Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE)

A Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) is someone who has passed exams has gained certification as a Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD), a Microsoft Certified Product Specialist (MCPS), or a Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT).

MCSE For Whom
MCSE is for individuals who plan, implement, and support business solutions with Microsoft Windows and Microsoft BackOffice. MCSE credential is the premier certification for professionals who analyse the business requirements for a system architecture, design solutions, deploy, install and configure architecture components, and troubleshoot system problems. In its curriculum students will learn how to implement, administer, and troubleshoot information systems that incorporate Microsoft® Windows® 2003. MCSE will be helpful for following professionals;
• IT Professionals who need to upgrade their knowledge of Windows NT or 2000
• Individuals who have some form of solid IT experience and wish to prepare for advanced roles in the installation, configuration and administration of Microsoft Windows Servers
• Network Administrators and Managers
• Network/System Engineers
• IT/Network/System Analysts
• Technical Consultants
• Tech Support/Help Desk Technicians
• Security Analysts
• Email Administrators
• Windows System Administrators
• Microsoft Web Site Administrators/Webmasters

MCSE ExamThis program consists of one required class totaling 180 hours ofinstruction and hands-on laboratory experience. This class consists of seven modules that correspond to the material covered in seven Microsoftexams. To receive an MCSE, students must take and pass each of the following seven Microsoft exams.
• Module 1: Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows® XP Professional
• Module 2: Managing and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment
• Module 3: Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure
• Module 4: Planning and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure
• Module 5: Planning, Implementing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Active Directory Infrastructure
• Module 6: Designing a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Active Directory and Network Infrastructure
• Module 7: Designing Security for a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network.
Cost of MCSE:

Microsoft exams cost $125 apiece. As a seven-exam program, the MCSE costs a minimum of $875 for testing (assuming candidates pass all exams on their first try). Actually, most candidates spend a minimum of $275 per topic if they self-study for certification ($125 per exam, $30 for an Exam Cram or similar book, $50 for a full-length study guide, and $70 for a set of practice tests). Thus, minimal actual costs for MCSE are $1,925.

How to prepare MCSE:To prepare for the exams, you can take courses at a certified training company location, in certified courses in a high school or college, or through self-study at Microsoft's self-study Web site or through certified training materials.