How to Pass the MCSE 2003

When I started down the certification path towards my MCSE 2003, I really didnt know where to start. Of course, as a helpdesk support person for 2 years I knew that being MCSE 2003 Certified would increase my chances of being promoted to a systems administration job or securing a new, higher paid role with another company.

So I first went to Microsoft's MCSE Certification website to find out which exams I needed to pass. Sure, I wanted to pass these MCSE 2003 exams, but I didnt want to cheat using braindumps which are not only illegal, but I think defeat the whole purpose of being MCSE 2003 Certified in the first place. What I wanted was the pass my MCSE 2003 exams, but actually UNDERSTAND and LEARN the material, so that way, I could hold my head up high, knowing that my skills would match my MCSE 2003 status.

Once I knew which exams I had to pass, I went out and searched the web for more information about each exam. I bought the core set of MCSE 2003 Microsoft Press books from Amazon, but in all honesty, they werent a lot of help. I also bought a few exam preparation software packages, which did help somewhat, but only for last minute revisions...as study and learning material they were grossly ineffective.

It took me a while to find the right information, but finally I came across the CBT Video site, Winstructor.Com. Actually I cant take all of the credit for it, one of our systems administrators recommended them. So I signed up to Winstructor for 12 months and downloaded their MCSE 2003 Training Videos. Now this is what I had been missing.

As far as training goes, I am a convert to CBT, or Computer Based Training. The thing I liked about these videos was that I could watch them over and over until I fully understood what is being taught. During the time that I was watching these videos, I did have a couple of questions relating to different exams. Not only did Winstructor support take the time to answer my questions, which they didnt have to do, but they also gave me the ultimate piece of advice.

"When studying for your MCSE 2003, pick one exam, concentrate on it and forget the others exist. Once you've passed it, only then move onto the next"

Whilst this sounds quite obvious, there I was, wasting my time reviewing subjects that were'nt being tested. Only once it was mentioned to me, did I realize what I was doing and focused on the immediate goal of the exam I was trying to pass.

So if you want to pass your MCSE 2003 like I did, here is what I recommend.

* Visit Microsoft.Com and create a list of the exams that you need to study for and pass.

* Sign up to Winstructor.Com for 12 Months and download their videos.

* Pick 1 exam, only 1, and concentrate on it. Dont be tempted to look at the others.

* When you watch the Winstructor Videos, have 2 computers or a copy of Microsoft Virutal PC handy and Lab out what you're learning. You'll be so surprised at how much more you'll retain and understand about what you're learning.

* If you do fail an exam, get over it, move on. Its not the end of the world. No-one but you will know, so study the areas where you went wrong and you'll be fine the next time around. I found that the areas I did poorly on are now some of my best subjects since I took the time to really learn them and that learning sticks in your memory.

* Enjoy learning and studying for your MCSE 2003. If you dont like learning about IT, then maybe you're in the wrong job.

Best of luck in your exams.

Jason Stan regularly reviews Computer Based Training and some of his reviews can be found at http://www.CBTReview.Com. This article may be reproduced as long as all links remain intact.

Online MCSE Certification

An MCSE certification is one of the most valued qualifications in the IT industry. The credentials of earning the MCSE traditionally would be same as earning it through an online system, and there are several advantages of following the online path.

Through an online course, all study takes place at home or in the office, wherever is convenient. Most companies who provide online certification training have been certified by Microsoft, and they have a network of teachers and administrative personnel to help a candidate sail smoothly through the study period and the exam. There is an added advantage of cutting down on traveling time and costs, which one would generally waste in traditional classroom training. Also, the fees of such programs are considerably lower than their study center counterparts.

The pace of study for these programs is decided by the candidate. One can spend from a few minutes to a few hours a day, depending upon one?s personal schedule. Also, one can study anytime, twenty-four hours a day. The course materials, reference and sample test papers for individual subjects are available on the servers. Moreover, the entire software required for the learning process is in constant supply, and this software provides real exam-like simulations which engage the candidates in the learning process.

The duration of these courses can vary from 6 months to an entire year depending upon the company offering the course. Upon successful completion and passing of a grade of 70% or higher, these companies are authorized to grant the candidate with an MCSE certificate.

MCSE Certification provides detailed information on MCSE Certification, MCSE Certification Training, Online MCSE Certification, MCSE Certification Exam and more. MCSE Certification is affiliated with MCSE Term Papers.

MCSE Certification: A Leg Up On Your Co-Workers

Most people in this world would not be able to tell you what an MCSE certification is. Making it longer may confuse people even more; it stands for Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer. Just studying to take the test is a trial and the test itself can be difficult, not to mention expensive. It can give you a benefit that a lot of computer techs in the world don't have: a certification from Microsoft and spiffy initials to put after your name. The test is comprehensive and challenging. It has four networking tests, one client operating system test, a design test and a test over an elective.

According to the Microsoft website, there are benefits that go along with an MCSE certification. These include: recognition by your peers in the computing industry of your knowledge and ability to function well with Microsoft products and technologies. You also receive access to information regarding products directly from Microsoft through a website created especially for those who pass the MCSE exam, the Microsoft Certified Professional member site. Just to show the world what you know, you also will receive a certificate, transcript and lapel pin to wear.

Those who successfully pass this rigorous test have been acknowledged by Microsoft as having the ability and know-how to analyze, design and implement business solutions using Microsoft Windows 2000 and the Microsoft Windows Server System. Implementation includes installing, setting up and troubleshooting networks.

Those who would benefit the most from this certification include: system engineers, technical support, systems and network analysts and technical consultants. Before you even begin thinking about the exam, Microsoft suggests that you have a few items under your belt. You should have at least one year's experience creating and supporting a network operating system for environments that include: 200 to 26,000 users; 5 to 150 different physical locations; services and applications that are typically found in network environments, including web hosting, databases, messaging, firewalls, a dial-in server and desktop management; supporting connections to the network from individual offices or users from other locations and connecting these networks together.

As with any exam or test, there are ways to find help preparing to take it. If you do a search for MCSE Certification on the internet, you will find many courses that may help you prepare for the test. I am sure you can find all sorts of other information, from cheat sheets to condensed information, like Cliff Notes. Of course, all these places want money for their help and information, since they are trying to maintain a business. There are even boot camps out there that give you one on one attention and some of them even guarantee that you'll be certified by the time it is all over.

Even though the MCSE Certification carries prestige with it, you will also have to have some experience to go along with it. Not many companies will hire a computer tech that only has a paper MCSE Certification and no prior experience. As with anything, it is a balancing act of experience vs. formal training.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to MCSE Certification

MCSE Certification: Another Step To Expertise

M.C.S.E. (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer) certification is recognized worldwide. This examination is primarily meant for engineers and coders who work in the infrastructure domain. Until recently, it was easier to get a job as a Network Engineer, Systems Engineer, or an I. T. Manager, if one had taken an MCSE certified examination.

Examination format:

The MCSE examination is not easy to pass. One has to take seven exams before being certified as an MCSE professional. These examinations include four networking exams, one client operating system exam, a design exam and an elective.

Various topics of the examination include "Managing and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment, Installing, Configuring and Administering Microsoft Windows XP Professional and Designing Security for a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network".

Now one can specialize in two fields, Messaging and Security. For both specializations, additional papers need to be studied.

How to study for MCSE Certification:

Studying for MCSE certification is easy, as there are many online books and videos etc available. Upon registration, Microsoft also provides you with some material. There are many types of software providing real time simulation of the examination, which is very helpful for examination practice.

Most tests come with detailed questions and answers as well as proper analysis. This helps a lot in preparation of the examinations. There are many prep kits as well as study notes available for preparation on the internet.

There are some cheat softwares available on the internet as well, but the entire purpose of taking an examination is defeated if one uses this method to pass the examination.

Benefits of MCSE Certification:

This certification is more helpful for people who have had some sort of experience, rather than those who have just started working or are still in college. In the dotcom boom, many people who had little or no relevant experience took this certification, which has diluted the value a little bit.

Yet it remains a mark of knowledge and expertise in Microsoft Windows technology. Also, once a person is certified, he/she can take advantage of the technical product details directly from the website. An MCSE logo, certificate, transcript, wallet card, and lapel pin identify the certified person as an MCSE professional. Microsoft also invites the professionals to special events whenever possible.

Popularity of MCSE Certification:

This certification is quite popular compared to other certifications. This is due to the expertise gained, the ease of studying for it, and taking the examination. In addition, Microsoft software is used so much that any expertise is bound to be very helpful in the work of techies.

MCSE certification may not immediately get anybody a job, but in the case of a tie, it will surely help recruiters decide in favor of a certified professional. It is a hygiene factor now - one that nobody wants to avoid.

Any professional who has some experience in server management and allied fields will gain hugely from this certification. This certification increases the knowledge base, and also gives the stamp of being an expert in the relevant technologies.

Article by Paul MacIver. For further MCSE Certification info visit http://www.guideto-mcse-certification.info - You may reprint this article as long as no changes are made, and this resource box is left intact. Read more articles at http://www.mega-info-spot.info

uCertify announces new Practice Test for MCSE 70-297

uCertify, a leading organization in the field of IT certification exam preparations, has announced the release date for its Exam Simulation PrepKit for Microsoft exam 70-297. The company is offering a huge discount of 50% for the students who prefer to buy before the final release date of September 15, 2006.

Exam 70-297 is the core requirement for MCSE and an elective requirement for CCIA (Citrix Certified Integration Architect) certification. This exam measures a candidate?s ability to plan, implement and maintain a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Active Directory and Network Infrastructure.

?This PrepKit closely reflects the actual pattern of the exams and covers all the objectives laid down the exam vendors. A team of experienced authors and researchers, all certified professionals, have toiled hard to make this PrepKit an efficient tool for success. It not only resembles the real exam in its pattern and the areas covered but also gives the candidates a thorough understanding of the technology involved," said Mark Smith, Director, Product Management, uCertify.

This new PrepKit comprises three mock tests containing more than 60 questions with 7 case studies and 36 exhaustive study notes. The detailed score report after each test presents a topic wise analysis of the candidate's performance, so that the candidate has an idea of what and where he is lacking in. As all uCertify kits, this PrepKit, too, offers the tests both in diagnostic and adaptive modes of testing. Likewise, simulation tests can be taken in Learn as well as Test mode.

The company is offering a free evaluation version with limited number of questions and study notes. To download it just click here: http://www.ucertify.com/exams/Microsoft/70-297.html

The company says that with uCertify PrepKits, success is guaranteed. But if a customer does not qualify the exam in a single attempt, the company promises to refund his money. To know more about this policy just follow this link: http://www.ucertify.com/about/guarantee.html

About uCertify

uCertify, a decade old name in IT certification field, specializes in providing exam simulation PrepKit and study materials, which have benefited the students worldwide. The company prepares study materials for the certification exams of Microsoft, CIW, CompTIA, Oracle, Sun and other leading vendors. The PrepKits are developed after exhaustive research and innovation by a panel of vastly experienced and certified authors to tutor the aspirants with the latest and perfect study material for IT certifications.

More information about uCertify is available here: http://www.ucertify.com/about/about.html

Stephen Fleming
uCertify.com

CCNA / MCSE / CCNP Certification: Making Failure Work For You

Whether you're on the road to the CCNA, CCNP, MCSE, or you're on any other computer certification track, the odds are that sooner or later, you're going to fail an exam. It's happened to almost all of us, yours truly included. What you have to keep in mind in these times is that success is not a straight line. You've probably seen charts showing the growth of an industry or a business -- you know, the ones that go from left to right, and look kind of jagged. The line goes up for a while, then down a bit, then up some more, then down a little.

The key? While every business has its setbacks, the net result is that the line goes up and progress is made. That's how you want your certification pursuit and your career to go as well - upward!

I'm not asking you to be happy about failing an exam. You're allowed to get mad for a few minutes, vow to never take another exam again, and be disappointed. What you're not allowed to do is stay that way.

If you put your books away in a fit of anger, get them out. If you took some time off, it's time to get back to work. Again, there's nothing wrong with being unhappy about failing an exam. It's how you handle that failure that counts. No inventor, executive, or entrepreneur has ever been right 100% of the time. Learn something from your failure. Was your study time quality study time? Did you get some hands-on practice with the technology you're studying? Asking yourself these questions can be tough, but it can be highly valuable in making sure you don't fail the next time. And there must be a next time - because the one thing you cannot do is quit.

Besides, take it from someone who's been there - your temporary failure makes your eventual success that much sweeter.

Chris Bryant, CCIE #12933, is the owner of The Bryant Advantage (http://www.thebryantadvantage.com), home of free CCNA and CCNP tutorials! For my FREE "How To Pass The CCNA" or "CCNP" ebook, visit the website and download your copies. Get your CCNA study guide from The Bryant Advantage!

What you MUST Do to Get a MCSE Certification

Being an MCSE, or Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer, can bring in some good money and give you a greater range of jobs to be obtained. To obtain an MCSE certification, you need to be able to pass six core curriculum exams, an elected exam, and a design course exam. While most will go to university for an MCSE certification, they can be obtained through online courses and by studying online guides. Taking the exam and passing with at least an eighty five percent is needed to become a certified MCSE according to an MCSE who took the actual Microsoft courses.

MCSE study material ranges from books that can be ordered and sent to you to purchased and downloaded to your home computer. A thorough knowledge of Microsoft systems is key and you'll need to be able to know the inner workings of a computer system before you can think about taking an MCSE certification course.

Certain internet web sites contain examples of past exams as a way to prepare yourself and study for the MCSE certification exam. Whether you take the course online, through the Microsoft internet site or go to an accredited university for it, make sure that you go over the MCSE study materials thoroughly and study as hard as you can for the exam.

There are a wide range of locations of MCSE training centers. Some of these centers even have high end retreats to train you on the finer points of being an MCSE. For those who can afford it, one training center offers a forty day retreat in the Himalayan Mountains for just fewer than three thousand dollars.

This forty day, intense training session covers every single requirement needed in order to take the final MCSE certification exam and start your new career. If you can't afford to spend three thousand dollars on flying to the Himalayas, then a cheaper way to do it is to go through a rigorous online study schedule on your own. There are online advisers in case you need help or an explanation. Once you've completed the courses, you can earn up to one hundred dollars an hour.

Mark Kessler - his website MCSE 411 offers accelerated training information for MCSE Certification courses, MCSE Testing Centers, MCSE Boot Camps, MCSE Online training, MCSE study material, Links, Forums and Blogs

The World Of Technology Prefers A Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE)

In the world of technology people prefer being a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer or MCSE. It is opted as a better option than Ph.D. itself. MCSE enhances the position in an organization along with quick rise in the salary.

MCSE is a certification which increases one?s confidence and knowledge and of course dedication to the information technology field. MCSE certification makes a tremendous difference in how a person is viewed in an organization. MCSE certification provides many benefits like access to technical and product information can be received directly from Microsoft along with invitation to conferences, technical training sessions and participation in special events for the individuals who earn MCSE certification from Microsoft. These individuals also have free access to Microsoft certified professional magazine, which is a career and professional development magazine.

MCSE enables to learn various skills a person would require to have. To name a few an MCSE certification teaches how to install Windows XP professional, implement and administer its resources. It also helps to monitor and troubleshoot hardware devices and driver to optimize system?s performance. It gives an extended help to configure and troubleshoot desktop environment, implement, manage and troubleshoot network protocols and services as well as configure, manage and troubleshoot security.

MCSE certification also includes how to manage and maintain physical and logical devices, user?s computers and groups, a server environment and access to resources as well as managing and implementing disaster recovery. It also gives an overview to implement and maintain IP addressing, name resolution, network security, routing and remote access and network infrastructure. MCSE professionals are also able to implement, manage and troubleshoot security policies. Thus MCSE certification provides and an added advantage to the professionals.

MCSE professionals also come to know about patch management, infrastructure, and security for network communications, authentications and authorization. They are also able to plan, implement and maintain server roles along with server security network infrastructure, routing and remote access and server availability.

To be an MCSE professional one should have at least one year of experience in implementing and administering a network operating system in an environment with 200 to 25000 users and five to two hundred physical locations. The environment should also provide for typical network services and applications such as messaging, database, and dial-in server, desktop management. It should have facility for web hosting and firewall or proxy server along with a connection of corporate networks to the Internet and individual offices. It should also have remote location users to the corporate office network.

In a nutshell it is for those who install, configure or troubleshoot network systems in medium to large organizations. Mainly system engineers, technical support engineers, system and network analysts prefer to have MCSE certification. This certification is one of the most coveted degrees amongst the IT professionals.

James Croydon, Microsoft Certified Professional and Boot Camp MCSE advisor - focusing on MCSE Training and MCSE Study

Cisco / MCSE Exam Study: Creating A Road Map To Success

Planning for success on the CCNA, CCNP, and other Cisco exams is much like taking a trip in your car. You've got to plan ahead, accept the occasional detour, and just keep on going until you get there. But what do you do before you get started?

Create a road map - for success.

If you were driving from one side of the country to another, you certainly wouldn't just get in your car and start driving, would you? No. You would plan the trip out ahead of time. What would happen if you just got in the car and started driving in the hope that you would someday arrive at your final destination? You would never get there, and you'd spend a lot of time wandering aimlessly.

Don't spend your study time and slow your progress by studying for a Cisco exam without planning the trip. Schedule your study time as you would an appointment with a client, and keep that appointment. Make sure that your study time is quality study - turn your TV, iPod, and cell off. If you hit a bump in the road and don't get your certification the first time you take the exam, regroup and create another plan. Study until you get to the point that on exam day, you know that you are already a CCNA or CCNP and you're just there at the testing center to make it official.

The journey to success is not a straight line. When you look at a chart that shows a company's financial progress, the line never goes straight up. there are some ups and downs, but the overall result is success. The path to your eventual career and certification exam success may not be a direct one, but the important part is to get started - and to get any journey started, you've got to create a road map for a successful arrival at your destination.

Chris Bryant, CCIE #12933, is the owner of The Bryant Advantage (http://www.thebryantadvantage.com), home of free CCNP and CCNA tutorials! For my FREE "How To Pass The CCNA" or "CCNP" ebook, visit the website and download your copies. Pass your CCNP exam with The Bryant Advantage!

Be Certifiable! The Basics Of MCSE And MCP

It is not always who you know, but what you know. That is why obtaining Microsoft certification can be a valuable asset to your career. Of course, it does depend on what career path you want to take as to whether you want to get either MCSE training or MCP training or anything else for that matter. So what do those abbreviations MCSE and MCP stand for anyway?

MCP stands for Microsoft Certified Professional and MCSE is an abbreviation for Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer. What exactly does having a Microsoft certification mean anyway? We know that it looks good on a resume and opens new doors in your career. Did you know that being certifiable - in Microsoft anyway - sometimes will also boost your pay? Experience counts for a lot, but having a Microsoft certification or two does not hurt either!

So what does it take to be and MCP or MCSE? Lots of studying! The MCP courses and MCP exams are geared toward a more rounded technical professional. Candidates for MCP must pass one current certification test from Microsoft. Passing one of the exams demonstrates that the candidate has a consistent level of technical expertise.

With the Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer path, there are MCSE boot camps that help prepare candidates for the MCSE exams. These MCSE boot camps are intense classes often packed into a full two week period instead of the traditional weekly MCSE training classes in preparation for the MCSE exams. This path is more involved. MCSE certification is standard in the IT field and prepares you for anything from the design of a system?s infrastructure to analyzing the company?s needs before implementing a design.

Unlike those individuals who take the MCP training to prepare for MCP exams, students of MCSE have a course of study that is more intense. Instead of one test to prepare for, they have seven tests that they are required to pass to get their Microsoft certification. Yikes! Seven! They have five main exams to take as well as two electives. The five required MCSE exams are broken down into four operating system exams and one design exam. The two electives typically deal with other issues in design and implementation not covered in the five core tests.

After learning a few basics, it is easy to see that the MCP or Microsoft Certified Professional is really just a stepping stone to bigger and greater things in the world of Microsoft certification. The individuals who go for the MCP have a leg up on those peers who have no technical experience. They will have a better grasp on technical issues and usually stay a step ahead of trends. The MCSE is more specialized and appeals to the techno geek with a penchant for design and implementation. They like knowing how stuff works. So market yourself and become certifiable!

James Croydon, Microsoft Certified Professional and MCSE Certification Online advisor - focusing on MCSE Courses Online and Boot Camp MCSE

MCSE Certification - A Lifetime Of Educating

In this article we're going to focus on the downside of getting an MCSE certification as far as what it will mean to the lifetime of your career.

Let's be honest, Microsoft is the king of computer everything, from software to networking. Once upon a time Novell was the only real networking super power. Now Microsoft dominates the industry, though it is debatable as to whether or not they actually have the better product.

As a result, just about every company has a Microsoft network. Just the fact that this makes it easier to run your online applications, since most software is Windows based, makes it almost suicidal to go with anything else but Microsoft. Therefore, if you want to get a job at one of these companies, and believe me the competition is off the charts, you have to get MCSE certified.

Therein lies the rub.

See, the Microsoft network itself is far from stable. The truth is, every few years or so there are major changes in the operating system and everyone has to, literally, go back to school. Simply as a matter of being able to keep your network running, unless of course you stay with the old network, you have to get educated. If you choose not to, well, the problem you then face is that eventually the old network is no longer supported and you're out of luck should anything go wrong. So upgrading is almost a must.

But what about the people who have to get certified? Most of them probably just did a few years back and some maybe even within the past few months. And now here they are with a brand new certification and suddenly it is going to be worthless in a very short time. So what happens is they have to go back to school again and get recertified.

What about the ones who just say, "The heck with it. I know enough to do my job. I can learn the new changes on my own." Well, maybe they can. But what if they can't? If they can't and don't get recertified here comes the next problem. Many companies just look for excuses to lay people off. What better excuse to get rid of an older employee who is making more money than a new kid who just recently got certified? In most cases the company will fire the old guy, telling him simply that it is because he didn't get recertified, and hire this new kid right out of school, even though he may, in no way, be as capable of doing the job.

The point of all this is simply that if you want to be an MCSE then be prepared to go to school every few years for the rest of your life. Otherwise, at the very first opportunity you may very well find yourself losing your job to some new kid right out of school. Its just something to consider before you trek off into that land of no return called MCSE certification.

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to MCSE Certification

MCSE Certification - An Insiders View

In this article I am going to present an insider's view of this process. What you are about to read is the experience of an associate of mine. He is an MCSE, or at least he was. I'll let him tell his story in his own words. You should find this interesting.

Hi. My name is Steven. I am 48 years old and out of work. That may seem strange considering that I have a number of certifications including a Novell CNA and a Microsoft MCSE. So what's the problem?

To answer that question you need to have some background information.

I originally went to school for Accounting but lost interest. I eventually graduated with a degree in business, which at the time was good for nothing. Then my wife to be brought home an ad for computer training. This was long before Microsoft was big. We were still on DOS 3.0. Anyway, I went to school and learned COBOL and RPG. That did me a lot of good too because I had no experience and at the time these languages were already on their way out. I eventually did find a job but working on PCs. I worked on an Apple III.

This lead to a teaching position, teaching BASIC on TRS 80 computers. Eventually this died out too and I was out of work, yet again.

To make a very long story short, the cycle continued until networking became big. I got a Novell CNA and then eventually a Microsoft MCSE. I was set for life. Or so I thought. But let me back track just a little.

Before getting my MCSE I had to go through extensive training. The number of courses I had to take were mind boggling. The amount of information was mind boggling. I didn't know how I was going to keep all of that in my head, let alone pass an exam on it.

Then the first exam came. I failed. I studied more and went to retake it. Much to my shock, the exam was almost completely different with probably 70% of the questions different. Yes, there is so much information in these exams that you can actually take one of them 3 times (which I had to do) and still not get a majority of the same questions twice. Finally though, I passed the first exam and then after a period of nine months I passed all seven. It was the most horrible time of my life. But at least I was set.

At least that's what I thought.

At the time of the exam the system was Windows NT 3.51. If you know anything about computers and Microsoft you know that this particular operating system is long dead and buried. And as the changes came, I too became dead and buried.

Why?

To answer that question you have to understand how companies work. They always feel they have to have the latest technology, even though what they had was more than adequate to do the job. Part of this problem though is with Microsoft. They don't support old systems. So companies are forced to upgrade. With that comes the forcing of employees to get recertified and learn the new systems. This is where I just couldn't keep up. It was hard enough for me to pass the exams the first time. I wasn't about to even try again.

Sure enough, my company wanted me to learn the new systems and get recertified. I asked them what would happen if I didn't. They said they would have to let me go. I saved them the trouble. I quit.

I am telling you this story for a reason. If you are considering getting an MCSE certification you need to be prepared for exactly what happened to me, not just with losing my job if not getting recertified but the actual difficulties with the exams themselves. The amount of information is overwhelming and it won't be easy to pass seven exams. Then be prepared to constantly have to upgrade your skills as Microsoft isn't going to stop trying to make more money.

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to MCSE Certification

MCSE Certification - Better Than Novell?

In this article we're going to cover the pros and cons of getting a Microsoft Certification as opposed to getting a Novell certification. To start with, the arguments as to which networking software is actually better will no doubt go on for as long as these two companies are in business. The purpose of this article in not to determine which system is better. The purpose is to point out the differences between the two in relation to how easy or hard it will be to get a certification and hold a job.

The first glaring difference between a Novell certification and an MCSE certification is the intensity of the courses required for each certification. As was pointed out in an earlier article, to get an MCSE one has to take seven exams, five core exams and two electives. The courses for these exams are long and difficult. The length of time, obviously, to get an MCSE is astronomical. On the other hand to get a Novell CNE certification requires only five exams. Two less exams may not seem like much but considering each course can take you months you're talking about taking about a half a year off your training time. So this needs to be considered when choosing between the two.

The next thing you need to take into consideration is the operating system itself. Because an MCSE is a windows based certification and Microsoft Windows is pretty much the most popular operating system on the market, that means you will have more software written by third party vendors made especially for windows products. So getting an MCSE will make your life a lot easier in the actual work environment because you will not be dealing with as many compatibility issues as you will if you become a Novell CNE and end up working with NetWare. Suffice it to say, your life will be far from easy when it comes to making things work.

Then there are the exams themselves. Naturally everyone will have their own opinion on this but the general consensus is that the Microsoft Exams are easier because they are dealing with operating systems that we are already more familiar with because of our everyday working knowledge of Windows. Novell NetWare is not as intuitive and most say that it requires more "learning" than Microsoft.

Then there is the issue of getting your job. The truth of the matter is, more people use Microsoft products, not so much because they are better but because of the tight hold they have on the market. So getting a job with an MCSE is going to be a lot easier than getting a job with a Novell CNE. The main reason for the dominance of Microsoft networking versus Novell is because of the file and printing services which have always been a problem with Novell.

If you are looking for perfection in either case you have got a long wait. Both networking systems have their pluses and minuses. As a networking professional one needs to decide what is most important when choosing which direction to take, ease of use or ease of passing your exam.

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to MCSE Certification

MCSE Certification - Purpose Or Profit

In this article we're going to take a shot at the entire MCSE certification process to determine if there is really a purpose to the procedure other than for Microsoft to make a profit.

When networking was in its infancy certifications were a luxury to say the least. Only a very few were certified, with Novell being the leader in the field. In the early days the Novell system was very stable and didn't change much from year to year. The reason this is brought up is because when Microsoft worked its way into the networking arena, stability was the last thing that the Microsoft systems had. From year to year their systems would change so drastically that within a very short period of time, an MCSE certification was close to worthless.

Some would argue that the constant change, or as they would like to call it, improvement, in systems was simply to provide purchasers with the best possible solutions for their businesses. While there may be some truth to that, one can't deny a very simple fact. Microsoft is in the business of making money. By constantly improving their systems, they not only require businesses to purchase new equipment but in turn, they also require the technical people who work on this equipment to get re-educated. All of this translates into more money in Microsoft's pockets.

But there is more to this than just making money, though ultimately that is the bottom line. Beyond that there is control and Microsoft has it. Because of the hype surrounding the MCSE certification and Microsoft's products in general, the companies who hire the technical people to work on their systems have latched onto the MCSE certification as an easy, no brains, way to accumulate as many resum?s as possible. As a result of this, an MCSE certification has become sort of a guild license. This in many cases is simply a false measure of competence, especially for someone with no experience, that ends up denying a qualified person with no certificate a job. While many MCSEs are competent there are many people out there who don't have that piece of paper but who are more than qualified to do the job. Ironically, many of the people who contribute to Microsoft's own Windows 2000 magazine do not own certifications.

Another thing you have to ask yourself about these certifications. If they are indeed so important, is why are so many courses and exams offered for huge discounts and in time frames where you can't possibly learn everything there is to know to do the job correctly? The answer can only be that Microsoft is simply concerned with making a profit. Otherwise they would not allow people to complete courses and exams in time periods that in no way would leave them qualified for employment.

No doubt the arguments will go on and Microsoft will flatly deny that this is the case. As to whether we will ever really know if this is purpose or profit, it is impossible to say. But the evidence does point to Microsoft simply trying to line their already bulging pockets.

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to MCSE Certification

MCSE Certification - Requirements And Courses

In this article we're going to go over the current requirements for getting an MCSE certification. Please keep in mind that these requirements could be old news by the time you read this. No knock on Microsoft intended.

So, you want to get an MCSE certification. Well, in order to do so you're going to have to pass a series of exams. As of this article, seven to be exact. Five of the exams are what they call core exams and the last two are called elective exams.

The five core exams consist of four operating system exams and one design exam. The four operating system exams offer the following choices. The first of the operating system exams is the client operating system. You need to take one of these. The last three are for the networking system itself. There is a bit of an overlap here so we'll just cover the choices as they apply to both options.

The overlaps are courses 2151 and 2152 which are Windows 2000 Network and Operating Systems Essentials and Implementing Windows 2000 Professional Server. Also in the overlap is course 1560 which is upgrading from Windows NT to Windows 2000.

This is where we have the breakoff between client operating system and the networking system. The last client operating system exams are course 2272 and 2285 which are Implementing Windows XP Professional and Installing and Configuring Windows XP Professional. This concludes the client operating system exams.

The remaining exams for the network system itself are courses 2153 and 2154. These include Implementing a Microsoft Windows 2000 Network Infrastructure and Implementing and Administering Microsoft Windows 2000 Directory Services.

The design exam comes with a number of options which cover Designing a Microsoft Windows 2000 Directory Services Infrastructure, Designing a Security-Enhanced Microsoft Windows 2000 Network, Designing a Microsoft Windows 2000 Networking Services Infrastructure, Designing a Highly Available Web Infrastructure, Designing a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Active Directory and Network Infrastructure and Designing Security for Microsoft Networks. The good part about the design option is that the student has a number of options to choose from.

The two elective exams are a bit of a blessing and a curse. There are numerous courses that can be taken for the two elective exams. The problem is, with so many choices a new student may have a difficult time deciding which one to take. With some being infinitely more difficult than the others, the choice can mean the difference between passing and failing the exams. Having said that, the more popular of the elective exams, which doesn't necessarily mean they are the easiest ones, are System Administration for Microsoft SQL Server 7.0, which has been a staple for years, Implementing a Database on Microsoft SQL Server 7.0, which is usually taken with the other SQL exam, thus completing the elective section, Implementing and Managing Microsoft Exchange 2000, which has been another long time staple and finally its cousin, Designing Microsoft Exchange 2000 for the Enterprise. There are of course other courses but these are the most popular.

In our next article look for more information on MCSE certifications.

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to MCSE Certification

What Is MCSE?

MCSE stands for Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer. What is this term, really? While the term sounds like a degree that you would get in Microsoft, it is not really an engineering degree, per say. In fact, that is one of the biggest complaints about this learning process. Nevertheless, MCSE is a training course of sorts that is designed to teach individuals who want to learn how to handle various aspects of Microsoft skills. The goal is to have a group of people who are knowledgeable in the areas that Microsoft is specific. Let?s explain.

Microsoft developed this type of training to allow individuals to get a specific training course, or several in various types of skills that pertain to Microsoft. The thing about this training is that it is specific to Microsoft. While you may learn to install a program in another course which would teach a broad range of information about all ways in which to do so, in the MSCE, you will learn strictly how it is done through Microsoft.

So, How Does MSCE Work?

In most cases, the training can be done in several ways. Students can take classes through certified teachers in school or they can study on their own. Some individuals feel that they have enough experience in the various uses of Microsoft to be able to take the test without taking a training class. The test is given at specific areas at specific times. In order to be considered, you must pay a fee of about $125 for each of the tests and certifications that you plan to take. The tests range in knowledge levels and in most cases, it is wise to take the training courses for MSCE prior to taking the test as it can be quite challenging.

You will find more information about MSCE throughout the web.
For more information please see http://www.mcse-shack.co.uk

Your In The Army Now ... So Welcome To The MCSE Boot Camp

If a person wants to earn a specific credential provided by objective validation of the ability to perform specific IT functions, we should go in for MCSE. This course has helped many IT professionals to work more effectively. To learn this Microsoft certification course the MCSE boot camp has been set up. This MCSE boot camp intensive training gives a quick injection of knowledge.

The main aim of MCSE boot camp is to provide fast certification process. The duration of this course is short which are generally one or two weeks. Moreover the timings of MCSE boot camp are flexible to meet the training requirements.

The MCSE boot camp training is not given to anyone or everyone. The teaching in this camp is fast and basic knowledge of the chosen subject is a must. The MCSE course is not easy enough that a person can mange on his own thus training from a MCSE boot camp is most of the time most necessary. There are also a lot of complicated concepts in an MCSE boot camp, which are unraveled during the course duration. Thus to benefit all the people appearing for MCSE, an MCSE boot camp has been set up. The main aim of MCSE boot camp is to provide proper guide and training from an educated instructor who can help the examinees to pass the exams.

After attending two weeks program from an MCSE boot camp the percentage of examinees clearing the exam significantly increases. Before the MCSE boot camp had been set up the clearing percentage had been staggering 20-40% but after the MCSE boot camp has been set up the percentage shot up to as high as 90%.

In an MCSE boot camp a learned, knowledgeable and educated instructor is provided who can clear all concepts and complexities. In addition to this the class is like a sort of group discussion where fellow students ask their queries and get the clarifications. MCSE boot camp create high performance environment to make learning as fun as well as easy.

Microsoft certification is increasing day be day. It is the most widely recognized technical certification in the industry, which is on high demand. . The MCSE boot camp institutes make them earn their Microsoft certification and make them lead the organization in successful manner. The MCP personnel administer the most advanced Microsoft windows platform and Microsoft server products. The survey of MCP magazine states that the average base salary of MCP ranges from $60,000 to $70,000.

The MCSE boot camp is like a boon to the fellow students. This institutes brings us away from the day to-day commotion and makes us focus on nothing else but the certification course. The trainers are also well trained, experienced and have the real world experience with products. These instructors are available even after their teaching hours. The MCSE boot camp classes are well equipped with the products, which allows every student to obtain hands-on experience with the product. Fellow students may contact the instructors in case of any difficulty or doubts.

The MCSE boot camp classes provide several ways for successful completion of course. Some MCSE boot camp also provide refresher course, which is free of charge, after the completion of the course. This offer is valid six months after the completion of the MCSE boot camp. The terms and condition of the MCSE boot camp also state that if the person is not happy with the teaching and the course program then he can take the classes again without any additional tuition cost within next six months.

The MCSE boot camp clearly mention that they shall strive their best to make their fellow students succeed in obtaining the Microsoft certification. A MCSE boot camp helps in learning the content and clears all doubts and queries. James Croydon, Microsoft Certified Professional and MCSE Online Training advisor - focusing on MCSE Certification Courses and MCSE Certification

Taking Your Microsoft Skills To The MCSE Level

Microsoft certified systems engineer (MCSE) is the designing and implementation of the infrastructure based for business solutions. They schedule their instructors led classroom MCSE training at your complete control. They invite the best Microsoft and CISCO certified trainers in the industry to help us for the development of the ultimate training and certification program. Te MCSE training program includes everything one needs to fully prepare for and pass the MCSE exams.

There are some coach and career advisors are also available in the MCSE training camp for providing a toll free advisor hotline. During the MCSE training, and certification program, you will be provided some materials and resources that access to a MCSE training coordinators who will advise the examinee how to best utilize the MCSE training material to complete the certification goals successfully and also teach how to apply new skills towards the career advancement.

Career academies virtual boot camp is a cost effective method that meets the critical demand of the computer users. Experienced users have been arranged here to lead courses in a comfortable and convenient environment. Environment of these camps makes one feel like a classroom delivered through flexible and familiar technology. The MCSE training provided for MCSE assessment and real world insight from the experts with vast experience in the subject matter. It is engaged in a dynamic learning method where multiple Microsoft operating systems were derived simultaneously and multiple senses help reinforce learning concepts. The videos help in clarifying the neutral steps and uplifting of the skills in right direction. They have proven methodology that provides as unequalled training experience with exceptional skills.

Career academies learning system include several unique features. Video lectures given by instructors during the MCSE training show one on one experience with the experts. The full motion video allows the examinee to see the steps, listen to the explanations and perform the Microsoft?s operating system practically. MCSE training is one of the most flexible and comfortable training programs. The users are able to work according to their own convenience in any MCSE training program. They can opt to take the training at home or choose any convenient location for onsite training.

The MCSE training provided during the training sessions is quite rich, interactive and engaging. They incorporate all the live videos, screenshots, power point presentations, white board and lab simulations. All these give the examinee an engaging learning experience.

Lab simulations are the best components in MCSE training, which help in studying a lot. During any MCSE training program practice is provided with production level hardware and software along with step-by step detailed descriptions and instructions. Valuable hands-on experience can be easily experienced with real world scenarios such as installing windows 2003 server operating system as well as experience in adding WNS, WHCP, Domains, etc. can be easily received. Intelligent lab simulations during MCSE training programs allow the examinees to reinforce the concepts that have been learnt during the event and they can also perform various tasks.

The references are given so that the users can easily accrue the MCSE training PowerPoint slides, the printable study guide to help them to focus on areas of need and chart the programs. The practice exams of MCSE training program ensure your eligibility status and help in identifying areas that need more practice. Since various companies offer MCSE training, their task helps the IT candidates selected for the highest quality products and services.

James Croydon, Microsoft Certified Professional and MCSE Training advisor at f-Tech Associates ( http://www.mcse-training-course.com ) publishes other articles related to MCSE Training at http://www.mcse-online-certification.com and http://www.mcse-certification-hq.com.