How Do You Become an MCSA or MCSE?

Attaining MCSE certification has always been a challenge. However, in the past, individuals could acquire detailed exam information ‚ even most of the exam questions ‚ from online ‚“brain dumps ‚½ and third-party ‚“cram ‚½ books or software products. For the new MCSE exams, this simply will not be the case.

To avoid the ‚“paper-MCSE syndrome ‚½ (a devaluation of the MCSE certification because unqualified individuals manage to pass the exams), Microsoft has taken strong steps to protect the security and integrity of the new MCSE track. Prospective MCSEs will need to complete a course of study that provides not only detailed knowledge of a wide range of topics but true skills derived from working with Windows Server 2003 and related software products.

In the new MCSE program, Microsoft is heavily emphasizing hands-on skills. Microsoft has stated that ‚“Nearly half of the core required exams ‚ content demands that the candidate have troubleshooting skills acquired through hands-on experience and working knowledge. ‚½

Note ‚

The MCSA certification track is relatively new and was designed and implemented from its beginning using the same methods and standards of learning as the older MCSE certification track.

Fortunately, if you are willing to dedicate time and effort with Windows Server 2003, you can prepare for the exams by using the proper tools. If you work through this book and the other books in this series, you should meet the exam requirements successfully.

This book is a part of a complete series of MCSA and MCSE Study Guides, published by Sybex, that covers the core and elective requirements you need to complete your MCSA or MCSE track. Titles include the following:

MCSA/MCSE: Windows Server 2003 Environment Management and Maintenance Study Guide (70-290)
MCSA/MCSE: Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure Implementation, Management, and Maintenance Study Guide (70-291)
MCSE: Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure Planning and Maintenance Study Guide (70-293)
MCSE: Windows Server 2003 Active Directory Planning, Implementation, and Maintenance Study Guide (70-294)
MCSA/MCSE: Windows 2000 Professional Study Guide, Second Edition (70-210)
MCSA/MCSE: Windows XP Professional Study Guide, Second Edition (70-270)
MCSA/MCSE: Windows Server 2003 Upgrade Study Guide (70-292 and 70-296)

Exam Requirements

Successful candidates must pass a minimum set of exams that measure technical proficiency and expertise:

Candidates for MCSE certification must pass seven exams, including four core networking system exams, one core operating system exam, one core design exam, and one elective exam. The following table shows the exams that a new certification candidate must pass.

All of these exams are required:

Exam #	Topic	Requirement Met
70-290	Managing and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment	Core (networking system)
70-291	Implementing, Managing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure	Core (networking system)
70-293	Planning and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network Infrastructure	Core (networking system)
70-294	Planning, Implementing, and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Active Directory Infrastructure	Core (networking system)