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1. What is the MCSE?
2. How do I get my MCSE?
3. How do I prepare for the MCSE?
4. Are there any funding options available?
5. What are the tests like and how do I sign up for them?
6. Where can I find out more about the MCSE certification?

1. What is the MCSE?

MCSE stands for "Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer." It is a level of certification that verifies that one possesses a certain level of competency in Microsoft networking. Although not essential to work in the industry, it is highly regarded and often a necessary prerequisite for employment.

Microsoft also offers other networking certifications besides the MCSE. Certifications like the MCP (Microsoft Certified Professional), MCP+I (Microsoft Certified Professional + Internet), MCDBA (Microsoft Certified Database Administrator) and MCSE+I (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer + Internet) all show various levels of skill and speciality on Microsoft products. For more information about the various Microsoft certifications, check out their certification homepage at http://www.microsoft.com/train_cert.

Microsoft also offer another certification called the MCSD (Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer). This certification is for people who want to develop applications to run on Microsoft operating systems. It is recommend that people new to Microsoft products not pursue the MCSD. This certification is very difficult to achieve unless you have meaningful development experience with Visual Basic, C++ or other similar languages.

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2. How do I get my MCSE?

Obtaining the MCSE is a difficult road, but it's far from impossible -- and generally well worth the study. You are required to pass four core exams (Networking Essentials, NT Workstation, NT Server and NT Server in the Enterprise). You will also need to pass two elective exams. Most people will take TCP/IP for one of their electives as it ties in very tightly with the material required for the core exams. People often choose from Exchange, IIS, SQL and Proxy for their final elective. We wholeheartedly recommend that you take TCP/IP.

Once you pass your six exams, you will be an MCSE! There are no other requirements such as a minimum level experience in the industry. While formal hands-on training in the product will definitely help you achieve your MCSE, this is not required either. For more details about the requirements for the MCSE as well as a listing of the requirements for the other Microsoft certifications, check out Microsoft's certification home page.

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3. How do I prepare for my MCSE?

There are many different methods of preparing for your MCSE. Which one you choose will likely depend on your budget and your previous level of experience.

Classroom training - Classroom training probably does the best job of preparing you for passing your exams, which is the main reason Atlanta Training Solutions strongly recommends classroom training. Classroom training is typically offered in one of two formats: authorized training at centers known as CTECs and non-authorized training. CTEC training is strictly governed by Microsoft. CTECs have minimum standards for classroom hardware and instructors. They also are required to use the Microsoft Official Curriculum (MOC). As a result, CTECs are generally more expensive -- but are not necessarily better.

Non-authorized training centers do not have to conform to Microsoft guidelines. They will often use different curriculum and may have a different format for training. One example a type of non-authorized training center are what are known as "Boot Camps." Boot Camps will typically be one or two-week intensive training courses designed to get you your MCSE very quickly.

Self Study - This is the least expensive option for obtaining your MCSE. It is important to note that although self-studying your MCSE can be extremely rewarding, it requires a great deal of time, focus, and determination. Self-studying allows you to learn at your own pace and also gives you the opportunity to study when it is convenient for you.

We would recommend several things to people self-studying for your MCSE. First, take advantage of some of the advice on the web, but use caution - it's loaded with great (and some not so great) information. Second, set up a home network so you can develop some hands-on experience with the product. Finally, find some places where you can go to get your questions answered. One idea is to try to find people in your community who are also studying for their MCSE and form a study group. In larger cities, this will be absolutely no problem.

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4. Are there any funding options available?

Certainly! One option is to let us help you to finance the cost of your MCSE training. Also, it's not a bad idea to check with local government employment agencies to see if they have any money set aside for retraining. In addition, you'll want to be sure to check with your current employer to see if they may be willing to reimburse part or all of your training expenses.

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5. What are the MCSE tests like, and how do I sign up for them?

The tests are given in two different formats: non-adaptive and adaptive. Non-adaptive tests are probably the ones you're most familiar with. You're given a set number of questions (usually 30), a set time limit (often 60 minutes) and a pass score (varies for each exam). Adaptive tests are a little different. You start out with a question of medium difficulty. If you get it right, the computer adjusts you score upwards and gives you a tougher question. If you get it wrong, your score is adjusted downward and you are given an easier question. The process continues until the computer reaches a degree of certainty that you can score above or below the pass mark. As a result, adaptive tests are often shorter.

Atlanta Training Solutions has its own large in-house testing Vue testing center. To sign up for the MCSE tests you'll want to contact Atlanta Training Solutions at (800) 611-1840. For other testing centers, contact either Sylvan (www.2test.com) or Vue (www.vue.com), the two organizations that administer testing for Microsoft. The tests costs $100 US and no, you do not get a refund if you fail!

Are you ready to take an exam? Use Sylvan's online scheduling to set the date! If you're not sure where the closest testing center is, try their Testing Center Locator to help out.

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6. Where can I find out more information or ask questions about the MCSE?

Our web site has lots of information about the MCSE and most of the related exams. Feel free to email us or call us and we will answer all of your questions.

The most voluminous resource for MCSE information is Microsoft's Training and Certification website: www.microsoft.com/train_cert/

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