This vendor-specific certification is offered by:
Microsoft Corporation
Redmond, WA, USA
Phone: 800-636-7544
Email: MCPHelp@microsoft.com

Skill Level: Advanced                            Status: Active

Certification Summary:
For individuals who plan, implement, and support business solutions with Microsoft Windows and Microsoft BackOffice.

For the Windows Server 2003 track, the requirements are as follows:
You must pass 6 core exams ($750) and 1 elective ($125). The core exams include four networking system exams, one client operating system exam, and one design exam. The networking systems exams are: Exam 70–290: Managing and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment; Exam 70–291: Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure; Exam 70-293: Planning and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure; and Exam 70-294: Planning, Implementing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Active Directory Infrastructure.

The client operating system exam can be either Exam 70–270: Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows XP Professional OR Exam 70-210: Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional.

The design exam can be either Exam 70-297: Designing a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Active Directory and Network Infrastructure OR Exam 70-298: Designing Security for a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network. The elective exam is chosen from a list of exams that cover a variety of Microsoft products such as SMS, SQL Server 2000, Microsoft security, or other topics.

The upgrade path from Windows 2000 MCSE to Windows Server 2003 MCSE consists of two exams: Exam 70-292: Managing and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment for an MCSA Certified on Windows 2000; and Exam 70-296: Planning, Implementing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment for an MCSE Certified on Windows 2000.

The Windows 2000 track requirements are:
Must pass five core exams ($625) and two electives ($250). Of the five core exams, four are operating system exams and one is a design exam. The first core exam must be either Exam 70-210: Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional OR Exam 70–270: Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows XP Professional.

The next three operating system exams are: Exam 70-215: Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows 2000 Server; Exam 70-216: Implementing and Administering a Microsoft Windows 2000 Network Infrastructure; Exam 70-217: Implementing and Administering a Microsoft Windows 2000 Directory Services Infrastructure.

The design core exam must be chosen from the following options: Exam 70-219: Designing a Microsoft Windows 2000 Directory Services Infrastructure; Exam 70-220: Designing Security for a Microsoft Windows 2000 Network; Exam 70-221: Designing a Microsoft Windows 2000 Network Infrastructure; OR Exam 70-226: Designing Highly Available Web Solutions with Microsoft Windows 2000 Server Technologies.

Elective exams can be chosen from a long list covering such topics as Microsoft Proxy Server, Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft Site Server, and other Microsoft products.

A Messaging or Security specialization can be chosen by adding two specialization exams in place of the standard electives.

Continuing requirements:
If one of the exams is retired, you will need to pass the replacement exam. Occasionally the entire certification is redesigned.

Low Cost: $875   High Cost: $10000

Perks:

logo	lapel pin	beta participation	product discounts
certificate	referral service	private forum	training discounts
plaque	directory listing	priority support

Other Perks:
Discount on subscription to Microsoft's TechNet Technical Information Network, online access to Microsoft Certified Professional Magazine; invitations to Microsoft conferences, technical training sessions, and special events; wallet card, transcript

Online resources:
OSI Model practice quiz
Other MCSE practice quizzes
FAQ for all Microsoft certifications

Offline resources:
Find a Microsoft MCSE training school

Vendor's page for this certification

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