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.