Types Of MCSE Training That Is Available

Today even more than ever MCSE training is becoming a by word for excellence in the world of IT. As it is growing ever more important for employees to be proficient in the use of technology products such as those produced by Microsoft who are one of the most dominant of all so there has been a rise in the types of training that is available. Below we will look at a number of different types of MCSE training that is now available.

1. Traditional Classroom Training

All the instructors who carry out this type of training are likely to be MCSE certified and may also be qualified as a Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT). With this type of training you will find that the course follows the Microsoft Official Curriculum (MOC), but all students will also have access to the necessary Microsoft servers and system software that will be covered once they reach exam stage. Often classes can last for either 3 to 5 days or may last for several months. Generally the costs for these type of MCSE training courses range from about $400 and go up to as much as $5,000. But this cost will depend on what subjects are actually covered during the training as well as how long the course lasts for and finally what level of expertise the instructor has.

2. MCSE Labs

These encourage an hands on approach in relation to knowledge of the systems and applications which will be covered during an MCSE exam. Often many IT professionals will either use the equipment at their office or build a small network at home in order that they can understand the key points, as well as to practice concepts and material that they will be tested on when they eventually take the MCSE exam. Plus as there are online MCSE labs this is extremely cost effective as you do not need to buy the equipment yourself. All you do need is an IE browser so that you can experience particular Microsoft environments in order that you will know what is necessary to pass your MCSE exams. In most cases you will find that an online MCSE lab costs from about $100 and goes up to about $500 and this cost will depend on the subjects that you are covering and the length of the lab.

3. MCSE Online Courses

Many people find it much better to use this particular type of training as it can be found usually either a downloadable or streaming media. These particular courses attempt to cover the subjects by using multi-media presentation which includes slideshows, flowcharts and images in order to cover the material of the course. There are even some of the courses now being presented by MCSE certified trainers. As these courses are self paced you decide when you use them so that they can fit into your already hectic and busy schedule. Such an MCSE training course will cost between $100 and $500 to do, again it depends on the subjects that are being covered during the course and the actual time the course takes to complete.

For more information on MCSE Training, visit http://www.mcsetraining101.com

An Introduction To MCSE Certification

Microsoft certifications are one of the most popular and coveted certifications in the information technology industry today. There is great demand for Microsoft-trained professionals in the job market. Microsoft also offers many certification levels depending upon user proficiency and the nature of the job. One of the most popular certificates is the MCSE certificate.

Most IT professionals pursue MCSE training after they have gained experience in the industry. This enables them to implement their newly acquired skills in their jobs. The certification is ideal for anyone who wishes to design and implement infrastructure for business solutions in certain installations that use Microsoft Windows platforms. It also provides an edge to professionals already in the field, as the formal certification guarantees recognition by employers and scope for higher promotions.

Some people wishing to work in the industry also take the certification. This added tool provides a valuable benchmark for prospective employers to assess the skills of the candidate, and for the employee to negotiate for a competitive salary.

Microsoft offers different MSCE certifications for different users. There is the MSCE on Windows server 2003 and the MSCE on Microsoft Windows NT 4.0, and Windows 2000. There are specializations available for security and messaging on both servers 2003 and 2000. This is beneficial for employees of companies already working on these systems to enhance their skills.

Microsoft has independent requirements for the MSCE certification on the Windows 2000 platform and on Windows server 2003. For the certificate pertaining to the Windows 2000 platform one needs to clear five core examinations, four of which are based on the operating systems and one on design. There are two elective exams which help determine technical proficiency and the level of ease in solution design and implementation.

For the Windows server 2003 there are six core exams required, four of which are based on networking systems, one on client operating systems and one design exam. There is one elective examination similar in nature to the one for Windows 2000.

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 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

Microsoft Vista Certification Exams Announced

Microsoft has announced the first MS Vista certifications exams.   Learn about Microsoft's newest certifications from Chris Bryant, CCIE #12933.

Microsoft Vista certification is on the way, and Microsoft recently announced the first Vista exams. In keeping with trends in certification, these particular exams are designed for different job roles.  These exams are scheduled to be released in "early 2007", according to Microsoft's website:

MCITP - Microsoft Certified IT Professional - "Consumer Support Technician" and "Enterprise Support Technician" certifications

MCTS - Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist - "Windows Vista, Configuration"

Unfortunately, there are no blueprints or details available right now detailing the differences between the Consumer Support and Enterprise Support certifications.

Those of you who were around when MS went to Server 2000 may remember that MS announced what some considered a hasty end to the NT 4.0 certification.  This time around, Microsoft's website makes a point of saying that "although progressive organizations will adopt Windows Vista immediately, Windows XP will continue to be a driving force in IT for years to come".   MS hasn't announced any further information how Vista will affect XP or Server certifications, but I suspect they won't be quite as fast to stop supporting earlier certifications.

Microsoft does make some recommendations to candidates currently working on their MCDST certification.   If you're working on that cert, visit the Microsoft Learning website to read more. 

Even if your organization is happy with their current network operating system, you should still be making long-term plans to get certified in Microsoft Vista.  The first step in assuring yourself of a long career in IT is planning to meet changes and challenges along the way.  Nothing stays the same, especially in networking!   

Chris Bryant, CCIE #12933, is the owner of The Bryant Advantage, home of over 200 free certification exam tutorials, including CCNA certification training articles. His exclusive CCNA study guide 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 Cisco CCNA training boot camp with The Bryant Advantage!

 

Microsoft Certifications - An Introduction

Introduction to Microsoft Certifications Certifications are a necessity these days, to tell the good from the bad at the start itself. However, the test does not stop there; it only means you have a chance at the job and not the job itself.

Microsoft has gone to great lengths to ensure a certified engineer is tested academically on all aspects of an enterprise network, if he claims to be a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer.

Microsoft offers a number of certification levels depending on specific areas of proficiency and nature of job. Some of the certifications pertaining to Networking are:

Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) Microsoft Certified System Administrator ( MCSA ) Microsoft Certified System Engineer ( MCSE )

Each certification level has certain exams associated with it. You can decide the appropriate level of the certification exam based on your experience, skills, and interests.

Why Microsoft Certification? Consider a bunch of prospective employees who knew the technology well, and you possessed the certification too along with the required experience, it is your guess as well as mine as to who will land up with the job.

Yes, Microsoft certification is a basis for streamlining recruitment process. A pass that could help you gain an entry to the organization, well at least the interview if not the job itself!

For whom are these certifications meant? If your line of job falls within the provided list, then the exam/certification is for you.

System Administrator Enterprise administrator Web administrator System engineer Network engineer MIS Training - Network

What comprises MCSE 2003 Certification track? Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) candidates on the Microsoft Windows Server 2003 track are required to pass following 6 core exams and 1 elective exam :

Core Exams: Networking (4 Exams Required) 70-290 : Managing and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment 70-291 : Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure 70-293 : Planning and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure 70-294 : Planning, Implementing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Active Directory Infrastructure.

Core Exam: Client Operating System (1 Exam Required) 70-270: Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows; XP Professional 70-210 : Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional Core Exam: Design (1 Exam Required)
70-297 : Designing a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Active Directory and Network Infrastructure (Note: May be used as Design requirement or elective, but not both) 70-298 : Designing Security for a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network (Note: May be used as Design requirement or elective, but not both)

Passing Score Beginning with the release of the Microsoft Windows Server 2003-related exams, Microsoft provides numerical scores on exams. The new scale requires a minimum passing score of 700 on all exams. The maximum score on the exams will vary depending on the complexity of the skills being measured. You can check out these details on Microsoft web site to update yourself for any changes.

About the exams itself There are seven exams in all to pass and can be tedious with the varying question patterns, scenarios etc. Unless you have poured in hours of preparation and turned in every page of every book possible you would not get a passing score in all the seven exams at one go. Knowing something about the Exam Model will help you. Most of the questions in the exam are multiple choice. The questions require the "best" answer from several close responses. Some questions may present an implementation scenario, requirements, and a proposed solution and then ask if the solution meets all of the requirements or combinations of the primary and secondary requirements. Microsoft has introduced some testing innovations for the certification exams like Hot Area, Active Screen, Drag-and-Drop, Case Study-based Test Demo, Exams with Simulations. Resources The best way to success is hands-on, hands-on and more hands-on. But then again, you would not lose if you tried a Sybex series preparation book, or MSDN site itself for the knowledge base, case study and so on. Read as many white papers as you can on all Microsoft technologies; it is the best way to understand a technology from the basics. Lastly do not appear for the exam before trying your hands on a good exam simulator , especially if your money and time are precious to you. Be Warned! S tudying or cramming will no longer do. These exams now carry simulation-based questions. If you were till now being questioned on the concept of Disk administrator utility, you may now be asked to actually use it in the exam. Therefore, your only choice is not only be aware of all the administrative and maintenance toll in Windows 2003 but also be good at it! Good Luck!

Whizlabs (www.whizlabs.com), an ISO Certified company, is a leading provider of IT skill assessment and certification exam preparation tools. Whizlabs' suite of offerings include "IT Certification Exam simulators and Instructor-led, Online Trainings" for various exams by Sun, IBM, Oracle, Microsoft, BEA, Cisco, and other leading IT vendors and "IT skill Assessment Management Solution" for Corporations, Training Institutes