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Requirements for MCSE

MCSE candidates in the Windows® 2000 track are required to pass five core exams and two elective exams that provide a valid and reliable measure of technical proficiency and expertise in solution design and implementation. (An additional "accelerated" exam is offered for a limited time to individuals who have passed the Windows NT® 4.0 exams. These exams are developed with the input of professionals in the industry and reflect how Microsoft products are used in organizations throughout the world. The exams are administered by Prometric and Virtual University Enterprise, independent testing organizations with locations worldwide.

The Windows 2000 MCSE track is replacing the Windows NT tracks; core exam requirements vary for each.

Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE)

The Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer credential is the premier certification for professionals who analyze the business requirements and design and implement the infrastructure for business solutions based on the Windows® 2000 platform and Microsoft server software. Implementation responsibilities include installing, configuring, and troubleshooting network systems

Changes to MCSE certification to retain credential value and validity

To ensure that the MCSE credential remains valuable and credible, exams must measure whether candidates are up-to-date in the most advanced technology. Microsoft has made significant changes to the MCSE certification to retain its validity and value and to meet the technical needs of competitive organizations. Major program enhancements include the following:

A Microsoft® Windows® 2000 MCSE candidate is expected to have at least one year of hands-on experience implementing and administering a network operating system to pass the exams.
Nearly half the items in the core exams demand that the candidate have troubleshooting skills acquired through hands-on experience and working knowledge.
A large percentage of the Windows 2000 exam items includes progressive item types such as select-and-place items and case study-based questions. The exams, which include real-world, complex scenarios, are designed to discourage memorization of exam items. These sophisticated exams increase exam security and ensure that candidates are being tested for their hands-on knowledge rather than "book learning."
Beta versions of the Windows 2000 exams were available in March and April 2000. To ensure that the candidates taking these beta exams represent the appropriate candidate population, Microsoft offered the Windows 2000 beta exams to selected candidates by invitation only. Selection criteria, including years of experience, geographic region, and other demographic factors, will help Microsoft ensure that the final versions of the released Windows 2000 exams precisely measure the knowledge, skills, and abilities of an MCSE.

Concurrent with the introduction of the Windows 2000 MCSE track, Microsoft announced the retirement of the Microsoft Windows NT® 4.0 exams. Historically, the MCP program has retained certification tracks for two versions of a product. However, Microsoft anticipates that Windows 2000 will be the most widely used operating system within the next few years, moreso than Windows NT and other operating systems. Microsoft certification reflects this shift by helping organizations ensure that they have professionals on board who are fully skilled and ready to use the latest technology.

Although the Windows NT 4.0 exams retire December 31, 2000, MCSEs certified in the Windows NT 4.0 track will remain certified until December 31, 2001. That means the Windows NT 4.0 certification remains valid for more than two years after the exam retirements were announced. The two-year time period is reasonable for high-tech industries.

Because technology advances very rapidly, IT professionals who keep their skills current will be considered the most valuable to employers. An up-to-date credential assures organizations that when they hire an MCSE or an IT service provider with MCSEs on staff, they are obtaining the most technically proficient professionals available to help them transition to Windows 2000.

MCSE Certification Training Class and Self Study Kits