industry. Through this certification, IT professionals gain the ability to work
proficiently with Microsoft Windows platforms and carefully configure, install,
and maintain Microsoft operating systems. It is an accomplishment that is
recognized throughout the IT industry.
In order to earn this certification, candidates are required to pass seven
tests, or in other words gain seven different titles. There are four titles
which deal specifically with networking; such exams are 70-290, 70-291, 70-293,
and 70-294. Through these exams IT professionals and MCSE students will be gain
specialized training working with the Windows 2003 Server infrastructure.
The next portion of the core exams required deal specifically with operating
systems. Microsoft offers a few different options to students to choose from;
however only one is required. Tests 70-270 or 70-210 both deal with installing,
configuring, and administering Microsoft operating systems; however 270 deals
specifically with XP, while 210 works with Windows 2000.
The last portion of the core examinations focuses around design. Again,
Microsoft offers two different options for students to choose from, but only one
is required. The first is exam 70-297, which teaches students to design a
Microsoft Windows server 2003 active directory. The other choice is exam 70-298,
where students work more with designing security for the Windows server 2003
network.
Once the core exams are mastered, Microsoft requires one elective course. There
are 17 different elective courses offered by Microsoft which can be selected;
however it is only necessary to pass one. Microsoft reports that MCSE electives
can also be substituted by other Microsoft certifications, such as MCSA 2000 or
MCSE 2000. There are also some third party certifications which can serve this
same purpose; however if this is something you are considering, follow up with
the Microsoft website to double check.
Earning the MCSE certification will require a lot of work; however the benefits
will be felt throughout your career as an IT professional. There are many
different routes one can take in preparing for the MCSE certification, for
example candidates can choose to attend boot camps, distance learning programs,
or take a self-paced training program. If the MCSE certification is something
which interests you and your career, TestOut has created a MCSE certification
course to better prepare students through the use of multimedia technology and
simulations. Become MCSA, A+, Server+, or CCNA certified and improve your
career. Mike Allen writes about technical training for IT certifications. find
out more on MCSE
Training, MCSE
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