June 18, 2008

The Value of Microsoft MCSE Certification and Career Path

 Developing a professional career in the IT industry requires knowledge, computer training and dedication. Earning a MCSE Certification (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer) is a valuable reference proving your expertise in designing and implementing the infrastructure for business solutions based on the Microsoft Windows Server System and Microsoft Windows 2000 platform.

Since January 2000, Microsoft Certification made effective a number of benefits for those individuals applying for a MCSE Certification, starting with the industry recognition of the knowledge achieved and proficiency handling Microsoft products and technologies.


This computer training offers a 50 percent discount or rebate on yearly subscriptions to Microsoft TechNet or TechNet Plus during your first year of certification exclusively, although fulfillment details may vary according your present location, in which case further details will be available in your welcome kit.

In fact, the TechNet subscription provides MCSE Certification with a portable IT survival kit, updated monthly, containing the complete Microsoft Knowledge Base that Microsoft Support uses, as well as service packs and other kits of great value to Microsoft Certification.

Computer training opens the access to Microsoft technical and product direct information through the MCP Member Site, with exclusive discounts on products and services, not only from Microsoft but also from many selected companies.

Another great advantage to consider is that individual who is currently certified in other fields can learn more about exclusive discounts on MCSE Certification and few more Microsoft Certification by visiting the MCP Member Site.


This site is also the turnkey to free access to Microsoft Certified Professional Magazine Online, the acclaimed career and professional development magazine, as well as invitations to Microsoft conferences, technical training sessions, general computer training and most special events.

A side note on comments; security-enhanced content available on the Microsoft Certified Professional Magazine Online site includes the current issue for those enrolled on MCSE Certification courses and additional online-only featured columns and content, besides the MCP-only database, and regular chats with Microsoft and other technical experts.find
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Like with any Microsoft Certifications, students obtain their certificate, MCSE logo, wallet card, transcript, and lapel pin to identify them as a MCP (Microsoft Certified Professional) to colleagues or clients. Some of this material is downloadable through the exclusive MCP Member Site upon certification.

MCSE Certification values by itself, as a part of your career path. They offer you computer training required, and specializations in messaging, security, MCSE on Microsoft Windows 2000, MCSE on Windows Server 2003, and special deals on subscriptions to Windows & .NET Magazine, considered the leading source of independent, how-to information for Microsoft Certification and IT professionals working on a Microsoft Windows platform.

Top IT Certification Exams In 2008: MCSE? CCNA? How To Choose The Best Computer Certification For You

Top IT Certification Exams In 2008: MCSE? CCNA? How To Choose The Best Computer Certification For You

MCSE? CCNA? How To Choose The Best Computer Certification For You

When you're choosing which computer certification to pursue next, you should also be formulating a plan for your career. Your time is precious, and you should never choose to pursue a certification because it's "hot". There are some hard questions you should ask yourself before deciding to pursue the CCNA, CCNP, CCVP, CCSP, CCIE, MSCE, or any of the many other vendor certifications that are out there.

Why do I want this certification?

This is the biggest and most important question you should answer before you spend a dime on books or classes.

If your primary goal in earning a certification is the money you feel companies will throw at you after you get it, make sure to do your research first. Basing your certification pursuits on a salary survey can lead to some serious frustration on your part. Don't get me wrong, I like money. J But those surveys can be very misleading. There's really no such thing as an "average" salary in IT. Job responsibilities and requirements vary greatly from company to company, to the point where a "network admin" may make $25K at one job and $75K at another. You can see where such variations in pay can lead to some misleading statistics. (And if you're thinking of attending a tech school whose main pitch is "look at all the money this cert can get you", ask a lot of questions about how they arrived at this amount.)

A positive answer to this question works wonders. If you have a plan for your career, you'll know how this certification can fit into your plans. If you don't know what you're going to do with it when you get it, or worse, don't have a plan for your future, you may be wasting your time. Ask yourself the hard questions now � you won't regret it. find
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How does the vendor protect my investment of time and money?

Let's face it: earning your certification costs time and money. You've got to set time aside to study, you'll need books, perhaps a class, etc. If you're spending that money and time, it should be to make yourself more valuable in the workplace.

The vendor should also have a vested interest in keeping your certification valuable. Take Cisco, for instance. I was at a bit of a career crossroads a few years ago. Should I pursue my masters degree, or pursue the CCIE? I took a strong look at both choices, and I knew that Cisco works endlessly and tirelessly to protect the value of their certifications. While other major vendors have made strides to do so, I felt Cisco did the best job of protecting the value of their certifications. That's why I felt secure in the investment of my finances and time into a major Cisco certification, and I've never made a better decision.

Before making a major investment into a computer certification, consider the steps that a vendor does or does not make to protect your investment.

Computer certifications have helped me tremendously in building my IT career. By asking the right questions, and taking a hard look at your motives and plans before pursuing a given certification, they can do the same for you.
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