TechSchoolReview.com: What is Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) Certification?

What is Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) Certification?

The Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer, or MCSE, is one of the most widely respected certifications in the IT industry and a must for IT professionals who want to continue growing their skill sets and marketability.

The MCSE certification is for professionals who analyze business requirements of an enterprise, then design and implement business solutions based on the Microsoft platform and server system. Job responsibilities include installing, configuring and troubleshooting network systems. Typically, MCSE’s hold job titles like systems engineer, technical support engineer, systems analyst or network analyst.

There are several types of MCSE exam paths, based on your current expertise and goals. To earn the latest MCSE for Microsoft Windows Server 2003, six core exams and one elective exam are required.

For networking systems, four exams are required:

Managing and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment
Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure
Planning and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure
Planning, Implementing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Active Directory Infrastructure

For client operating systems, one exam is required:

Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows® XP Professional
Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional

For design, one exam is required:

Designing a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Active Directory and Network Infrastructure
Designing Security for a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network

One elective exam is required from the following:

Implementing and Supporting Microsoft Systems Management Server 2.0
Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2000, Enterprise Edition
Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft SQL Server™ 2000 Enterprise Edition
Designing and Implementing Databases with Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Enterprise Edition
Implementing and Maintaining Highly Available Web Solutions with Microsoft Windows 2000 Server Technologies and Microsoft Application Center 2000
Planning, Deploying, and Managing an Enterprise Project Management Solution
Designing, Deploying, and Managing a Network Solution for a Small- and Medium-Sized Business
Implementing and Managing Microsoft Exchange Server 2003
Designing a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Active Directory and Network Infrastructure
Designing Security for a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network
Implementing and Administering Security in a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network

Upgrade paths are also available for currently-certified MCSE’s who want to uplevel their certification credential to the latest offering. MCSE specializations are also now available so that you can focus your efforts in a specific technical field. Recently Microsoft introduced the MCSE: Security certification for engineers wishing to have a security-specific credential for work in a secure computing environment. An MCSE: Messaging specialization is also available. These specialized certification credentials require additional testing, beyond that required for the standard MCSE.

Although nothing takes the place of real-world experience, employers recognize and think highly of the MCSE credential. In many cases, employers list it as a requirement for a job. Often, an MCSE credential can mean the difference between a getting a call-back after an interview, and not being called back at all.

High-tech jobs continue to rise, but they are now highly competitive. Get an edge in the job market with an MCSE certification that will give you confidence in your skills and credibility in the marketplace.

Get the certification you need to advance your career! Check our list of schools and colleges offering computer certification programs.