Requirements of Becoming MCSE Certified

The MCSE certification is one of the most popular certifications in the IT 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.

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