MCSE Certification FAQ

From: O.A. (oa_at_microsoft.com)
Date: 08/23/04 

Date: Mon, 23 Aug 2004 10:39:16 -0700

Hi All,

HelpFull

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Q1. What is MCSE?
 
  MCSE is the premier Microsoft certification program and
is one of the most widely recognized, pursued, and
obtained technical certifications in the IT industry. The
MCSE certification proves your skills in managing
backoffice computer systems and networks that run on
Microsoft Windows 2000, XP and other Microsoft software.

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Q2. What is happening to old (pre Windows 2000) MCSEs?

  All MCSE certifications based on the Windows NT
operating system will be designated as "MCSE on Windows
NT" indefinitely, reversing an earlier decision to expire
one's MCSE credential if not updated before Dec. 31, 2001.
Microsoft will designate Windows .NET Server, Windows XP,
and Windows 2000-based MCSEs as "MCSEs on Microsoft
Windows 2000."

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Q3. Who is MCSE targeted for?

  The MCSE certification is targeted at the following job
functions that use Microsoft Windows and backoffice
applications:
Network administrators
Network engineers
Systems engineers
Security analysts
Email administrators
Windows system administrators
Microsoft website administrators/webmasters
 
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Q4. Will I find a job/make more money if I earn my MCSE?

  MCSE certified professionals are still in relatively
high demand. The MCSE certification continues to be the
most popular and sought after technical certification in
the market today. There are over 400,000 MCSEs nationwide.
MCSEs with three to nine years of experience have an
average annual salary of $52,700.
  

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Q5. Are there any pre-requisites before starting MCSE
training?

  Microsoft recommends that candidates have at least one
year experience implementing and maintaining a network
operating system in a typical medium to large
organization, one year experience implementing and
maintaining desktop operating systems, and one year
experience designing network architectures. Microsoft
Certified Professionals Magazine's 2000 Salary Survey
found that the average MCSE candidate had 5.9 years for
experience while the average MCSE + Internet candidate had
7 years of experience.

However, there are a number of courses available designed
to help less advanced students get up to speed on
Microsoft technologies and prepare for MCSE certification
faster.

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Q6. Are there different tracks? What's happening to the
MCSE+I Certification.

 
  Microsoft has indicated that the MCSE+I (Internet)
certification is being phased out and it was not offered
with the MCSE 2000 certification.

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Q7. How long does it take to prepare for MCSE
certification?

  According to Microsoft Certified Professionals Magazine,
the average candidate in 1999 spent 361 hours preparing
for the MCSE exams and 364 preparing for the MCSE +
Internet exams.

  

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Q8. How much does MCSE training cost?

 
  It depends on how you prepare for the exams and how much
experience you already have. According to Microsoft
Certified Professionals Magazine, the average candidate in
1999 spent $6,714 preparing for their MCSE exams and
$5,945 preparing for the MCSE + Internet exams.

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Q9. Do I have to take computer training to earn my MCSE
certification?

 
  No, all you have to do is pass the exams. However, the
exams are necessarily very difficult and most candidates,
even those with extensive experience, find it helpful to
attend classes to help prepare for the exams.

 

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Q10. What benefits does Microsoft offer for MCSEs?

  Microsoft offers a number of benefits to MCSEs,
including use of the MCSE logo, discounts on software and
training, and free access to additional online
documentation and information. Please check with Microsoft
for a list of current benefits.

-----------------------------------------------------------
 
Q11. Can I upgrade/update my previous MCSE certification?

  Microsoft offers an accelerated path that allows a
candidate to become certified by passing four exams rather
then the 7 normally required.

O.A.
A+, N+, i-Net+, CCNP MCSE2003

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