Becoming A Certified Guru With An Mcse In Alabama

Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer certification, or MCSE, is a program developed and offered by Microsoft that gives a person expertise in using Microsoft operating systems. As the most popular of accreditations in the MCP (or Microsoft Certified Professional) program, an MCSE in Alabama is recognized worldwide. The series of standardized tests given at a Microsoft approved testing facility allows one to earn this credential thereby increasing their value to employers.

An individual with an MCSE certification stands out from other IT professionals in that the training involved in earning the credential requires extensive training. Passing the exams for certification ensure that a master level of expertise has been acquired that goes above and beyond the average IT training course. It is a qualification that lets employers know that there is a true expert of Microsoft server systems in their midst.

Since operating systems use Microsoft, those with MCSE certification are deemed quite a valuable asset. A person can earn their certification for either Windows 2000 or Windows Server 2003. Although the exam topics for the two are mostly the same, there are different elements that make the tests different from each other. Those earning their certification in either one of the Windows systems can then specialize in messaging or security.

This certification is highly suitable for technical consultants, systems engineers, systems and network analysts and technical support engineers. Duties of certified individuals require that they be able to not only install network systems but also know how to configure and trouble shoot them. Often, they are part of a team that provides daily onsite administrative support, maintaining and monitoring the system network.

Candidates for this credential generally work in medium to large companies or agencies that require or use multifaceted computer technology. The networks in their experience have at least 200 to 26,000 users with 5 to 150 physical locations. They are experienced in handling the connectivity needs of offices, remote locations and corporate networks; and they have the ability to make all three Internet ready.

Although these skilled individuals tend to be found in professional offices, businesses, major corporations and government agencies, it is not uncommon for those with MCSE certification to also act as consultants in certain situations. This can have them out of their own workplace quite regularly and into other types of work environments, providing an opportunity to collaborate with others.

Many who earn this certification find that their new qualifications can put them in high demand in their field. As technology grows and changes, the skills of IT professionals must grow and change also and recertification will be required from time to time. Often, companies subsidize the cost of re-certifications for their employees. Those who choose to earn and stay certified for the MCSE will find their earning power greatly increased.

There are other benefits to earning a MCSE credential. Not only do certified professionals earn the respect of their industry, they also have direct access to Microsoft technological and product information. At times, discounts on products and services are available and invites to conferences, technical training sessions and other special events are a regular occurrence. These opportunities help to keep professionals up to date on new and pioneering software advances.

Thanks to the everyday use of computers, there is hardly a place one can go that doesn?t require the skills of an IT professional. Those with an MCSE in Alabama not only stand out above other IT professionals but are more likely to have an easier time with career placement, as many employers believe that certifications improve work performance and productivity while giving a company a competitive advantage.

Andy West is a writer for Virginia College. Virginia College offers training in professional certifications including MCSE in Alabama. Visit Virginia College at http://www.vc.edu/site/program.cfm?programID=21 for more information.

Information About MCSE

MCSE stands for Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer. It is the most widely known Microsoft certification and it is available for Windows 2000 and Windows server 2003. Each has a different set of examinations. MCSE qualified persons have the ability to provide business solutions by designing and implementing the required infrastructure. MCSE certification is useful for Technical support & Systems engineers, Technical consultants, Network and Systems analysts and also for regular software engineers.

MCSE 2000 has four operating exams, two electives and one design exam that is a total of seven exams. The topics include configuring, installing and administrating Windows 2000 professional, Windows 2000 server and implementing and administering, Windows 2000 Network infrastructure and Windows 2000 directory service infrastructure.

MCSE 2003 has four networking exams, one design exam and one client operating system exam that is a total of seven exams. The topics include configuring, installing and administrating windows XP professional, implementing, planning and maintaining, windows server 2003 environment, server 2003 network infrastructure and server 2003 active directory infrastructure. The topics also include Microsoft SQL server, Microsoft exchange, Active Directory, Network infrastructure, network security, and topics on general networking and Microsoft products.

There are many ways of obtaining MCSE training. The easiest is to take training at any local training center. MCSE training can also be done at home by CD-ROMS or through books. The courses usually have extensive content but basic tutorials can guide you to pass the examination if you have a basic knowledge of Microsoft systems.

Presently the cost of a MCSE exam is about $125 USD. The exams have 50-90 multiple choice, drag and drop questions and solution building questions. The content of exam can be changed so it is prudent to check on the internet at microsoft website for any change.

There are lots of benefits of MCSE certification like industry recognition, access to technical and product information directly from Microsoft, discounts on products and services, Microsoft paraphrenalia like MCSE logo, certificate, transcript etc. However the immediate and most important benefit is the increase in market value of the person and boost in career for software professionals.

The URL`s http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/MCSE/requirements.asp and http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/MCSE/windows2003/default.asp provide all the details, courses, books and their cost, syllabus, modules etc for the MCSE training and examination for Windows 2000 and Windows 2003. MCSE training books cost approximately $50 USD.

Specialisations available on MCSE Windows 2000 are MCSE messaging on Windows 2000 and MCSE security on Windows 2000. Specialisations available on MCSE Windows server 2003 are MCSE messaging on Windows 2003 and MCSE security on Windows 2003.

Keith George always writes about valuable news & reviews. A related resource is MCSE Training Further information can be found at Tips & News

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.

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

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!

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

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 - focusing on MCSE Certification Online and MCSE Online Training

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 free CCNA and CCNP tutorials! Pass the CCNA exam with Chris Bryant!