsoft as a substitute for an MCSE elective.

Introduction to MCSE certification path.

MCSE certification is offered by Microsoft(R) Corporation. If you intend to specialize in Windows Operating Systems administration then MCSA/MCSE is highly recommended. One need to achieve MCP before being MCSE certified. MCSA (Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator) is another stream of certification that has several commonalities with MCSE (i.e. they have several exams in common). The acronyms for MCP, MCSE, MCSA are given below.
MCP™: Microsoft Certified Professional
MCSE™: Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer
MCSA™: Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator
Note that Microsoft MCP/MCSE/MCSA certifications are not vendor neutral. These certifications are specific to Microsoft technologies. If you are involved with (or planning to use) Microsoft products, then these certifications are for you. MCP is relatively easy to obtain. However, if you want to achieve MCSA/MCSE, sustained effort is required. It is very essential to have hands-on practice when attempting these exams. Microsoft updates the certification track as new versions of the software is released from time to time (For example, MCSE certification exams got revised from NT 4 to Windows 2000, and again to .NET). Microsoft recommends that the certified candidates update their skills to the newest available version. Microsoft certifications are indispensable, especially when you are involved with Windows Operating Systems administration. Several other certification tracks are available from Microsoft including MCSD, MCAD, MCDBA.

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