MCSE

MCSE Overview

A Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer or MCSE is responsible for designing and implementing business solutions within a respective infrastructure based on Windows 2000 and Windows Server 2003.

For an MCSE on the Microsoft Windows Server 2003 track, you may have some questions.  First, what makes Server 2003 different from 2000?  In a nutshell, Server 2003 capitalizes on the benefits of 2000 while making it easier to manage.  You might also be wondering about prerequisites or which additional exams are necessary in addition or aside from what you have already accomplished.  Well, Microsoft has developed certification requirements for Windows Server 2003 that are independent.  The good news is, however, that if you have completed your MCSE in Windows 2000 there is an upgrade path available to jump to Server 2003.  Upgrade exams cost the same as the other MCP exams.  View our “MCSE Exam” page for more info on individual exam details, and our “MCSE 2003” page for more information regarding server 2003.

For those on the Microsoft Windows 2000 track it is usually best that you have at least one year experience of administration within a server operating system.  If you are an MCSE who have passed prior Windows NT (before 4.0) exams make sure to examine your current status – for many of these certifications required upgrades because of discontinuation.  Candidates need to pass five Core Exams.  The Core Exams are made up of four operating system exams and one design exam. Candidates must also take two elective exams.  Candidates for the MCSE NT 4.0 need to pass four Core Exams and two electives.  The Core Exams consist of Networking Essentials, Windows NT Workstation, Windows NT Server and Windows NT Server in the Enterprise.

For those of you looking for additional training within your respective path, remember how important preparation and confidence are in the IT industry. Start building your worth and value with preparation.  Microsoft MCSE Certification Training is a great place to start.  The IT industry is very lucrative, and obtaining your MCSE is certainly a terrific way to begin.


2006 Top 25 IT Jobs by Salary, as reported by Global Knowledge Training, LLC:

  1. Web Security Manager - $120,554
  2. Operating Systems Programmer V - $102,190
  3. Network Planning Analyst V - $95,458
  4. Technology Research Analyst - $91,720
  5. Operating Systems Programmer IV - $90,270
  6. Information Technology Auditor IV - $88,707
  7. LAN/WAN Integrator - $88,109
  8. Network Administrator V - $84,911
  9. Network Planning Analyst IV - $84,237
  10. Web Security Administrator - $82,899
  11. UNIX Administrator - $82,709
  12. NT Systems Administrator, Sr. - $82,313
  13. Systems Administrator, Sr. - $81,436
  14. Systems/Application Security Analyst - $78,065
  15. Technical Trainer, Sr. - $77,537
  16. Technical Support Analyst III - $76,801
  17. Information Technology Auditor III - $76,261
  18. Operating Systems Programmer III - $75,584
  19. Network Planning Analyst III - $73,830
  20. Network Administrator IV - $73,061
  21. LAN Support III - $71,051
  22. Mail Server Administrator - $69,542
  23. Network Control Technician III - $67,988
  24. Systems Administrator - $66,438
  25. Network Administrator III - $65,522