Windows 2003 exams for your MCSE

Guy's #1 Pick Windows 2003 Computer based training. Video & labs

Introduction to Windows Server 2003 Exams

It has always been difficult to understand the rules of the Microsoft Exam game.  I would put forward three reasons for this:

1. Lots of acronyms, MCSE, MSCA, MCP, MCT and therefore lots of individual parts.

2. No one-to-one relationship between the training courses and the exams.

3. Microsoft were prone to changing the rules, especially with NT 4.0.  Also the exam format varies from regular fixed questions, to adaptive with 25 questions which change depending on you answer to the first question.  (I hear they are about to return to giving pass marks - hooray!)

Here is my understanding of the the present situation, however do check with Microsoft.  You probably know that MCSE stands for Microsoft Certified System Engineer.

MCSE on Windows 2000 (Seven exams)

Five Core (compulsory)

One Client - XP (70-270) or Windows 2000 (70-210)

Three Networking - Windows 2000 Server (70-215) Networking (70-216), Active Directory (20-217)

One Design - Directory Services (70-219) or Security (70-220) or Networking (70-221)

Two Electives (any two from about 12 exams)

SQL (Choice of at 3), Exchange (Choice of two), ISA and various others no-one bothers with.

Take Two Design leaving only one elective.

The key exams are:  216 Networking and 217 Active Directory these are very hard

Active Directory Training.  As an MCT trainer, I can thoroughly recommend TrainSignal because they provide practical hands on training.  In particular, I like the way that TrainSignal cover all learning methods, instructor lead, video and of course text material.  You can either take one module, for example Active Directory or go for a combination of modules.  See more about Active Directory training

MCSE on Windows 2003 (Seven full  or two Upgrade)

There are three tracks here depending on whether you are an MCSE on Windows 2000

1. Upgrade
2. Regular
3. Intermediate

Upgrade route for MCSE 2000

Just two fast-track Exams (70-292) and (70-296).  Note, the other alternative would be to take 4 individual exams. 70-290, 291 and 70-293, 294.

Regular route

Six Core (compulsory)

Four - Server / Networking / Active Directory

Managing, Maintaining Server (70-290), Implementing, Managing, Maintaining Server Network (70-291), Planning and Maintaining Network (70-293) , Active Directory (70-294)

One Design - (70-297) or (70-298) - similar to MCSE 2000.

One Client - XP (70-270) or Windows 2000 (70-210)

One Electives

SQL (Choice of at ), Exchange (Choice of two), ISA, MCSE 2000 Electives.

Intermediate route

Pass the four core exams on Server / Network, then count the design and elective exams from your Windows 2000 MCSE .

Other qualifications similar to MCSE

MCP

Simply passing any exam makes you a Microsoft Certified Professional.  Most people then get the bug and go on to pass more exams and become MCSE or MCSA

MCSA - Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator

MCSDBA - Microsoft Certified Database Administrator

MCSD - Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer

MCSD - Microsoft Certified Applications Developer

MCT - Microsoft Certified Trainer (Have to be MCSE first)

MCSE NT - Certified on NT 4.0 exams

Active Directory Training.  As an MCT trainer, I can thoroughly recommend TrainSignal because they provide practical hands on training.  In particular, I like the way that TrainSignal cover all learning methods, instructor lead, video and of course text material.  You can either take one module, for example Active Directory or go for a combination of modules.  See more about Active Directory training

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