Guide to Your MCSE Qualification

A MCSE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer) has become the industry standard for securing many jobs in IT. In fact, over more recent years a MCSE has become a prerequisite for aspiring IT professionals. As well as being a more specific Microsoft certification, a MCSE is also a broader industry certification that can provide you transferable skills in many different roles.

The most basic of the Microsoft certifications is the MCP. The MCP is a one exam certification which revolves around Microsoft Operating Systems. The MCP is a very basic certification, and because it is so widespread these days, is not looked upon as favorably as the much more intensive MCSE.

If you are looking to do a MCSE remember that it is not a be all and end all way into a job, and without relevant industry experience it may be just as difficult to secure a job with a MSCE as without one. Just remember, that you need both certifications and experience to secure good jobs, so updating your skills, or doing a MCSE just for a job is often not worth it.

As of 2007 there are two different streams of MCSE qualifications; MCSE on Windows 2000 and MCSE on Windows Server 2003. The 2003 certification requires you to complete 7 exams in total. Obviously, the more recent of the two is Windows Server 2003, which is an updated version of Server 2000, with greater ease of use and simplicity. As of 2007 these are the only two certifications of MCSE available, with NT 4.0 although still being a valid certification is no longer offered.

If you are considering studying towards a MCSE there are various paths of study you can undertake. Firstly, if you are interested in quick, intensive training that will get you the know-how to pass the exams, a bootcamp option may be for you. Bootcamps are residential programs that provide intensive training full time, for a short amount of time, allowing you to undertake the exams for your MCSE and complete the program in a number of days. For the busy professional with work commitments, this is perhaps the program for you as you can get your certification quickly and with professional instruction.