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.