MCSE Jobs Guide

MCSE Exam

MCSE Exam is the final hurdle to cross before a professional acquires the MCSE Certification. This is the most challenging hurdle of all. Remember, you would get the MCSE Certificate only if you pass the MCSE Exam successfully. If you look at the structure of the examinations, you would realize that the toughest part of an MCSE Certification course is preserved right till the end.

What are the different MCSE Exam categories?

• MCSE Exams are first divided into core and elective examinations.
  
  
• The candidate is required to pass 6 core examinations to ensure that he gets the MCSE Certificate. The core examinations are further divided into three categories - Client Operating System, Networking Systems and Design.
  
  
• The candidate must pass at least 1 exam from the client operating system, 4 from the networking system and 1 from the design categories to ensure that he gets the MCSE Certificate.

What are the different MCSE Examinations?

• Client Operating System Examination - This would involve administering, installing and maintaining the Windows 2000, Windows XP Operating Systems. The candidate would have 2 choices, of which he would need to choose 1 examination for his MCSE Certification.
  
  
• Networking System Examination - Candidates would need to take all the 4 examinations in this category compulsorily. Examinations in this category test the candidate's knowledge of Networking concepts applied to different Microsoft Products and Technologies.
  
  
• Design Examination - Candidates would need to take 1 examination on any subject in the design category.
  
  
• Elective Examinations - This is the only examination which the candidate can take based on his choice. There are many options available for the candidates of which the candidate can take up any one subject for the MCSE Certification.

For candidates who have done MCSE Certification on Windows Server 2000, they can take a direct upgrade path. They do not need to take all these sets of examinations for the MCSE Certification as they would have already taken some during the course of MCSE 2000 Examinations. Candidates would be advised to take the MCSE 2003 Certification if they plan to design, implement Microsoft Windows Server solutions and architectures in large sized companies. Similarly, candidates should opt for MCSE 2000 Certification, should they be planning their professional career on Windows 2000 which includes Server 2000 as well as the 2000 Professional Operating System.

These examinations are very complex and a tough nut to crack. The candidates are advised to understand all the concepts during the time of training completely. Taking practice tests would do no harm to their chances of success in the final certification examination.