Reboot Successful: Microsoft’s New MCSE Certifications

Published July 25, 2012

When Microsoft describes the new MCSE as "reinvented," they're not kidding: the skills covered are different, the exams harder, and recertification is required.

Have you heard that Microsoft has brought back the MCSE certification? The MCSE certification was not available after the Windows Server 2003 releases of the server operating system, instead being replaced by MCITP certifications that came with Server 2008. With Windows Server 2012, the MCSE is back.

Microsoft’s Original MCSE Was Good – So Why Change It?

MCSE (originally Microsoft Certified System Engineer) required an understanding of Active Directory, Network Infrastructure and the Server Operating System. Rounding out the certification was a design exam, and then an elective which you could further specialize in.

It was wildly popular. People working with Windows Servers between 1998 and 2007 either had their MCSE, were working towards it, or knew they should be. And its effect has been long lasting; it is still listed on more job postings than the MCITP: Enterprise Administrator.

But there were some shortcomings of the original MCSE. With so many technologies that would fall under the same certification, you couldn’t assume that two MCSE’s knew the same technologies. While all would know Windows Server, not all would be able to administer SQL Server or Exchange.

And since the certification never expired, an MCSE could be away from the industry long enough for their skills to be forgotten, yet they would still be certified upon their return.

Understanding Microsoft’s New MCSE

The new MCSE stands for Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert. It is an expert level certification that shows a complete understanding of a technology.

There are now 5 different “Solutions Engineer” MCSE certifications:

• Private Cloud
• Server Infrastructure
• Desktop Infrastructure
• Database Platform
• Business Intelligence

Other than the complete makeover in the skills you’re certifying in, there are two other notable changes. First, the MCSE exams are getting harder. Second, you have to recertify every three years.

So are you ready to take the plunge?