MCSE Term Papers

Many courses require the candidates to submit detailed term papers relating to the subject at the end of each semester. These are aimed at in-depth research into the subject area.

But term papers are not always an important part in MCSE certification and training. Course work and exam prescribed for MCSE do not often require term papers that discuss in detail, particular subjects that are related to computer system and windows platforms.

Term papers are not mentioned as a stringent requirement for certification in Microsoft home page for the MCSE. The mandatory fulfillments for getting certified include work experience in a networking environment and the passing of seven exams that include operating systems, design and electives. All the same, boot camps and MCSE classes some times encourage and make it necessary for candidates to submit term papers on MCSE, with the aim of providing in-depth knowledge on the subject.

Courses for MCSE, in detail, cover all aspects of networking, design, messaging and security of systems using a windows platform. The operating system papers are Installing, Configuring and Administering Windows 2000 and XP professional, the networking papers include Installing, Configuring and Administering Windows 2000 Server, Implementing Windows Network Infrastructure, and Implementing and Administering Windows 2000 Directory Services Infrastructure. Other courses that are required for MCSE include designing Directory Services, Security for Windows 2000 network, Network Infrastructure, Web Solutions, Active Directory and Infrastructure and Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network.

Candidates in a bid to improve their knowledge levels and to come up with new ideas on implementation and design, though not compulsory, sometimes submit term papers. Intensive training in boot camps generally dos not require term papers, weekly classes and other training sessions sometimes do. Elective subjects for each candidate also sometimes are benefited by term papers submitted before each level of examination.

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

Microsoft Certification: The New MCTS Tracks And Exams

Microsoft is revamping its certification tracks, and will eventually retire the familiar MCSE certificatons. The new certification setup is much like Cisco's, where there are specialist certifications to go along with the more general CCNA, then mid-level certifications such as the CCNP, and then a more-advanced practical exam modeled somewhat after the coveted CCIE certification.

Microsoft's new specialist exams are the Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) exams. As of March 2006, there were five separate MCTS Tracks. Three of them deal with .NET Framework 2.0; these are the Web Application, Windows Applications, and Distributed Applications certifications. Each of these separate certifications requires the candidate to pass two exams. There is also a one-exam SQL Server 2005 certification, as well as a BizTalk Server 2006 single-exam certification.

The initial question is "Why is Microsoft doing this?" According to their website, MS feels that IT hiring managers today have a tough time deciding which computer certifications best identify job candidates who best meet their needs. I know it's easy to take verbal shots at Microsoft (it'll be an Olympic sport one day), but this new series of certs does have appeal for hiring managers, which can only help qualified candidates. Instead of the more-general MCSE, which does still suffer from the overcertification of NT 4.0 MCSEs back in the day, these more-specific certifications will make it easier for the job candidate to prove that they can do the job - and easier for the hiring manager to make an informed decision.

Microsoft hasn't announced the track that will eventually replace the MCSE, but this track will be revealed with the next client-server Windows release. It's up to you to stay informed of these changes, so I recommend you visit Microsoft's certification website often. "I didn't know" isn't much help once a certification expires!

Chris Bryant, CCIE #12933, is the owner of The Bryant Advantage, home of over 100 free certification exam tutorials, including Cisco CCNA certification test prep articles. His exclusive Cisco CCNA study guide and Cisco CCNA training is also available!

Visit his blog and sign up for Cisco Certification Central, a daily newsletter packed with CCNA, Network+, Security+, A+, and CCNP certification exam practice questions! A free 7-part course, "How To Pass The CCNA", is also available, and you can attend an in-person or online CCNA boot camp with The Bryant Advantage!