MCSEs in the Real World

The next section describes an ideal MCSE candidate, although only a few real candidates will meet this ideal. In fact, the description of that ideal candidate might seem downright scary. But take heart: Although the requirements to obtain an MCSE might seem formidable, they are by no means impossible to meet. However, be keenly aware that it takes time, involves some expense, and requires real effort to get through the process.

More than 200,000 MCSEs are already certified, so it's obviously an attainable goal. You can get all the real-world motivation you need from knowing that many others have gone before, so you will be able to follow in their footsteps. If you're willing to tackle the process seriously and do what it takes to obtain the necessary experience and knowledge, you can take ”and pass ”all the certification tests involved in obtaining an MCSE. In fact, we've designed the Exam Cram 2 series of books to make it as easy on you as possible to prepare for these exams. But prepare you must!

The same, of course, is true for other Microsoft certifications, including

• MCSD, which is aimed at software developers and requires one specific exam, two more exams on client and distributed topics, plus a fourth elective exam drawn from a different, but limited, pool of options.

• MCSA, which is aimed at network administrators and requires three core exams plus one elective.

• Other Microsoft certifications, whose requirements range from one test (MCP) to several tests (MCP+SB, MCDBA).