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

Microsoft MCSA Certifications Serves Many Purposes

The Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator or MCSA training certification qualifies the user's learning in system administration of Microsoft Windows operating systems and is generally simpler than--without losing its significance--the Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer or MCSE.

The Windows Server 2003 MCSA is usually achieved after passing two networking system examinations, a client-operating system examination--generally Microsoft Windows XP--as well as an elective examination. The Windows Server 2000 MCSA title is given after taking three Core exams and one elective. Although the Microsoft MCSA isn't inferior to the MCSE, it is possible to earn the Microsoft MCSA on the way to an MCSE--without taking any examinations during MCSA training--that are irrelevant to the MCSE on Windows 2000.

The MCSE enables certification for an individual's ability to plan, design and execute Microsoft Windows server solutions and structural designs in medium to large-sized companies. The Microsoft MCSA certifies the individual's ability to implement, manage, as well as maintain the routinely complex computing setting of medium- to large-sized companies.

Much akin to the MCSE, the MCSA is available as "MCSA on Windows 2000" and "MCSA on Windows 2003" in the effective Microsoft MCSA training courses. There are two specializations for both tracks: Messaging and Security in Microsoft MCSA training. In MCSA training, Microsoft Press has several books on the market towards preparation for Microsoft MCSA certification examinations. Books and training manuals are usually the starting place to explore options for various types of Microsoft Certification. Outside of the Microsoft Press books are other reputable publishers like Sybex. In addition to non-fiction reference, Microsoft Learning covers certain courses during the Microsoft MCSA training course.

Former candidates and MCSA training experts recommend not only reading more than one book, but using a good amount of quality time practicing the principles on computers in a quiet, test environment. Once practicing and reading is fulfilled, it's highly recommended to take sample examinations prior to taking the Microsoft MCSA test.

There was a small controversy regarding the usefulness of the questions asked during the Microsoft MCSA training examination. Microsoft rectified the problem in later programs for the Server 2000 segment and the Server 2003 segment by increasing the difficulty of the tests as it focused on practical skills. Microsoft MCSA training can be read online at http://www.unitek.com/training/mcsa_bootcamp.php.

Shannon Margolis
IT Marketing Coordinator
www.unitek.com